There are active actions being taken towards proper disposal of the effluent of both domestic and industrial sources. There are attempts to create a circular economy by recycling sludge being generated from these plants for co-processing and co-generation. Harshad Fatehpuria, MD of Naturetech Enviro Protection Ltd speaks of technologies such as Solar Sludge Drying and Thermal drying which work with the help of waste heat extraction via various mediums.
The Solar Sludge Drying and Thermal Drying systems help sludge from going to landfills at a time when new ones are not getting EC. Further the existing ones are reaching capacity and it is important to repurpose this sludge into useful by-products for being used in a cement factory.
Solar Sludge Drying
The combination of the unique Turning System and intelligent heating and aeration technology develops a natural solar sludge drying plant to high-end plant with evaporation results of more than 12 tonne water per square meter.
The design and construction of Solar drying are based on greenhouse principles, which enhance the rate of evaporation due to increased area for heat capture. Vents and Turboventilators are provided to exhaust saturated air. Also use of forced draft to increase the rate of evaporation, which enhance the efficiency of drying sludge.
The continuous turning system generates new sludge surfaces and increases significant drying performance.
The extraordinary air saturation the effect of evaporation cooling shows positive results against occur of odour emissions.
The evaporation energy can be also used for (optional) floor heating system under the sludge, which causes vapor generating inside the sludgecore and its exit at the sludge shell.
With the introduction of these next-generation technologies to India, a Class A Bio-solid could be achieved with the help of processes developed by Naturetech Enviro Protection Ltd in association with its technology partners. “This is truly changing the way we perceive what was once a liability. Repurposing this sludge not only reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, but it also helps us develop an abundance of organic fertilizers that can be channelized into markets creating a good revenue stream for the stakeholders.”
In the case of hazardous sludge, i.e. Industrial or Sewage with heavy metals, being sent to landfill sites the total cost of disposal consisted of 80% moisture. It translates to increased operating costs with increasing costs of disposal year-on-year.
This could provide a viable solution to reduce the volume of sludge to be disposed of landfill by drying the sludge up to 90% dry solids. NTPL is currently drying up to 290 Tones per day across three of its facilities across India and growing across the spectrum with new applications in Industries and governments.Metropolitan cities of India are adopting the progressive policy regarding sludge treatment and drying fuelling the growth.