FAECAL SLUDGE TREATMENT

TECHNOLOGIES

Module 9 - Design and selection of processing and treatment plants

Select appropriate solutions for town/city

Develop a technology selection matrix using specifically

selected criteria.

Types of treatment systems and their combinations with

their advantages and limitations.
SANITATION VALUE CHAIN –
TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS
SANITATION VALUE
CHAIN

CONTAINMENT EMPTYING TRANSPORT TREATMENT REUSE /DISPOSAL

Suitable technology options need to be employed at each stage of the sanitation

value chain
Choice of sanitation systems for a city should depend on the local
conditions and the priorities of the town
TREATMENT OBJECTIVE
TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
Established Transferring Innovative
Settling tanks Anaerobic digestion Vermicomposting
Drying beds Incineration Black soldier fly
Planted drying beds Mechanical treatments Thermal drying and pellitising
Co-composting Lime addition Ammonia
Co-treatment in WSPs Solar drying
Deep row entrenchment

Resource Recovery endproducts

Soil conditioner (dried sludge, compost, pellets)
Fertiliser (with addition of NPK, reclaimed water)
Animal fodder (planted drying beds, fish-aquaculture)
Protein (black soldier fly larvae)
Building materials (bricks, cement)
Fuel – liquid (biogas)
Fuel – solid (combustion)
Electricity (gasification)
TREATMENT OBJECTIVES
End-product
Soil conditioner (dried sludge,
compost, pellets)
Fertiliser (with addition of NPK,
reclaimed water)
Animal fodder (planted
drying beds, fish-
aquaculture)
Protein (black soldier fly larvae)
Building materials (bricks, cement) Dewatering;
Fuel – liquid (biogas)
Fuel – solid (combustion)
Electricity (gasification)
Treatment Objectives
Pathogen inactivation; dewatering;
stabilization; nutrient management
Pathogen inactivation; dewatering;
stabilization; nutrient management
Dewatering; Stabilisation
Dewatering;
Stabilisation and digestion
Dewatering; Incineration
Dewatering; Incineration
Technology Options
Anaerobic reactor/digester; SDB;
mechanical dewatering; Lime/ammonia
addition; Co-composting; thermal drying
Anaerobic reactor/digester; SDB;
mechanical dewatering; Lime/ammonia
addition; Co-composting; thermal drying
Planted Drying Bed; Collection
system for liquid component
Mechanical dewatering/SDB;
Black soldier flies
Mechanical or SDB
Anaerobic (biogas) digester
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis
TREATMENT OBJECTIVES
Pathogen inactivation
Dewatering
Stabilisation
Nutrient management
TREATMENT OBJECTIVES
Pathogen inactivation:
Reduction or inactivation of pathogens to protect public health (Pathogens
- bacteria, viruses, protozoa and helminths causing disease)
Level of pathogen reduction required depends on Standards / linked to the
final use or disposal of the faecal sludge
Sludge that comes in contact with people – higher sanitization required –
FS used as compost for crop production;
Treatment inactivates pathogens in several ways: Filtration; cell
inactivation – by chemicals, by natural ways-sunlight, biologically –
removing the transmitter or host organism
TREATMENT OBJECTIVES
Dewatering:
To minimize quantities for further treatment; remove water to minimize
vectors, odour; minimize chances of surface water and ground water
contamination (transport of contaminants)
Dewatering to the extent when it becomes easier to handle
Dewatering reduces the weight and volume of sludge making it easier,
cheaper, and safer to manage.
Dewatering is at times a pre-condition for following treatment
modules to work effectively. Eg. Sludge composting
(Stabilised sludge is easier to dewater)
TREATMENT OBJECTIVES
Stabilization
Decomposition of easily degradable organic material by various
processes
Stabilized FS is easier to manage (more predictable), less odour, lesser
reactions therefore more simpler to define further use; easier uptake
by organisms
For energy production, unstabilised sludge is better as its breakdown
produces energy that can be captured
TREATMENT OBJECTIVES
Nutrient management:
To make nutrients contained in FS available for extraction and use in
agriculture, enrich soils, prevent excess nutrient content of soil, prevent
contamination of water bodies downstream of treatment plant through
wash-off/run-off
Level of nutrients in treatment by-products to be decided as per
application/use
Nitrogen - organic form (e.g., compost) is stable and slowly
released - direct application to crops ;
Nitrogen - inorganic or ionic form (e.g., nitrogen found in leachate)
results in GW contamination or volatilize into the environment
TREATMENT PROCESS
TREATMENT PROCESS
To achieve the defined objectives, various stages of treatment/technologies need to
come together ( systems approach)

Goal- reuse of FS in agriculture

Treatment technologies/Processes required: Remove pathogens; make FS available
in an easy to use form; should contain nutrients
Dewatering
Stabilisation
Pathogen removal

