Energy Utilization and Conservation in Wastewater Treatment

Rising costs of energy, and its limited supply in the United States, is requiring engineers to investigate the application of energy efficient processes for wastewater treatment. Energy consumption inventories of various wastewater liquid and sludge treatment processes, and use of sludge digester gas for energy production are described. Sludge incineration or pyrolysis may also be a viable alternative for energy conservation in a wastewater treatment plant. Advantages of pulse-width-modulated adjustable frequency variable speed pumping are discussed. Energy saving devices such as flow equalization basins, heat pump energy wheels, etc., should be considered in the design of treatment plants.