Abstract: A battery-operated two-speed salad spinner. The bowl receives one of two differently sized baskets. A cover includes a driving mechanism that rotates a selected bowl through a driving wheel.

Abstract: A device for separating one or more components from a fluid, such as gas, water, oil and so on, which device is provided with a closed drum-shaped first carrier which is rotatable driven on a shaft and has means for feeding respectively discharging the fluid, wherein a second carrier is arranged coaxially in the first carrier, on which second carrier are arranged a large number of flexible elements which extend radially from the second carrier as far as the first carrier, and the feed means are provided close to the one end of the second carrier and the discharge means close to the other end of the second carrier, so that when the fluid flows through the device a layered separation of the components results along a flexible element.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an apparatus, system and process for liquid separation by reverse osmosis, nano-, ultra- and micro-filtration under the joint action of the differential pressure built up on the either side of the membrane (22) located in the apparatus for membrane separation (1), continuous rotation of the body (15, 17, 18) in the immediate proximity to the selective layer of the said membrane, oscillation of the liquid flow, caused by the means (15, 17, 18) and induced vibration of the said membranes. The superposition of the said continuous rotary movements, liquid oscillations and membrane vibrations on each other result in the reduction of membrane clogging with the substances being retained.

Abstract: A blood centrifuge with a drive assembly for transmitting an input rotation speed to a rotor with a sample reservoir at a desired rotation ratio. The drive assembly includes a base and an outer shell mounted to the base to rotate at an input rate. A bottom pulley is rigidly mounted to the base and attached to the outer shell with bearings. A top pulley is mounted to a center shaft of the outer shell to rotate with the outer shell about the central axis of the centrifuge. An internal drive belt is provided to transmit the rotation to the top pulley via a pair of transversely mounted idler pulleys that rotate with the outer shell. The top pulley is thus rotated at twice the input rate but in the same direction. A rotor assembly with the sample reservoir is attached to the top pulley to separate blood components.

Abstract: An automated blood separation method and apparatus is described that allows for the separation of multiple units of blood simultaneously. The method and apparatus reliably and quickly separates blood into its components. An auto-balancing feature within the apparatus automatically preferably compensates for the changing state of imbalance, thereby eliminating the need for additional balancing steps during the separation process. The apparatus has a rotor into which a plurality of cassettes can be inserted. The cassettes have a number of sections for the containment of the whole blood and for the separated blood components, which are contained in disposable bags. The rotor is placed into a centrifuge assembly, and the blood components are then separated and transferred to the bags in the individual sections of the cassettes. Means for including secondary separation devices such as filters is included.

Abstract: A centrifuge system for the formation of an autologous platelet gel wherein all of the blood components for the gel are derived from a patient to whom the gel is to be applied. First a platelet rich plasma and a platelet poor plasma are formed by centrifuging a quantity of anticoagulated whole blood that was previously drawn from the patient. The platelet rich plasma or platelet poor plasma is then automatically drawn out of the centrifuge bag and proportioned into separate chambers in a dispenser. The first portion is activated where a clot is formed and thrombin is obtained. The thrombin is then latter mixed with the second portion to obtain a platelet gel.

Abstract: A vertical basket centrifuge utilizing a plow supplemented with a spring air lance hose having a ball and socket joint for affixing the hose to a nozzle, and passages to allow the gas to by pass the ball and socket joint.

Abstract: A belt-driven blood centrifuge with side-mounted drive motor for rotating the centrifuge at a rotation speed selected to separate blood components. The centrifuge includes a drive shaft assembly rotated at an input rotation speed and a rotor assembly rotatably linked to the drive shaft assembly rotated at an output rotation speed twice the input rotational speed. A drive motor is provided with a drive pulley to drive a belt, a chain, and the like to provide the motive force to rotate the drive shaft at the input rotation speed. In one embodiment, a belt is provided to contact both the pulley of the drive motor and an outer surface of a rotatable shell of the drive shaft assembly. A base is included in the centrifuge upon which the drive shaft assembly is mounted. The drive motor is positioned adjacent the drive shaft assembly and mounted on the base.