Goal – energy production

Process required :Dewatering (to make it dry) (stabilization and pathogen
reduction is not the goal though it might still have a positive impact on that)
TREATMENT-APPROACH

1 Separation of solids

2 Sludge stabilization

3 Dewatering / Drying

4 Sludge percolate treatment

5 Disinfection

6 Safe disposal / Reuse

TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS
Solid/Liquid Separation Dewatering Stabilisation/Further Treatment End Product/End use

Imhoff Tanks Mechanical Co-composting Soil conditioner

Settling /Thickening Unplanted drying Deep row entrenchment Irrigation

Tanks beds
Lime/Ammonia addition Proteins

Sludge incineration Fodder and plants

Anaerobic digestion Building material

Black soldier Biofuels

flies/vermicomposting

LaDePa

Thermal Drying

Solar Drying

Planted Drying beds

Co-treatment with wastewater

TREATMENT MECHANISM
Based on faecal sludge/wastewater treatment approach
High variability in concentrations of all constituents

PHYSICAL CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL

PHYSICAL TREATMENT
PHYSICAL TREATMENT
1.Screening
2.Dewatering
3.Filtration
4.Evaporation and Evapotranspiration
5.Centrifugal force
6.Heat drying
7.Gravity separation
.
1. SCREENING
The screen and Grit chamber is a basin to trap large solids ( paper, plastics, and
metals)using different size screens and for settling of grits ( gravel, cinder)
Screening of faecal sludge and septage is necessary to arrest the solid waste
which might be disposed off in the toilet.
The screens are provided with parallel bars vertically or horizontally with an
opening size of 2 to 5 cm
The solids collected in this chamber are removed regularly and disposed safely
2. DEWATERING
Dewatering is usually used in faecal sludge and septage treatment for reducing
the water content of it. Water is heavy and expensive to transport and is not
an actual interest for the faecal sludge treatment plant.
Water is present in faecal sludge and septage in mainly two forms- bulk and
bound form.
The free water shown in the diagram is called bulk water whereas the
interstitial, surface and intracellular water is called bound water. Bulk water is
easy to dewater using gravity separation.

Intracellular water
Surface water
Free water
Interstitial water
WATER CONTENT IN FS
Free: most easily removed
PWP FC SWC
Interstitial: bound in
Hygroscopic Capillary Gravitational
pores, by capillary forces Water Water Water
Surface: bound to solids
via adsorption /
adhesion
Intracellular: within cells,
only removed by
destructing cells

Physically bound water:

only removed by Intracellular water
chemicals, Surface water
centrifugation, pressure Free water
Interstitial water
and evaporation
3. FILTRATION
Media through which filtration can take place:
Membranes
Sand Granular media
Rocks, gravel most common : Planted and
unplanted drying beds; geo
Types: bags
Slow filtration (0.1 – 0.4 m/h)
Gravity driven
Pressurised
3. FILTRATION
Filtration is a process based upon the physical size of the solids when compared to
that pores in the filter media.
Physical exclusion can be achieved using filtration media such as membrane
(geotubes) or granular (sludge drying beds).
Filtration can be classified as slow, rapid and pressurized depending upon the
environment in which filtration is achieved.
Usually in case of faecal sludge and septage, slow filtration is used. In the other
two types of filtration processes, there are high chances of clogging when used of
septage.

In addition to physical mechanisms, chemical and biological processes also occur

within the filter. Chemical processes include attraction processes that result in
flocculation or adhesion to filter surfaces. Biological growth happens throughout
the filter, but tends to be more intense near the surface, depending on the
presence of oxygen, carbon sources and nutrient availability. This can also result in
biological removal of nutrients and BOD occurring within the filter.
4. EVAPORATION
Energy provided by the sun for water to be released as vapour
Functionality therefore highly influenced by climate
Factors: heat; humidity; wind (to transport moist air)

5. TRANSPIRATION
By plants influenced by climate, heat, moisture content in air and wind speed
Factors: plant species; growth phase; plant density; leaf shape and colour; water
availability in root zone

6. EVAPOTRANSPIRATION
Combination
7. CENTRIFUGATION IN FSM
Quite common for WWTPs
Sludge in a drum that rotates at a high speed
Solids settles at the walls of drum, liquid fraction moves out

In FS: for partial removal of bound water (cells break up)

