Case Study · Barmer, Rajasthan
Cairn India Limited
Oily Sludge Drying Case Study
Results at a Glance
Oily Sludge Drying Results at Cairn India
This oily sludge drying case study covers Cairn India in Barmer, Rajasthan, where a steam-heated Hollow Shaft Paddle Dryer reduces hazardous oily sludge from 80–90% moisture to below 10% in just 10–15 m².
1.1 TPD
Oily sludge treated
10–15 m²
Installed footprint
<10%
Outlet moisture, from 80–90%
90–95%
Dry solids achieved
Project Overview
Industry: Oil & Gas / Petroleum Processing
Sludge Type: Oily hazardous sludge
Capacity: 1.1 TPD
Technology: Steam-Based Hollow Paddle Dryer
Facts and Figures
Sludge Generation: 1.1 TPD
Available Area: 10–15 m²
Input Moisture: 80–90%
Output Moisture: <10% (as low as 5%)
Dry Solids Achieved: >90–95%
System Type: Continuous thermal drying
The Oily Sludge Drying Challenge
- Oily sludge with high moisture (80–90%) and poor drying characteristics
- Requirement for very high dryness for safe disposal / reuse
- Limited installation area (10–15 m²)
- Solar drying not feasible due to process constraints and consistency requirements
- Need for controlled, continuous drying
The Solution
- Installation of steam-heated hollow paddle dryer
- Compact system suitable for limited space
- Integrated feeding and discharge systems
- Continuous mixing and indirect heating for uniform drying
- Fully enclosed system for handling hazardous sludge
Results & Benefits
- Achieved extremely high drying efficiency (>90% moisture removal)
- Significant volume reduction of hazardous sludge
- Consistent and controlled output quality
- Compact footprint solution for space-constrained sites
- Fully compliant handling of oily sludge
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Why the Hollow Shaft Paddle Dryer?
Solar drying was not feasible because of process constraints and the need for consistent output. An enclosed, steam-heated paddle dryer gave continuous, controlled drying of hazardous oily sludge in a very small footprint. Explore the Hollow Shaft Paddle Dryer →FAQs
Oily Sludge Drying: Frequently Asked Questions
Can oily sludge be dried safely?
Yes. The paddle dryer is fully enclosed and uses indirect steam heating, so hazardous oily sludge is dried without open emissions. Handling and disposal follow CPCB hazardous waste rules.
What dryness does oily sludge drying achieve?
At Cairn India, outlet moisture is below 10% and as low as 5%, or more than 90–95% dry solids.
How much space is needed?
The complete system fits in 10–15 m², with integrated feeding and discharge.
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