Treatment of secondary sludge for energy recovery

Chunbao Charles Xu, Jody Lancaster

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary WorksRGC 12 - Chapter in an edited book (Author)peer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Primary and secondary sludges are produced as a result of primary and secondary wastewater treatment in municipal wastewater plant or pulp and paper mills. Sludge disposal has become a worldwide problem for many reasons including rapidly shrinking landfill space, increased environmental awareness, more stringent environmental standards governing the disposal of sludge, and dewatering challenges. Unlike the primary sludge, the secondary sludge as byproduct of the biological treatment is far more difficult to dewater and to be disposed. Secondary sludge waste management issues are a continuing challenge. This together with record high oil prices have contributed to a need to examine methods of converting secondary sludge waste into energy. In this chapter, we have overviewed a variety of secondary sludge post treatment methods for energy recovery, including incineration, gasification, pyrolysis, direct liquefaction, supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) and anaerobic digestion. A critical comparison between these methods is presented with respect to their net energy efficiencies. The advantages and drawbacks of each treatment option are also highlighted in this chapter. © 2009 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEnergy Recovery
PublisherNova Science Publishers
Pages187-212
ISBN (Print)9781617284021, 9781607410652
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2009
Externally publishedYes

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