#sludge treatment plant

[jobskenyaplace]

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF WASTEWATER AND FAECAL SLUDGE TREATMENT PLANT IN THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF MOMBASA THROUGH JOINT VENTURE

MOMBASA WATER SUPPLY& SANITATION COMPANY LIMITED TENDER NOVEMBER 2024  TENDER NOTICE Mombasa Water Supply & Sanitation Co. Ltd invites eligible firms to apply for the following tender: TENDER NO TENDER DESCRIPTION TARGET GROUP SITE VISIT CLOSING DATE MWSS/RFP/001/ 2024-2025 Request for Proposals for the Design, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater and Faecal Sludge Treatment…

[pumpingstationsuk]

Compact QUANTUM 10PE Sewage Treatment Plant – Low Cost, Odourless, and Efficient

The QUANTUM 10PE ASP Sewage Treatment Plant offers efficient, odourless wastewater treatment for up to 10 people. With an ultra-compact design, low installation costs, and low energy demand, it’s perfect for domestic use. CE marked and EN12566-3 certified, the QUANTUM system ensures reliable, hassle-free performance. Contact us for more details.

[aoneblowers]

Sludge De-watering Screw Press ( A1 Blowers India Private Limited )

Sludge dewatering is a critical process used in wastewater treatment to separate water from sludge, reducing its volume for easier disposal or further treatment. It involves mechanical equipment, such as sludge dewatering screw presses, to efficiently extract water from sludge, resulting in a dry, manageable product. This process helps reduce transportation and disposal costs, minimizes environmental impact, and enhances the efficiency of treatment plants. By using advanced dewatering technologies, industries can optimize waste management, improve sustainability, and comply with regulatory standards for safe sludge disposal.

[kopayscrewpressdewatering]

Einführung in die Schlamm-Entwässerung

more about screw dewatering machines

Schlamm, ein Nebenprodukt verschiedener industrieller und kommunaler Prozesse, ist ein dickes, halbfestes Abfallmaterial, das eine ordnungsgemäße Handhabung und Behandlung erfordert. Das Vorhandensein von Wasser im Schlamm erhöht nicht nur das Volumen und die Transportkosten, sondern stellt auch Umweltprobleme dar. Daher ist die Entfernung von Wasser aus dem Schlamm, auch als Schlamm-Entwässerung bekannt, ein entscheidender Schritt im Abfallmanagementprozess. Dieser Artikel wird die Methoden und Geräte zur Schlamm-Entwässerung untersuchen, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf Schneckenentwässerungsmaschinen liegt.

1. Verständnis von Schlamm und seinen Eigenschaften

Schlamm kann aus verschiedenen Quellen stammen, einschließlich Kläranlagen, Papierfabriken, Lebensmittelverarbeitungsindustrien und mehr. Er besteht aus organischen und anorganischen Materialien, Mikroorganismen und einer erheblichen Menge Wasser. Die Zusammensetzung und Eigenschaften des Schlamms können je nach Herkunft stark variieren, was die Entwässerung zu einem komplexen Prozess macht, der maßgeschneiderte Lösungen erfordert.

1.1 Die Bedeutung der Schlamm-Entwässerung

Eine effektive Schlamm-Entwässerung reduziert das Abfallvolumen, was die Handhabung, den Transport und die Entsorgung erleichtert und kostengünstiger macht. Darüber hinaus kann die Entwässerung wertvolle Ressourcen wie Wasser und organische Substanz zurückgewinnen, die wiederverwendet oder weiterverarbeitet werden können.

2. Methoden der Schlamm-Entwässerung

2.1 Schneckenentwässerungsmaschine

Eine Schneckenentwässerungsmaschine, auch bekannt als Schneckenpresse oder Schneckenpresse-Dehydratisator, ist eine mechanische Vorrichtung, die Wasser aus Schlamm extrahiert. Sie besteht aus einer rotierenden Schnecke, die den Schlamm gegen ein perforiertes Sieb drückt, wodurch das Wasser durch das Sieb hindurchgepresst wird, während das feste Material zum Ende der Maschine transportiert wird.

