Bladecutter® is a patented, vortex-driven fluidising system for the safe and non-destructive removal of hazardous sediments and compacted sludges. The device has no rotating mechanical parts. Instead, powerful vortices are created that induce an intense low-pressure region. Bladecutter® is available in a range of sizes to suit different deployments.
The low-pressure region loosens, breaks up and fluidises even robustly compacted deposits. The resultant fluidised column can be lifted several metres purely by means of the fluid flow generated by Bladecutter®.
A secondary impeller-free vortex/venturi pump, developed and patented by Barrnon, can be fitted to drive the fluidised material vertically by multiple tens of metres. Having no impeller, the pump is not degraded by abrasive or particulate-laden flows, enabling extended operation and no loss of performance.
Bladecutter® as a stand-alone product is highly effective.
Bladecutter® PLUS (with the addition of the secondary, impeller-free pump) is a efficient sludge-retrieval system:
Bladecutter® can be deployed horizontally via a hydraulically powered, remotely operated tracked platform, or vertically via crane, manipulator or gantry. Both configurations exploit the same core vortex fluidising technology.
Horizontal Bladecutters have been successfully deployed at Hunterston A for the removal of contaminated pond sludges, demonstrating robust performance in a nuclear environment.
The system can be tuned to match specific waste-stream characteristics and retrieval rates. Bladecutter® has proven effective with materials including alluvial sands, clays, gravels, oils, PHP arisings, cementitious sediments, and B30 CMS/CMgS simulants.
If you require an efficient, low-impact, and highly adaptable sludge-retrieval tool, speak to Barrnon about how Bladecutter® and Bladecutter® PLUS can support your operations.
