Impacts of Various Hydraulic and Solid Loading Conditions on Process Capability of Sludge Thickening with Thickening Centrifuges

Solids thickening is an indispensable unit process for process intensification of biosolid s treatment. The fluctuations of feed sludge characteristics often impact the stability of the thickening process, reduce process capability, and increase operation and maintenance costs. Often, the optimization of sludge thickening is focused on meeting performance requirements as detailed in specifications. This study expands the assessment of sludge thickening by including both thickening equipment and its up- and downstream infrastructure from a process capability perspective. The presentation will benefit engineers and utility operators in better design and troubleshooting of sludge thickening processes with designed thickened sludge solids total equal to or higher than 6%. The presentation will provide practical suggestions for improving the process capabilities of sludge thickening, including pumping improvement, pipe flushing using digested sludge, and improvements on sensors.