However: high energy costs!
8. HEAT DRYING
Heat drying refers to application of heat to reduce the water content of the
sludge.
Usually heat application is done after dewatering i.e. after freeing the sludge
from bulk water.
Achieves reduction in volume as well as weight.
Heat application can be done using conduction, convection, radiation of
combination of these processes
The quantity of heat that needs to be applied depends on the specific heat
capacity of the sludge or in simple words the water content of the sludge.
Specific heat capacity is measured in kJ/kg/oC. Specific Heat Capacity of Water
at 25oC is 4.18 kJ/kg/oC. For wastewater sludge it is reported to be 1.95
kJ/kg/oC.
9. GRAVITY SEPERATION
Most commonly employed method of liquid –solid separation in FSM.
Gravity separation is based on the fact that solids in the faecal sludge and
septage have different specific gravity when compared to water. Oil grease fats
also gets separated because they have less specific gravity as compared to
water. Hence when the water is retained, gravity separation occurs naturally.
Based on size of the particles, suspended solids concentration and flocculation.
The four types of settling mechanisms include :
Discrete particle
Flocculent
Hindered
Compression

Gravity separation is achieved using simple

settling thickening tanks as shown in the figure.
CHEMICAL TREATMENT
CHEMICAL TREATMENT
Chemical mechanisms refer to use chemicals to either enhance the
performance of physical mechanisms, to inactivate the pathogens or to
stabilise the faecal sludge.
Since chemicals used in liquid treatments are quite expensive, a proper cost
benefit analysis is required before resorting to the use of chemical
mechanisms.

Typically three forms:

Alkaline addition
Ammonia addition
Coagulation and flocculation
1. ALKALINE ADDITION
Alkaline addition typically for stabilisation of sludge
After addition:
pH rises to 12
Microbes are inactivated
Smell and pathogens are reduced
Larger molecules are broken up / hydrolysed
With CaO: also temperature goes up, double effect!
Concerns: NH3 volatilisation; scaling

Alkaline addition helps to stabilise the faecal sludge and septage. It can be
achieved using lime or quicklime. When lime is mixed with faecal sludge or
septage, it raises the pH of the mixture to 12. The pathogens do not
survive in such extreme alkaline conditions. This process not only
stabilises the sludge but also reduced odour and increases the settleability
of the solids.
1. ALKALINE ADDITION
Alkaline addition helps to stabilise the faecal sludge and septage. It can be
achieved using lime or quicklime. When lime is mixed with faecal sludge or
septage, it raises the pH of the mixture to 12. The pathogens do not
survive in such extreme alkaline conditions. This process not only
stabilises the sludge but also reduced odour and increases the settleability
of the solids.
When quick lime is mixed with faecal sludge or septage, it rapidly reacts
with the water. This is an exothermic process which raises the temperature
of the moisture upto 600C. This also results in reduction in pH of the
mixture. Both these factors lead to not only stabilisation but also pathogen
reduction. In cases where pH drops below the desired values, addition of
lime is required.
2. AMMONIA ADDITION
Aqueous ammonia also inactivates
microorganisms
pH has to be >8.5 because of NH3/NH4+
equilibrium
Addition typically in the form of urea
As long as pH is high -> no regrowth
When applied to the soil: pH goes down, and NH4+ becomes available as a
fertiliser, which is a benefit over other chemicals
Dosing: trial! pH is important indicator (combined with duration)
3. COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION
Coagulation and flocculation refers to the chemical treatment mechanism
where in chemical is used to achieve flocs of sludge which are then easy to
remove using gravity settling or mechanical dewatering process.
The commonly used chemicals for coagulation and flocculation are ferric
chloride, alum or lime.
Now-a-days a complex mixture of polymers is also available which are highly
effective in coagulation of sludge. These are mostly used in cases where
direct dewatering of septage is done using mechanical dewatering
equipment.
BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT
BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT
In theory, the following biological treatments are possible:
Aerobic treatment
Anaerobic treatment
Composting
This is important in order to reduce the oxygen demand, produce stable and
predictable characteristics, reduce odours, and allow for easy storage and
manipulation.
‘Stabilised’ organic matter does not have an exact agreed upon scientific definition,
but in general refers to resistance to further biodegradation. Stabilised sludge
consists of particles like cellulose, lignin, inorganic matter, and cellular matter of
microorganisms that consumed readily degradable organics, whereas unstabilised
sludge contains easily degradable compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, and
sugars. Volatile solids are used as a measure for stabilisation, as they are
considered to be composed of readily degradable organic matter.
1. AEROBIC TREATMENT
Aerobic environment refers to the presence of oxygen.
Aerobic treatment processes in wastewater treatment are activated sludge,
sequencing batch reactors, trickling filters etc.
Aerobic treatment consists of aerobic degradation of organic solids. Aerobic
digestion of the solids needs supply of external oxygen and hence becomes
costly when compared to anaerobic digestion.
Solubility of oxygen in FS is low, hence aeration can be energy intensive
2. ANAEROBIC TREATMENT
Anaerobic treatment refers to anaerobic digestion of organic solids. Anaerobic
digestion happens in three stages.
The first stage is called hydrolysis where complex organic material breaks down
into soluble compounds. These compounds are then converted into different
types of acids by two processes called acidogenesis and acetogenesis. Further in
the third stage the acids are transformed into stable compounds such as
methane, carbon dioxide and water by a process called methanogenesis.
Anaerobic digestion is
recommended in sludge
stabilisation as it is more
economical as compared
to aerobic digestion.
3. COMPOSTING
Composting process is controlled using
C:N = 20-30
Moisture content: 40-60%
Oxygen content: free pore space of 20% by volume.