Abstract: A screening device includes a screening element connected to a reinforcing element by a frictionally engaging clamping connection. Spacers located between the screening element and the reinforcing element provide a radial clearance therebetween. The screening element can be replaced when worn out, while the reinforcing element and associated parts can be reused with a new screening device. For this purpose, the screening element can be detached from the reinforcing element, which provides the actual support function, as a single unit by way of the frictionally engaging clamping connection. The clamping connection can be implemented by way of wedges or a conical seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specimen processing system for centrifuging a specimen such as blood and then dispensing the specimen. This system comprises a dispense error specimen removing unit for removing a specimen in which a dispense error has been caused due to a fibrin in a dispense process, a feedback unit for injecting fibrin-decomposing beads into the specimen removed by the dispense error specimen removing unit and feeding the specimen containing the beads back to a centrifuge process, a reprocess control unit for causing the specimen fed back to the centrifuge process by the feedback unit to be centrifuged again, and a system controller for automatically controlling the dispense error specimen removing unit, the feedback unit, and the reprocess control unit.

Abstract: A self-sustaining non-biodegradable waste breakdown system has a preprocessing assembly, a heating assembly, a reaction assembly and a filtering assembly. The reaction assembly has a filtering layer to retain long chain molecules of the melted waste for continuous breakdown so as to change the long chain molecules into short chain molecules. The filtering-adjusting mechanism of the filtering assembly recycles the medium with a special concentration, viscosity and heat resistance in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge comprising a rotating drum (1) and comprising an ejection element (2) which rotates together with the drum in order to eject a cake (3) of solids, which is deposited on the inner side of the drum, in the axial direction (4). The ejection element (2) has a helix (5) which extends over the length of the drum. The helix (5) and the drum (1) are kinematically connected in such a manner that a reference point (A) at the circumference of the helix executes a rotational movement relative to the drum in the form of a sawtooth line (6, 8), with a first flank (7) of the sawteeth (8) corresponding approximately in its inclination (&agr;) to the pitch (&bgr;) of the helix whereas a second flank (9) of the sawteeth (8) corresponds to an approximately axial ejection movement.

Abstract: A chamber for use in a rotating field to separate blood components is described. An inlet port near one end of the chamber introduces blood into the chamber for flow circumferentially about the rotational axis toward the opposite end of the chamber for separation into at least one blood component. At least one outlet port is juxtaposed next to the inlet port near the one end of the chamber for conveying one separated blood component from the channel. The chamber directs the one separated blood component to a collection region near the opposite end of the chamber. An enclosed interior collection passage within the channel leads from the collection region and directs the one collected component to the outlet port for transport from the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of previously known motor controllers for centrifuge machines wherein a motor controller is provided for a centrifuge machine including a logic control module, one or more power cells, and one or more contactors. The logic control module is capable of interfacing with the main centrifuge controller and provides control over the power cells and contactors to provide a voltage ramp-up to accelerate the centrifuge basket. As such, the logic control module avoids the current draining problems associated with across the line starting of the centrifuge motor. The power cells receive a voltage from the main power supply, and output to the contactors variable power to control centrifuge motor speed. Further, the configuration of multiple contactors to reverse the power supplied to the centrifuge motor windings may eliminate the need for a second, reverse direction motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a centrifugal separator comprising a top lid, a rotatable basket, a drive unit for the rotatable basket and an outer case, the rotatable basket and the drive unit being mounted on the top lid, the rotatable basket and the outer case having a cake outlet at the bottoms thereof, wherein the top lid is fixedly mounted on a stand via supporting legs, the outer case being supported by and attached to the top lid, the outer case being detachable from the top lid for cleaning and movable downward when detached, whereby the rotatable basket can be exposed to the outside, the centrifugal separator having excellent operability, cleanability, visual observability and antipollution property.

Abstract: A new centrifuge filter is designed for use in an arrayable micro-centrifuge. The filter has an upstream end where fluid enters the filter, an opposite or downstream end, and sides where fluid exits by centrifugal force. The filter is a piece of semipermeable material which is capable of letting certain fluids and small molecules pass therethrough and retaining macromolecules and particles. Also disclosed is an optional support for the filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating device for continuously filtering a liquid such as a solution containing a precipitate.

