title: Key variables analysis of a novel continuous biodrying process for drying mixed sludge.
abstract: A novel continuous biodrying process has been developed whose goal is to increase the dry solids content of the sludge to economic levels rendering it suitable for a safe and economic combustion operation in a biomass boiler. The sludge drying rates are enhanced by the metabolic bioheat produced in the matrix of mixed sludge. The goal of this study was to systematically analyze the continuous biodrying reactor. By performing a variable analysis, it was found that the outlet relative humidity profile was the key variable in the biodrying reactor. The influence of different outlet relative humidity profiles was then evaluated using biodrying efficiency index. It was found that by maintaining the air outlet relative humidity profile at 85/85/96/96% in the four compartments of the reactor, the highest biodrying efficiency index can be achieved, while economic dry solids level (>45%w/w) are guaranteed.
authors.affiliation: Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal, Chemical Engineering Department, P.O. Box 6079, succ. Centre-ville Montréal, Canada H3C 3A7. shahram.navaee-ardeh@polymtl.ca
authors.forename: Shahram
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Navaee-Ardeh
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bertrand
authors.forename: Paul R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Stuart
mesh_terms: D018533:Biomass; D006813:Humidity; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D012722:Sewage
chemical_list: D012722:Sewage