Aerobic Digester Sludge Dewatering
WaterSolve, LLC conducted a pilot study at an automotive facility in Mexico to evaluate the effectiveness of using Geotube® MDS containers to dewater aerobic digester sludge. The study involved on-site setup, polymer testing, and monitoring of dry weight solids over a five-day period. Results showed significant dewatering performance, with solids increasing from 8% to 12%, confirming the potential for long-term implementation of Geotube® technology at the facility.
DOWNLOAD PDF Applications & ProductsGeotextile Tube Containers, DewateringServicesTurnkey Project ManagementIndustryIndustrialLocationMexico
Untreated Sludge Sample
Untreated aerobic digester sludge collected before polymer conditioning.
Sludge Treatment Comparison
Comparison of raw and polymer-treated sludge showing flocculation and settling results.
Final Treated Filtrate
Final clarified water after sludge treatment and dewatering using Geotube® MDS container.
Polymer Injection System
On-site polymer make-down and injection system connected to sludge piping and mixing manifold.
Geotube® Dewatering Test Bag
Polymer-treated sludge filtered through Geotube® container, releasing clean water to the drain.
OBJECTIVE
Watersolve LLC, was tasked to perform a pilot study at an automotive facility in Mexico. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of dewatering aerobic digester sludge using Geotube® MDS containers. Geotube® containers are manufactured from high strength polypropylene fabric and designed to allow effluent water to escape through the pores while retaining the chemically conditioned solids. The MDS container would be placed inside a 30-yard dumpster box. The filtrate would be released to a nearby drain to then be directed to the plant’s treatment facility. Samples of the dewatering material would be measured for dry weight solids. Once the test was complete, the dumpster would be hauled to a disposal facility where the MDS bag and solids would be removed. Results of the pilot test will be analyzed to determine if Geotube® technology might be a long-term dewatering solution at the facility.
PROJECT PLANNING
A sample of the material was provided to Watersolve and tested in the lab. Dewatering polymers were evaluated based on water release rate, water clarity, and flocculent appearance. Based on this testing, and additional information gathered from the plant (flow rates, existing plumbing, hours of operation), project costs were calculated and presented to the facility.
THE PROJECT
The pilot study was to be conducted on-site with Watersolve assisting in the start-up for the first five days. Watersolve LLC shipped supplies, equipment, and personnel to the site. The equipment, under the supervision of Watersolve, was installed by the facility. Based on testing and provided flow rate information, a polymer make-down unit was selected for this application. Existing facility equipment would pump the material from the lagoon to the Geotube® MDS container. The material would be transferred in existing 2” PVC, injected with made-down polymer, mixed, and deposited in the MDS container to dewater. Two Geotube® Dewatering Test (GDT) bags were also filled to gather additional dryness information. Material from each GDT bag was removed and dry weight solids data was measured each day, for 6 days. By the fifth day of the project, the MDS container had reached capacity. The MDS container would be allowed to dewater at night and refilled to capacity during the day.
THE RESULT
The project went well, and operations continued after Watersolve personnel left the facility. Dry weight solids of the dewatering material measured 8% after 1 day, and 12% after 5 days.
