Product Information
The semi-bridge peripheral drive sludge scraper is widely used for sludge removal in medium to large circular settling tanks. Its bridge only spans half the tank's radius—one end sits on the center support, and the other connects to a drive carriage running along the tank edge. The single-arm peripheral drive sludge scraper is even simpler, with just one scraper arm extending to one side. This makes it a great fit for smaller tanks or retrofit projects that have load restrictions. The semi-bridge design cuts down the bridge weight and frees up space on the other side for walkways or sludge channels.
Get a QuoteSemi-Bridge Peripheral Drive Sludge Scraper | Single-Arm Peripheral Drive Sludge Scraper
Working Principle
When running, the drive wheel at the edge slowly rolls around the track, pulling the semi-bridge and the scraper arm beneath it in a circle around the center. The blades press against the tank floor, pushing settled sludge down the slope toward the center hopper. Because the load is only on one side, the center support has to handle some torque and usually comes with a slewing bearing. Up top, the semi-bridge often carries a scum baffle that pushes floating scum toward the edge discharge hopper. It rotates very slowly—around 2–3 m/min at the outer edge—so the settled sludge doesn't get stirred back up.
Application Fields
1.Stormwater retention tanks: clearing bottom sediment to restore storage capacity.
2.Steel mill turbid water: scraping mill scale and heavy sludge from settling tanks.
3.Mine water treatment: removing settled solids from high-turbidity mine water.
4.Desalination pre-treatment: sand and silt removal in large settling tanks.
FAQ
Q1: Why choose a semi-bridge over a full bridge?
A: A semi-bridge is lighter, puts less stress on the center support and track, and costs less. A full bridge is for very large tanks or applications that demand extreme stability. For a moderate tank diameter, a semi-bridge does the job just fine—and saves half the steel and drive energy.
Q2: How does the drive wheel on a single-arm peripheral scraper prevent slipping?
A: It usually uses polyurethane or rubber wheels that rely on friction. If there's water or ice on the track, they can slip. Common fixes include adding counterweight to the drive wheel, putting anti-slip patterns on the track, or adding slip detection to the electrical controls so it alarms and shuts down if slipping occurs.
Q3: Does the center support on a semi-bridge scraper wear out easily?
A: With regular greasing, it should last for years. Because the semi-bridge is loaded on one side, the center slewing bearing handles significant radial force and overturning moment. If a scraper jams or the tank bottom is uneven, the bearing can wear. Check the center slip ring and seals regularly to keep water out.