Design of the first pilot scale plant of China for supercritical water oxidation of sewage sludge

► Existing problems and corresponding solutions in supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) are introduced. ► The first SCWO pilot scale plant of China is constructed to treat sewage sludge. ► The detailed system components and evident properties of the plant are described objectively. ► A simple economical comparison with incineration plant is carried out.