2.1.1 Funktionsweise von Schneckenentwässerungsmaschinen

Der Schlamm wird in den Einlass der Schneckenpresse geführt, wo er auf einen allmählich abnehmenden Raum trifft. Während sich die Schnecke dreht, schiebt sie den Schlamm vorwärts und übt Druck aus, der das Wasser herauspresst. Das Wasser, nun in Form von Ablauf, gelangt durch das Sieb und wird in einer separaten Kammer gesammelt, während der entwässerte Schlamm als fester Kuchen ausgetragen wird.

2.2 Andere Entwässerungsmethoden

2.2.1 Bandpresse

Eine Bandpresse verwendet zwei oder mehr Förderbänder, die den Schlamm zwischen sich pressen und Wasser durch Druck und Reibung entfernen.

2.2.2 Zentrifugen

Zentrifugen nutzen hohe Drehzahlen, um Schlamm durch Fliehkraft in feste und flüssige Bestandteile zu trennen.

2.2.3 Filterpressen

Filterpressen verwenden eine Reihe von Kammern mit Filtern, um Druck auszuüben und Wasser aus dem Schlamm zu extrahieren.

3. Vorteile und Überlegungen von Schneckenentwässerungsmaschinen

3.1 Vorteile

3.1.1 Hohe Effizienz

Schneckenentwässerungsmaschinen können einen hohen Feststoffgehalt im entwässerten Schlamm erreichen und das Volumen um bis zu 90% reduzieren.

3.1.2 Geringer Wartungsaufwand

Diese Maschinen sind im Vergleich zu anderen Entwässerungsmethoden relativ einfach konstruiert und erfordern minimalen Wartungsaufwand.

3.1.3 Vielseitigkeit

Schneckenpressen können eine breite Palette von Schlammarten verarbeiten, einschließlich solcher mit hohem Feststoffgehalt oder hoher Viskosität.

3.2 Überlegungen

3.2.1 Anfangsinvestition

Die Anfangskosten für eine Schneckenentwässerungsmaschine können höher sein als bei anderen Entwässerungsmethoden.

3.2.2 Schlamm-Eigenschaften

Die Effizienz der Schneckenentwässerung kann von den Eigenschaften des Schlamms wie seinem Feststoffgehalt und seiner Viskosität beeinflusst werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Schlamm-Entwässerung ist ein entscheidender Schritt im Abfallmanagementprozess, der das Volumen und die Umweltbelastung von Schlamm reduziert. Unter den verschiedenen Entwässerungsmethoden bieten Schneckenentwässerungsmaschinen hohe Effizienz, geringen Wartungsaufwand und Vielseitigkeit. Die Wahl der Entwässerungsmethode sollte jedoch auf den spezifischen Eigenschaften des Schlamms und den betrieblichen Anforderungen der Anlage basieren.

[kopaysludgedewatering]

# Introduction to Sludge Dewatering

Kopay Screw Dewatering Machine Supply

3 min read

·

Just now

Multi-Disc screw press sudge dewatering

Multi-Disc Screw Press(MDSP) is widely used in solid-liquid separation and widely used in various industries, it's…

Sludge, a by-product of various industrial and municipal processes, is a thick, semi-solid waste that requires proper handling and treatment. The presence of water in sludge not only increases the volume and transportation costs but also poses environmental challenges. Therefore, the removal of water from sludge, also known as sludge dewatering, is a crucial step in the waste management process. This article will explore the methods and equipment used for sludge dewatering, with a focus on screw dewatering machines.

# 1. Understanding Sludge and Its Characteristics

Sludge can be generated from various sources, including wastewater treatment plants, paper mills, food processing industries, and more. It is composed of organic and inorganic materials, microorganisms, and a significant amount of water. The composition and characteristics of sludge can vary widely depending on its source, making dewatering a complex process that requires tailored solutions.

