Ultrasonic Sludge Disintegration: A 'Bubbly' Solution For Anaerobic Digestion Or BNR

By Bryen Woo, aerobic digestion product manager and James Goldhardt, anaerobic digestion group manager, Ovivo

‘Sonicating’ sludge proves to be a sound method for handling biosolids.

One of the ongoing challenges in wastewater treatment facilities is the handling of biosolids. It has been found that the total biosolids generation continues to increase each year. In fact, the processing, treatment, and disposal of sludge for beneficial use accounts for approximately 40 to 60 percent of the total wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) expenditures. These expenditures can certainly add up over the life of a wastewater treatment plant; therefore, it is important when designing a wastewater treatment plant to have an efficient and effectively operated solids handling system. Ultrasonic sludge disintegration, by way of ultrasound, is a proven method to help mitigate this very issue.