FCE 581: Public Health Engineering 1B

CHAPTER 10 SLUDGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL

10.1 Purpose of Sludge Treatment

1) To destroy pathogenic bacteria
2) Reduce volume the volume of sludge so that it can be disposed of easily
3) Obtain combustible gases
4) Obtain manure
5) Reduce moisture content so to facilitate handling and transporting
Partial stabilization of sludge from primary and secondary settling tanks is achieved by
anaerobic digestion also referred to as sludge digestion. The process is described below.

10.2 Sludge Digestion

Sludge digestion is the decomposition of complex organic matter in sludge by biochemical
reaction created by anaerobic bacteria. Two steps are involved:
(1) Facultative anaerobic acid producers that convert carbohydrate proteins and fats
into inorganic acids and alcohols.
(2) Anaerobic methane formers that convert the acids and alcohols into methane and
carbon dioxide.
Sludge digestion may be carried out using either (i) sludge digestion tanks or (ii) Imhoff
tank.

(i) Sludge Digestion Tank

Conventional anaerobic digestion is carried out in a two way stage process. In the first
stage, the sludge is heated to desired temperature (35oC) and produces most of the gas.
The second stage is one of quiescent settlement and solids separation. Te supernatant
liquor which is high in soluble organics (up to 10,000 mg/l BOD5) is drawn-off for aerobic
treatment in the main plant. The settled solids are withdrawn as sludge for dewatering and
ultimate disposal.

1
 FCE 581: Public Health Engineering 1B

Sludge Drying Beds

(ii) Imhoff Tank

The tank consists of a two storey tank in which sedimentation is accomplished in the upper
compartment and digestion in the lower compartment. Settling solids pass through the
slots into the lower compartment for digestion. Digestion process in the lower
compartment escapes through the vents on the sides An Imhoff tank is easy to operate and
there is no mechanical equipment to maintain. However, it is expensive, very deep and
may require heating