## 1.1 The Importance of Sludge Dewatering Effective sludge dewatering reduces the volume of waste, making it easier and more cost-effective to handle, transport, and dispose of. Additionally, dewatering can recover valuable resources, such as water and organic matter, which can be reused or further processed.

# 2. Methods of Sludge Dewatering

## 2.1 Screw Dewatering Machine A screw dewatering machine, also known as a screw press or screw press dehydrator, is a mechanical device used to extract water from sludge. It consists of a rotating screw that presses the sludge against a perforated screen, forcing the water to pass through the screen while the solid material is conveyed to the end of the machine.

### 2.1.1 How Screw Dewatering Machines Work The sludge is fed into the inlet of the screw press, where it encounters a gradually decreasing space. As the screw rotates, it pushes the sludge forward, applying pressure that squeezes out the water. The water, now in the form of effluent, passes through the screen and is collected in a separate chamber, while the dewatered sludge is discharged as a solid cake.

## 2.2 Other Dewatering Methods

###2.2.1 Belt Press A belt press uses two or more conveyor belts that press the sludge between them, removing water through pressure and friction.

### 2.2.2 Centrifuges Centrifuges use high-speed rotation to separate sludge into solid and liquid components through centrifugal force.

### 2.2.3 Filter Presses Filter presses use a series of chambers with filters to apply pressure and extract water from the sludge.

# 3. Advantages and Considerations of Screw Dewatering Machines

## 3.1 Advantages

### 3.1.1 High Efficiency Screw dewatering machines can achieve high solid content in the dewatered sludge, reducing the volume by up to 90%. ### 3.1.2 Low Maintenance These machines are relatively simple in design and require minimal maintenance compared to other dewatering methods. ### 3.1.3 Versatility Screw presses can handle a wide range of sludge types, including those with high solid content or high viscosity.

## 3.2 Considerations

### 3.2.1 Initial Investment The initial cost of a screw dewatering machine can be higher than other dewatering methods.

### 3.2.2 Sludge Characteristics The efficiency of screw dewatering can be influenced by the characteristics of the sludge, such as its solids content and viscosity.

# Conclusion Sludge dewatering is a critical step in the waste management process, reducing the volume and environmental impact of sludge. Among the various dewatering methods, screw dewatering machines offer high efficiency, low maintenance, and versatility. However, the choice of dewatering method should be based on the specific characteristics of the sludge and the operational requirements of the facility.

[carlocarrasco]

Maynilad’s New Ceramic UF Modular Treatment Plant in Muntinlupa City Inaugurated

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, water concessionaire Maynilad inaugurated their modular treatment plant which was designed to treat raw water using state-of-the-art ceramic ultrafiltration (UF) technology, according to the official announcement. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the company’s announcement online. Some parts in boldface… Operated under a…

[kopayscrewpresssludgetreatment]

Introduksyon Sa larangan ng kagamitan sa pangangalaga sa kapaligiran, namumuno ang mga makina ng pagtanggal ng putik gamit ang screw sludge dewatering. Nag-aalok sila ng espesyal na epektibidad sa presyo at ipinagmamalaki ang malawak na saklaw ng aplikasyon sa paggamot ng sewage at putik. Gayunpaman, madalas na nakakaranas ang mga potensyal na mamimili ng nakalilitong sitwasyon: malalaking pagkakaiba-iba sa presyo sa pagitan ng iba’t ibang mga tagagawa para sa parehong mga modelo ng makina.

