Sludge Dewatering Decanter Centrifuges | Sludge Thickening
Centrifuges in Wastewater Treatment:
Solutions for Municipal Water Management
Engineered, Designed and Manufactured in the U.S.A.
Built From the Ground Up
Municipal wastewater treatment facilities face increasing pressure to reduce operating costs, manage biosolids, and meet tightening regulatory limits while working with aging infrastructure and limited staff.
Centrisys/CNP provides sludge dewatering, sludge thickening, biosolids drying, and phosphorus recovery solutions designed specifically for municipal wastewater operations.
As the only US-based manufacturer of decanter centrifuges for municipal wastewater, Centrisys/CNP works with plant operators, operations managers, and engineering firms to design complete solutions that fit real-world budget, staffing, and compliance constraints.
Table of Contents
- How Centrisys/CNP Helps Municipalities with Wastewater Treatment
- Municipal Sludge Dewatering Centrifuges
- Municipal Sludge Thickening Solutions
- Biosolids Drying & Management
- Phosphorus Recovery & Nutrient Management
- Why Centrisys Centrifuges Have the Lowest Cost of Ownership
- Phosphorus Recovery & Nutrient Management
- The Viscotherm ROTODIFF® Hydraulic Drive
- Custom Centrifuge Solutions for Municipal Facilities
- Engineered, Designed & Manufactured in the U.S.A.
- Municipal Wastewater Success Stories
When sludge builds up and hauling costs climb, municipal facilities often start by tightening sludge dewatering and thickening performance before considering major capital upgrades. We understand that balancing polymer usage, cake solids, and digester capacity under budget and staffing limits is an everyday operational pressure.
Our wastewater treatment solutions:
- Reduce hauling and disposal costs
- Increase solids capture rates
- Lower polymer consumption
- Improve cake solids performance
- Reduce maintenance requirements
- Maximize equipment uptime
Applications Include:
- Waste Activated Sludge (WAS)
- Digested Sludge
- Primary Sludge
- Secondary Sludge
- Combined Sludge Streams
- Biosolids Management
- Nutrient Recovery Programs
Sludge dewatering reduces sludge volume, lowering transportation and disposal costs, and improving overall biosolids management. Centrisys/CNP designs and manufactures decanter centrifuges that maximize solids capture and cake solids, delivering reliable performance and lower operating costs for municipal wastewater facilities.
Municipal Sludge Thickening Solutions
Sludge thickening increases solids concentration before digestion, dewatering, or further treatment, helping reduce the volume of material that moves through the treatment process. The Centrisys/CNP THK Series Thickening Centrifuge is specifically designed for sludge thickening, helping facilities achieve efficient thickening while improving process efficiency, maximizing digester capacity, reducing polymer consumption, and lowering overall operating costs.
THK Benefits Include:
- Increased digester capacity
- Reduced energy consumption
- Lower hauling costs
- Reduced polymer consumption
- Compact equipment footprint
- Automated operation
Reduce Polymer Costs with Our Polymer Savings Calculator
Polymer consumption is a significant operating expense for many wastewater treatment facilities. Optimizing sludge thickening and dewatering performance with solutions like the Centrisys THK Series Thickening Centrifuge can help reduce polymer requirements.
Use our Polymer Savings Calculator to estimate your facility's potential savings.
Biosolids Drying and Management Solutions
As disposal costs continue to rise, many municipalities are seeking sustainable alternatives for biosolids management. Centrisys/CNP's DLT Series Low Temperature Belt Dryer helps municipal wastewater facilities further reduce biosolids volume while creating Class A biosolids suitable for beneficial reuse opportunities. By integrating dewatering and drying technologies, facilities can dramatically reduce transportation costs while improving long-term sustainability goals.
Phosphorus Recovery and Nutrient Management
Phosphorus management continues to be a major focus for wastewater treatment facilities seeking to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Through innovative technologies such as CalPrex® and MagPrex®, municipalities can reduce maintenance issues caused by struvite formation while recovering valuable nutrients from the treatment process.
Benefits include:- Reduced scaling and maintenance
- Improved dewatering performance
- Enhanced phosphorus removal
- Potential nutrient recovery opportunities
- Improved plant reliability
Wastewater treatment plants that struggled with energy usage and scroll control on gearbox-driven centrifuges have found that hydraulic back drives offer more precise control under varying sludge conditions. The Viscotherm ROTODIFF hydraulic back drive, built standard into Centrisys decanter centrifuges, delivers high torque with a favorable torque-to-weight ratio and provides consistent torque across operating speeds.
Unlike traditional gearbox-driven systems, the ROTODIFF back drive automatically adjusts differential speed as sludge characteristics change, helping municipal facilities maintain stable performance and reduce manual interventions. Proven results from comparable operations show energy and maintenance savings when hydraulic back drives are tuned to actual sludge loading conditions.
Why Municipal Wastewater Facilities Choose Centrisys/CNP for Long-Term Value
Selecting wastewater treatment equipment is about more than the initial purchase price. Long-term operating expenses—including maintenance, energy consumption, replacement parts, and downtime—often represent the largest cost over the life of the equipment.
