THE BENEFICIAL REUSE OF SLUDGE INCINERATOR EXHAUST GASES TO PRODUCE RENEWABLE ENERGY

This paper reports on a unique plan to recapture exhaust waste heat from a sludge incinerator and convert that heat into electric power. The concept has shown itself to be technically viable, with low technical risk, and provides an economically attractive return on investment. The reuse of exhaust gases in a similar fashion at other wastewater treatment operations with sludge incineration could reduce long term operating cost for electric power as well as provide significant benefits to the ratepayer and the surrounding community. The equipment employed is proven, with a long-term history of reliability and inherently low risk, making the use of such technology readily available and easy to employ. In addition, in many cases, funding from Federal, State and other sources may be available to offset both capital cost and operating expenses, thus further reducing the amount of capital at risk. In an era of ever rising cost for electric power and continued concern over the effects of pollution emissions from electric power generating facilities, this concept may help other similar waste water treatment plant operators solve a number of problems.