AUTOTHERMAL THERMOPHILIC AEROBIC DIGESTION OF MUNICIPAL SLUDGES - A ONE-YEAR, FULL-SCALE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

A three-facility, full-scale pilot program was undertaken at three small wastewater treatment plants in British Columbia, Canada. The project concludes several years of investigation and one year of plant evaluations for sludge treatment using autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD). Process effectiveness was shown by demonstration of pasteurization, stabilization, and odor acceptability. Control parameters were accessed by use of oxidation reduction potential (ORP), temperature, pH, air flow rates, and energy use. Dewaterability was also studied. The studies concluded that the ATAD process was suitable for use in small communities. The information presented is taken from the final project report and is supplemented with design suggestions for use when considering the ATAD process.