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Coal as a supplemental heat source in sewage sludge incineration

Conference · · J. - Water Pollut. Control Fed.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6217255

Coal as a supplemental heat source in sewage sludge incineration was studied as an alternative to fuel oil or natural gas. Lump coal was added to the vacuum filter dewatered sludge cake at the 20 million gal/day Seneca Wastewater Treatment Plant in St. Paul, Minn. A subbituminous western coal, with a sulfur content less than 1% and a heating value of 9500 Btu/lb, was used. Coal doses of 50-75 g/kg wet cake were successful in replacing oil consumption during normal operation. With close control, an estimated 70-80% reduction in oil use is possible. Variations in sludge cake solids and combustibles make it difficult to make 100% substitution practical unless heat is wasted at times. A cost balance for the Seneca Plant assumed a 75% replacement of oil with coal and showed that $78,700/yr could be saved and 600,000 gal/yr of fuel oil could be diverted to other purposes.

OSTI ID:
6217255
Report Number(s):
CONF-7710254-
Journal Information:
J. - Water Pollut. Control Fed.; (United States), Journal Name: J. - Water Pollut. Control Fed.; (United States) Vol. 51:7; ISSN JWPFA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English