Improved Sludge Dewatering by Enzymatic Treatment

Abstract

Nowadays West Germany produces 50 million cubic metres of liquid sludge per year. This tendency is still on the increase, whereas traditional means of utilisation, such as in agriculture, show a sharp decline. For this reason, about 60 - 70 % of the sludge has to be deposited at waste tips with a limited capacity. Therefore it is highly desirable to reduce the sludge volume as much as possible. By enzymatic hydrolsis it is possible to modify the hydrophilic, water-retaining organic compounds of the sludge in order to reduce its water content. Enzymes improve mechanical dewatering in common belt-type filter presses or decanters in combination with flocculation by means of special flocculating aids.