Hydraulic Reciprocating Center Sludge Scraper

The Hydraulic Reciprocating Center Sludge Scraper replaces rotary motion with a smooth, linear back-and-forth rake driven by a central hydraulic power unit. A double-acting cylinder pushes and pulls a rigid truss that spans the tank width (or radius); HDPE blades mounted on the truss scrape settled sludge toward a central (or longitudinal) hopper during each forward stroke and retract 100 mm above the floor on the return stroke, eliminating reverse shear. Operating at 0.3–0.6 m min⁻¹, the system consumes < 0.75 kW and generates only 20–30 dB noise—ideal for covered or indoor clarifiers.

The PLC controls stroke length and dwell time, allowing automatic adaptation to sludge load; limit switches and pressure transducers provide overload protection and instant reversal if obstructions are met. With no submerged drive motor, chains or sprockets, maintenance is confined to annual hydraulic oil and seal replacement.

Fabricated from 304/316 stainless or hot-dip galvanized steel, the scraper is supplied in spans up to 12 m for rectangular basins and 40 m diameter for retrofitted circular tanks. Its simple design, low energy draw and minimal underwater components make the Hydraulic Reciprocating Center Sludge Scraper the preferred choice for primary clarifiers, API oil-water separators and industrial effluent channels where reliable, low-shear sludge removal is required.