Pelleting flocculation-an alternative technique to optimise sludge conditioning

The present paper deals with the results originating from laboratory scale experiments with model sludge, kaolin suspension. The layering process was conducted in the presence of different cationic flocculants and the resulting relationships with respect to their nature and to the applied energy level have been assessed. The achieved agglomerates exhibit an “onion like” structure with densities up to 1.42 g/cm3 and solid matter content up to 48% after gravity dewatering. Thus generated sludge agglomerates reveal the optimisation potential for sludge treatment manifested by improved characteristics achieved during the conditioning.