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Reduction of excess sludge production using mechanical disintegration devices
G W Strünkmann1, J A Müller, F Albert
1Institute of Mechanical Process Engineering, Post Box 3329, Technical University of Braunschweig, D-38023 Braunschweig, Germany. g.struenkmann@tu-bs.de
Summary
Mechanical disintegration effectively reduces excess sludge in wastewater treatment by up to 70%. Combining this with membrane bioreactors offers energy savings compared to conventional activated sludge processes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Wastewater Treatment Technologies
Background:
- Activated sludge processes generate significant excess sludge, posing disposal challenges.
- Mechanical disintegration is explored as a method to mitigate sludge production.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the efficacy of mechanical disintegration techniques for reducing excess sludge production.
- Assess the impact of mechanical disintegration on effluent quality in wastewater treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ultrasonic homogenizers, stirred media mills, and high-pressure homogenizers.
- Conducted experiments in a laboratory-scale, continuously operated wastewater treatment system with pre-denitrification.
- Varied operational parameters for mechanical disintegration.
Main Results:
- Achieved up to 70% reduction in excess sludge production, dependent on operational conditions and device used.
- Mechanical disintegration showed no or minor negative effects on soluble effluent Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and COD-removal capacity.
- Nitrogen removal was slightly impaired, though the system was not initially optimized for nitrogen removal.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical disintegration is a viable technique for reducing excess sludge in activated sludge systems.
- Integration with membrane bioreactors at high sludge ages presents a more energy-efficient sludge reduction strategy.
- Careful optimization of disintegration parameters is necessary to minimize impacts on effluent quality and nutrient removal.
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