Mga Salik na Nagpapabago sa Pagkakaiba ng Presyo Kawalan ng Standardisasyon H1: Kakulangan ng Pamantayan sa Industriya Sa kabila ng pangkaraniwang popularidad ng mga makina na ito, walang standard na klasipikasyon para sa kagamitan sa pagtanggal ng putik gamit ang screw sludge dewatering. Ang bawat tagagawa ay kumukuha ng iba’t ibang mga pagpapangalan ng modelo, na nagdudulot ng kalituhan sa mga mamimili [1]. Pagkakaiba-iba sa mga Materyales at Component H1: Pagkakaiba-iba ng mga Materyales at Component Ang pinakamahalagang nagpapakaiba ay matatagpuan sa mga ginamit na materyales at componente. Ang mga pagkakaiba-iba sa mga salik tulad ng mga tatak ng motor, mga tagapagbigay ng stainless steel, at kalidad ng materyal ay malaki ang epekto sa pagtatakda ng presyo [1]. Reputasyon ng Brand at Garantiya sa Kalidad H1: Reputasyon ng Brand at Garantiya sa Kalidad Ang mga itinatag na mga brand ay nagtatakda ng mas mataas na presyo, na pinapayagan ng kanilang superior na suporta at pamantayan ng serbisyo pagkatapos ng benta. Sa kabaligtaran, ang mga produkto mula sa mga maliit na gawain ay maaaring kulang sa sapat na tulong pagkatapos ng pagbili, na maaaring magdulot ng kompromiso sa operasyonal na epektibidad [1]. Pagtatapos Ang malaking pagkakaiba-iba sa presyo sa merkado para sa mga makina ng pagtanggal ng putik gamit ang screw sludge dewatering ay nagmumula sa isang kombinasyon ng mga salik: ang kakulangan ng standardisasyon, pagkakaiba-iba ng materyal, at reputasyon ng brand. Upang masiguro ang epektibong paglalakbay sa ganitong kalakaran, iniuutos sa mga mamimili na magsagawa ng mabusising paghahambing, bigyan ng prayoridad ang kalidad kaysa sa presyo, at hanapin ang mga kilalang tagagawa na nag-aalok ng komprehensibong mga solusyon at serbisyo

[kopaydewatering123]

Comprendiendo la Variación de Precios en el Mercado de Máquinas de Deshidratación de Lodos por Tornillo

Introducción

En el ámbito del equipamiento para la protección del medio ambiente, las máquinas de deshidratación de lodos por tornillo reinan supremas. Ofrecen una excepcional relación costo-efectividad y cuentan con un amplio espectro de aplicaciones en el tratamiento de aguas residuales y lodos. Sin embargo, los compradores potenciales a menudo se enfrentan a una situación desconcertante: significativas discrepancias de precios entre diferentes fabricantes para modelos de máquinas idénticos.

Factores que Impulsan la Disparidad de Precios

Falta de Estandarización

H1: Ausencia de Normas de la Industria

A pesar de la popularidad prevalente de estas máquinas, no existe una clasificación estandarizada para el equipamiento de deshidratación de lodos por tornillo. Cada fabricante adopta diversas designaciones de modelos, lo que lleva a la confusión entre los compradores.

Variación en Materiales y Componentes

H1: Diversidad de Materiales y Componentes

El diferenciador más sustancial radica en los materiales y componentes utilizados. Las discrepancias en factores como marcas de motores, proveedores de acero inoxidable y calidad de los materiales influyen significativamente en los precios.

Reputación de Marca y Garantía de Calidad

H1: Reputación de Marca y Garantía de Calidad

Las marcas establecidas comandan precios más altos, justificados por su excelente soporte postventa y estándares de servicio. Por el contrario, los productos de talleres de pequeña escala pueden carecer de asistencia postventa adecuada, comprometiendo potencialmente la eficiencia operativa.

Here for Screw Press dewatering machine details.

Conclusión

La sustancial variación de precios en el mercado de máquinas de deshidratación de lodos por tornillo se debe a una combinación de factores: la ausencia de estandarización, la diversidad de materiales y la reputación de la marca. Para navegar eficazmente este panorama, se recomienda a los compradores realizar comparaciones exhaustivas, priorizar la calidad sobre el costo y buscar fabricantes reputados que ofrezcan soluciones y servicios integrales.

[bankabio]

FSTP Plant

FSTP plant primarily focus on the efficient treatment of wastewater using advanced biological and mechanical processes. The result is clean water that meets environmental standards.

