Wastewater Sludge Conversion Into Sanitized Fertilizer Biomass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to produce a biomass from wastewater treatment sludge that is devoid of pathogenic bacteria and polluting organic substances, yet rich in peptones and amino acids, which is necessary for agricultural use to restore soil organic substance and combat desertification.
Innovation Solution
A method involving oxidative, hydrolytic, and neutralization reactions using ferric chloride, hydrogen peroxide, calcium hydroxide, and sulfuric acid to treat wastewater sludge, followed by dehydration, producing a biomass rich in hydrolysed proteins, calcium sulphate, and iron ions, suitable for fertilizer production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wastewater treatment methods are used, then wastewater purification is achieved, but the resulting sludge contains pathogenic bacteria and polluting organic substances that cannot be directly used for agricultural purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Fenton reaction using hydrogen peroxide and ferric chloride to generate hydroxyl radicals that oxidize and destroy pathogenic bacteria and polluting organic substances in the sludge, transforming harmful components into safe, usable forms for agricultural applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful sludge containing pathogenic bacteria and organic pollutants into a beneficial fertilizer product by using chemical oxidation to eliminate pathogens while preserving and concentrating nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter that can then be applied to soil
2Quantity of substance
If sludge is dehydrated without prior chemical treatment, then water removal is achieved, but the resulting material lacks the necessary nutritional quality and safety for agricultural use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary chemical oxidation treatment (Fenton reaction) on the sludge before dehydration, which pre-treats the material to destroy pathogens and break down complex organic compounds, ensuring that the subsequent dehydration process produces a high-quality, safe fertilizer product rather than merely concentrated waste
3Productivity
If intensive agricultural activity continues, then food production is maintained, but soil organic substance is reduced leading to desertification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers valuable organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients from wastewater treatment sludge that would otherwise be discarded as waste, transforming it into a fertilizer product that can be applied to soil to restore organic content and prevent desertification while maintaining agricultural productivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method generates a sanitized, organic-rich biomass that serves as a fertilizer precursor, reducing contaminants and providing nitrogen and minerals to counteract soil salinity and alkalinization, preventing desertification.
Implementation Method 1
oxidative reaction of the starting material BSA0, with the addition of ferric chloride FeCl3 and hydrogen peroxide H2O2 with the generation of heat
Implementation Method 2
oxidative reaction of the starting material BSA0, with the addition of ferric chloride FeCl3 and hydrogen peroxide H2O2 with the generation of heat
Implementation Method 3
hydrolytic reaction of the oxidised biological material BSA1, by means of the addition of calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2, with the formation of a biological material BSA2 containing hydrolysed proteins
Implementation Method 4
partial neutralization of the alkaline biological material BSA2 by means of the addition of sulphuric acid H2SO4 with generation of a second biological material BSA3, hydrolysed proteins, calcium sulphate
Implementation Method 5
dehydration of the biological material BSA3 with separation of a part in the solid state ready for use and a post-dehydration liquid; transfer of the liquid component to the inlet of the purifier
Implementation Method 6
dehydration of the biological material BSA3 with separation of a part in the solid state ready for use and a post-dehydration liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for the production of a biological material (BSA3) obtained from the treatment of biological materials associated with the civil wastewater purification cycle, comprising the following steps: A1) extraction of a biological starting material (BSA0) downstream of a thickener (6) of the civil wastewater treatment plant; A) oxidative reaction of the starting material (BSA0), with the addition of ferric chloride (FeCl3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with the generation of heat and formation of a biological material (BSA1) having a pH of between 4 and 5 and containing hydrolysed proteins and iron; B) hydrolytic reaction of the biological material (BSA1) oxidised by means of the addition of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH2), with the formation of biological material (BSA2) with pH>11; C) partial neutralisation of the alkaline biological material (BSA2) by means of the addition of sulphuric acid (H2SO4) with generation of a second biological material (BSA3), having a pH of between 9 and 10 and containing hydrolysed proteins, calcium sulphate, iron ions; D) dehydration of the neutralized biological material (BSA3) with separation of a part in the solid state ready for use and a post-dehydration liquid component; D1) transfer of the liquid component to the inlet of the purifier for a new purification and treatment cycle.