Thermal processing of sewage sludge

This paper presents the current situation in sludge disposal in the Czech Republic and some other European countries. Environmental legislation valid for the European Union is taken into account. Several alternatives for thermal sludge disposal are discussed. Thermal treatment of sludge in cement works is analyzed in detail as a promising approach. The reason for this selection consists in the possibility of utilizing waste heat for drying wet sludge. Ash from sludge incineration is bound to clinker. In addition considerable amount of clinker raw material can be saved. An economical study showing payback and other important criteria is an essential part of this paper. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.