During the first phase, bacteria are growing rapidly while consuming readily
degradable compounds (e.g. sugar, starch, protein). During this period, the
temperature is also increasing due to the rapid rate of growth (due to exothermic
catabolic reactions), which is faster than the rate at which heat can escape.
In the second phase, thermophilic temperatures of 50-75°C are achieved and
thermophilic bacteria become active, further decomposing the organic matter.
During this phase pathogen reduction and inactivation of plant seeds (e.g. weeds)
occurs as a result of the high temperatures. In the third phase, stabilisation is being
reached as the last of the readily degradable substrates are depleted, bacterial
activity slows down, and the temperature lowers.
TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS
FOR TREATMENT
FSSM TREATMENT CHAIN
PRE-TREATMENT
Screen and Grit Removal
SCREENING
Technical Specification/features
Operating principle – The screen and Grit chamber is a basin to trap large solids (rags, paper,
plastics, and metals)using different size screens and for settling of grits (sand, gravel, cinder). The
solids collected in this chamber removed regularly anddisposed safely

Technical and general description

• Screening is the pre treatment stage in the faecal sludge treatment
• The screens are provided with parallel bars vertically or horizontally with a opening size of 2 to 5cm
• Bars set at 30 to 45 degrees from vertical to facilitate cleaning
• The size of the screen chamber to be designed to take care of the peak load
Area Requirement (in sqmt): Depends on the volume of sludge to be treated

Advantages Disadvantages

• helps filter out objects (e.g., solid waste) which • Regular maintenance needs to be ensured
may damage and/or clog downstream • If the solids are not removed from the
treatment system chamber regularly, it may lead to clogging
and resulting in overflow from the chamber

Applicability

• This module is used for pre-treatment in the entire series of treatment process.

Capital and O&M Cost (in INR)

• Capital Cost = 10000 to 15000
SOLID LIQUID
SEPERATION
SOLID LIQUID SEPARATION

Settling Tanks and Sedimentation Ponds

KEY
Sludge layer 30cm

Sand layer 10cm = 0.2 - 0.6mm

Sludge layer 10cm = 7 - 15mm

Sludge Drying Beds

Gravel layer 20cm = 15 - 30mm

0.3m
0.7m 0.1m
0.1m
0.2m

Liquid drainage 1:2

Planted Sludge Drying Beds

Geo Bags
SETTLING TANK
Technical Specification/features SETTLING TANK
Operating principle – Settling tank is a pre-treatment devise which ensures maximum settling
(gravity settling or forced settling through addition of lime) of solid particles present in the faecal
sludge waste for fixed duration of time.

Technical and general description

• The retention time proposed in the settling tank for 2 to 3 hours
• The solids collected at the bottom is discharged into the sludge treatment and dewatering unit
where as the liquid (free water) is discharged in the wastewater treatment facility
• It can also act like equalisation tank to ensure uniform discharge of sludge into the subsequent
module
Area Requirement (in sqmt): Depends on the volume of sludge to be treated

Advantages Disadvantages

• This process helps in reducing the volume of • Regular O&Mis required

waste entering the sludge treatment and • Operator needs to ensure the discharge of
dewatering unit right volume of sludge and liquid into
respective treatment unit (based on the
level of solid settling)
Applicability

• This module is used for pre-treatment in the entire series of treatment process.

Capital and O&M Cost (in INR)

• Capital Cost = 10000 to 15000 per Cum
• O&MCost = Tobe estimated
SETTLING TANK
Settling thickening tanks are the simplest kind of treatment unit. It is the
most commonly used treatment unit for solid liquid separation in case
of faecal sludge and septage treatment.
The separation takes place due to difference in the specific gravity of
the solids and their masses. The fat – oil – grease which has lower
specific gravity tends to float up to the surface of the water. Hence, in
the settling thickening tank, the incoming sludge is given appropriate
hydraulic retention time, where in the solids and the fog separate and
the liquid effluent comes out from the outlet.
The settled sludge then undergoes compaction due to hydraulic
pressure from the top, resulting into thick dense layer suitable for
pumping. When designed and operated well, the settling thickening
tanks can result solids concentration from 1% to up to 12% in the
thickened sludge.
Settling/Thickening Tank
UNPLANTED DRYING BEDS
Solid-liquid separation/dewatering
Technical Specification/features UN-PLANTED DRYING BEDS
Operating principle –UPDB are shallow filter tank filled with graded gravel mainly used for
dewatering of stabilized sludge. The drying process in a drying bed is based on drainage of liquid
through the sand and gravel to the bottom of the bed, and evaporation of water from the surface of
the sludge.

