Sand Separation Systems

Sand is the ultimate bedding from the standpoint of dairy cow health. Sand provides a healthy environment for the udder, keeps cows cleaner, and aids in cow traction on slick concrete.

However, disadvantages of sand bedding stem from the fact that when manure is mixed with sand, it becomes incompatible with long-term storage practices.

When sand is mixed with manure the result is a mixture that is difficult to agitate, pump, and land-apply, and its abrasive nature results in excessive wear on equipment.


The McLanahan Sand-Manure Separator (SMS) removes bedding sand from dairy manure prior to long-term storage of the manure fraction. Utilizing proven sand processing technology, the SMS recovers a sand fraction suitable for reuse as bedding and a manure fraction containing minimal amounts of the finest sand.
Sand-Manure Separator Systems
In scrape systems, sand-laden dairy manure (SLDM) is scraped from the freestall alleys and into a reception pit. The SLDM is then metered into the SMS using a McLanahan manure auger.

In flush systems, the flush stream is diverted to a settling area where sand and manure solids are permitted to settle. The settled sand and manure solids are then conveyed from the settling area and metered into the SMS using a McLanahan manure auger.

Recycle Bedding Sand
Sand discharged from the SMS contains approximately 10-12% moisture and is damp to the touch. Recovered sand contains minimal amounts of organic matter -- typically less than 2% on a dry basis.

Since a majority of the organic matter is removed, excess water is able to drain freely. When bedding with mason sand (ASTM C-144) or concrete sand (ASTM C-33), the SMS recovers approximately 80 or 90% of the sand from the manure, respectively.

Sand Free Manure
The sand free manure stream that is discharged from the SMS can be pumped, irrigated, or injected. The effluent can also be pumped to a liquid-solid separator before being pumped to a storage or returned to the SMS to serve as recycled make up water. 

Sand-Manure Separators are Available in Two Sizes
 SMS-20
(20"x22') 		SMS-36
(36"x33')
Capacity (cow-days/hour)60-90150-200
Electric Motors (hp)
SMS510
compressor3/43/4
Water Requirements (gpm)
recycle20100
fresh2-33-5

SMS Construction
McLanahan Sand-Manure Separators are fabricated from steel plate. Design features include gussets and stiffening ribs to provide a high degree of stiffness and rigidity.

Auger
A SMS auger consists of a steel pipe shaft with continuous spiral steel screw flights. The flights are equipped with renewable, wear resistant white iron wearing shoes of bolt-on design. Approximately one inch of clearance is maintained between the auger and trough along the entire length of the SMS.

Bearing Assemblies
The lower end of the SMS auger shaft is supported by a Twin-Seal Pak bearing. This bearing package is protected by a unique sealing system. The complete assembly can be easily removed as a unit for periodic inspection or normal maintenance as required.

Drive
Sand-Manure Separators are powered by TEFC electric motors. Power is transmitted through V-belts and shaft mounted gear reducers. An adjustable motor mount allows for easy adjustment of belt tension.

Benefits

  • Recovered sand can be reused as bedding
  • Equipment wear greatly reduced
  • Manure fraction can be irrigated, sub-surface injected, pumped over long distances, or dewatered.