Open AccessThermal hydrolysis to enhance energetic potential of sewage sludge: A review
Author(s) -
Anna Mágrová,
P. Jenı́ček
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
paliva
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.111
H-Index - 1
ISSN - 1804-2058
DOI - 10.35933/paliva.2021.02.05
Subject(s) - biogas , thermal hydrolysis , anaerobic digestion , sewage sludge , biomass (ecology) , waste management , renewable energy , sewage treatment , environmental science , sewage , sewage sludge treatment , pulp and paper industry , chemistry , engineering , methane , electrical engineering , organic chemistry , oceanography , geology
Sewage sludge biomass is a renewable energy source commonly produced by anaerobic digestion (AD). However, the limited biodegradability of sewage sludge causes a poor energy conversion of organic material into biogas and requires further enhancement. One possible solution is sludge disintegration by a thermal hydrolysis process (THP) that has already proven to enhance biogas production and improve the quality of digested sludge. This article reviews possible THP configurations, such as THP-AD, ITHP, and PAD-THP, together with different input materials and their impact on the energy balance of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Data from full-scale THP demonstrate differences between the configurations and input material. Moreover, the general advantages and disadvantages of THP integration are summarized and presented as a multicriteria analysis that simplifies the decision-making whether the THP should be integrated in the WWTP.