Sustainable Solutions for Sludge Storage Equipment

At SPIRAC, environmental responsibility guides our engineering approach. Our Sliding‑Frame and Live‑Bottom silo systems ensure dependable sludge flow in wastewater and industrial applications while delivering long service life and low energy consumption.
Sliding‑Frame Silos / Receival Bunkers
A hydraulically driven frame sweeps the flat floor and moves material toward the extraction screw. This design maximises usable storage volume and is ideal where headroom is limited or large capacities are required.
Live‑Bottom Silos / Hoppers
Using multiple slow‑speed shaftless spirals, these systems keep cohesive, high‑moisture sludges in constant motion. A tapered floor is essential to the live‑bottom geometry and is optimised for difficult, non–free‑flowing materials.

Sliding‑Frame vs Live‑Bottom — At a Glance

Geometry: Sliding‑Frame suits round or rectangular silos; Live‑Bottom works best in rectangular designs.
Floor: Sliding‑Frame uses a flat floor; Live‑Bottom requires a tapered floor.
Capacity: Sliding‑Frame is ideal for large volumes; Live‑Bottom for small to medium volumes.
Material Type: Sliding‑Frame handles non‑free‑flowing or moderately sticky solids; Live‑Bottom is for extremely sticky, cohesive or wet sludge.
Flow Mechanism: Sliding‑Frame uses a hydraulic sweeping frame; Live‑Bottom uses multiple low‑RPM spirals.
Bridging Control: Good with Sliding‑Frame; excellent with Live‑Bottom.
Maintenance: Sliding‑Frame has very low maintenance; Live‑Bottom remains low with no hydraulics.
Cost Fit: Sliding‑Frame suits larger silos; Live‑Bottom suits smaller installations.
Typical Materials: Sliding‑Frame handles dewatered sludge and woodchips; Live‑Bottom handles sludge cake and highly cohesive materials.

Sustainable by Design
Both systems rely on slow‑speed, high‑torque drives to reduce power use, minimise intervention, and support reliable biosolids discharge—helping operators meet sustainability and circular‑economy goals.