1. Home
  2. TRID
  3. View Record
https://trb-annual-meeting.nationalacademies.org/registration

SLUDGE MANAGEMENT BY HIGH-ENERGY ELECTRON IRRADIATION PRIOR TO LAND APPLICATION-STATE OF THE ART

It is suggested that only machine sources of high-energy electrons have the inherent safety, economics, flexibility and power output to process sludge from municipal waste water treatment plants. Radiation can effect: destruction of microorganisms and parasites; radiation-induced oxidation; modification of molecular structure (to decrease toxicity or enhance biodegradability); and changes in colloid system (to improve settling or sludge dewatering). An idealized case depicting 2 opposing electron accelerators and their beams of electrons impinging on a moving layer of wastewater sludge is described. The outstanding safety inherent in the electron beam approach to sludge processing arises from: the high output power of the electron accelerators; the localized region in which the ionization is applied; the efficiency with which the power is produced from conventional 60-cycle AC power; and the ease with which it can be controlled over the range fully on - to fully off, at which point radiation ceases. An outstanding project - the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant - is outlined. This continuous-flow treatment system was designed to deliver a disinfecting dosage of 400,000 rads to 100,000 gallons of municipal sludge per day. The current state of the art in electron irradiation sludge management is described, and the use of sludge as a valuable resource is discussed.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Presented at the annual meeting of the Environmental Group, March 30, 1977.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Boston Society of Civil Engineers

    230 Boyston Street
    Boston, MA  United States  02116
  • Authors:
    • Eliassen, R
  • Publication Date: 1977-7

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00164394
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Oct 29 1977 12:00AM