Proceedings

It has be recognised now for sometime that processes such as anaerobic digestion can be enhanced, for example in terms of increased gas production, by the release and conversion of substrate to produce less sludge for disposal etc. There are various processes available in the global market place, which lay claim to such results.

This paper is intended to look at one such process highlighting how its continual development here in the United Kingdom has given rise to opportunities in the international market place. The technology in question is known as sonixTM, which is the trade name for the established ultrasound technology developed by Purac Ltd and WS Atkins for the conditioning of biological sludges arising from various wastewaters and other treatment processes prior to but not limited to anaerobic digestion

A number of trials and full-scale installations have been undertaken and contracts have been awarded since the last Wakefield conference in 2003. This paper will present results from sites both here in the UK and from other locations around the world highlighting the improvements reported and how these experiences have been translated into longterm full-scale installations. In addition reference to on going improvements in both hardware and technology will be made which demonstrate that this process is here to stay.

KEYWORDS Biogas Enhancement, Digester Foaming, Digestion Enhancement, Filament Control, Secondary Sludge Disposal, Sludge Reduction, sonixTM, Ultrasound.