NBP Webcast: Thermal Hydrolysis Comes to America: DC Water's Digestion Project

Introduction:

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Using thermal hydrolysis as a way to improve wastewater solids digestion is receiving interest from various organizations across the profession.  The recent selection of thermal hydrolysis technology by DC Water at the 370 mgd Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant, is helping the process gain acceptance in North America.  When completed, it will be the largest thermal hydrolysis plant in the world. Though the practice has been employed in Europe, the water sector in North America is just now starting to consider this technology.

The thermal hydrolysis process increases digester capacity, enhances biogas production, reduces biosolids volumes, improves dewaterability, and produces a Class A biosolids product. The process essentially "pressure-cooks" the sludge from wastewater treatment. The additional biogas generated as a result can be beneficially used to generate power and heat at the treatment facility, creating substantial energy cost savings annually.  The vessels can also ingest scraps, fats and grease to generate additional biogas, providing even more renewable energy. These multiple benefits have the potential to help many wastewater facilities meet their economic, environmental, social and operational objectives.
 

• Biosolids


• Thermal Hydrolysis


• Disgestion

• This webinar will focus on the benefits of thermal hydrolysis from multiple perspectives including an owner that has selected the technology, a company that provides thermal hydrolysis engineered systems, and the design firms responsible for designing and constructing the first system in North America. Other owners and engineers considering thermal hydrolysis would gain an understanding of the issues of cost, digester and equipment requirements (digester size, pre and post dewatering, heating and cooling requirements), biogas production potential, biosolids characteristics, odor control, and solids reduction.

Registration Information:
There will be 1.75 Professional Development Hours offered for this webcast. Check with your state accreditation agency to determine if you qualify for these credits.  

Cooperating Organizations:

National Biosolids Partnership, WEF Residuals and Biosolids Committee, DC Water, CDM Smith, Brown & Caldwell, and Cambi

Questions about this webcast should be sent to webcasts@wef.org.