Print this page Thermal Processing of Biosolids
Walter R. Niessen, P.E., B.C.E.E.
Course Outline
This course assumes a basic understanding of chemistry and mathematics. It presumes basic engineering analysis perspectives but, through text and examples guides the student an understanding of the processes and interactions of sludge drying and burning systems. The course includes:
- The basic characteristics of biological sludge;
- The alternatives and characteristics of sludge dewatering, and feeding means;
- Sludge drying technologies; and
- Sludge incineration technologies.
This course includes
a multiple choice quiz at the end,
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Learn the basic categories of sludge generated in wastewater treatment systems;
- Learn the chemical properties of sludge generated in wastewater treatment systems;
- Learn the physical and energy-related properties of sludge generated in wastewater treatment systems;
- Learn the chemical properties of sludge generated in wastewater treatment systems
- Learn the characteristics of the handling systems used for the sludge generated in wastewater treatment systems;
- Learn the basic advantages realized by drying wastewater sludge;
- Learn the general characteristics of sludge drying systems;
- Learn about rotary direct dryers;
- Learn about flash dryers;
- Learn about tray dryers;
- Learn about indirect disk dryers;
- Learn about paddle dryers;
- Learn about special processes (Carver-Greenfield) applied to sludge drying;
- Learn about the operability and maintainability features of sludge dryers;
- Learn about fluidized bed sludge incinerators;
- Learn about multiple hearth sludge incinerators; and
- Learn about the air pollution control features of sludge incinerators.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for civil, environmental, mechanical and chemical engineers and permit specialists involved with or about to be involved with drying and/or incineration systems as applied to biosolids processing.
Benefit to Attendees
The course gives practicing engineers, regulators, and permit specialists the basic understanding of the equipment and process features of systems that dry or burn biosolids; for the design of such technologies and associated fans, ducts, and air pollution control equipment; and for the preparation of related permit documents.
Course Introduction
Assisted by the massive construction grant program of the Water Pollution Control Act, a large number of primary and secondary municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants were brought on-line in the United States during the period 1970 to 1990. The plants generate large quantities of waste solids. Indeed, treatment technology for wastewater has two fundamental branches (1) the branch that converts the pollutant materials in the wastewater to carbon dioxide, nitrogen and/or water vapor through biological oxidation and (2) process steps (including both chemical precipitation and the conversion of dissolved pollutants to biomass) that convert pollutants to separable solids (biosolids). These biosolids include several waste streams:
- Primary Sludge
- Biological ("secondary") Sludge
- Advanced Wastewater Treatment Sludge; and
- Other Treatment Plant Solids (screenings, grit, scum)
Management of these waste solids and, more specifically, the three sludge types can be effected by many means. Here, we consider the thermal processes: drying and incineration and, briefly, the preparatory steps of mechanical dewatering and handling/feeding. These topics are preceded by a brief summary of the physical and chemical characteristics of the sludge solids.
Course Content
In this lesson, you are required to download and study the following course content in PDF format:
Thermal Processing of Biosolids
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Course Summary
This course assumes a basic understanding of chemistry and mathematics. It presumes basic engineering analysis perspectives but, through text and examples guides the student an understanding of the processes and interactions of sludge drying and burning systems. The course includes:
- The basic characteristics of biological sludge;
- The alternatives and characteristics of sludge dewatering, and feeding means;
- Sludge drying technologies; and
- Sludge incineration technologies.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers http://www.asme.com/
Air and Waste Management Association http://www.awma.com/
Combustion Engineering Association http://www.cea.com.uk/
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
