In the sand and gravel industry, efficiency and precision in material handling are essential. One of the most effective tools in achieving this is the dewatering bucket wheel. These machines play a key role in dewatering, fine sand recovery, and preparing materials for further processing. But how exactly do they work, and what sets the top-tier systems apart?

What Are Dewatering Bucket Wheels?

Dewatering bucket wheels are used to separate solids from water in material like sand and gravel. They are commonly found in processing plants, quarries, and on suction dredgers where raw material is delivered as a water-solids mixture.

These systems are engineered to:

• Dewater sand and gravel
• Feed suction dredgers
• Recover fine sand that would otherwise be lost

How Do They Work?

The process starts when a water-solids mixture enters the wheel body, which is already filled with water. A rotating wheel equipped with specially designed scooping elements lifts the solids from the mixture. Each scoop features sieve openings on the bottom, allowing water to drain out while retaining the material.

The rotation allows the solids to partially dry—usually during half a turn—so they reach a pumpable state. A built-in negative pressure system enhances this dewatering process. Once sufficiently dried, the material is discharged onto a conveyor belt and transported to the next stage of production.

In cases where fine sand content is high, wider troughs and feed spirals are used to slow water movement and extend sedimentation time. This prevents valuable fine material from being lost through the overflows.

KISA Dewatering Bucket Wheels — Precision and Power Combined

At KISA, we have been building dewatering systems for over 35 years. Our dewatering bucket wheels are engineered for the most demanding applications, with a strong focus on capacity, durability, and fine sand recovery.

Key specs of KISA bucket wheels:

• Wheel diameters up to 8000 mm
• Wheel widths up to 2800 mm
• Solids output up to 1500 t/h
• Handles grain sizes up to 200 mm

Whether it’s fine sand or coarse gravel, KISA’s solutions are tailored to suit various mixtures and material characteristics.

Unique Features of Our Systems

🔹 Automatic speed regulation– ensures optimal performance regardless of the mixture ratio.

🔹 Negative pressure drying– speeds up the drying process and improves energy efficiency.

🔹 Lateral charging coils– reduce fine sand loss by promoting even sedimentation and smoother water flow.

🔹 Modular construction – divided design of wheel bodies and troughs simplifies transport and assembly.

Unlike traditional catch pits, our systems introduce the material centrally. This halves the flow velocity toward each overflow, creating a more stable water surface and enhancing fine sand recovery.

In Summary

Bucket wheels may appear simple in concept, but modern systems like those built by KISA bring advanced engineering into play. Our machines are not just about removing water—they’re about maximizing output, minimizing losses, and integrating seamlessly into high-capacity operations.

If you’re in the market for a reliable, customizable dewatering solution, our team at KISA is here to help.

Let’s talk efficiency, durability, and innovation — let’s talk KISA.

On Friday, May 23rd, 2025, a KISA log washer was successfully commissioned at Beller GmbH & Co. KG. The machine has a maximum throughput of 200 tons per hour and is 8 meters long.

During the inauguration speech, Mr. Beller repeatedly emphasized the high quality and strong reputation that KISA enjoys in the industry. He especially pointed out the machine’s ability to deliver an outstanding degree of material cleanliness — clearly visible later in the separated material boxes.

Mr. Beller also made it clear that this is not the last project he will carry out with KISA. He is already considering a KISA bucket wheel for future applications.

Our Head of After-Sales and Customer Service, Mr. Papadopoulos, attended the event and was very pleased with the successful implementation and positive feedback from the customer.

We thank Beller GmbH & Co. KG for their trust and look forward to continued collaboration!