In order to facilitate sludge treatment, modifications to WPL’s Diamond include the replacement of the separate sludge storage tank, normally found on large package units. The new SAD reactor takes sludge from the plants primary and secondary zones, treats it and returns cleaned water. WPL’s new SAD process greatly reduces the amount of sludge that needs to be removed from site. Consequently, the environment is protected from future sludge disposal and the number of road tanker visits greatly reduced.
Preliminary trials concluded that sludge mixing avoids solid sludge cake and that air feed can be integrated with submerged aerated filter (SAF) feed. The new process also proved odour-free. WPL is continuing to develop the technology and is currently trialing the SAD reactor at a site near Winchester. Initial results look very promising, with a 66% reduction in tanker visits over a three-month test period.
For further information on the SAD reactor trials, please contact Mike Bennett at WPL on (023) 9224 2609