Manure Separation and Dewatering
Manure Separation and Dewatering is widely used in the dairy industry as a means of managing nutrients and creating beneficial byproducts for the dairy.
The manure separation process essentially creates two products. The first product consists of the larger manure fibers that are mechanically removed. Depending on the process used, these fibers can still contain a significant amount of moisture, ranging from a high of 90% to a low of 70% depending on the equipment used. To remove more moisture from these fibers, a second dewatering step is sometimes added. The second product produced in the separation process is the liquid portion. This portion contains the remaining small fibers and water. It also generally contains the bulk of the nutrients as well. Manure separation equipment helps the dairy manage their manure to suit their needs.
Manure Separation and Dewatering systems are used to manage nutrients on the farm, produce dewatered manure solids bedding, reduce manure storage capacity, produce better process and flume water, and make lagoon water that is easier to manage
Manure Separation and Dewatering Systems
McLanahan designs and manufacturers several different machines for Manure Separation and Dewatering. Despite the differences in design, they all function pretty much the same way. In all cases, manure is pumped to the Separator, which contains a wedge wire, mesh or perforated screen. This screen captures a portion of the larger fibers while allowing the smaller fibers and water to drain through.
A Rotary Drum essentially thickens the manure, discharging at about 88% moisture content. They are well-suited for dilute slurries because of their large screening surface areas. If more dewatering is needed, a Roll Press can be used to squeeze the water from the thickened fibers.
Why McLanahan Manure Separation and Dewatering
Proper manure management often involves some form of Manure Separation and Dewatering. McLanahan offers several different technologies depending on the dairy's needs.
Dairies using sand bedding will find that Rotary Drums and Roll Presses are the best option for separation and dewatering. These two technologies don’t see excessive wear from residual sand that may be in the manure. In systems where process water is needed for fluming or sand separation, the Rotary Drum can be used independent of a Roll Press. In these systems, the separated fibers are recombined with excess liquid and pumped to storage. In other cases, a Roll Press is paired with the Rotary Drum and used to dewater the large fibers for storage and spreading.
McLanahan's Manure Separation and Dewatering equipment:
- Produces cleaner process water for flushing, fluming and separation
- Reduces the amount of organics that are pumped to storage lagoons
- Reduces the volume of material that goes to storage
- Helps dairy producers manage nutrients smarter
- Creates bedding material for freestalls
- Removes troublesome debris from downstream pumping systems
- Can be used with any bedding source, including sand or manure solids
McLanahan’s team of manure experts will help determine the equipment that is right for your dairy's needs.