Revolutionizing Material Handling

Revolutionizing Material Handling

The Operational Advantages of SDMC’s Patented Biosolids & Biomass Silo Systems
Managing dewatered sludge, biomass, and organic waste presents significant operational and environmental challenges for wastewater treatment facilities and industrial processors. From odor management and severe equipment corrosion to messy, high-maintenance hydraulic infrastructure, traditional handling systems often create costly bottlenecks.

SDMC America Technology, Inc. addresses these hurdles with its patented Biosolids/Biomass Silo System, an advanced storage and material handling solution designed for superior efficiency, environmental compliance, and long-term reliability.

What Makes the SDMC Silo System Different?

At the core of SDMC’s innovation is the integration of proprietary Electro-Hydraulic Actuator (EHA) technology into a customizable storage and discharge platform.

Available in both round silo and square hopper configurations, the system accommodates varying operational stages—including small-volume receiving stations, intermediate buffer storage, and large-volume final storage. It is engineered to effortlessly handle:

  • Dewatered Sludge (up to 30% solids)
  • Dried Sludge (up to 50% solids)
  • Wood Chips & Biomass
  • Fermentation Residuals, Gypsum, and Paste Materials

Key System Components

  • EHA-Driven Sliding Frame: Features a low-profile, high-torque sliding frame powered directly by self-contained Electro-Hydraulic Actuators to prevent material bridging and keep dense sludge moving smoothly toward discharge.
  • EHA Knife Gate with Emergency Accumulator: Provides positive shutoff and precise flow control, equipped with an integrated hydraulic accumulator for fail-safe closing during power interruptions.
  • Heavy-Duty Discharge Screw Conveyors: Designed with specialized flights and outlets to deliver continuous, non-clogging material flow to downstream dryers, trucks, or processing lines.
  • All-in-One EHA Architecture: Eliminates the need for external Central Hydraulic Units (Power Packs), high-pressure fluid lines, and job-site pipefitting.
  • Smart Controls & Instrumentation: Powered by an Allen-Bradley PLC platform paired with precision radar/ultrasonic level sensors and advanced capacitive load cells for accurate real-time inventory and weight tracking.

The Primary Benefits for Facilities and Operators

1. Eliminates Bulky On-Site Hydraulic Piping
Traditional hydraulic systems require complex networks of high-pressure fluid hoses, external power units, and extensive field installation work. SDMC’s EHA technology integrates the hydraulic motor, pump, and reservoir into a single compact unit mounted directly on the actuator. This design saves valuable footprint space, dramatically shortens installation timelines, and eliminates fluid leaks.

2. Superior Odor Control & Environmental Compliance
Enclosed silo structures, tight-sealing knife gates, and chemical-resistant interior/exterior coatings prevent offensive odors from escaping. This helps municipal and industrial plants maintain positive community relations while meeting stringent environmental standards.

3. Lower Energy Consumption & Reduced Maintenance
By utilizing aerospace-derived motion control principles, SDMC’s systems only draw full energy when actively operating, significantly reducing power draw compared to traditional continuously pressurized central hydraulics. The removal of external piping also eliminates common failure points like hose ruptures and valve block leaks.

Proven in the Field: Real-World Applications

SDMC’s patented systems are actively solving critical material handling challenges across North America:

Minnesota Wastewater Facility Upgrade
At a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Minnesota, SDMC delivered a fully integrated silo system to bridge dewatered sludge coming directly from belt filter presses to downstream thermal drying operations. By deploying an EHA-driven sliding frame and knife gate controlled via an Allen-Bradley PLC, the facility avoided complex piping retrofits in a tight footprint while gaining 100% accurate real-time weight tracking via capacitive load cells.

Operational Compliance & Odor Reduction
In a regional wastewater treatment facility, SDMC replaced aging open hoppers with an enclosed, heavy-duty steel silo system featuring a live-bottom screw conveyor. The upgrade resolved long-standing odor complaints from neighboring areas, eliminated material bridging, and protected plant staff from hazardous exposure during truck-loading cycles.

Engineering Clean, Precise Motion for the Future

Manufactured at SDMC’s 12,000-square-foot facility in River Falls, Wisconsin, every Biosolids/Biomass Silo System represents decades of hydraulic engineering expertise and close collaborative development with regional technical institutions. Whether upgrading an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant or building a new renewable biomass facility, SDMC’s patented system delivers a cleaner, more compact, and exceptionally reliable path forward.

Ready to Optimize Your Plant’s Biosolids Handling?

Whether you are looking to eliminate costly maintenance on aging hydraulics, solve persistent odor control challenges, or upgrade your facility's storage and conveying capacity, SDMC America Technology is here to help!

Our engineering team works directly with municipalities, EPC contractors, and plant engineers to design custom-tailored material handling solutions that fit your specific footprint and operational goals.

Contact SDMC Today:

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