For sludge reduction, what is the main source and how to cut down?

Published on by in Technology

Dear all,

1.The sludge we handle about 70 ton/day , and the water content of sludge is about 80% .The sludge could come from the wastewater about 45,000 ton/day in the 6 units of WWTP., and the chemicals we added. The process of WWTP, 2 units is primary treatment (PAC and polymer, coag-floc-settlement), secondary treatment (activated sludge), polymer floc-settlement and sand filters; 3 units is shock tank /equalization tank, secondary treatment (activated sludge) and membrane filter; 1units is equalization tank and settlement.

2.What is the main source of sludge in the WWTP, (1) the suspended solids or COD of the influent water , (2) the chemicals we added (such as the PAC, Poly Aluminum Chloride), (3) the derivatives from the activated sludge in secondary treatment. Could we estimate the proportion of the source approximately? that can help us to reduction the sludge. (a) add some chemicals to enhance the sludge dewatering efficiency , reduce the water attached to the sludge,(b) add organic PAC to replace the Poly Aluminum Chloride , (c)operate the Anoxic-Oxic process to replace the aeration process, or add  the microorganism to degradation the sludge from  secondary treatment   .

Thanks all.

Taxonomy

5 Answers

  1. @ Lin JYH-YAN

    Dear Eng. Lin JYH-YAN

    I propose three ways to increase the sludge dewatering efficiency of this WWTP

    **** First Technique: Optimizing Existing Processes 🔍

    #### Second Technique: Implementing Supplemental Processes 🛠️

    #### Third Technique: Evaluating Advanced Dewatering Technologies ⚙️

     

    ****First Technique: Optimizing Existing Processes 🔍

    1. **Monitoring and Data Analysis**:

    2. **Evaluate Current Processes**:

     3. **Effective Sludge Dewatering**:

       - **Dewatering Agents**: Test various cationic polymers and other chemicals to determine the most effective option and dosage through bench-scale and pilot evaluations.

       - **Replace PAC with Organic Coagulants**: Evaluate the potential of organic coagulants to produce less sludge and optimize chemical dosages.

    2. **Second Technique: Supplemental Processes**:

       - Conduct bench-scale and pilot tests for anoxic-oxic cycling and microbial addition.

       - Evaluate the effectiveness of centrifuges and belt filters for dewatering.

    3. **Third Technique: cutting-edge Technologies**:

       - Keep abreast of emerging technologies like ultrasonic treatment to incorporate cutting-edge methods into the dewatering process.

    Thank you for taking the time to review this content.

    Best Regards,

    Dr. Hossein Ataei Far

  2. I propose three ways to increase the sludge dewatering efficiency of this WWTP

    **** First Technique: Optimizing Existing Processes 🔍

    #### Second Technique: Implementing Supplemental Processes 🛠️

    #### Third Technique: Evaluating Advanced Dewatering Technologies ⚙️

     

    ****First Technique: Optimizing Existing Processes 🔍

    1. **Monitoring and Data Analysis**:

    2. **Evaluate Current Processes**:

     3. **Effective Sludge Dewatering**:

       - **Dewatering Agents**: Test various cationic polymers and other chemicals to determine the most effective option and dosage through bench-scale and pilot evaluations.

       - **Evaluate the replacement PAC with Organic Coagulants**: Evaluate the potential of organic coagulants to produce less sludge and optimize chemical dosages.

    2. **Second Technique: Supplemental Processes**:

       - Conduct bench-scale and pilot tests for anoxic-oxic cycling and microbial addition.

       - Evaluate the effectiveness of centrifuges and belt filters for dewatering.

    3. **Third Technique: cutting-edge Technologies**:

       - Keep abreast of emerging technologies like ultrasonic treatment to incorporate cutting-edge methods into the dewatering process.

    Thank you for taking the time to review this content.

     

  3. # Key Points on Sludge Reduction in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP)

    I propose three ways to increase the sludge dewatering efficiency of this WWTP. First: Optimizing wastewater treatment processes without implementing additional steps
    Second: The supplementing process that will be used to improve sludge dewatering:

    # First Technique: Optimizing Existing Processes

    1. **Monitoring and Data Analysis**:

       - Continuously monitor influent characteristics and sludge production.

       - Refine treatment processes based on collected data.

    2. **Evaluate Current Processes**:

       - Measure suspended solids and COD in influent water.

       - Track chemical usage and its impact on sludge generation.

       - Analyze sludge composition to identify organic and inorganic content.

    3. **Effective Sludge Dewatering**:

       - **Dewatering Agents**: Test various cationic polymers and other chemicals to find the most effective option and dosage through bench-scale and pilot evaluations.

       - **Replace PAC with Organic Coagulants**: Evaluate the potential of organic coagulants to produce less sludge and optimize chemical dosages.

    # Second Technique: Implementing Supplemental Processes

    1. **Anoxic-Oxic Processes**:

       - **Anoxic-Oxic Cycling**: Assess the feasibility of anoxic-oxic processes to enhance biological nutrient removal and reduce sludge production.

       - **Microbial Addition**: Evaluate the addition of specialized microbes to degrade excess sludge in secondary treatment.

    2. **Mechanical Dewatering**:

       - Investigate the use of centrifuges and belt filters to improve sludge dewatering efficiency.

    # Third Technique: Evaluating Advanced Dewatering Technologies

    - **Ultrasonic Treatment and Other Innovations**:

      - Stay updated with the latest research and technological advancements in dewatering processes, such as ultrasonic treatment, to further enhance sludge dewatering efficiency.

    ### Recommendations

    1. **First Technique: Optimize Existing Processes**:

       - Regular monitoring and data analysis.

       - Careful evaluation of current processes and chemical usage.

       - Experiment with different dewatering agents and coagulants to find the optimal solution.

    2. **Second Technique: Supplemental Processes**:

       - Conduct bench-scale and pilot tests for anoxic-oxic cycling and microbial addition.

       - Evaluate the effectiveness of centrifuges and belt filters for dewatering.

    3. **Third Technique: Advanced Technologies**:

       - Keep abreast of emerging technologies like ultrasonic treatment to incorporate cutting-edge methods into the dewatering process.

  4. We have a new technology that can be employed in all sewage treatment plants and it does not generate any sludge. The gist of the process is like this. We have a nano nutrient that helps the growth of Diatom algae in any waste water. This algae produces copies quantities of 100% pure nano bubbles of oxygen under water. The increasing DO helps aerobic microorganisms in breaking down the sludge, BOD,COD , Suspended organic matter . No / very little sludge is generated in this process. Please see web www.nualgi.com for details. you may contact email arun1@nualgi.com for details. We are located in Bangalore India.  

  5. Answered on the facebook group for operators- 

    by Chris JonesTop Contributor

    I have experienced the adding microorganism and it reduced sludge like 40% in my digester. Don't know why all plants are not feeding this product. I tried because town 10 miles away had been using for few years. They are 1.0 mgd facility..and went from running belt Press 3 times a week to 1 time a month just to keep Press parts moving and not sitting there long time without running.

    1 Comment