Abstract: A washing and recycling unit for on-site washing of heavy machinery. The unit has a supporting frame onto which is mounted a washing liquid storage tank. A washing hose arrangement connected to the tank injects washing liquid over the heavy machinery. A drainage receptacle positioned under the heavy machinery collects used liquid mixture falling from the heavy machinery. The used liquid mixture is sucked up with a suction hose connected to a cyclone which separates rough solids from liquids. A pump and filtering arrangement recycles liquid from a settling tank under the cyclone by pumping it out, filtering it and transferring it into the washing liquid storage tank. A hoisting system mounted onto the supporting frame is used to movably support an operator directing the washing liquid around the heavy machinery.

Abstract: The screw conveyor 200A includes a first flight 211 and a second flight 212 for transporting cake to cake discharging ports 105 in the small diameter section 103. Each flight 211, 212 has a small clearance portion 211a, 212a defining a small clearance d1 and a large clearance portion 211b, 212b defining a large clearance d2 between the tip of the flight and the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter section 103. The whole region of the large clearance portion 211b, 212b of each flight 211, 212 overlaps with the small clearance portion 212a, 211a of another flight 212, 211 at the same point in the direction of the rotation axis C.

Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a flexible collapsible inner container disposed within a substantially rigid outer container. A closure seals the open top end of the outer container. A filter assembly is sealingly mounted to the open top end of the inner container. The filter assembly includes a filter that permits lighter fractions to pass therethrough, while substantially blocking the heavier fractions. The filter assembly further includes a filter support having a slit valve registered with the filter. The slit valve opens in response to fluid pressure created by the lighter fractions for permitting the lighter fractions to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A system and method for converting animal, vegetable, and food byproduct materials into useful bio-gas and fertilizer, and/or soil amendment products has an anaerobic digester, a liquid-solids separating unit, an ammonia stripper, an ammonia absorption unit, a solids processing unit, and an equilization tank. The system and method use anaerobic digestion to break down the fats, oils, and greases, proteinaceous, and carbonaceous substances contained in the byproducts. Anaerobic digestion creates bio-gas, mainly methane and carbon dioxide, waste biosolids, which can contain phosphorous, nitrogen and other trace minerals, and a liquid effluent with significant ammonia levels. Ammonia, a useful ingredient for fertilizer formulation, is recovered from the effluent. The solids and the extracted ammonia and/or phosphorous can also be used to make fertilizer and/or soil amendment materials.

Abstract: In melting thermoplastic material, particularly in the form of strip-like or fibrous refuse, where the material is melted through contact with a liquid heat-transfer medium and is then separated from the heat-transfer medium, and to assure a high degree of effectiveness and to maintain a high level of quality in the molten material, it is provided that steam at a temperature distinctly higher than the melting temperature of the material is used as a heat-transfer medium and is conducted over the introduced material, the molten or at least semi-molten material is entrained by the flowing steam and is then separated from the steam at a temperature lying above the melting temperature of the material, and the steam is returned to the circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for receiving the solids discharge of a centrifuge, shaker, or other clarification system and further drying the solids discharge. The influent into the apparatus of the invention is in the form of a slurry, such as for example the solids discharge of a shaker or centrifuge in a drilling mud clarification system. The apparatus comprises a horizontal screen rotated at a high rate of speed to remove liquid from the slurry by centrifugal force. The horizontal screen is retained by a squirrel cage rotor so that high G-forces can be obtained. Within the horizontal screen is a screw conveyor which rotates at a speed slightly slower than the horizontal screen to define a controllable conveyor speed. In this way, the residence time of the solids in contact with the horizontal screen can be controlled to provide a drier solids discharge from the apparatus. The solids and liquids are provided with separate discharge ports.

Abstract: A centrifuge filter for removing soot from engine oil. The centrifuge filter includes a rotor adapted to be rotated inside a centrifuge housing by an electric motor or other means. The rotor preferably includes a reusable aluminum support casing and a disposable plastic cartridge. The plastic cartridge includes a trap with partition walls to prevent wave formation in the rotating liquid contained in the trap. The cartridge includes an annular inlet through its top end, a winding flow path through the cartridge and an outlet at the bottom enc. The centrifuge housing includes an isolated sealed rotor chamber. Using the venturi effect, air is evacuated from the rotor chamber to provide a partial vacuum to reduce air drag on the rotor. Resilient rubber vibration isolators are used to reduce vibrations and engine induced shock loads from reaching the rotating element. A side oil inlet is provided in the cartridge to receive unfiltered oil at a location offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A continuous procedure for the separation of substances in three phases: liquid/liquid/nonsoluble solids, preferably to separate the organic contained in wastes from solvent extraction processes. The procedure is made up of a first stage of radial feeding of wastes coming from an axial section of a differential rotary field; wherein said differential rotary field is, made up of rotary means of solid dragging and of perimetral rotary means, which rotate in one and the same direction and with different angular speeds according to a spin axis which is substantially horizontal. A second stage consisting in a first radial adjustment of the separation zone of the liquid phases, wherein said first adjustment is carried out with annular means of radial adjustment, which are static with respect to said perimetral rotary means, acting as an overflow lip to allow the pass of the predominantly light liquid phase.

