SAM type GDS is a grit dewatering screw designed to provide easy and efficient separation of grit from wastewater, using a grit pump (hydro-cyclone) or an airlift system (air separator).
Overview
SAM type GDS (grit dewatering system) is a grit dewatering screw that works in unison with MectanTM, a grit removal system, to effectively remove grit and reduce the water content of the grit sludge by up to 90% in wastewater treatment and drinking water treatment process.
It is designed to return water and organic material back to the treatment process stream while delivering dry, clean, odor pollution-controlled grit to the final discharge outlet.
How does SAM type GDS work?
SAM type GDS operates very simply and is designed to separate the collected grit from any remaining wastewater or drinking water coming from the Mectan vortex grit chamber. Together, these two technologies form part of the primary treatment stage.
The extracted grit slurry (from a grit pump or an airlift system), which contains a high percentage of water and potentially some organic matter, enters the dewatering screw system (A) through a hydro-cyclone (grit pump extraction) or an air separator (airlift system). It then falls into the inlet hopper where a constant volume of water is maintained by an overflow weir (B).
This inlet hopper acts as a classifier letting the grit settle to the bottom, ready for the dewatering screw.
The slow rotation of the shafted Archimedes dewatering screw (D) dewaters the accumulated grit as it moves it up the trough (E) to the discharge outlet (F).
The excess water extracted at this stage exits the system via the overflow pipe connection (C) and is returned upstream of the vortex grit chamber for onward treatment.

Features and benefits

Reliable and durable
- Very simple and robust design
- 100% pre-assembled and tested
- Uses an Archimedes screw with a shaft
- Unique trough design promotes high-level dewatering
- Available in stainless steel construction.

Cost-effective and operational excellence
- Provides grit with very little water
- No screw-to-trough contact eliminates the need for a liner
- Minimum operating and maintenance costs

Environmental compliant and safe
- Completely enclosed system to control odor
- Supplied with air separator or cyclone separator
Applications
Services
Resources & product range
SAM type GDS/9 range
SAM type GDS/9 offers two models that both feature 9-inch screw diameters and handle 165 gallons per minute. The 09-10-25 is 120 inches long, weighing 2100 lbs, while the 09-16-25 extends to 192 inches, weighing 2600 lbs. Both process 60 cubic feet per hour, suitable for various installation needs.
SAM type GDS/14 range
SAM type GDS/14 offers two models that both feature 14-inch screw diameters and handle 240 gallons per minute. The 14-12-25 is 144 inches long, weighing 3200 lbs, while the 14-18-25 extends to 216 inches, weighing 3800 lbs. Both process 120 feet per hour, suitable for various installation requirements.
Contact
By efficiently separating grit from wastewater, Sam type GDS is not only extending the life of treatment equipment but also significantly reducing water content in extracted grit by up to 90%. Furthermore,with its energy-efficient design and minimal maintenance requirements, it is a prime example of how innovative technology can drive sustainability in water management, contributing to a cleaner, more resource-efficient future.

Bertrand Landry
Application Engineer - John Meunier
Contact Bertrand through his LinkedIn account
FAQ about SAM type GDS
Why is grit removal important in the pretreatment of drinking water?
Grit removal prevents damage to pumps and pipes by eliminating abrasive particles like sand and silt. It reduces maintenance costs, prevents clogging, and ensures efficient downstream processes. By removing grit early, the pretreatment stage protects equipment and maintains water quality, ensuring safe and sustainable drinking water production.
Why is grit removal important in wastewater treatment?
In both wastewater and drinking water treatment processes, the elimination of grit—comprising sand, gravel, and other dense inorganic materials—is essential for safeguarding equipment and optimizing system performance. By removing these abrasive particles early on, facilities can significantly reduce wear and tear on pumps, pipes, and machinery, thereby minimizing maintenance expenses, preventing operational interruptions, and extending the life of critical infrastructure. This practice not only mitigates the risk of sediment accumulation in tanks and conduits but also enhances the effectiveness of subsequent treatment stages. Moreover, efficient grit removal contributes to the production of higher-quality treated sludge, facilitating safer disposal or reuse options.
Why is grit dewatering important in the wastewater treatment process?
Grit dewatering is vital in wastewater treatment and drinking water treatment as it reduces the water content, minimizing its volume and weight. This process lowers transportation and disposal costs, making waste management more efficient and economical.
Additionally, it improves the performance of subsequent treatment processes, reduces odor pollution and contamination risks, and conserves energy.
Case Studies

The city of Natchez needed to upgrade its water treatment facility to meet future demands, improve efficiency and prepare for potential changes in discharge permit requirements. The existing system required modernization to increase capacity, reduce energy consumption, and enhance overall performance. Our experts in Canada provided SAM type GDS as part of the solution. This grit dewatering screw efficiently captures and dewaters up to 95% of the extracted grit. By implementing it, the facility significantly improved its grit removal process, reduced wear on its equipment, minimized maintenance needs, and enhanced overall treatment efficiency.

The water for the municipal drinking water treatment plant is supplied from the Kentucky River. To ensure proper operation of the system, it needed a barrier to protect against algae, leaves, sand, rocks and other debris coming from the intake line. This included the installation of one Sam type GDS. As part of a comprehensive headworks system, our experts supplied SAM type GDS grit dewatering screw. Equipped with a cyclone separator it enhanced the grit removal process by increasing scouring and separation levels. This integration demonstrates the flexibility and efficiency of the pretreatment equipment in potable water intake applications, contributing to an overall reliable and efficient headworks system.