Effects of ultrasonic disintegration of excess sewage sludge

Ultrasonic disintegration of excess sludge is used as a process preceding the stabilization of sludge in wastewater treatment plants. It has a task of intensifying the anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of sludge due to the fragmentation of its particles and destruction of microorganisms. Amount of energy put into process is the strongest factor determining type and intensity of disintegration. Physicochemical properties of sludge, operational variables and construction of installation have to be considered as well. The research have shown the effects of disintegration of various sludge conducted in disintegrators of varying heads and emitter structures, but at the same energy density E-v kW h m(-3) (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.