[carbonationmachine]

Oil Sludge Pyrolysis for Efficient Oil Treatment is Environmental Solution

In the ever-evolving landscape of environmental conservation and sustainable resource management, the oil and gas industry faces constant scrutiny for its impact on ecosystems. One of the significant challenges is the generation of oil sludge during oil production and refining processes. Oil sludge, a mixture of oil, water, and solid particles, poses a considerable environmental threat due to its…

[wiprowater]

Conventional Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plant | Aerobic Treatment

Wipro Water offers the activated sludge process – ASP, a conventional aerobic biological treatment for complex industrial wastewater to meet the statutory standards.

[pumpingstationsuk]

QUANTUM 8PE Activated Sludge Process (ASP) Sewage Treatment Plant: Advanced ASP sewage treatment with low cost, ultra-compact, odourless, quiet, and low energy. 100% aerobic for no smell, 1/5 size of competitors, made from durable HDPE in UK, optional pumped outlet, integrated air blower for minimal visual impact. CE and EN12566-3 certified.

[turtlesandfrogs]

Started the day by reading this article from the NY times, and I'm frankly, disturbed.

Some highlights:

"For decades, farmers across America have been encouraged by the federal government to spread municipal sewage on millions of acres of farmland as fertilizer. It was rich in nutrients, and it helped keep the sludge out of landfills."

Which I knew, and I knew that there were concerns about contaminants from like, the medications people were on. But human waste is part of the nutrient cycle, and it always made sense to me that it should be throughly composted and returned to agricultural lands, and I assumed that people in general were taking the steps necessary to make it safe.

But here's what I didn't know:

"The 1972 Clean Water Act had required industrial plants to start sending their wastewater to treatment plants instead of releasing it into rivers and streams, which was a win for the environment but also produced vast new quantities of sludge that had to go somewhere."

Which, yay, no longer polluting bodies of water, but now that means we're applying industrial waste water to agricultural lands. And have been since 1972. Which leads to this situation, among many others, I'm sure:

"The sludge that allegedly contaminated the Colemans’ farm came from the City of Fort Worth water district, which treats sewage from more than 1.2 million people, city records show. Its facility also accepts effluent from industries including aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and auto manufacturing. Synagro takes the sludge and treats it (though not for PFAS, as it’s not required by law) then distributes it as fertilizer."

So here's what some states are doing:

"In Michigan, among the first states to investigate the chemicals in sludge fertilizer, officials shut down one farm where tests found particularly high concentrations in the soil and in cattle that grazed on the land. This year, the state prohibited the property from ever again being used for agriculture. Michigan hasn’t conducted widespread testing at other farms, partly out of concern for the economic effects on its agriculture industry.

In 2022, Maine banned the use of sewage sludge on agricultural fields. It was the first state to do so and is the only state to systematically test farms for the chemicals. Investigators have found contamination on at least 68 of the more than 100 farms checked so far, with some 1,000 sites still to be tested.

“Investigating PFAS is like opening Pandora’s box,” said Nancy McBrady, deputy commissioner of Maine’s Department of Agriculture."

This is fun:

"The E.P.A. is currently studying the risks posed by PFAS in sludge fertilizer (which the industry calls biosolids) to determine if new rules are necessary.

The agency continues to promote its use on cropland, though elsewhere it has started to take action. In April, it ordered utilities to slash PFAS levels in drinking water to near zero and designated two types of the chemical as hazardous substances that must be cleaned up by polluters. The agency now says there is no safe level of PFAS for humans...

It’s difficult to know how much fertilizer sludge is used nationwide, and E.P.A. data is incomplete. The fertilizer industry says more than 2 million dry tons were used on 4.6 million acres of farmland in 2018. And it estimates that farmers have obtained permits to use sewage sludge on nearly 70 million acres, or about a fifth of all U.S. agricultural land."

