Utilising laboratory experiments as a first step to introduce primary sludge hydrolysis in full-scale

Laboratory experiments have been utilised as a tool to determine the possible yield of soluble COD and VFAs from settled influent and preprecipitated sludge at Klagshamn wastewater treatment plant and to determine the degradability of the organic matter. The release of ammonium and orthophosphate from the hydrolysed sludge has been estimated. It is possible to produce soluble organic matter of good quality from settled influent and preprecipitated sludge at Klagshamn WWTP. Denitrification rates of 3.1 mg NO₃-N/(g VSS × h) were found for the hydrolysate in laboratory tests. Owing to the low phosphate concentrations in the hydrolysate from preprecipitated sludge, it shows a potential for postdenitrification despite stringent phosphorus outlet demands. Calculations based on data gained from the laboratory experiments show that about 50% of the external carbon source used today can be saved with minor changes in the plant operation except that the hydrolysis has to be established. Based on these findings, full-scale experiments with internal hydrolysis in the primary clarifiers were scheduled in one of the two lines at Klagshamn WWTP for the summer of 2007.