Technical and general description

• Graded filter media of diameter used for the depth of 50-60cm depth with the top layer as sand
• Approximately 50-80% of the liquid drains of as filtrate and 20-50% due to evaporation
Capital and O&M Cost (in INR)
• The depth of sludge applied per loading is not more than30cm
• Sludge drying period - range of 10-20 days depending on the temp • Capital Cost = 10000 - 12500 per m2
Area Requirement (in sqmt): total area depends on the daily generation of FS and drying period

Advantages Disadvantages

• Simple operation, no skilled personnel • Require desludging after every cycle of

required drying (manpower required)
• Can be built with local materials • More number of filter bed is required
• Dried sludge can be composted and used as which leads to higher Land area
fertilizer requirement and cost
Applicability

• Applicable where the ULB can allocate large area for construction
UNPLANTED DRYING BEDS
Unplanted sludge drying beds are shallow filters filled with sand and
gravel with an under-drain at the bottom to collect leachate. Sludge is
discharged onto the surface for dewatering.
The drying process in a drying bed is based on drainage of liquid through
the sand and gravel to the bottom of the bed, and evaporation of water
from the surface of the sludge to the air.
Depending on the faecal sludge (FS) characteristics, a variable fraction of
approximately 50-80% of the sludge volume drains off as a liquid (or
leachate), which needs to be collected and treated prior to discharge.
After reaching the desired dryness, the sludge is removed from the bed
manually or mechanically. Further processing for stabilization and
pathogen reduction may be required depending on the intended end use
option.
When considering the installation of a drying bed, the ease of operation
and low cost needs to be considered against the relatively large footprint
and odour potential.
UN-PLANTED DRYING BEDS

KEY
Sludge layer 30cm
Sand layer 10cm = 0.2 - 0.6mm
Sludge layer 10cm = 7 - 15mm

Gravel layer 20cm = 15 - 30mm

0.3m
0.7m 0.1m
0.1m
0.2m

Liquid drainage 1:2

Sludge drying beds
PLANTED DRYING BEDS
Solid-liquid separation/dewatering/ sludge stabilization

Technical Specification/features PLANTED DRYING BEDS

Operating principle – PDBs are loaded with layers of sludge that are subsequently dewatered and
stabilised through multiple physical and biological mechanisms

Technical and general description

• The PDB is loaded with sludge of not more than 20cm per loading with maximum sludge depth of
1.5mtrbefore desludging. Sludge retention time – 2-3 years depending on sludge loading rate TS
• The filtrate is estimated in the range of 50-70% and evapo-transpiration 30-50% of the total
volume
• Emergent microphytes – Reeds and Cattails mostly used
• Permeable bed with graded filter media is used for a depth of 60-75cm with sand layer on top
Area Requirement (in sqmt): 50 to 70 m2/m3/day

Advantages Disadvantages

• Sludge is transformed into biomass (plants) • Manual labour or specialised equipment is

and can be harvested required to remove dried sludge from
• Do not need desludging after every cycle. bedsl
Desludged once 2 to 3 years • Large area required for construction
• Simple operation, no skilled personnel • As odour could be an issue, they should be Capital and O&M Cost (in INR)
required constructed far away from households
• Capital Cost = 800 to 2000 per sq. ft
Applicability

• Applicable where the ULB can allocate large area for construction
PLANTED DRYING BEDS
Planted drying beds (PDBs), also sometimes referred to as planted dewatering
beds, vertical flow constructed wetlands and sludge drying reed beds, are beds
of porous media (e.g. sand and gravel) that are planted with emergent
macrophytes.
PDBs are loaded with layers of sludge that are subsequently dewatered and
stabilized through multiple physical and biological mechanisms.
The dewatering, organic stabilization and mineralization performance of the
PDB depends on a variety of factors such as the media type and size, the type of
plants, the maturity of the beds, climatic factors, and the sludge characteristics,
as well as operational factors such as the hydraulic loading rate (HLR), the solids
loading rate (SLR), and the loading frequency.
Planted Drying Bed
GEOTUBES
Solid-liquid separation/dewatering
Technical Specification/features GEO-TUBE BAGS
Operating principle –Geo tube - Dee bags are porous tubular containers fabricated with high
strength woven geo-textiles (polyethylene material) mainly used for dewatering sludge . The solids
is contained in the bag, whereas the filtrate is drained out of the pores in the bags.
Technical and general description
• Required volume of bags are made available with factory made fabrication
• Able to achieve the capture of 98% of solids from the sludge
• Polymer can be added to increase the solidsettling
• Filtrates from the container should be collected in a proper containment system and treated
properly before discharge Capital and O&M Cost (in INR)
A Requirement (in sqmt): To be estimated • Capital Cost (Recurring) = 10000 –
Advantages Disadvantages 15000 per m3

