Simulation of the Mathematical Model of Composting Process of Sewage Sludge

Abstract

ABSTRACTAn integrated model was developed to simulate the temporal change and spatial variation of temperature and spatial distribution of TM (total mass) and MC (moisture content) of the final compost for composting process of sewage sludge. The model included biodegradation kinetics of organic matter and balance equations of energy and mass. First-order assumption was applied to describe the biodegradation process with correction functions of temperature, oxygen, MC, and FAS (free air space). The transfer process was considered in balance equations of energy and mass. A finite difference method was used to solve the model. Two trials of 0.21 m3 were run to estimate parameters and evaluate the simulation. The model could predict TM and VS (volatile solid) of the final compost well, temporal trend of oxygen concentration and water removal, and also a good fitting of the temporal and spatial change of temperature. Hrx (reaction enthalpy of biodegradable volatile solid) and ηBVS (mass fraction of biodegradable volatile solid) were considered the most sensitive parameters based on the sensitivity analysis. Future research was suggested to focus on reasonable humidity assumption, measuring accurate value of thermodynamics and kinetics parameters of sewage sludge, and simulating the composting process with different aeration modes and turning of the pile.