A Process to Reduce the Cost of Sludge Dewatering

The cost for sludge treatment — in terms of manpower, equipment and energy — accounts for about 50% of the overall cost of wastewater. Since most end users require that the sludge be transported to another destination, it is important to increase the dry substance (DS). The KemiCond process ( CE, August 2006, p. 13), exhibited at IFAT (Munich, Germany; May 5 – 9), improves dewatering by breaking down the water-retaining structures that are formed ion sludge. The solution is a fully automated continuous process, ensuring smooth operation and minimal workload requirements. The process also decreases operating costs by minimizing the sludge volume. Standard container- or skid-mounted units are available for capacities up to 12,000 ton/yr of DS. — Kemira KemiCond AB, Helsingborg, Sweden