Evaluación del potencial calórico de los lodos de la planta de tratamiento de agua residuales de la ciudad de Macas

Abstract

The main objective of the current research work was to estimate the energy potential of sludge produced of WWTP in Macas. Therefore, it verified statistically the heating potential present in the waste sludge through physical and chemical parameters. In addition, a comparison of the calorific value of the Macas WWTP with other solid fuels used in different operations and industrial processes was carried out. On the other hand, the methodology was based on the analysis of six samples composed of sludge collected from the two maturation ponds determining their pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, moisture content, volatile material, % ash, total dissolved solids, fixed carbon, heavy metals (Pb, Hg, S) and calorific value, determining the heating capacity for fuels compared with the requirements of national standard NTE INEN 2169: 98 and the international EPA (Environmental Protection Agency of the United States) that establish the limit values for the use of this material. At the same time, it evaluated the economic viability of the drying process with the use of drying ovens and the elaboration of a drying bed prototype. The sludge analysis was treated statistically with the Minitab 19 program with the mathematical technique of descriptive statistics. Finally, the results indicated that the sewage sludge is suitable comburent for the industrial sector, due to its good heating capacity. It is concluded that the sewage sludge presented 3945.433 Kcal/kg, a value that is above the acceptable limit for combustion, besides to make analysis of heavy metals to ensure that there are no harmful effects on both humans and soil.