The EPA Part 503 biosolids rule assumes that sludge does not contain grit and screenings. Yet, many plants continue to operate with antiquated headworks utilizing coarse screens and inefficient grit removal processes. Pretreatment of sludge from these facilities to remove grit and screenings, benefits virtually every sludge process, from sludge pumping to the most advanced stabilization, dewatering, thermal conversion or drying process. Pretreated sludge, that is free of debris and grit, reduces fouling, deposition and abrasive wear.
Sludge management is focused on reducing sludge weight and volume to reduce disposal costs, reducing potential health risks and creating options for beneficial reuse of this important resource. Water removal is the primary means of weight and volume reduction. But, if not adequately protected from grit and screenings, weight and volume are not minimized, and processes are negatively impacted.
Composting, land application, drying beds and heat exchangers may not be negatively impacted by grit, but recognizable solids make the end-product from these processes undesirable and can plug heat exchangers. As many plants upgrade sludge processes to maximize energy production, nutrient removal and disposal options, pretreating sludge to remove grit and debris maximizes available volume for treatment and efficiency as well as protecting these advanced sludge processes from fouling, deposition, and wear.
Removing grit and rags results in sludge that can be treated using the most advanced processes and provides more cost-effective disposal options.
Download the brochure to learn more about the SlurryCup / Grit Snail sludge degritting system.
Download Brochure
