Arotary drum screen filter is a mechanical filtration device designed to remove coarse and fine solids from wastewater. It consists of a rotating cylindrical drum constructed from either wedge wire or perforated steel, through which water flows while solid particles are captured on the outer surface.

This screening process allows for continuous operation, where solids are collected and discharged while filtered water passes through to the next treatment stage. The system is equipped with automatic self-cleaning mechanisms that reduce the need for manual maintenance and prevent clogging.

Why Rotary Drum Screens Are Used in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Rotary drum screens serve as the first line of defense in wastewater treatment. Their main function is to separate non-biodegradable solids, such as plastics, rags, hair, and sludge particles before the water enters biological or chemical treatment zones.

This pre-treatment screening significantly reduces the load on aeration tanks, clarifiers, pumps, and membranes, ultimately extending the service life of the equipment and lowering operational costs.

Key Applications in Wastewater Treatment Processes:
Municipal wastewater screening
Industrial effluent pre-filtration
Sludge thickening and dewatering
Food and beverage wastewater pretreatment
Pulp and paper wastewater systems

How the Rotary Drum Screen Filter System Works
Influent enters the drum from a channel or pipeline.
Rotary motion slowly spins the screen to expose the filtration surface.
Water passes through the screen apertures; solids remain on the outer surface.
The drum’s rotation transports collected solids to a discharge point.
Spray bars or scrapers automatically clean the screen to maintain flow efficiency.

The continuous rotation and cleaning process prevents blinding and reduces downtime, even in systems with high solids content.

Advantages of Rotary Drum Screen Filters
1. High Screening Efficiency
Fine filtration options (down to 0.5 mm) make rotary drum screens suitable for applications that require the removal of fine solids, fibrous material, or organics.
2. Self-Cleaning Design
Built-in spray nozzles or brushes clean the drum during operation, reducing the frequency of manual intervention and system shutdowns.
3. Compact Footprint
Rotary drum screen systems are modular and space-efficient, suitable for both retrofit installations and new plant designs.
4. Versatile Construction Options
• Wedge wire screens for high-strength and fine separation
• Perforated plates for applications requiring structural durability
• Stainless steel bodies for corrosion resistance in aggressive wastewater environments
5. Cost Savings Over Time
By removing solids early, these systems reduce sludge production, energy consumption, and wear on downstream machinery.

Technical Options Available
Depending on the application, rotary drum screen filters are available in:
✔ Wedge wire or perforated drums
✔ Fine mesh options (from 0.2 mm to 6 mm openings)
✔ Open channel or in-tank designs
✔ Gravity-fed or pump-fed systems

Selecting the right drum screening system depends on factors like flow rate, solid load, wastewater composition, and plant layout.


YUBO Filtration Rotary Drum Real-World Use Case
A municipal treatment plant(a YUBO Client) recently upgraded from coarse bar screens to fine rotary drum screen filters. The result was a 40% reduction in maintenance downtime, improved sludge handling, and better protection of membrane bioreactors downstream. The change led to significant energy savings and improved effluent quality-a perfect example of how pre-filtration impacts the entire treatment process.


Looking to optimize your wastewater treatment plant’s pretreatment process?
Choose a reliable, corrosion-resistant, and energy-efficient rotary drum screen system built for long-term performance.
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