Conditioning of Anaerobically Digested Sludge
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 111, Issue 4
Abstract
Synthetic organic polyelectrolytes can be used to condition sludges to enhance their dewaterability. When conditioning biological sludges, the charge on the polymer has a significant impact on the effectiveness of the polymer as a conditioner. The objectives of this investigation were to determine the most effective type of polymer product for conditioning anaerobically digested sludge prior to dewatering, and to investigate how the chemical characteristics of the polymer influence the way it interacts with the sludge particles. Capillary suction time and particle electrophoretic mobility measurements were employed to achieve this objective. The results indicate that cationic polymers with molecular weights in excess of appear to be required for effective conditioning. However, effective sludge conditioning can be achieved with either high or low charge density cationic polymers and that dosing to achieve charge neutralization of the sludge particles is not a prerequisite for effective sludge conditioning.
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References
1.
Novak, J. T., Becker, H., and Zurow, A., “Factors Influencing the Thickening and Dewatering Properties of Activated Sludge,” Journal of the Environmental Engineering Division, ASCE, Vol. No. 103, EE5, 1977, p. 815.
2.
Novak, J. T., and Haugan, B. E., “Chemical Conditioning of Activated Sludge,” Journal of the Environmental Engineering Division, ASCE, Vol. 161, No. EE5, 1979, p. 993.
3.
Novak, J. T., and O'Brien, J. H., “Polymer Conditioning of Chemical Sludges,” Journal Water Pollution Control Federation, Vol. 48, 1975, p. 2397.
4.
Novak, J. T., and Piroozfard, M., “Application of Polymers for Water Plant Sludge Conditioning,” Proceedings of the American Water Works Association Annual Conference, St. Louis, 1981.
5.
Roberts, K., and Olsson, O., “Influence of Colloidal Particles on Dewatering of Activated Sludge with Polyelectrolyte,” Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 9, 1975, p. 945.
6.
Singer, P. C., and Lawler, D. F., “Treatability Analysis of Digester Supernatant and Other Return Flows to Improve Wastewater Treatment Plant Efficiency,” Report No. 182, Water Resources Research Institute, Raleigh, N.C., 1982.
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Copyright © 1985 ASCE.
History
Published online: Aug 1, 1985
Published in print: Aug 1985
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