Bio Stimulants Lower WWTP Sludge Disposal Costs

Bio Stimulants Lower WWTP Sludge Disposal Costs

The Problem:
How can the cost of aerobic digestion of waste activated sludge be lowered? How can waste activated sludge destruction be increased? How can decant from sludge digestion be increased?

Sludge handling and disposal in WWTPs is a major cost. Sludge destruction in many WWTPs is low; often only 40%. This leaves 60 pounds dry weight sludge for disposal for every 100 pounds dry weight of WAS. Whatever sludge is residual, it and its combined water requires funding for disposal.

Problem Solution:
Using bio stimulation (this is not microbes) increases settleability, increases sludge decant, increases destruction of waste activated sludge (WAS) solids and is the means of major decreases in WWTP costs. Less residual sludge means a proportional decrease in sludge handling and disposal costs.

Data from the Monthly Report of Operations for Clarksville, Indiana WWTP shows a significant 71% cost savings in handling and disposing of sludge. The use of the bio stimulant BIO ENERGIZER in the aerobic sludge digester resulted in a three-month average of 89% solids reduction (11% solids residual). Data for the previous five months where bio stimulation was not used was 62% solids reduction (38% solids residual). Decreasing sludge solids residuals from 38% to 11% results in a large volume reduction; this provides the 71% savings. For each 1,000 gallons of WAS, 1.0 liquid ounce of BIO ENERGIZER was used.

BIO ENERGIZER is a scientific formulation of organic acids, minerals, plant extracts, enzymes, hormones and nutrients designed for enhancing microbial metabolism and nutrient cycling. It is produced and marketed by PROBIOTIC SOLUTIONS, a division of BIO HUMA NETICS, Inc. BIO ENERGIZER was developed by agronomists for use in agriculture to stimulate crop production. BIO ENERGIZER is a safe, non-hazardous product; its constituents are necessary to meet minimal microbe requirements for optimal function. Various microbe species accomplish a different portion of solids destruction; each microbe can have a different growth requirement. BIO ENERGIZER works to destroy sludge by promoting the growth of a full population of microbes in sludge digesters. This complete population mix results in the increased destruction of WAS. Three things are needed for this to happen: (1) the complete enzymes and hormones for bio stimulation as provided by BIO ENERGIZER, (2) a sufficient population of each needed microbe species, and (3) sufficient time for micro organisms to accomplish each step in destroying sludge solids.

BIO ENERGIZER use resulted in MAJOR COST SAVINGS from less sludge quantity, less polymer use, less belt press usage, less filter press usage, less electric power to operate the filter press, less manpower to operate the filter press, less equipment maintenance, less sludge hauling, fewer landfill fees and less disposal cost.

Data and Field Reports from a number of WWTPs are available. The cost savings of “the polymer not used” with less sludge typically pays for the BIO ENERGIZER consumed. Thus, no additional chemical budget may be needed. The WWTP owner saves BIG TIME with less residual sludge requiring disposal; a 71% savings for Clarksville and a similar savings is available for others. BIO ENERGIZER use can help avoid new construction costs.

Free cost and savings analysis is available by providing: 1. Average WWTP flow. 2. Average WAS flow. 3. Number of aerobic sludge digester tanks. 4. Liquid volume in each tank. 5. Quantity of digested sludge treated or disposed. 6. Describe current method of sludge disposal. 7. Cost estimated of sludge handling and disposal.