Agitated Thin Film Dryers (ATFD)
An Agitated Thin Film Dryer (ATFD) spreads concentrated slurry into a thin film on a heated wall using rotating blades, driving off the remaining moisture to produce a dry, free-flowing powder or cake. It is the standard final-drying stage in ZLD plants, taking crystalliser or centrifuge output to dryness. The mechanical agitation lets the ATFD handle viscous, fouling, and heat-sensitive materials that other dryers cannot.
Key Advantages
Final stage of ZLD
Takes concentrated effluent and sludge to dry, handleable solids for safe disposal or reuse.
Handles tough slurries
Rotating blades process high-viscosity, fouling and crystallising feeds without clogging.
Short residence time
Thin-film, agitated drying limits thermal exposure for heat-sensitive products.
Compact & continuous
High evaporation rate per unit area in a small footprint, running continuously.
Technical Specifications
| Duty | Sludge / slurry drying to solids |
|---|---|
| Construction MOC | SS 316L / Duplex |
| Operating Pressure | Vacuum / atmospheric |
| Feed | Concentrate, crystalliser & centrifuge output |
| Configuration | Horizontal / vertical, jacketed & agitated |
| Standards | IBR / ASME |
| Delivery Timeline | 10 – 16 weeks |
Applications
- ZLD final-stage drying
- Effluent sludge
- Salt & crystalline solids
- Heat-sensitive chemicals
- Pharma & API residues
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ATFD sit in a ZLD plant?
It is the final drying stage, taking the concentrated/crystallised output from the evaporator and centrifuge to a dry solid.
Can it handle sticky or fouling materials?
Yes — the mechanically agitated thin film is specifically suited to viscous, sticky and fouling slurries that would clog other dryers.
Related Products
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