Underlying Mechanistic Principles and Proposed Modeling Approach for Waste Activated Sludge Reduction Technologies

WERF's 05-CTS-3 Evaluation of Processes to Reduce Activated Solids Generation and Disposal aims to establish a comprehensive evaluation methodology for waste activated solids (WAS) reduction processes based on the in-depth consideration of a select number of technologies considered to be representative of the many options currently available in the marketplace. These technologies cover both those intended to reduce the generation of wastewater treatment residuals from the liquid process, as well as those designed to pre-condition solids in order to make it more susceptible to subsequent stabilization processes such as anaerobic digestion.In conjunction with the previous paper titled “CURRENT STATE OF THE PRACTICE OF SLUDGE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGIES” (Sandino et al, 2008), this paper is intended to focus on the evaluation of the performance data collected from full-scale facilities. Laboratory analyses conducted at Virginia Polytechnic Institute from samples collected from these same facilities are included.This paper will discuss the mechanisms behind the technologies, present performance data, and discuss the operational considerations influencing the observed performance (e.g. wastewater characteristics, activated solids operational practice, solids reduction technology design basis and operation).