Abstract: A centrifuge screen includes a series of support rods supporting and underlying a series of filter wires. The filter wires have a triangular cross-section and are less than 0.030 inches in cross-sectional width. The filter wires are spaced less than 0.010 inches apart. The screen is a fine opening, high open area screen for use in a centrifuge to separate particulate matter from a liquid.

Abstract: A vertical basket centrifuge utilizing a plow supplemented with a spring air lance hose having a ball and socket joint for affixing the hose to a nozzle, and passages to allow the gas to by pass the ball and socket joint.

Abstract: An improved plasma separation device and method involve the use of a retaining means with a centrifugal plasma separation device for retaining unwanted blood components, e.g., lipids or lipoproteins, from passing from a separation chamber in the device to a collection chamber in the device along with the separated plasma.

Abstract: The solid-liquid separating device 10 is capable of separating a concentrated liquid from a slurry by centrifugation and includes a centrifugation unit 12 having a rotating vessel 15 with a porous outer wall surface through which liquid is transmissible and a heater unit 18. Preferably, a portion of the slurry to be treated that is closest to a central axis of rotation of the centrifugation unit 12 is heated by the heater unit 18 during the centrifugation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rendering waste sorbent material recyclable. The method includes collecting polymer-based sorbent materials containing one or more solvents, treating the waste material in a centrifugal treatment system for removing the solvents from the polymer-based sorbent materials whereby the sorbent materials have a residual solvent content that renders the materials non-hazardous for transportation to a remote recycling site. The treatment system includes a fume collection system and a centrifuge disposed in the fume collection system. The sorbent materials are charged into the centrifuge and the centrifuge is operated for extractive removal of solvents therefrom and collection of the extracted solvents. The sorbent materials are rendered non-hazardous by the centrifugal treatment system enabling the materials to be taken off site for use in making recycled parts.

Abstract: A centrifuge bucket, for holding a first article, further comprises a compartment for holding a second article, and an arrangement for securing the compartment to an outer surface of the centrifuge bucket.

Abstract: A device for concentrating and/or purifying macromolecules in a solution has a concentration chamber (1) with a sample reservoir (2) for a liquid sample to be processed, a filter (3) for filtering the liquid sample, and a filtrate container (4) for collecting the filtrate. A gas pressure differential is created and maintained across the filter and a sealing cap (5) for the sample reservoir (2), which has an opening (6) for permitting gas flow in one direction and blocking aerosol or liquid flow in an opposed direction. The present invention also provides apparatus and methods employing the device.

Abstract: A system for transporting wet chips to a centrifugal separator where the wet chips are separated into dry chips and fluid with the dry chips being transported to a dry chips site and the fluid recirculated or collected. Preferably, the centrifugal separator, when actuated, serves to generate a pneumatic flow of air through a wet chip conduit whereby the wet chips are pneumatically conveyed to the separator from a source of origin such as a tooling machine station where wet chips are generated. A parts separator may be located at either end of the wet chip conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mincing a gel includes a gel mincing tube and a mesh material. The mesh material extends across the end of the tube. To subdivide a gel using the mincing apparatus, a gel is placed upon the mesh material in the mincing tube, the mincing tube, mesh material and the gel are spun in a centrifuge, forcing the gel through the mesh material so that the gel is subdivided into generally uniform smaller fragments. The mesh material may be secured to a tube in the form of a nesting tube. The nesting tube nests within the opening of a recovery vessel. The mesh material may be placed in series with a conditionally porous membrane in the nesting tube. Centrifuging the nesting tube and the recovery vessel subdivides gel material into fragments by forcing the gel through the mesh material. The gel subsequently falls upon the membrane, and may be treated on the membrane to extract or otherwise treat analytes in the gel material.

