GEOTHERMAL ENERGY APPLICATIONS IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT

This study examined the feasibility of using lowgrade geothermal energy to enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment systems. The study included an examination of the effects of using elevated temperatures in wastewater treatment, a selection of suitable uses of the low-grade energy in wastewater treatment, and an economic analysis. It was found that elevating temperature of wastewater to 30 deg C would possibly improve treatment efficiency by 10-15% for activated sludge plants and up to 30% for trickling filter systems. If nitrification is part of the treatment objective, elevated temperatures would have added beneficial effects. A capital investment towards a geothermal system amounts to 33-50% of the cost of the wastewater treatment plant. Potential exists for direct application of geothermal energy to normal wastewater plant energy demand. Both economics and environmental benefits (and possible costs) must be examined on a case-by-case basis.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/13202939
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Vigrass, L W
  • Viraraghavan, T
  • CURTIS, F A
• Publication Date: 1989-6

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 55-72
• Serial:
  • Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
  • Volume: 3
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0887-381X
  • Serial URL: http://opjs.aip.org/cro

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Economic analysis; Geothermal resources; Sewage treatment; Sludge (Deposit); Temperature
• Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00486416
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 31 1989 12:00AM