Can you explain how automatic rake lifting and torque control work in thickeners?

Automatic rake lifting and torque control are two features that can be incorporated into thickener designs to improve efficiency and reliability.

Automatic Rake Lifting

In some thickener designs, the scraper or rake can be lifted automatically to prevent overloading and damage to the equipment. When the thickener is operating normally, the rake moves slowly across the bottom of the tank, pushing the settled solids towards the discharge port. However, if the solids concentration becomes too high, the rake can become overloaded and cause damage to the equipment. Automatic rake lifting detects when the rake is overloaded and lifts the rake to prevent damage. This feature can help to improve the reliability of the thickener and reduce maintenance costs.

Torque Control

In some thickener designs, torque control is used to monitor the stress on the drive system that moves the rake or scraper. Torque is the measure of the twisting force that is applied to the drive system, and excessive torque can cause damage to the equipment. Torque control monitors the torque on the drive system and adjusts the speed of the rake or scraper to prevent excessive torque. This feature can help to improve the efficiency of the thickener and reduce wear and tear on the equipment.

Automatic rake lifting and torque control are two features that can be incorporated into thickener designs to improve the reliability and efficiency of the equipment. These features can help to prevent damage to the equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the quality of the solid-liquid separation process.