PRODUCING BIOSOLIDS FROM SEWAGE SLUDGE

2 Primary clarifiers
Aeration. Separates solids and
3 Gravity thickener
Some of the solids are
liquids. Solids go to Digester. settled out.
1 Raw
sewage
comes
into the
plant.

4 Anaerobic
digestion
5 Dewatering
A centrifuge or other equipment removes most of the water.
Breaks down
solids, kills
most
pathogens,
produces
methane gas.
Methane can
be used as
fuel or
burned off
(right).

6 What comes out is Class B biosolids, with 99

percent or more pathogens removed
7 Class B biosolids can be
heated to a specified
temperature for a specified
Since Class B biosolids still contain some bacteria, a
time. Pasteurization kills all
permit is needed for land application. When applied
measurable pathogens. The
to land, most remaining pathogens are destroyed by
result is Class A biosolids.
heat, sunlight, drying, unfavorable pH and other
microorganisms. When applied to fields, a 30-day Class A biosolids can be
waiting period is required before livestock can applied to land without a
graze. permit or waiting time.