Combining Thermal Hydrolysis with Advanced Thermal Conversion to Reduce Energy Demands for Microcontaminant Destruction

Barber, W.P.F.

Ozwater'25

Abstract

Thermal hydrolysis of sewage sludge prior to subsequent anaerobic digestion is a well-established process with approximately 130 facilities worldwide, of which over 90 are supplied by Cambi, the market leader. The majority of plants are combined with land use of the biosolids as a fertilizer due to the biosolids meeting the criteria for advanced biosolids under various regulations. In addition, the dewatered biosolids are friable, have low odour and high dry solids which make it a desirable product.
However, there is growing concern over the presence of microcontaminants, such as microplastics and PFAS-related compounds, in the biosolids. However, these processes are reliant on having dried sludge as a feedstock and are therefore highly energy intensitve. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how combining thermal hydrolysis with digestion prior to thermal systems can be beneficial to reduce the energy demands of processing. Additionally, work looking at the impact of thermal hydrolysis when combined with pyrolysis are presented.

Download the full paper.

img

Write your own success story

Seen what we've done for others? Let’s chat about how we can do the same for you. Get in touch with our team to learn how thermal hydrolysis can transform your plant, too.

Talk to our team