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Green sludge dewatering and recycling technology for generating renewable energy and liquid nutrients: Bench- and pilot-scale studies

Author

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  • Lin, Y.L.
  • Chen, S.T.
  • Zheng, N.Y.
  • Wang, H.C.

Abstract

In this study, ultrasonication was performed under a low H2O2 dosage for dewatering and reducing activated sludge. Moreover, torrefaction was performed to convert the sludge remaining after ultrasonication into biochar, which is a renewable energy source. Factors including the H2O2 concentration, ultrasonication time and power, and torrefaction temperature and reaction time were systematically evaluated. The results of bench-scale tests indicated that high sludge volume and mass reductions (>50%) as well as high-carbohydrate and -protein content in the supernatant could be achieved through 20-s ultrasonication under a H2O2 dosage of 1.5% and ultrasonication power of 70-W. In these tests, the produced biochar exhibited a HHV of 12.8–14.4 MJ kg−1, a return of energy investment (ROEI) of 7.7–14.2, and 65.4% lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions upon combustion than did bituminous coal. In the pilot-scale tests, the produced biochar exhibited an ROEI of 10.4, and its GHG emissions on combustion were 74.8% lower than those of bituminous coal. The cost of the developed method is 84.6% lower than that of the conventional dewatering and disposal method. In summary, the proposed method is an energy-efficient, environment-friendly, and economically feasible method for producing biochar and recovering nutrients from supernatants without considerable GHG emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin, Y.L. & Chen, S.T. & Zheng, N.Y. & Wang, H.C., 2023. "Green sludge dewatering and recycling technology for generating renewable energy and liquid nutrients: Bench- and pilot-scale studies," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 278(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:278:y:2023:i:pb:s0360544223014020
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.128008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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