• Effective solid retention • Required separate liquid treatment unit

• Alternative to sludge drying beds • The number of uses of geo-tube bags –
• Cost effective recurring expense
• Civil construction is not required

Applicability

• Smaller quantity of sludge disposal

Geobag
STABILIZATION
STABILIZATION

Co-treatment with Wastewater

Co-Composting with Municipal Solid waste

Anaerobic Digestion: Biogas digester

LaDePa pelletizer

Mechanical Treatment Options

CO-TREATMENT
Co-treatment with Wastewater

Septage addition at the Septage addition at STP Septage addition to

nearest sewer manhole, Sludge Digesters /
upstream of STP Sludge Drying Beds

After assessment of existing capacity of STP and quality of WW and FS

CO-COMPOSTING
Technical Specification/features CO-COMPOSTING
Operating principle – Co-composting is composting of a mixture of organic solid waste and faecal
sludge with pre-defined moisture content (40-60%) at specified condition

Technical and general description

• Biological process that involves microorganisms that decompose organic matter under controlled
predominantly aerobic conditions
• Composting using either windrow or in-vessel method
• A carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) between 20-30:1 to ensure biological availability. Sludge to solid
waste – 1:2, 1:3
• Total period for complete cycle of composting and ensure maximum inactivation of pathogen – 6
to 8 weeks (tropical regions)
Area Requirement (in sqmt): 150 to 200 m2 for a load of 1ton/day

Advantages Disadvantages

• co-composting is formed by the thermophilic • Toensure required moisture content in

conditions and the resulting pathogen faecal sludge is difficult unless dewatering
inactivation device adopted
• Can be implemented in MSWsite • Large land requirement
• Odor may be anissue Capital and O&M Cost (in INR)

Applicability • Capital Cost = 12- 15Lacs per ton

• O&MCost = Tobe estimated
• This system is used mainly for inactivation of pathogens present in the faecal sludge
CO-COMPOSTING
Co composting can be performed on the dewatered sludge. Sludge is rich in
nitrogen and if mixed with organic solid waste to achieve C:N ratio of 30 then
aerobic composting can be achieved.
Thermophilic condition is required for pathogen inactivation and hence care
needs to be taken to achieve optimum temperature and maintain oxygen
concentration between 40% - 60%.
The advantage of the co composting is that it performs drying and pathogen
reduction simultaneously and generates an end product with higher value in
the market.
Limiting factors to practice co composting can be technical and managerial
skills along with area required to manage the piles.
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
Technical Specification/features ANAEROBIC DIGESTION REACTOR
Operating principle – This treatment unit works on the principle of anaerobic digestion where the
organic matter is converted more stable organic components.

Technical and general description

• This process ensure effective sludge digestion and stabilization (in sewage disposal)
• The solid constituents present in the sludge that precipitate during treatment and are removed
for subsequent purification or dewatering (filtration)
• The SRT is maintained for 12-15days
Area Requirement (in sqmt): Depends on the volume of sludge to be treated
Advantages Disadvantages

• Stabilised sludge facilitates easier solid liquid • Effective and faster stabilisation is ensured
separation with temperature
• Clogging of filter media in the dewatering • Shock load from sludge feeding may result
module is reduced in overflow of sludge in to the subsequent
• removal of moisture content is faster - module Capital and O&M Cost (in INR)
evaporation &filtration
• Capital Cost = 15000 to 25000 per Cum
Applicability • O&MCost = Tobe estimated

• This treatment module is very effective to ensure reduction of area required in the dewatering
process, hence reduction in the construction area of dewatering module
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
Anaerobic digester is used for stabilisation of solid in faecal sludge. Faecal
sludge has higher content of slowly biodegradable COD. Hence to stabilise
these solid and bring down the COD, anaerobic digester.
The advantage of anaerobic digester is that it produces methane gas which
can be used for generating energy. Digestion also results in reduction in
sludge volume and odour. It increases the dewaterability of the sludge.
The limiting factors for implementation in anaerobic digester is that it
requires monitoring on a daily basis and skilled persons for operating the
treatment unit.
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
Biogas Digester

Biogas digesters work on the principal of

anaerobic digestion – a natural, biological
process which breaks down liquid manure,
sewage, or other organic wastes. In the process,
biogas is produced. This biogas is about 55-70
percent methane (the primary component of
natural gas) and therefore can make an excellent
energy source.
Several advantages of the above process are
• Odor reduction
• Pathogen reduction
• Reduction in Total Oxygen Demand of the
treated waste
• Clean Energy production
• Green House Gas reduction
LaDePa
LaDePa pelletizer

Modifying a commercially
available pyrolysis unit and
adding dewatering and water
treatment units.

Pyrolysis is a process which

decomposes matter using heat
in the absence of oxygen.