Abstract: In a housing (1), a hollow shaft (3) is located for rotation, driven by a motor (5). Rigidly attached to the shaft (3) is a pressure vessel (6). Fitted to the shaft (3) inside the vessel (6) is a filter comprising a number of tube-shaped filter elements (9). The liquid to be filtered is fed into an upper chamber (19) of the shaft (3) via an inlet ring (18), and flows through transverse holes (20) into the vessel (6). After passing through the filter (9), the purified liquid is discharged via holes (10) in the hollow shaft (3) through an outlet ring (12). To clean the filter the residual liquid in the vessel (6) is pressed out through the filter with compressed air. Subsequently the deposit adhering to the filter tubes (9) is flung off by rotating the shaft (3) and propelled to the bottom of the vessel by feeding compressed air or clean oil to cleaning nozzles (38). An outlet ring (7) is raised slightly and the deposit at the vessel wall is dried by centrifuging.

Abstract: An assembly for automatically and continuously purifying a polluted fluid P includes a main separator 1, a secondary separator 2 having a centrifuge 21 and filter 22 therein, and a backwashing device 11. In operation, the backwashing device returns a fraction of purified fluid E1 to backwash the main separator. The resulting backwashing fluid F is then delivered to the secondary separator via a multi-port valve V where the backwashing fluid is centrifuged and/or filtered to remove impurities therefrom.

Abstract: A sealed centrifugal clarifier with a pre-sterilized and disposable container which lines the separation chamber is disclosed. More particularly, the centrifugal clarifier contains a feed port that allows a liquid-solid mixture to be continuously fed into the device wherein the solid is sedimented by rotation of the separation chamber and the clarified liquid is released into an outside receptacle through an effluent port. The throughput rate of the clarifier is adjustable and can be determined as a function of the fill radius of the separation chamber.

Abstract: A solid-liquid/liquid-liquid separator includes a vessel having a peripheral wall bounding a chamber. The chamber communicates with an inlet port and an outlet port. The vessel is rotatable about a rotational axis extending through the vessel. Disposed within the chamber are a plurality of fins. Each of the fins radially outwardly projecting from the rotational axis in substantially parallel alignment with the rotational axis. The fins interact with the peripheral wall to form a plurality of discrete flow channels that longitudinally extend through the vessel. An exit tube is disposed along a portion of the rotational axis of the vessel. The exit tube has a first end disposed within the chamber and an opposing second end in fluid communication with the exterior of vessel. A plurality of extraction tubes radially outwardly projecting from the rotational axis within the chamber.

Abstract: An electric salad spinner device which is designed for ease of use and allows for efficient drying of salad greens, leafy vegetables and the like. The device comprises a base component, a generally cylindrical basket component, a generally cylindrical basket component, a scalable lid having a handle, an on/off switch and a drive motor. Optionally, the device also comprises a liquid dispenser assembly which may also be motorized to provide agitation and may also comprise a sheer assembly to allow for slicing in of hard vegetables such as, for example, cucumbers, carrots, celery and the like.

Abstract: A filtration device for separating filtrate and concentrate from a solution that contains a dead stop feature. The dead stop volume is determined by the location of an outlet port. The apparatus includes a housing with a means for collecting filtrate and a filter unit insertable within the housing. The filter unit contains a semipermeable membrane thereon for separating filtrate from concentrate.

Abstract: A computerized system for monitoring, and controlling various parameters and processes of basket centrifuges is presented. The computer control system actuates at least one of a plurality of control devices based on input from one or more monitoring sensors so as to provide real time, continuous, operational control of parameters related to feeding, filtering, washing, and dewatering.

Abstract: A vibratory separation system having a drive mechanism for imparting a vibratory motion to a membrane module to enhance filtration. The membrane module comprises one or more filter elements secured to one another, each having a permeable membrane. The vibratory motion imparted to the membrane module generates a dynamic flow boundary layer at the permeable membranes. This fluid shear boundary layer, in turn, generates lift, thereby inhibiting fouling of the membranes.

