Optimizing Sludge Management at the Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator—A Case Study

Abstract

Sludge disposal is becoming an issue at the municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI), especially for environmental and economic reasons. This paper describes a case study of the optimization of the sludge management (SM) system at the MSWI in the Czech Republic. The original concept of SM at MSWI was designed as waste-free. However, the present operation indicates that there is a need to carry out regular extraction and disposal of sludge settling at the bottom ash tank and the bottom of the retention basin. The current status of SM causes problems not only in terms of operation but it also entails significant financial costs given the necessary regular cleaning of tanks. The aim of the applied research presented in this paper is SM optimization by a mobile sludge dewatering (DW) press unit with optimal polymer combination for DW.

Sludge disposal is becoming an issue at the municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI), especially for environmental and economic reasons. This paper describes a case study of the optimization of the sludge management (SM) system at the MSWI in the Czech Republic. The original concept of SM at MSWI was designed as waste-free. However, the present operation indicates that there is a need to carry out regular extraction and disposal of sludge settling at the bottom ash tank and the bottom of the retention basin. The current status of SM causes problems not only in terms of operation but it also entails significant financial costs given the necessary regular cleaning of tanks. The aim of the applied research presented in this paper is SM optimization by a mobile sludge dewatering (DW) press unit with optimal polymer combination for DW.