THERMAL DRYING OF SEWAGE-SLUDGE

Over the next decade the UK will experience significant, imposed changes in the quantity of sewage sludge produced and in the means available for its disposal. Existing practices are being reappraised and new technologies are being explored to cope with a predicted 40% increase in the quantity for disposal. Thermal drying of sludge undoubtedly has a role to play in coping with this demand. The two principal process types, i.e. direct and indirect heat application, are appraised in depth and a comparison is drawn. A case study is identified to examine the energy demands of the process, including the potential for heat recovery and for resource reuse. The environmental impact of a typical process is also examined.