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Wastewater "gets beautiful" with ultrasound treatment

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Wastewater "gets beautiful" with ultrasound treatment

The ultrasound hydrolysis system, installed in the Forlì treatment plant, makes the life cycle of wastewater sludge circular. The result: less sludge to dispose of, and more biogas produced.

Wastewater is all the water that, after having been used in domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities, must be treated before being returned to the environment.

This water contains a solid part – sludge – which is removed during treatment. But, in addition to giving a new life to wastewater, can we also make the sludge life cycle circular, by reducing the amount to be disposed of?

Back in 2017, we started research to answer these questions, and, once again, we decided to invest in new technologies to lighten the impact on the environment and be more virtuous. In November 2019, our efforts became a reality, thanks to the ultrasound sludge hydrolysis system, installed at the Forlì treatment plant.

In this system, part of the sludge from the wastewater treatment process is subjected to sound waves. The waves, in contact with the liquid matrix to be treated, biodegrade more volatile solids, increasing biogas production, and reducing the final dry matter in the sludge. All this makes it possible to significantly reduce the volume of sludge to be disposed of and opens up new scenarios for the use of the biogas obtained thanks to the ultrasound system.

During 2020 the initial results will be reported and we look forward to sharing the successes of this new adventure with you.

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