SpiraSnail system
Water and wastewater treatment

Get efficient, economical grit dewatering at smaller plants with no washwater requirements.

The SpiraSnail® is a highly efficient screw-type grit dewatering system that delivers 95% removal of all particles 106 micron and larger and 75% of 75-106 micron particles to cut solids handling and disposal costs.

Designed to work in combination with a Hydro International separation and washing unit such as a Grit King®, the SpiraSnail® provides effective, affordable grit dewatering for smaller plants that demand high performance. Contact us to learn more.

The SpiraSnail® is specifically designed to provide dedicated dewatering for the output from high-performance Hydro International grit separation / washing units such as the Grit King.®  The SpiraSnail® provides effective, affordable grit dewatering that is ideal for smaller plants with peak flows of up to 10 Mgal/d (38 MLD).

Unlike conventional washing and dewatering screws that attempt to wash and dewater grit in the same process, the SpiraSnail® is only used for dewatering. Combining washing and dewatering in the same process results in turbulence that churns up fine grit and allows it to be released back into the plant. By focusing just on dewatering, SpiraSnail® screw speeds can be slower, allowing retention of fine grit while outputting a clean dry product with low organics and water content. 

Its unique clarifier design, low loading rates, and slow screw speeds mean that the SpiraSnail® provides high capture efficiency while minimizing re-suspension of captured materials, and its low number of wear parts, easy access for maintenance and washwater-free operation keeps operating and maintenance costs to a minimum. 

Applications

  • Grit dewatering at smaller wastewater treatment plants
  • Treatment plant retrofits

Only SpiraSnail® 

  • Is optimized for use with the Grit King® grit removal system to provide high performance fine grit removal for smaller plants

Get efficient grit dewatering optimized for smaller plants

Designed specifically to address flows of up to 10 Mgal/d (38 MLD) peak, the SpiraSnail® is optimized for use at smaller plants - meaning that it is able to provide efficient, economical dewatering while maintaining the standards of performance that wastewater treatment plant operators demand. 

Get operator-friendly dewatering

SpiraSnail® is designed with the operator in mind with a minimal number of wear parts and easy access for maintenance, helping to reduce maintenance time. Maximized internal clearances prevent clogging, and a unique clarifier design allows the auger trough to be rotated away from the clarifier, allowing maintenance even while the unit remains full of water. 

Prevent odor

The SpiraSnail® is a fully enclosed system with easy access when you want it open and secure closures to minimize odor issues. 

Minimize maintenance costs

SpiraSnail® has a shafted screw design to prevent the need for difficult to replace liners or steel wear bars, and the 4-bolt external bearing can be accessed from outside the trough, saving both time and money when it comes to inspection and maintenance. 

NEW! SpiraSnail® Compact 

For plants with very tight space limitations, Hydro International also offers the SpiraSnail® Compact. The system utilizes the same shafted screw design as the original SpiraSnail® but has a much smaller footprint and is also shorter than the standard SpiraSnail® system. By limiting design influent flows to ≤ 125 gpm (7.9 L/s) the SpiraSnail® Compact can achieve 95% capture of all grit 106 micron and larger. It's smaller profile allows it to fit into plants with very tight space limitations. 

Image
Grit King Compact and SpiraSnail Compact
Grit King Compact Paired with SpiraSnail Compact Dewatering 

  1. Flow from the grit washing system is introduced tangentially into the SpiraSnail® clarifier to begin the  dewatering process. This tangential entry forces the grit to the outside of the clarifier cone.

  2. From the outside of the clarifier cone grit settles into the SpiraSnail® conveyor trough.

  3. The slowly rotating shafted screw conveys the captured grit and dewaters it as it moves towards the discharge chute and into the grit receptacle ready for landfilling.

  4. Clarified water passes over the perimeter weir before being sent back to the plant for further treatment.

Unlike conventional screw classifier systems, the SpiraSnail® is only used for dewatering and not grit washing. This reduces the speed at which the screw needs to rotate, thereby minimizing the turbulence that would otherwise release captured fine grit particles.

Watch a video showing how the SpiraSnail® works 

Performance

  • 95% removal of grit 106 micron and larger
  • 75% removal of grit 75-106 micron
  • >60% Total Solids in output grit at design flow
  • <20% Volatile Solids in output grit at design flow

Conveying capacity 

  • 0.75 yd3 / hour (0.57 m3/hr)

Design notes 

  • Variable frequency drive in the control panel provides flexibility, allowing screw speed adjustment to match changing local operating conditions
  • Optional explosion proof motor allows the system to operate in classified environments
  • Standard 304 stainless steel construction (316 SS optional) 
  • Standard odor cover 
  • Optional NEMA 7/4X controls

  • SpiraSnail from the top
  • SpiraSnail system in operation
  • SpiraSnail showing discharge configuration
  • Crennulated weir on SpiraSnail clarifier
  • SpiraSnail close-up of discharge chute
  • SpiraSnail influent side
  • SpiraSnail system
  • Operating SpiraSnail
Q

How is the SpiraSnail different from a conventional screw classifier?

A

The SpiraSnail® has a unique clarifier design that reduces turbulence. This, combined with the fact that the SpiraSnail® is only used for dewatering, results in increased overall performance.

Q

Does the SpiraSnail have washwater requirements?

A

The SpiraSnail® does not require any washwater or fluidizing to operate. The grit washing process is typically performed by a Grit King®, SlurryCup™, OpTeaCup™, or TeaCup® system.

Q

Can the SpiraSnail be used for retrofit projects?

A

Absolutely. A SpiraSnail® dewatering system is the ideal choice for smaller plants looking to upgrade their grit systems in retrofit applications. The SpiraSnail® Compact further reduces the footprint required for dewatering allowing to fit into even the smallest plants. 

Q

Is the SpiraSnail system the right solution for my plant?

A

The SpiraSnail dewatering system is recommended for plants with peak flows of less than 10 Mgal/d (38 MLD). Please contact us to discuss your operating conditions and requirements. 

Parts & Spares

Keep your Hydro International water management systems running effectively and efficiently. Our services teams will supply you with…

SpiraSnail Compact

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