CDE Launches Its Largest, Most Advanced Water Management System

Tue March 29, 2022
CDE

CDE, a supplier of wet processing solutions for the natural processing and waste recycling sectors, has revealed its new AquaCycle A2500 thickener, the latest addition to its water management and recycling systems.

With a capacity of 11,000 gpm, the new A2500 is CDE's largest and most advanced water management system to date.

It has been developed in response to calls from materials processors operating in high tonnage markets for water management solutions equipped to supply their operations with sufficient water supplies while ensuring optimal production efficiency, minimum loss of fines and maximum water recycling.

Darren Eastwood, business development director of the Americas at CDE, said, "It is increasingly important for materials processors to invest in an effective water management system that ensures a steady supply of clean water to their plants through cost-effective means.

"The continued advancement of our pioneering wet processing solutions and leading-edge water management systems is supporting operators working in the natural processing and waste recycling sectors worldwide to overcome the challenges of washing in water-pressured or water scarce areas today."

Where CDE bridged the gap in 2018 with the launch of its A900 and A1500, providing a median alternative to its 2,642 gpm and 6,604 gpm models, the new A2500 expands the range with a 11,000 gpm option to fit the requirements of sites processing high tonnages. The increased capacity also provides a lower rise rate, enabling operators to process challenging, harder to settle materials, according to the company.

Designed for easy use and safe access for efficient maintenance, it boasts the first lattice bridge structure on any CDE thickener. An integrated monorail also provides enhanced access to the motorized rake, gearbox and motor.

With a sludge capacity of 138 tons/hour, the A2500 includes an adjustable rake lifting mechanism. Featuring passive torque control, the automatic raise and start sequence is designed to protect rakes from surge pressure from dense sludges. The rake itself also has been reimagined, with optimally spaced and redesigned blades for improved sludge conditioning.

Powered by the motorized rake arm, the introduction of a new floating scum scraper, which is independent of the rake's height, allows for the easy removal of unwanted foam, oil and light weight trash. And, creating even radial flow to all regions of the A2500, a redesigned volute feedwell optimizes the incoming flow for improved flocculant performance.

Another key feature of the new A2500 is its feed height. Sitting at almost 22 ft, it simplifies upstream plant design complexity as it eliminates the need for expensive civils, helping to expedite the commissioning process of entire plant solutions.

With a tank diameter of 65.6 ft and a weight of 97 tons when empty and 1,268 tons when full, the A2500 features a small footprint while packing a punchy 11,000 gpm and a solids capacity of 138 tons/hour.

An alternative to water extraction from natural sources and the costly process of pumping water to the plant, CDE's A2500, like the full AquaCycle range, significantly reduces costly water consumption by ensuring up to 90 percent of process water is recycled for immediate recirculation, according to the company.

Eastwood said the development of the new A2500 delivers all the benefits of CDE's existing AquaCycle range on a much larger scale.

"It responds directly to the needs of materials processors operating in high tonnage markets. These operations, primarily in the areas of C&D waste, specialist sands and heavily clay-bound aggregates, require higher volumes of water resources; they need flexible water management systems with the capacity to supply their operations without compromising on footprint; and they need a system that can deliver this in a way that improves efficiency, driving down operational costs to maximize profitability and enable fast return on investment. These are the guiding principles that underscore the design and development of the new A2500."

For more information, visit cdegroup.com.