Centrisys/CNP decanter centrifuges are engineered to reduce total lifecycle costs through:
- Durable stainless-steel construction
- Simplified maintenance requirements
- Reduced wear component replacement
- High solids recovery performance
- Lower energy consumption
For municipal facilities, this translates into predictable operating costs and long-term reliability.
Compact, Efficient Decanter Centrifuge Design for Municipal Operations
Centrisys/CNP centrifuges are designed with a compact footprint that minimizes facility requirements while maximizing processing capacity. The simplified design reduces complexity, improves serviceability, and allows operators to maintain equipment with fewer resources.
Whether installed in a new facility or integrated into an existing plant, Centrisys/CNP systems help municipalities achieve more with less.
- Lowest measured energy consumption
- Smaller footprint with an inline design that’s simple, compact and lightweight
- Simplified process steps
- Reduced chemical and energy costs
- Lower cost of ownership
- Reduced operational, service and maintenance costs
- Reduced landfill and disposal costs
Customized Municipal Wastewater Treatment
No two wastewater treatment plants operate exactly alike. With decades of experience in municipal sludge dewatering and thickening—as well as servicing and optimizing centrifuges from other manufacturers—Centrisys/CNP understands the unique challenges facilities face.
Before recommending a solution, our team takes the time to understand your plant's process goals, evaluate sludge characteristics, and assess operational requirements. Whether a standard Centrisys/CNP centrifuge or a custom-engineered solution is the best fit, we work closely with your team to deliver reliable performance and long-term value throughout the lifecycle of your equipment.
Engineered, Designed and Manufactured in the U.S.A.
Centrisys/CNP is proud to be the only U.S.-based manufacturer of decanter centrifuges serving municipal wastewater treatment facilities. What does this mean for you?
- Faster lead times
- Local engineering support
- Improved parts availability
- Responsive service
- Long-term partnership and support
Real-World Municipal Wastewater Success Stories
Metro Water Recovery: Phosphorus Recovery with MagPrex®
Metro Water Recovery implemented MagPrex® technology to improve phosphorus removal while reducing operational challenges associated with struvite formation. The system helped improve nutrient management and overall plant performance.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Centrisys team for the assistance provided over the past weekend. They were attentive to our concerns and efficiently addressed our needs and expectations, ensuring a quick turnaround.
The reputation of Centrisys, as represented by your team, exceeds industry standards. I have worked with Centrisys for the past ten years and have consistently experienced excellent service without any disappointments.
Nikolai Nikolov
DOUGLAS COUNTY LAKE TAHOE SEWER AUTHORITY
FAQs about Municipal Wastewater Treatment
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Is Centrisys/CNP BABA compliant?
Yes. Centrisys/CNP’s sourcing and manufacturing practices are structured to meet current Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements for eligible municipal, wastewater, and industrial infrastructure projects that use federal funding. For each project, our team works with plant owners, engineers, and contractors to confirm that decanter centrifuges and biosolids equipment are manufactured in the United States and that domestic content thresholds and documentation requirements are satisfied under the specific BABA program being used.
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What is a decanter centrifuge used for in wastewater treatment?
A decanter centrifuge is used to separate solids from liquids in sludge so municipal facilities can reduce sludge volume, lower hauling costs, and improve downstream process stability. Facilities like yours typically use decanter centrifuges for sludge thickening and sludge dewatering in primary, secondary, and digested sludge streams.
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What is the difference between sludge dewatering and sludge thickening?
Sludge thickening increases solids concentration by removing some of the free water, reducing volume before digestion or further treatment. Sludge dewatering is a more intensive step that removes as much water as practical to produce a drier “cake” that is ready for hauling, disposal, incineration, or beneficial reuse.
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How does the Viscotherm ROTODIFF® hydraulic drive reduce energy consumption?
Facilities have found that hydraulic back drives like the Viscotherm ROTODIFF® improve scroll control and differential speed, so the centrifuge operates closer to optimal conditions instead of over-torquing or over-speeding under changing sludge loads. By matching torque and speed more precisely to real-time sludge characteristics, plants can reduce wasted energy and limit mechanical stress compared with less responsive gearbox-driven systems.
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How does a centrifuge compare to a belt filter press for sludge dewatering?
Decanter centrifuges use high centrifugal force to produce drier cake in a compact, fully enclosed footprint, which can reduce odor, require less floor space, and allow automated operation. Belt filter presses typically use lower-speed mechanical pressing, which can offer lower power draw but may produce wetter cake and require more floor area and open handling; facilities often compare lifecycle costs, operator time, polymer use, and performance under peak conditions when choosing between the two.
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Can Centrisys service or repair centrifuges made by other manufacturers?
Yes. For 40 years Centrisys/CNP has been working with WWTP to service, repair, and optimize decanter centrifuges from multiple manufacturers, including gearbox overhauls, scroll rebuilds, and control upgrades. This allows plants with mixed equipment fleets to extend asset life, standardize maintenance practices, and improve performance without immediately replacing every existing unit.
