Supercritical Water Oxidation – Wastewaters and Sludges

Environmental contaminants can be eliminated through the use of SCWO techniques. A comprehensive supercritical oxidation (SCWO) research laboratory, including bench and pilot-scale facilities has been developed. High temperature and pressure systems slightly less than and greater than supercritical water conditions can be used for the efficient destruction of waste biological treatment plant sludges, acetic acid, 2-nitro phenol, 2,4-dimethyl phenol, phenol, and 2,4-dinitro toluene. Above 400 °C, near complete destruction of sludge and transformation compounds such as acetic acid can be achieved with relatively short residence times. Ammonia and acetic acid are transformation products in the SCWO of biological treatment plant sludges. Acetic acid produced from the oxidation of sludge is oxidized rapidly at supercritical temperatures, 400 °C to 450 °C.