Evaluation of Bio-drying Process of Sewage Sludge using Mathematical Model of Heat and Mass Balance: Effects of Temperatures of Supplied Air and Exhaust Gas

Abstract

Objectives : The effects of temperatures of supplied air and exhaust gas on moisture removal in the bio-drying process of sewage sludge were assessed by simulating the process. We also suggested performance and efficiency indicators for moisture removal in this process and identified their effectivity.Methods : The bio-drying process of sewage sludge was simulated by mathematical modeling of heat and mass balance under different combinations of supplied-air temperatures and control ranges of exhaust gas temperatures. The simulation results were analyzed by using some indicators for assessing the performance and efficiency of moisture removal.Results and Discussion : While BVS (biodegradable volatile solid) degradation was inhibited at a higher supplied-air temperature and a lower control range of exhaust gas temperature, moisture reduction was enhanced at the supplied-air temperature nearer to ambient and the controlled exhaust gas temperature for 45 to 50℃. The drying performance could be improved by the utilization of both metabolic heat and convective heat from hot supplied-air for the source of heat necessary for moisture removal. We suggested the moisture removal rate as a performance indicator, and both the moisture removing capacity of supplied-air and the mass ratio of moisture removal to BVS degradation as an efficiency indicator. We identified that this mass ratio could be an alternative for thermal efficiency of drying.Conclusions : It is effective to control the air-flow rate to keep the exhaust gas temperature within 45~50℃ during bio-drying of sewage sludge in terms of drying performance and efficiency. It is expected that a specified range or minimum required value for the performance and efficiency indicators in the bio-drying process which suggested in this study needs to be established.