Minimising Sludge Production at Water-Treatment Plants

Author:
R. Gregory, CEng, MIChemE (Member)1*Consultant and Senior Process Engineer, respectively, WRc Processes, Swindon, UK. and
G. Dillon, CEng, MIChemE

The paper identifies the mass and volume components of waterworks’sludge. The mass components arise from (i) the quality of the raw water treated, (ii) the chemicals used for treatment, and (iii) the efficiency with which those chemicals are utilised. Operation of the water-treatment processes and choice of treatment chemicals has an impact on the volume of sludge produced.

The paper also identifies the roles in sludge mass and volume minimisation of (a) the choice and management of raw-water source, (b) the choice and management of coagulant and other treatment chemicals, sludge recycle and coagulant recovery, and (c) the choice and operation of water and sludge-treatment processes.

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A synopsis of membrane technologies in UK municipal potable water treatment: history, status and prospects

Abstract:
The current status of membrane filtration for potable water and wastewater applications is assessed with reference to recent history and key legislative drivers. The current installed capacity for potable water membrane treatment is around 1100 ML/day provided by over 100 plants, with the majority being conventional pumped systems using hollow fibre ultrafiltration (UF) or microfiltration (MF) membranes. An examination of the distribution of membrane plants reveals that capacity is provided predominantly by two commercial UF/MF membrane suppliers, but that a large number of smaller nanofiltration plants have been installed in one UK region. Future prospects for desalination are considered.

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