Thermal Hydrolysis

A complete sludge thermal treatment reduction process

Sludge thermal treatment
Overview

Thermal hydrolysis achieves enhanced treated sludge and improves the final sludge cake dryness. The treated sludge can then be recovered for agricultural use. The increased biogas produced by the anaerobic digestion can be used for producing green electricity or can be injected after treatment in the gas grid.

What is Thermal Hydrolysis?

The thermal hydrolysis process (THP) achieves enhanced treated sludge and the final sludge cake dryness is improved. The treated sludge can then be recovered for agricultural purposes. Increased biogas is produced by the anaerobic digestion and this can be used to generate green electricity. Alternatively, it can be injected in the gas grid after treatment.

How does the thermal hydrolysis process work?

The thermal hydrolysis process makes biosolid waste material or sludge more biodegradable. It does this by improving the digestibility and efficiency of subsequent sludge treatment processes. The thickened sludge is heated up to between 150 and 165 degrees Celsius, at a pressure of around seven bars. The pressure is then rapidly released causing cells in the sludge to rupture.  As a result of this, it makes the sludge more digestible to microbes. The process takes around thirty minutes.

Thermal Hydrolysis Plant

A thermal hydrolysis plant,  processes all types of organic municipal and industrial sludge and also grease in batch mode. The plant process breaks down the organic matter in the sludge making it more digestible for the microbes used in the anaerobic digester. Biogas derived from the digester can be used for renewable, green energy and the drier sludge cake can be recovered for agricultural use.

The sludge thermal treatment process can be combined with other water tech, management and maintenance service and support packages that are provided by Veolia Water Technologies.

Benefits of Thermal Hydrolysis
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Thermal hydrolysis provides many wastewater treatment benefits:

  • The sludge cake has lower odour levels.
  • Biosolids produced are an effective and low-cost fertilizer.
  • Excess biogas production can be used for sustainable electricity production or grid injection.
  • As the biosolid mass and volume decreases, the residuals management cost is lower.
  • Reduced carbon footprint of the facility, particularly when combined with other water tech services.


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