Pyrolysis refers to the stage which is intermediate to combustion. In an oxygen

deficient environment and at temperature around 200 – 500 0C pyrolysis takes
place. The organic molecules in the sludge are chemically altered to yield
carbon based products such as biochar, oils and gases. These products can
then be used as fuels for completing the combustion process.
LaDePa
LaDePa pelletizer

detritus pre-drying chamber pasteurisation chamber

separators using exhaust heat using medium - wave
from generator motor infrared radiators

sludge
feed
air flow air flow

hot air inlet moist air extraction

porous steel belt

rotation

pasterurised sludge
THERMAL PROCESS
LaDePa
MECHANICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
The technologies used to treat wastewater sludges are also applicable for
Faecal Sludge namely:
Belt Filter Press
Frame Filter Press
Screw Press
Centrifuge
Advantages of mechanical treatment options include compactness and speed of
the process
Limitations of mechanical treatment options include high investment costs, O&M
and electricity requirements
MECHANICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
Centralised Sludge Treatment Facility

Belt Press Mobile Dewatering

Mechanised

Centrifuge Decanter Filter Press

1. CENTRALISED SLUDGE TREATMENT
FACILITY

The centralised sludge treatment facility treats the faecal sludge removed from
septic tanks and also sludge from small sewage treatment plants. The sludge is
thickened in dewatering units (mechanical compressors) and polymers and
coagulants are mixed to enhance the solid recovery.
2. DECANTER CENTRIFUGE
Bowl
Decanter centrifuge is a Scroll/Conveyor Main bearing
Main bearing
continuously operating
centrifuge with
horizontal solid-wall
bowl developed
specifically for the Feed/Slurry
requirements of
dewatering municipal
sewage sludge

Liquid discharge
Beach zone Solids discharge
Key:
= Clarified Liquid
= Solids/sludge
3. FILTER PRESS
Filter presses are highly efficient for removing water from sludge. Filter presses
operate on feed pressure and can be used for high volume separation of solids
from slurries, utilizing recessed or membrane plates. When the wastewater
passes through the filter plates , the discharge system and the filter medium
retain the solid particulates. The wastewater slurry is continually fed into the
system until all the water is squeezed out. The remaining solids form a dry
cake and are collected in a basin prior to disposal.
Features
Press frame
Filter pack
Integrated controls
Automatic pump control
Produces 30-35% dry solids
4. SCREW PRESS
It is the simplest machine for separation of solids and liquids.
It is a cage style press.
It is used for separation of Water from the faecal sludge
Screw pressing is a continuous operation, hence these are also known as “expellers”
It works on the principle of ‘compression and shear’.
STABILISATION/PATHOGEN INACTIVATION
Lime Treatment
Objective of lime addition is to achieve
reduction of pathogens, odor and
degradable organic matter
The level of digestion depends on the
degree of the initial stabilisation of FS,
the temperature, and on the retention
time inside the tank
As per the experience in order to
achieve the desired results, it is
proposed to 5 kg of lime per cum of
sludge
CASE STUDIES
CO-TREATMENT OF FAECAL SLUDGE
AND SEWAGE AT NESAPAKKAM STP,
CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU
STP Details Process Flow

Start of operation: 1974 (23 MLD) Inlet Screening

Detritor Primary
Chamber Chamber Clarifier
upgraded with additional 40 MLD
capacity in 2006 and 54 MLD in
2013 Secondary Primary Secondary Aeration
Sludge Sludge Clarifier Tanks
Capacity: 117 MLD (sewage) + 1.8
MLD of Feacal sludge Sludge
Drying Bed
Address: CWSSB, No. 1, Pumping
Station Road Chintadripet, Dried Final
Chennai- 600 002, Tamil Nadu, Sludge Effluent
India
Sewage Effluent Sludge
Technology Applied: Activated
Sludge Process (ASP)
ANAEROBIC BASED APPROACH
FOR FAECAL SLUDGE TREATMENT
Screen Chamber Settling Tank

Sand and Separation -

grit removal free water

Solids
Faecal Sludge/Septage

Effluent is Liquid Treatment

discharged into Disposal Anaerobic digester
Liquid
agricultural fields, DEWATS
drain or water body Stabilization

Liquid-solid
• Regular operator is required. O&M is simple separation
• Capital cost is high and recurrent cost is minimal
• Large area requirement (UG+OG)
• Suitable for large quantity (20cum) Solids
• Good treatment efficiency
• Regular feeding is not a issue End product Co-composting
is compost.
Can be used Disposal Unplanted drying bed
Disinfection
as soil
conditioner Dewatering
Enriching fertilizer value
MINERALIZATION BASED APPROACH FOR
FAECAL SLUDGE TREATMENT
Screen Chamber Planted Drying beds

