Integration of an irradiator at a wastewater treatment plant

Gamma ray irradiation, as a Process to Further Reduce Pathogens (PFRP), can be easily integrated into a number of different sludge treatment process schemes where a Process to Significantly Reduce Pathogens (PSRP) is also provided. It is expected, however, that most applications of the irradiation process will be in conjunction with anaerobic digestion as the PSRP. Sludges dewatered by filter pressing or sand bed drying can be directly irradiated, while sludges dewatered by belt press, vacuum filter, and centrifugation will require further drying prior to irradiation. Operation and maintenance requirements for sludge irradiation appear relatively simple compared to a number of process units commonly found in wastewater treatment facilities. Specialized services required to monitor and maintain the irradiation source material will be provided by an outside contractor, eliminating contact by treatment plant personnel. In general, sludge irradiation presents a substantially lower risk to the health and safety of treatment plant personnel than do several other units and process operations normally found in wastewater treatment facilities. It is concluded that integration of the gamma ray sludge irradiator into a wastewater treatment facility poses no unusual difficulty