Merrell Bros. announces groundbreaking patent for Double Drum Systems in Biosolids Conversion

Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 3:56 PM

The improved feeding mechanism minimizes downtime and maintenance, ensuring a smoother operation. It promotes environmentally friendly practices by converting waste into a valuable resource.

Merrell Bros. has announced the recent issuance of a patent for its innovative “Double Drum Systems and Processes for Converting Biosolids to Fertilizer.”

This patent marks a significant advancement in the efficient processing and conversion of biosolids into valuable fertilizer for the leader in environmental solutions and waste management,

The newly patented technology addresses critical challenges in the industry, offering a novel method and apparatus for the efficient conversion of biosolids, typically from wastewater treatment plants, into high-quality fertilizer. The double drum dryer system and novel nip feeder are key innovations that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the process.

This system has two steam heated drums which use non direct thermal drying to quickly and efficiently dry biosolids. Positioned in the feeding chamber, the nip feeder reduces bridging issues, ensuring a consistent and reliable feed of biosolids into the drying drums. The system is capable of handling higher volumes of biosolids, significantly improving processing efficiency.

Liquid biosolids are initially stored in a biosolids storage unit where they are continuously mixed. A pressurized screener removes large debris, followed by a centrifuge, belt press, or similar device that increases the solids concentration by dewatering the biosolids.

The dewatered biosolids are then transported to the feeding chamber and applied evenly onto the drums with a slitter device. The dried biosolids are further processed into bulk or pellet fertilizer, ready for use and recycled back to the land from which it came.

The improved feeding mechanism minimizes downtime and maintenance, ensuring a smoother operation. It promotes environmentally friendly practices by converting waste into a valuable resource.

“With our talented team here at Merrell Bros. we are changing the way biosolids are processed by turning what use to be considered a waste product into a valuable fertilizer pellet that can be recycled back to the land from which it came in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.” – Terry Merrell, Patent Inventor and Merrell Bros. Co-Founder.