Stabilization
Sand and
grit removal Dewatering

Disinfection
Faecal Sludge/Septage

Solids
Effluent is Liquid Treatment
discharged into Disposal
agricultural fields, DEWATS
drain or water body Co-composting

Disinfection
• Commonly practiced technique due to simplicity
• Moderate capital cost, Low recurring cost
• Large area requirement
• Good treatment efficiency Disposal
• Location of the treatment system may be an issue – odor, flies
• Operation and mainatainace may be an issue – acceptance
• Regular feeding may be an issue
End product is compost.
Can be used as soil
conditioner
 THERMAL FSTP, NARSAPUR

Output: Thermal Water

Waste Water Waste Water Treatment

Receipt,
Screening and Dewatering Sludge Drying of Pyrolysis End product
Pasteurization sludge usage
Grit removal
with storage
Output: Output: Output: Output: Output: Biochar
1% to 5% 1% to 5% 20% to 25% 60% to 65%
solids solids solids solids
Output: Thermal Energy

Energy Generation and Reuse

15 KLD for 17,000 HH
Area 1000 sq.ft
OTHER TREATMENT
TECHNOLOGIES
DEEP ROW ENTRENCHMENT
Deep row entrenchment consists of digging deep trenches, filling them with
sludge and covering them with soil. Trees are then planted on top, which
benefit from the organic matter and nutrients that are slowly released from the
FS.
In areas where there is adequate land available, deep row entrenchment can
present a solution that is simple, low cost, has limited O&M issues and produces
no visible or olfactory nuisances. Benefits are also gained from the increased
production of trees.
However, the availability of land is a major constraint with deep row
entrenchment, as is the distance/depth to clean groundwater bodies.
Deep row entrenchment is considered most feasible in areas where the water
supply is not directly obtained from the groundwater source and where
sufficient land is available, which means the sludge would have to be
transportable to rural and peri-urban areas. In many countries’ legislation is still
lacking for this option.
DISPOSAL- TRENCHING
INTERMEDIARY SOLUTION - TRENCHING
MOBILE FAECAL SLUDGE
TREATMENT UNIT
The Mobile Treatment Unit (MTU) is an onsite faecal sludge treatment
technology developed by the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Institute (WASH
Institute). It is a treatment system mounted on the bed of a small truck and
treats the effluent of septic tanks on-site.
The on-site Mobile septage Treatment Unit works with the concept of solid-
liquid separation, sludge thickening and effluent treatment processes. While the
liquid is separated from the solid, the effluent passes through the treatment
process and disposes the treated effluent.
The sludge thickening process helps to further reduce the moisture content in
the sludge. The operational capacity of the MTU varies from 3000 to 6000 lits/hr.
The MTU attempts to address several barriers to achieving safely managed septic
waste and is designed is such a way that it is replicable across geography and is
financially scalable
MOBILE FAECAL SLUDGE
TREATMENT UNIT
JOHKASOU SYSTEM
Packaged wastewater treatment system
In Johkasou system wastewater passes through four different
chambers namely anaerobic filter tank, contact aeration tank,
sedimentation tank and disinfection tank
The body has circle section shape made by automatic rotary FRP
moulding system It makes reliable body with stable strength
Usage of power for aerobic treatment within system, De sludging
frequency is more due to aerobic treatment
DRDO SYSTEM
DRDO toilet uses anaerobic plus natural reed bed technology for wastewater
treatment The treated water Biogas is main and byproduct of the system
It is only initially charged with the seeding material which continues
multiplying with the usage of toilet
It is made of FRP SS Mild Steel Concrete Plastic and can be housed below the
toilet pan to save the space
Cost for the DRDO system 10 to 15 K
BIOFIL TANK
Operating principle - rapid separation of solids and liquids, aerobic composting
of solids, bio filtration of wastewater
Concrete box pane with bulking material and filter media
Area required for installation Minimum 2.5m2 for Ferro cement and 3.5m2 for
Brick Built Tank 15 people per tank)
Cost per bio fill tank 16000 INR
ECOSAN TOILETS
Urine is flushed with 0.1 lt water into an airtight urine storage
Faeces and toilet paper drops into an insulated vault where it is collected in a
container
The full container is left for decomposition for 6 months and used for compost.
Composting chamber attached for degradation of organic materials straw and
vegetable waste is added to the faeces to support the composting process
Significant reduction in pathogens and Compost can be used as a soil conditioner.
Grey water is pretreated and infiltrated or used for irrigation
Requires well trained user or service personnel for monitoring and maintenance
Sanitation value chain is the collection of units and processes involved in
the management of human waste, starting with the user interface and
ending with the safe disposal or reuse of the end products
Sanitation systems must be designed considering variation in population
density, water usage and availability, soil type, level of water table,
availability of capital, ability to pay and growth patterns
FSS treatment chain – solid liquid separation, stabilization, dewatering,
pathogen reduction,end products.