SDMC Delivers Integrated Biosolids Silo System to Minnesota Wastewater Treatment Facility

The Challenge: Seamless Integration in a Live Facility

Integrating new technology into an active wastewater treatment plant requires precision. For this Minnesota-based project, the primary challenge was ensuring a seamless flow between the existing belt press (which delivers dewatered biosolids) and the plant’s downstream drying operations. 

Beyond the logistical flow, the facility needed to minimize the footprint and complexity of the installation. Traditional hydraulic systems—often hindered by extensive on-site piping, external fittings, and lengthy commissioning times—were not an ideal fit for the plant’s space and efficiency goals.

The Solution: A Compact, EHA-Driven Infrastructure

SDMC met these challenges by deploying a proprietary, fully integrated Biosolids Silo System. At the heart of this installation is SDMC’s Electro-Hydraulic Actuator (EHA) technology, featuring EHA-driven sliding frames and a precision EHA-driven knife gate.

Key Technical Features Include:

• Simplified Installation: A key advantage of the SDMC design is that no bulky hydraulic piping or fittings need to be installed at the job site.
• Integrated Power: The electro-hydraulic linear actuator system integrates the hydraulic power unit into a single compact module, creating a space-saving solution.
• Robust Conveying: The system utilizes heavy-duty screw conveyors and a custom stainless-steel structural silo designed for long-term durability in harsh environments.
• Advanced Control: Powered by an Allen-Bradley PLC platform, offering plant operators both local and remote monitoring capabilities.
• Precision Monitoring: Equipped with high-precision European capacitive load cells and radar level sensors for real-time weighing and level accuracy.

The Results: Optimized Flow & Efficiency

By replacing traditional hydraulic architecture with SDMC’s "all-in-one" design, the facility achieved a cleaner, more compact system with fewer failure points. This project is a testament to how SDMC’s continuous innovation in biomass material handling provides sustainable, high-efficiency solutions for the global wastewater industry.

Facing a complex material handling or automation challenge? Our team is ready to engineer a compact, high-efficiency solution for your specific application. Contact SDMC today to discuss your next project.