Abstract: A method for segregating and transporting heavy particles thrown by centrifugal force from a flowing, spinning column of liquid or gas, whereby an outer cylinder whose inner walls present or face the center core with horizontal, circular bands of pyramidal or conical shaped voids, which bands can be vertically stacked to surround a device of any length, and the voids of which present to the heavy particles being thrown from the fluid a receiving surface consisting entirely of outward sloping surfaces, all of which sloped-surface voids accept, accumulate and gravitationally guide said heavy particles towards exit orifices or nozzles, which nozzles penetrate the outer cylinder and together with the sloped voids, permit the continuous, non-mechanically assisted accumulation and ejection of said heavy particles along the entirety of a centrifugal device of any length and thus for any desired duration (or residence time) of fluid flow.

Abstract: A method of making a dynamic swirl filter assembly comprises disposing a stack of filter elements within a rotatable wall, wherein the rotatable wall is substantially free of structure which extends substantially across a surface of the filter elements.

Abstract: A single-hand apparatus for opening and closing the cap of a microcentrifuge tube. The apparatus comprises an elongate base having means on one end for mounting the base on a laboratory ring stand and means on the other end of the base for allowing a technician to hold the microcentrifuge tube in one hand and to open and close the cap without requiring a second hand.

Abstract: A filtration device, apparatus, and method of filtration useful for filtering liquid samples are disclosed wherein filtration occurs opposite the direction of centrifugal force. The filtration device is placed within a container that contains the liquid sample to be filtered. Together, the filtration device and the container comprise the filtration apparatus. Centrifugation forces the liquid sample present in the container to enter the filtration device, thereby effecting filtration. The vertical position of the filtration device is fixed within this container during filtration.

Abstract: A centrifuge, comprising in combination a motor driven shaft, a fluid centrifuging chamber carried by the shaft, to rotate therewith, first porting extending endwise in the shaft and opening to said chamber, to deliver fluid to be centrifuged to the chamber, a matrix in the chamber and into which contaminate in the fluid is centrifuged for compaction and separation from the fluid, during chamber high speed rotation, second porting extending endwise in the shaft and communicating with the chamber, to receive fluid from which contaminate has been separated, fluid delivering inlet structure communicating with said first porting, and fluid outlet structure communicating with the second porting. The shaft and centrifuging chamber are assembled via a flange on the shaft that closes the end of the centrifuging chamber.

Abstract: Centrifugation separations apparatus including centrifugation means having an inlet, a liquids discharge and a solids discharge, a deflector operatively associated with the solids discharge, wherein the solids discharge is adapted to operatively discharge solids being discharged from the centrifugation means at a trajectory and the deflector is adapted to interrupt the trajectory to decelerate and change the direction of travel of the solids, or wherein the deflector is operatively associated with the solids discharge and cooperable with solids being discharged from the solids discharge whereby buildup of solids on the deflector is substantially prevented, or wherein the solids discharge includes a lip configuration which causes the trajectories of the discharging crystals to be relatively independent of their size and/or their residual syrup/moisture content, or including support means, such as a spider like construction having one or more webs substantially parallel to the angular motion of the solids being

Abstract: A centrifuge has a hub and a first bowl section extending about the hub. The first bowl section has a given diameter at a downstream end of a heavy phase transport path along the first bowl section. The centrifuge further comprises a second bowl section having an input end at the downstream end of the first bowl section. The input end of the second bowl section has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the first bowl section at the downstream end thereof. The input end of the second bowl section is disposed radially outwardly of the first bowl section at the downstream end thereof. A feed accelerator is disposed at the downstream end of the first bowl section, and more particularly between the downstream end of the first bowl section and the input end of the section bowl section, for tangentially accelerating a thickened feed or cake between the downstream end of the first conical bowl section and the input end of the second bowl section.

Abstract: An apparatus for de-watering sludge. A main shaft is rotated about a longitudinal axis at a first rate. A screw shaft coupled to the main shaft is rotated about the longitudinal axis at the first rate. Screw flighting coupled to the screw shaft is rotated about the longitudinal axis at the first rate. A first and second stage drum are rotated about the longitudinal axis at a second rate. Sludge is introduced to a first area defined by an outer surface of the screw shaft and an inner surface of the first stage drum. Moisture is removed from the sludge through a first slot coupled to the first stage drum. The sludge is transported with the screw flighting from the first area to a second area defined by an outer surface of the screw shaft and an inner surface of the second stage drum, the second area being larger than the first area. Moisture is removed from the sludge through a second slot coupled to the second stage drum.