Comprehensive Sludge Management Solutions: Minimizing Production, Maximizing Value

Managing sludge is a monumental challenge, particularly for mega wastewater treatment stations processing hundreds of thousands, even millions, of cubic meters daily. Such high influent rates generate vast quantities of sludge, necessitating urgent, efficient, and sustainable solutions to protect the environment and maintain operational viability. Our advanced strategies ensure effective management and resource recovery.
At Sternove, our integrated approach to sludge management begins at the earliest stages of wastewater treatment, employing advanced technologies to minimize sludge production at its source and enhance its beneficial reuse potential. We recognize that effective sludge handling is not merely disposal, but a critical component of a sustainable circular economy.

Our solutions initiate with highly efficient solids separation using units like the High-Density Inclined Plate Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) equipment. This technology excels at removing a wide range of suspended solids and oil/grease from the influent, reducing the initial organic load on downstream biological processes and consequently, the total sludge volume generated.

Further upstream, our innovative Sternova Bio Plus (SBP) plays a pivotal role in sludge minimization. By significantly increasing the efficiency of organic pollutant degradation within biological ponds, the SBP minimizes the amount of organic matter that converts into excess biomass or sludge. It also promotes simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND), improving nitrogen removal and reducing nitrogen incorporation into sludge.

Advanced sedimentation processes, such as Microsand Sedimentation and High-Efficiency Sedimentation Tanks, further contribute to optimized solids removal. Microsand sedimentation, by rapidly forming dense flocs, accelerates pollutant settling, reducing the required sedimentation time and footprint. This efficient separation translates directly to a more compact sludge volume, minimizing the need for costly conventional methods that demand more space and chemical addition.

The quality of the produced waste sludge from our systems is significantly enhanced. Thanks to optimized biological degradation and the inherent nature of our microbial treatment materials, the resulting sludge contains a rich microbial medium and enzymes. This superior quality makes the sludge highly amenable to further biodegradation. We leverage this to maximize its value, enabling its reuse as biogas for renewable energy production or transforming it into nutrient-rich biosolids suitable for soil remediation and agricultural amendment. This approach not only provides economic benefits by generating energy and reducing disposal costs but also contributes to soil health and resource conservation.

Finally, our advanced drying beds ensure efficient dewatering. These new designs facilitate a high drying rate and are engineered with ecosystem considerations, minimizing environmental impact. Crucially, they operate with no odor emissions, addressing a common nuisance associated with traditional sludge handling. This integrated strategy delivers a sustainable and economically advantageous solution for complex sludge challenges.

Summary:

Sternove’s comprehensive sludge solutions minimize production through advanced treatment from initial DAF to SBCR and microsand sedimentation. We transform quality sludge into valuable biogas or biosolids via efficient biodegradation and drying, ensuring economic and environmental benefits.