AUTOTHERMAL THERMOPHILIC AEROBIC DIGESTION OF MUNICIPAL SLUDGES - A ONE-YEAR, FULL-SCALE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

A three-facility, full-scale pilot program was undertaken at three sma ll wastewater treatment plants in British Columbia, Canada. The projec t concludes several years of investigation and one year of plant evalu ations for sludge treatment using autothermal thermophilic aerobic dig estion (ATAD). Process effectiveness was shown by demonstration of pas teurization, stabilization, and odor acceptability. Control parameters were accessed by use of oxidation reduction potential (ORP), temperat ure, pH, air flow rates, and energy use. Dewaterability was also studi ed. The studies concluded that the ATAD process was suitable for use i n small communities. The information presented is taken from the final project report and is supplemented with design suggestions for use wh en considering the ATAD process.