Enhanced technology for sewage sludge advanced dewatering from an engineering practice perspective: A review. (1st November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Xudong; Ye, Peng; Wu, Yajun
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 321(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11-01
• Subjects: Sewage sludge -- Dewatering ability -- Sludge preconditioning -- Mechanical dewatering techniques -- Vacuum preloading; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115938
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: The increasing production of sludge poses significant environmental risks. Sludge disposal and transport are costly because of the high water content (WC). Reducing the WC of sludge is the most efficient strategy to decrease treatment costs. However, the sludge contains a large amount of hydrophilic organic matter, causing poor dewaterability. Therefore, research on preconditioning and mechanical dewatering has great significance for advanced sludge dewatering. In this study, the features of sludge, the advantages and disadvantages of preconditioning methods, and the action mechanisms (including physical, chemical, and biological preconditioning) are thoroughly described. In addition, the dewatering principle and engineering applications of mechanical dewatering techniques are introduced in this manuscript, especially the application of vacuum preloading as an in-situ dewatering technology in sludge. Finally, cost analysis of different conditioning and mechanical dewatering methods is conducted to explore their application feasibility. This manuscript provides new insights for engineering applications of preconditioning methods and mechanical dewatering technology. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: The mechanisms of sludge preconditioning methods are analyzed. Application and development perspectives of vacuum preloading are discussed. The mechanical dewatering techniques are reviewed from theory to practice. The economic analysis is conducted on preconditioning and dewatering methods. The advantages and disadvantages of different methods are compared.