Proceedings

Many considerations

• Polymer type (charge density, molecular weight, structure)
• Stability (alkalinity, pH, temperature, age)
• Carrier (not mixing) water
• Polymer make up time
• Solution concentration
• Dose point
• Liquid versus powder
• Mixing energy
• Sludge composition
• Age of sludge (and poly)
• Shearing

INTRODUCTION TO EVENT:  Sludge dewatering is integral to the cost effective recycling or disposal of sludges derived from municipal, organic waste and industrial sources.  A cost-benefit analysis for any given plant will make assumptions on:

1. the dry solids content (%DS) of the cake/fibre;
2. the mass of polymer or conditioning agent required;

• the quality of the return liquors (solids capture); and

Choosing the right equipment and the right polymer for different feedstocks to achieve a contractual guarantee is critical and optimisation of the process installed equally important to deliver the expected benefit.