High-rate anaerobic digestion of ozonated waste activated sludge at low temperature

This project will investigate the challenging possibility of operating anaerobic digesters at 20 ºC without the supply of any external heat source by combining anaerobic digestion with sludge ozonation. The hypothesis is that such combination will enable the operation of anaerobic digesters at 20 °C, and achieve higher biosolids reduction, more biogas production, and increased energy gain, than the conventional standalone anaerobic digestion at 35 °C. This will be undertaken by operating anaerobic digesters under different configurations and monitoring their performance. Finally, an optimized version of the technology will be proposed to our industrial partners for possible upscaling. Air Liquide Canada currently commercializes the ASPALSludgeTM system using ozone to reduce excess sludge production from wastewater treatment facilities. The project will benefit both partners by proposing to them a novel technology that will solve the main problems associated with biosolids handling and disposal, and at the same time enhance energy production from anaerobic digesters. Hence, this new technology, if feasible, will provide a promising strategy for wastewater utilities to ensure environmental as well as economic sustainability.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dominic Frigon

Student:

Shameem Jauffur

Partner:

Air Liquide Canada Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

McGill University