The Noell Conversion Process – a gasification process for the pollutant-free disposal of sewage sludge and the recovery of energy and materials

Abstract

The Noell Conversion Process was developed to guarantee the safe disposal of sewage sludge and other waste materials by means of thermal treatment, evenwith very strict emission standards. The center piece of this process is a pressurized entrained flow gasifier. The reactin conditions in this gasifier does not only suppresses the formation of dioxins and furans, but also completely destroys any dioxins and furans contained in the waste materials. Another advantage of the Noell Conversion Process referring the thermal treatment of sewage sludge is the recovery of marketable substances such as synthesis gas, sulphur and vitrified slag. To demonstrate this advanced technology in the field of sewage sludge treatment, Noell-KRC has built a pilot plant in Freiberg/Germany. This plant was designed for a throughput of 0.5 Mg/h (dry base) of sewage sludge. During the operation of the plant from 1996 until 1998, it was possible to demonstrate that there are no problems with emissions of heavy metals like Mercury or organic components like Dioxins and Furans. The H2 rich gas produced in the process can be utilized as a power source. The vitrified slag produced in the process is of a quality suitable for use as a construction material with a wide range of applications.