Hydrothermal Carbonization Process of Digestate from Sewage Sludge: Chemical and Physical Properties of Hydrochar in Terms of Energy Application

Hydrochars (HTCD) derived from digestates, namely D1 and D2 (from two plants) of sewage sludge, were examined with respect to their fuel properties. The hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) tests were performed at temperatures of 200 and 220 degrees C, for 2 and 4 h of residence times, and with 1:10 and 1:8 digestate to water ratios (D/W), causing an increase of ash content (max. 55.8%), and a decrease c.a. 20% of the higher heating value except for a slight increase to 15 kJ/kg at 200 degrees C and 4 h in hydrochars. Conversely, the combustion profiles of hydrochars moved towards higher temperatures (225-257 degrees C) and finished earlier at lower temperatures (423-438 degrees C). The HTCD from D1 and D2 showed very similar properties under the same conditions (200 degrees C, 4 h, 1:8 D/W) for combustion characteristic temperatures, indices and profiles. The best efficiency was found for HTCD2. In addition, the polluted post-processing liquid phase was treated by a distillation process providing 30% higher pH, 50% lower BOD values, up to 15 times lower COD values, and c.a. three times lower conductivity.

Automated summary

Hydrochars derived from sewage sludge digestates were examined for their fuel properties. The hydrothermal carbonization process and the composition of the digestate affected the ash content and combustion characteristics of the hydrochars. The hydrochars from different plants showed similar properties under the same conditions. Distillation treatment of the post-processing liquid phase improved its quality indicators.