What are the current technology advancements in biosolid management?
New solids processing systems have not been developed as rapidly as in liquid treatment methods and processes. However, significant improvement has occurred in thickening, stabilization of solids, dewatering and drying of solids. These technological improvements have enabled important reduction of volume and facilitated disposal.
Anaerobic digestion is the conversion of organic materials from solid waste to methane-containing gases and remains the principal process for stabilization of solids. Benefits offered from this technology are:
- Reduction of organic matter in the sludge
- Improved sludge dewaterability
- Destruction of most pathogens
- Volume reduction
- Production of bio-gas such as methane that are profitable for cogeneration and enable to reduce the energy consumption of the wastewater treatment plant
What future technologies will advance biosolid management?
Improvement in dewatering and drying technology, including high solids centrifuges and heat dryers, are expected. This will further reduce the volume and improve the quality of the biosolids and its application.
An example of new and future plants on solids waste is Cambi using Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP). Among the advantages that will be realized from this technology are:
- Digestion of a wide variety of difficult wastes;
- Complete pasteurization of biosolids reducing public health risks associated with the disposal of biosolids;
- Biogas production that can reduce drastically the cost of treatment and provide commercial and marketing opportunity for energy savings;
- Large reduction of final product quantity due to a better organic destruction and dewatering; and
- Compact technology that can accept high loading.