Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/9236
Title: A device for mechanical freeze-thaw conditioning of alum sludge
Authors: Martel, Courtland James
Affleck, Rosa T.
Yushak, Melinda L.
Keywords: Alum
Water purification
Freeze–thaw conditioning
Water treatment plants
Sludge disposal
Sewage sludge
Publisher: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: CRREL Report ; 96-15.
Description: CRREL Report
Abstract: This report contains the results of a study to develop a mechanical device for dewatering alum sludge by freeze–thaw. This proposed device is a combination of two conventional unit operations: a vacuum filter and a blast freezer. Bench-scale studies were conducted to evaluate this concept and develop preliminary design criteria. The results of filter leaf tests indicate that a suitable sludge layer could be collected on a cloth medium at a vacuum level of only 100 mm of Hg and a 5.0-minute filtration time. The volume of sludge was reduced by 67%. The freezing tests indicated that low freezing rate and a high initial solids content had a tendency to produce large alum sludge particles. However, fast freezing rates could be achieved without reducing the effective grain size below that of a fine sand. Curing time had no effect on grain size. The electrical cost of freezing sludge with this device was estimated to be $0.004/m^3, which is not expensive in relation to the total cost of water treatment which is approximately $0.25 to $0.50/m^3.
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/9236
Appears in Collections:CRREL Report

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