Moisture variation associated with water input and evaporation during sewage sludge bio-drying

The variation of moisture during sewage sludge bio-drying was investigated. In situ measurements were conducted to monitor the bulk moisture and water vapor, while the moisture content, water generation, water evaporation and aeration water input of the bio-drying bulk were calculated based on the water mass balance. The moisture in the sewage sludge bio-drying material decreased from 66% to 54% in response to control technology for bio-drying. During the temperature increasing and thermophilic phases of sewage sludge bio-drying, the moisture content, water generation and water evaporation of the bulk initially increased and then decreased. The peak water generation and evaporation occurred during the thermophilic phase. During the bio-drying, water evaporation was much greater than water generation, and aeration facilitated the water evaporation.

► We measured in situ bulk moisture and water vapor during sewage sludge bio-drying.
► We investigated water input and water evaporation of the bio-drying bulk.
► Peaks of water generation and evaporation were seen in the thermophilic phase.
► Forced aeration promoted evaporation, which was greater than water generation.