Thermal analysis and FTIR studies of sewage sludge produced in treatment plants. The case of sludge in the city of Uberlândia-MG, Brazil

► In this study, the sludge was characterized by thermal analyses and FTIR. ► The superior calorific value of the sludge was 16.2 MJ kg −1. ► The sludge showed a significant biodegradable portion of 65%. ► The UASB sludge can be used for energy source. The operation of anaerobic reactors in Brazil c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Thermochimica acta 2012-01, Vol.528 (20), p.72-75
Main Authors: de Oliveira Silva, Jader, Filho, Guimes Rodrigues, da Silva Meireles, Carla, Ribeiro, Sabrina Dias, Vieira, Júlia Graciele, da Silva, Cleuzilene Vieira, Cerqueira, Daniel Alves
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
burning
Calorific power
differential scanning calorimetry
energy
energy content
Exact sciences and technology
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Organic material
Other industrial wastes. Sewage sludge
Pollution
Pyrolysis
raw materials
sewage sludge
sustainable technology
Thermal analyses
thermal analysis
thermogravimetry
UASB sludge
Wastes
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Summary:► In this study, the sludge was characterized by thermal analyses and FTIR. ► The superior calorific value of the sludge was 16.2 MJ kg −1. ► The sludge showed a significant biodegradable portion of 65%. ► The UASB sludge can be used for energy source. The operation of anaerobic reactors in Brazil creates a by-product, sewage sludge, for which adequate treatment is necessary to obtain a solid and stable material. The burning of sewage sludge may be an effective alternative for its management, and looking to enhance its energy potential, an environmentally friendly method of disposal is necessary. As the quantity of sludge generated has increased over the past few years, the physical chemical characterization of this waste is the first stage for its utilization as raw material. The material was characterized by thermal analyses (Thermogravimetry (TG)/Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)) and Infrared Analysis (FTIR) in order to determine the main organic groups present in sludge. The calorific power of the anaerobically digested sludge of Uberlândia-MG, Brazil was measured, and an energy content equal to 16.2 MJ kg −1 was found, which is within the range of values reported in the literature.
ISSN:0040-6031
1872-762X
DOI:10.1016/j.tca.2011.11.010