In efforts to innovate sludge reduction technology, the generation of sludge during wastewater treatment is an unavoidable issue. However, with the increasing burden on final disposal sites and the rising costs of waste treatment, technologies that reduce sludge generation have garnered attention. One such example is the "HMC System" developed by Goda Water Treatment Technology Institute. This system utilizes a complex fermentation-type microbial group with superior self-digesting properties to decompose sludge, ultimately eliminating it. This technology is easy to implement in existing facilities by simply adding sludge delivery pipes and treated water return pipes. At Sanrio Puroland, this system reduced sludge treatment costs from 9 million yen annually to 1.5 million yen. Additionally, the cost of chemicals used in sludge treatment was eliminated, resulting in an overall annual savings of approximately 6 million yen. The technology has already been introduced at 12 sites, mainly in the livestock industry, and is expected to continue to spread in the future. By lowering the initial cost through a payment model based on the savings achieved, the system reduces barriers to adoption. Thus, innovation in water treatment technology is seen as a crucial approach to achieving both environmental impact reduction and cost savings.
Current Status of Water Treatment Technology - August 13, 2024
Modern sludge reduction technology has advanced further. Anaerobic Digestion (AD) technology is widely adopted as a crucial method for generating renewable energy such as methane and hydrogen from sludge while reducing carbon emissions. In AD technology, the efficiency of the process is heavily reliant on pre-treatment of sludge, and research is ongoing into physical, chemical, and biological pre-treatment methods.
Additionally, a new facility in Tokyo is now operational, which gasifies sludge at high temperatures to produce pure hydrogen. This technology simultaneously addresses sludge treatment and the production of renewable energy, contributing to carbon-neutral fuel generation. Furthermore, in China, efforts are underway to reduce carbon emissions during sludge treatment, with an emphasis on resource recovery and the utilization of renewable energy.
These technological advancements continue to evolve, enabling more efficient resource use while mitigating environmental impact.
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