There's more, but I wanted to condense it at least a little bit. I am glad we're raising awareness, and I'm glad we're starting to regular the amount in our drinking water, and I hope that we'll find a way to actually deal with PFAS. I am so frustrated that people are exposed in the first place, and in nigh inescapable ways.

Also, to all those people who were like, oh, organic isn't at all healthier for consumers? Guess what the organic standards don't allow to be applied?

[brandwhorestarscream]

You have no idea how much I needed VERY sick and pregnant Megatron in my life. Him begging not to throw up and just being miserable was something I didn't know I wanted but now I know. You've opened my eyes.

Little cogless miners are so small and adorable. They're so tiny 😭🥰

Orion Pax is such a smug little shit (affectionate) in the beginning of the movie. I love him so much.

I cannot wait to see the 4th chapter of TFone Megatron being pregnant ☺

Hey, I'm glad you liked it! Poor Dee's really going through it. 4th chapter is still being worked on, but here! Have some bonus content of poor sick D-16. This time, after hours:

::Digestive tank purge, initiated::

D-16 gags as he comes back online, startled out of recharge but body moving in its own, stumbling out of his slot and clamping one servo over his mouth. Something in his abdomen heaves and he feels hot bile hit the back of his throat. Tears blur his vision and he searches desperately for a waste bin, but it's too late: his upper body jerks and he stumbles to his knees over a drain on the floor, one palm planting shakily on the cold concrete before half-digested energon comes sloshing past his lips.

He moans, miserable, tears dripping solemnly down his cheeks. He gags again, violently, sobbing as it makes his whole upper body jerk. His midsection throbs, his esophageal tubing burns. He hunches over, vents whirring loudly, pressing his overly-hot forehelm to the cold ground.

"D-16?"

He whimpers pathetically and turns his face, squinting against the fluorescent backlight. "D... Doctor...? H'oh-!" He gags again and turns to purge, coughing out a sheet of clear, burning sludge.

"I'm here," Ratchet is kneeling at his side immediately, one servo on his back and the other coming to touch his forehelm, holding his head up. "Primus, kid. You're burning up." 4 degrees outside of what could be considered the normal parameters. Any hotter and he'd probably have to be shut away in a medsuite for emergency care.

Exhausted, D-16 slumps over, heavily leaning on the medic. His vents are shuddering, and his whole body is trembling with exhaustion. He sniffles again, tears still threading down his cheeks. "...it hurts," he admits in a tiny, rasping voice. His optics glaze over and he starts to sob into Ratchet's lap. "I feel... s-so bad...!"

The medic's spark aches, because there's really nothing he can do. Fever reducers and extra coolant haven't been working, antibiotics aren't working, he hasn't been able to rest and sleep it off the way he desperately needs to, and none of his tools are calibrated for identifying specific viral strains and whipping up the chemical compound of a cure. Not like the ones in the real hospitals. When it comes to illness, all he can do is guess and estimate and diagnose to the best of his ability, and treat them accordingly. But nothing's been working and D-16 just keeps getting sicker. The only silver lining is that he doesn't seem to be contagious, as no one else has come down with his mystery ailment.

Defeated, Ratchet rubs soothing circles on his back while Dee sobs into his lap. "I know, kid... I- I know. We- I'm sorry, we're still trying to figure it out." He and First Aid and Sugarcoat were up to their ears in half-finished repairs and a huge queue of mecha in need of their constant attention because of the new shift rules. There just wasn't time to figure out a treatment for one mech's fevers and stubbornly upset tanks. Dee makes a miserable snuffling sound and starts coughing, prompting Ratchet to drag him into a sitting position to decompress his aeration systems.

"...come on," he stands up and slides his hands under D-16's arms, pulling him to stand. The younger mech's legs are shaking, knees knocking together. His optics are unfocused, and he wobbles dangerously. "You gonna biff it?"

"D... Dunno."

"Alright. Hang tight, I'll getcha a chair."

