Central Drive Thickener

Central drive thickeners represent fundamental solid-liquid separation equipment widely implemented in mining, mineral processing, and industrial wastewater treatment. Characterized by robust mechanical design and gravity-based sedimentation, these units efficiently concentrate slurries into thickened underflow while producing clear overflow water. Key configurations include manual or powered rake lifting mechanisms depending on diameter.

Chat Online

Performance

Operating Principle

Central drive thickeners operate on gravity sedimentation:
- Slurry enters through central feed well
- Solid particles settle toward conical bottom
- Centrally mounted drive rotates rakes to gently push thickened solids
- Clarified water overflows peripheral weirs
The settling process creates distinct zones: clarification, hindered settling, compression.
Structural Configurations
- Manual Lift (≤12m diameter): Hand-operated system ideal for smaller units and intermittent operation
- Powered Lift (>12m diameter): Motor-driven lifting for handling massive rake loads
Both systems enable height adjustment to manage varying sludge densities.
Tank Construction
- Steel tanks for standard applications
- Reinforced concrete construction for large diameters (>18m)
Safety & Control Features

Critical operational safeguards:
- Overload sensors: Detect torque exceeding safe thresholds
- Automatic rake-lifting: Triggered during overload events
- Visual/audible alarms: Alert operators to abnormal conditions
- Foundation load sensors: Monitor structural integrity
These features prevent mechanical damage during process upsets or feed surges.
Design Advantages

Core engineering benefits:
- Simple Mechanics: Minimal moving parts enhance reliability
- Low Wear Design: Slow-moving components withstand abrasive materials
- Accessible Maintenance: Walkways, service platforms, and modular components simplify servicing
- Energy Efficiency: Low-power consumption compared to alternative technologies
- Scalability: Proven performance from 5m to 50m diameters
Industrial Applications
- Mineral Processing: Concentrate thickening in copper, gold, phosphate operations
- Tailings Management: Dewatering mine tailings before disposal
- Alumina Production: Red mud thickening in Bayer process
- Water Treatment: Clarification of industrial effluents
Performance Parameters
- Feed density range: 5-50% solids
- Underflow consistency: 45-70% solids
- Hydraulic capacities: 5-5,000 m³/h
Operational Considerations

Optimal performance requires:
- Flocculent dosing optimization
- Feed distribution calibration
- Rake height adjustment protocols
- Torque monitoring procedures
- Regular underflow viscosity checks