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What is biosolids management and how does centrifuge technology support it?
Biosolids management covers all the steps a facility takes to treat, handle, transport, and beneficially reuse or dispose of stabilized sludge, including thickening, dewatering, drying, and nutrient recovery. Decanter centrifuges and thickening centrifuges help by reducing sludge volume, improving cake consistency, and preparing material for downstream processes such as low-temperature belt drying, Class A biosolids production, or phosphorus recovery systems.
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Centrisys/CNP provides low-maintenance equipment and process needs backed by expert service staff stationed throughout the U.S. We are ready to answer your questions and help you maximize performance today.
Literature
- Sludge Reduction Technologies for Plants of All Sizes
- Kenosha Water Utility Energy Optimization Resource Recovery Project
- Why New York City Chose Centrisys
- Centrisys Achieves Improved Performance and Reliability with THK Sludge Thickening Centrifuges
- Sharjah Municipality Drainage Department Flow Chart
- Get More from your Centrifuge
- 9 Reasons to Choose Centrisys
- The Centrisys-Viscotherm Scroll Drive is the Most Efficient in the Centrifuge Industry
- The Right Dewatering Solution, the Fastest Payback, Lowest Cost of Ownership
- DLT Series Timeline of Successful Innovation
- DLT Series: Revolutionizing Biosolids Management
- Complete Self-Contained Mobile Trailer Systems
- High Performance Skid Systems
- Centrisys THK Sludge Thickener Lease+ Program
- The Lowest Total Cost of Ownership in the Industry
- High-Efficiency P-Recovery and Digester Protection
- Maximize Phosphorous Recovery with Minimal Sludge Protection
- WRF Pilot Recovered the Highest Rate of Total P
- Optimizes the Sludge Treatment Process Like No Other System
- MagPrex Provides a Simple, Flexible and Right-Sized Solution for Phosphorus Recovery
- Reduce Sludge Volume
- CSI: A 40+ Point Centrifuge Inspection Program
- Decanter Centrifuge Parts Available When You Need Them
- Urgent Centrifuge Repair Response, Because You Can't Afford to Wait
- Enhance Performance and Extend the Life of your Decanter Centrifuge
- Decanter Centrifuge Service & Repair
- Estimating Costly Sludge Hauling at Harnett County
Case Studies
- Capture More Biogas with Thermal Hydrolysis
- City Reduces Disposal Costs by Replacing Belt Filter Presses with CS26-4 Dewatering Centrifuges
- FRWRD Implements MagPrex to Achieve Strict Environmental Standards
- Phosphorus Recovery Alleviates Struvite Buildup
- Plant Meets the Lower Phosphorus Discharge Limits set by the State
- Plant Replaces Aging DAFs with Sludge Thickening Centrifuges
- Plant Replaces Modified Dewatering Centrifuges with Sludge Thickening Centrifuges
- Plant Uses Sludge Thickening Centrifuge to Eliminate 50% Transportation Surcharge
- Plant Uses Sludge Thickening Centrifuge to Thicken WAS Before Digestion
- The World's Largest Struvite Recovery System
- UAE Plant Replaces Aging GBTs with Sludge Thickening Centrifuges
- Water Reclamation Facility Upgrades System for Struvite Recovery
- Estimating Costly Sludge Hauling at Harnett County
Videos
General Arrangements
- THK600 Sludge Thickener Centrifuge
- THK350 Sludge Thickener Centrifuge
- THK200 Sludge Thickener Centrifuge
- CS26-4EV 2-Phase Decanter Centrifuge
- CS26-4 2-Phase Decanter Centrifuge
- CS21-4 2-Phase Decanter Centrifuge
- CS18-4 2-Phase Decanter Centrifuge
- CS30-4 2-Phase Decanter Centrifuge
- CS18-4 3-Phase Decanter Centrifuge
- CS21-4 3-Phase Decanter Centrifuge
- CS14-4 3-Phase Decanter Centrifuge
- CS14-4 2-Phase Decanter Centrifuge
- CS10-4 3-Phase Decanter Centrifuge
Guides
- A Comprehensive Guide to Decenter Centrifuge Operation, Service, Maintenance, and Repair
- 11 Considerations for Selecting a Decanter Centrifuge Repair Facility
- Spending Too Much Money on Ferric to Meet Phosphorus Regulations?
- A Cost-Effective and Simple Solution for Sludge Hydrolysis
- Demonstrating the CalPrex System for High-Efficiency Phosphorous Recovery
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I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Centrisys team for the assistance provided over the past weekend. They were attentive to our concerns and efficiently addressed our needs and expectations, ensuring a quick turnaround.
The reputation of Centrisys, as represented by your team, exceeds industry standards. I have worked with Centrisys for the past ten years and have consistently experienced excellent service without any disappointments.
Nikolai Nikolov
Douglas County Lake Tahoe Sewer Authority
Contact Us to Learn More About Centrisys/CNP's Capabilities
We're dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your processes. Whether you're looking to optimize performance, reduce operational costs, or explore our industry-leading technology, our team is here to help.
