The Zimmerman Process (oxidation of organic slurries and dissolved organics in wafer by exposure foair or oxygen at several hundred degrees) is currently used to treat sewage sludge. Since the principal cost in municipal waste handling is for collection and transport, wet oxidation near the source might allow decreased overall costs. However, costs as high as $50 per ton of dry solids have been reported for sludge treatment by wet oxidation, compared with perhaps $25 per ton for waste collection in high cost areas of large cities. Thus, a realistic estimate of the possible cost reduction for wet oxidation by process modification and improvement (without credit for organic chemicals production) is needed to determine its potential for municipal waste treatment. The purpose of this report is to supply such an estimate.nThe results show that costs for wet oxidation of municipal waste may range from $28 to $32 per ton on a dry basis, excluding grinding and slurry transport. These costs might be attractive today for waste treatment in crowded areas of large cities, containing high-rise buildings and large concentrations of combustible materials. Several potential process improvements which may reduce these values further remain to be evaluated.
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