Sludge Drying in Tunnels Using Photovoltaic Panels

Abstract

The objective of this work is to give the fundamental information that should be known about sludge drying methods. The purpose of all types of sludge processing is to reduce the volume, stabilise the sludge, remove water and kill pathogenic organisms. It is processed in stages that contain a sequence of treatments such as thickening, dewatering and drying. Sludge drying in tunnels using photovoltaic panels is a continuous operation from the sludge treatment which reduces the water content of sludge by heating it for short periods. Dried product not only reaches granular formation with 92-95% DS but also gets stabilized. This is a complicated process with contemporary heat and mass transfer attended by physical-chemical transformations. Drying occurs as a result of vaporization of liquid by supplying heat to wet feedstock.

Physico-chemical characterization and possible uses of sludge processed from an urban sewage treatment plant

“…Dried sludge up to a solid SS value of 70-80% [52] (that can be reached through the evaporation process) can be transferred from the waste category to the material resources category– in agriculture, concrete, ceramic pipes, and resources for the energy system, etc. All the existing normative acts in force should be updated and completed according to the newest and latest market demands.…”