In modern treatment plants, some of the most important processes happen out of sight. Behind the tanks and treatment stages that define a facility are mechanical systems quietly transporting sludge, separating solids and capturing value from waste streams. When these systems perform reliably, the entire plant runs more efficiently. But when they fail, operations can quickly grind to a halt.
This is where purpose-built solids handling and separation technology becomes critical. SAVECO, part of the WAMGROUP family, offers a range of engineered solutions designed to support utilities, agricultural operations and environmental facilities in managing difficult materials and recovering valuable resources.
Handling tough materials
Moving sludge and screenings reliably through a treatment plant can be challenging. Materials such as dewatered sludge, screenings and organic waste are often sticky, heterogeneous and prone to clogging.
SAVECO’s SSC Shaftless Spiral Conveyors are designed specifically to transport these difficult materials efficiently. Unlike traditional screw conveyors, the shaftless design eliminates intermediate bearings and allows the spiral to move materials through an enclosed trough with fewer obstructions. This configuration enables higher fill rates and the ability to handle materials that may otherwise tangle or block conventional conveying systems.
The heavy-duty spiral slides on a low-friction liner inside the trough, delivering reliable conveying while reducing wear and maintenance requirements. With capacities of up to 45 cubic metres per hour for sludge and robust stainless-steel construction, the conveyors are suited to demanding wastewater and industrial environments.
Because the conveyor system is fully enclosed with bolted covers, it also helps contain odours and prevent material leakage – important considerations for treatment facilities located near urban areas.
Energy from water
Beyond solids handling and separation, utilities are also exploring ways to recover energy from existing water infrastructure.
SAVECO’s PAE Hydrodynamic Screws provide a solution for generating electricity from low-head water flows. The system converts the energy of naturally flowing water into electrical power.
Unlike many conventional turbines, hydrodynamic screws operate efficiently with relatively small drops in water level and moderate flow rates. They automatically adapt to variations in water flow without requiring complex adjustments, maintaining consistent performance even under changing conditions.
For utilities managing weirs, channels or treatment plant outflows, this approach offers an opportunity to generate renewable energy while making use of existing infrastructure.
Waste to energy
PLS (Polyless) Dynamic Sludge Thickening Systems, SEPCOM separators, submersible agitators, and chopper pumps also play a key role in improving efficiency in waste-to-energy recovery plants.
PLS increases sludge concentration before digestion without continuous polymer dosing, reducing operating costs and improving biogas yield. SEPCOM efficiently separates solids from liquid streams, improving feedstock quality and reducing downstream treatment load.
Submersible agitators maintain proper mixing in digesters and sludge tanks, preventing sedimentation and ensuring stable anaerobic digestion for maximum methane production. Chopper pumps handle fibrous and solids-laden sludge by macerating waste and preventing blockages, ensuring reliable transfer and protecting downstream equipment.
Together, these solutions optimise sludge handling, improve digestion performance, reduce maintenance, and maximise renewable energy recovery.
Integrated solutions
As utilities and environmental operators seek to improve resilience, efficiency and sustainability, the importance of integrated process equipment continues to grow.
From conveying and filtration to renewable energy generation, SAVECO’s equipment portfolio demonstrates how targeted mechanical technologies can support multiple stages of the water and waste management cycle. By combining reliable solids handling with innovative separation and energy solutions, operators can optimise performance while unlocking new value from their processes.
For more information, visit saveco-water.com.au
This article appears in the May/June 2026 edition of Utility. Subscribe HERE.