The wheelchairs are antiquated, all of them rusty and dusty and old, but they're enough to support a miner's weight and get them where they need to go. Ratchet pushes him to one of the medsuites and effortlessly lifts him onto the berth, telling him to lie down.

"What're you...?"

"I'm doing inventory," shift doesn't start for another two megacycles, but the work needs to be done. "You're gonna sleep. Lying flat should help the nausea some." He'd have liked to also get him on an energon drip, as his constant purging surely had his gauges in the red, but energon was in short supply right now. Emergency transfusions only, and unless a mech was at risk of deactivating, it wasn't considered an emergency.

D-16 doesn't look convinced, cuz he's really not supposed to be in here. Ratchet tuts at him, says, "Doctor's orders." and throws a weighted sheet over him to seal the deal. To his relief, Dee falls back into recharge some ten kliks later, and is able to get a bit more uninterrupted rest. He feels awful when he has to shake the silver mech awake for the work cycle, but inciting the wrath of their overseers by being late would only make his fragile health worse. Thankfully, Dee is able to walk (more of a hobble, but at least he was upright), and Ratchet resolves to figure out something to help him.

[reasonsforhope]

"In Washington D.C., a sophisticated sewage treatment plant is turning the capital’s waste into a form of capital: living capital that is fertilizing the gardens of farms of the Mid-Atlantic region and saving vast quantities of resources.

Described by the workers’ there as a “resource recovery plant,” D.C. Water run a biogas plant and high-quality fertilizer production in the course of their dirty duty to ensure the city’s waste finds a safe endpoint.

The nation’s capital is exceptional at producing waste from the toilet bowls of the 2.2 million people who live, work, and commute through the city and its suburbs.

Reporting by Lina Zeldovich reveals that rather than trucking it all to a landfill, D.C. Water extract an awful lot of value from the capital crap, by looking at it as a resource to send through the world’s largest advanced wastewater treatment plant, which uses a “thermal hydrolysis process” in which it is sterilized, broken down, and shipped off for processing into “Bloom,” a nitrogen-rich, slow-release fertilizer product. 

The other “Black Gold”

At their facility in southwest Washington, huge aeration tanks percolate the poo of everyone from tourists to the President. After it’s all fed into enormous pressure cookers where, under the gravity of six earth atmospheres and 300°F, the vast black sludge is rendered harmless.

Next this “Black Gold,” as Zeldovich described it, is pumped into massive bacterial-rich tanks where microbes breakdown large molecules like fats, proteins, and carbs into smaller components, shrinking the overall tonnage of sewage to 450 tons per day down from 1,100 at the start of the process.

This mass-micro-munching also produces methane, which when fed into an onsite turbine, generates a whopping 10 megawatts of green energy which can power 8,000 nearby homes. [Note: Natural gas (which is mostly methane) is definitely greener than coal and oil, but it still causes a significant amount of emissions and greenhouse gases.] The 450 tons of remaining waste from the D.C. feces are sent into another room where conveyor belts ring out excess fluid before feeding it through large rollers which squash it into small congregate chunks.

D.C. Water sends this to another company called Homestead Gardens for drying, aging, and packaging before it’s sold as Bloom.

“I grow everything with it, squashes, tomatoes, eggplants,” Bill Brower, one of the plant’s engineers, tells Zeldovich. “Everything grows great and tastes great,” he adds.

“And I’m not the only one who thinks so. We’ve heard from a lot of people that they’ve got the best response they’ve ever seen from the plants. Particularly with leafy greens because that nitrogen boost does well with leafy plants. And the plants seem to have fewer diseases and fewer pests around—probably because Bloom helps build healthy soils.”

While farms around the country are facing nutrient depletion in soils from over-farming, turning to synthetic fertilizers to make up the difference, introducing more such thermal hydrolysis plants could truly revolutionize the way humans look at their feces—as a way of restoring the country’s soils rather than polluting them. As Mike Rowe would say, it only takes a person who’s willing to get their hands dirty."

-via Good News Network, November 23, 2021

Note: You can buy this fertilizer yourself here!