Problem: The Trier wastewater treatment plant in the oldest city in Germany needed a solution for sludge thickening before anaerobic digestion. The plant staff did not want to use a polymer and required a machine that could operate around the clock with a high level of automation.
Solution: A Flottweg decanter centrifuge operates efficiently 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The thickened material enables a longer retention time in the digesters. That means better stabilization and significantly greater biogas yield.
Result: The throughput is 250-425 cubic feet per hour without polymer. The process is completely automated based on the feed rate. The machine automatically flushes for 10-20 minutes at fixed times every day. Energy consumption has been reduced from about 4 million to 3 million kWh while raising power generation to 3.4 million kWh. 859-448-2300; www.flottweg.com
