Practical techniques to assess the dewaterability of sludge and optimise performance and polymer dosing
Minall, R. – Aqua Enviro
(free)
Sludge dewatering is integral to the cost effective recycling of Municipal Mesophilic Anaerobic Digestate to land, as such it is currently well understood. Any mass balance or cost model for a plant in the municipal MAD market will make reasonable assumptions based upon a historic database for; i) the dry solids content (%DS) of the cake ii) the mass of polymer or conditioning agent and dry solids (kg poly/tds); and iii) the quality of the return liquors.
A dewatering asset is designed to achieve performance guarantees for these components and this is critical to the long term financial and operational success of any given project. Process guarantees are held by the manufacturer and installer of the equipment using a knowledge base based upon municipal MAD, however recent and potential future developments in organic waste Anaerobic Digestion and Thermal Hydrolysis have produced sludges with different dewatering characteristics (dewaterability). Through Research & Development, Aqua Enviro have developed a practical method that can be used to assess, compare and evaluate sludge dewaterability in a repeatable
manner to optimise current and future performance. The tests can either be undertaken in the laboratory or on site.
This paper focuses on the dewaterability of anaerobic digestate produced from sludge treatment processes incorporating Thermal Hydrolysis, Municipal Sewage Sludge and from the Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Wastes.
The Biosolids conference attracts the most authoritative global experts in the area of biosolids and organic resource handling, treatment and recycling. The programme covers both the latest innovations and updates of existing technologies. Presentations from respected industry experts and newcomers follow the development of technologies and legislation from inception to full-scale installations.
The conference regularly gathers over 200 delegates from all over Europe, many of them return every year both for the technical presentations and fantastic networking opportunities.
Regular conference themes include:
• Thickening and Dewatering
• Modelling Sludge Handling and Utilisation
• Commissioning and Operating Experiences with Thermal Hydrolysis
• Tackling Potential Odour Problems
• Operating Experiences and Potential Problems in Digester Operation
• Ensuring Optimum Energy Recovery from Biogas
• Liquor Treatment and P Removal
• Alternative Products from Sludge
• Enhancing the Value of Biosolids and Digestate
• Pathogens and Pollutants In Digestate
• Sharing Experiences
