NEW TECHNIQUES FOR SLUDGE DEWATERING

摘要

Treating pulp fibers or cellulosic sludge with cellulase enzymes breaks the fibers at the kinked regions. Dewatering these fibers leads to higher cake solids because the shorter fibers pack together more efficiently and reduce the void volume in the cake. An increase in cake solids of 3-6 percentage points can be obtained. Examples are provided with hardwood and softwood fiber and with primary sludge from several paper mills. The economics are positive and the cost:benefits should improve as the cost of the enzymes drop and the cost of landfilling rises.