Process and Chemical

Sludge Treatment, Handling and Disposal

Sludge is the part of a treatment works that keeps producing whether or not anybody has planned for it, and a site with nowhere to put it will eventually compromise the treatment process to keep the flow moving. This course treats it as the operational constraint it is. Delegates work through sludge production and the quantities a works will actually generate, then through thickening by gravity, flotation and mechanical means. Stabilisation is covered, including anaerobic digestion and the operating conditions digesters need to stay stable. Biogas handling and its hazards are addressed. Aerobic and lime stabilisation follow for sites without digestion. Dewatering is covered across belt press, centrifuge and drying beds, with the polymer selection that decides performance. Pathogen reduction and classification for reuse are addressed. Land application, agricultural use and the restrictions that apply follow. The course closes on odour, on transport and on disposal cost.