A steam sludge dryer (also known as a steam biosolids dryer) is one of the most efficient and safe ways to reduce sludge volume, lower disposal costs, and create a drier, more manageable final product. Unlike direct-heat dryers that rely on burners and open flames, a steam-heated sludge dryer transfers heat indirectly through a steam-jacketed trough. This design eliminates the risk of fire, provides consistent drying performance, and extends equipment life.

Steam sludge dryers are especially popular in municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial biosolids applications because they provide:

• Safe, indirect heat transfer that avoids direct flame contact with sludge
   
• Consistent drying across the entire auger and trough system
   
• Reduced odors and emissions compared to high-temperature combustion systems
   
• Longer service life with stainless steel components and rugged auger drives
   

The Met-Chem steam sludge dryer operates on a simple but highly effective principle:

1. Steam-Heated Jacket – A heavy-duty stainless steel trough is surrounded by a steam jacket. Steam circulates through the jacket walls, indirectly heating the sludge inside the trough.
    
2. Dual Auger System – Two stainless steel augers slowly turn the sludge, exposing more surface area and ensuring even drying throughout the process.
    
3. Controlled Moisture Reduction – As the sludge moves down the length of the trough, water evaporates and is vented away. The result is a drier cake that is lighter, easier to handle, and less costly to dispose of.
    
4. Efficient, Low-Maintenance Design – Because the heat is transferred indirectly, the dryer requires less maintenance than direct-flame systems and provides safer long-term operation.
    

This design is ideal for biosolids drying where safety, energy efficiency, and reliability are critical.

One of the biggest challenges customers face when purchasing sludge dryers is long lead times. Typical delivery can take many months due to the custom fabrication of steam jackets, augers, and bearings.

Met-Chem has solved this problem by having key components in stock today:

• A 100 cubic foot steam jacketed trough
   
• Two stainless steel augers
   
• All bearings, motors, and drives
   

These components are available because of a canceled order, giving customers a unique opportunity to purchase a 100 cubic foot steam sludge dryer / steam biosolids dryer at a tremendous price and with a much shorter lead time than any competitor.

Met-Chem has been manufacturing wastewater treatment equipment since 1956 and is known for:

• High-quality American manufacturing in Cleveland, Ohio
   
• Deep expertise in sludge dryers, filter presses, and clarifiers
   
• Large inventory of critical parts and components
   
• Custom engineering support for unique biosolids drying applications
   

With immediate availability of a 100 cubic foot steam sludge dryer, Met-Chem can deliver what others cannot: top quality, low cost, and fast delivery.