Logo image
Stabilisation of wool scouring sludge by composting
Conference paper   Open access

Stabilisation of wool scouring sludge by composting

B.J. Watson, H.T. Hofstede and R. Cord-Ruwisch
Australian Water & Wastewater Association
2nd National Hazardous & Solid Waste Convention (Melbourne, Australia, 08/05/1994–12/05/1994)
1994
pdf
wool_scouring_sludge.pdfDownloadView
Published (Version of Record) Open Access

Abstract

Wool scouring sludge is the solid waste product of anaerobic treatment of wool scouring effluent. It has a high wool grease content (13- 16% of the dry weight, 45 -55% of the organic matter), resulting in a low melting point (approx.45°C). The low melting point, the putty-like physical properties and the odourous, unstable nature of the sludge makes it unsuitable for land application in its raw state. Composting of the sludge was investigated to ascertain its suitability as a treatment method for stabilising wool scouring sludge and improving its suitability as a soil amendment. Composting was carried out in a computer controlled, laboratory scale, forced aeration, incubator system. Wool scouring sludge was rapidly compostable, reaching 47.1°C in 3 days. The temperature did not exceed 47.1°C. The mesophilicIthermophilic phase of the com posting process required 21 days. Composting reduced the grease content of the waste by 37%, with the result that the composted waste could not be melted. The compost resulted in greater plant yields of radish and wheat than the original sludge.

Details

Metrics

152 File views/ downloads
153 Record Views
Logo image