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Published on: July 13, 2012
A new approach to improve sludge dewatering using a semi-continuous hydraulic press system
G Kolisch1, M Boehler, F C Arancibia
1Wupperverbandsgesellschaft für integrale Wasserwirtschaft mbH, Untere Lichtenplatzer Strasse 100, 42289 Wuppertal, Germany. kol@wupperverband.de
Summary
A novel hydraulic press system, adapted from the food industry, shows promise for improving sewage sludge dewatering. Industrial trials achieved high dry solids content, indicating potential for more efficient wastewater treatment sludge incineration.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Waste Management
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Increasing sludge volumes from public wastewater treatment necessitate efficient dewatering for incineration.
- Existing dewatering technologies may not meet future demands for sludge processing.
- The Bucher HP hydraulic press system, utilized in the food industry, is explored as a potential solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of the Bucher HP hydraulic press system for sewage sludge dewatering.
- To assess the effectiveness of this system in achieving high dry solids content in sludge.
- To investigate process parameter optimization for enhanced sludge dewatering performance.
Main Methods:
- Conducting comprehensive industrial-scale trials of the Bucher HP system at the Glarnerland Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Switzerland.
- Measuring the dry solids content of the dewatered sludge.
- Operating a pilot plant at the Schwelm STP in Germany for ongoing process parameter optimization.
Main Results:
- The Bucher HP system demonstrated basic suitability for sewage sludge dewatering on an industrial scale.
- Dry solids content of up to 43% was achieved in the pressed sludge.
- Optimization studies are currently underway in a pilot plant setting.
Conclusions:
- The Bucher HP hydraulic press system presents a viable alternative for effective sewage sludge dewatering.
- Achieved dry solids content supports the potential for increased efficiency in sludge incineration.
- Further optimization is expected to enhance the system's performance in wastewater treatment applications.
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