This paper includes a summary of technologies for treating high strength organic waste streams and sludges. Conventional aerobic biological treatment is effective for these applications but produces 0.25-0.5 g Waste Sludge per g COD (Organic material) treated. The sludge is expensive to treat and dispose; and disposal options are rapidly shrinking and becoming more expensive. New incinerators are not being built, and both landfill and land-application regulations are tightening.

An innovative technology that offers some distinct advantages is discussed. The AFC system is a catalyzed MBR (membrane bioreactor) which achieves biological incineration, a form of mild wet air oxidation that is ideal for high strength waste streams and sludges because it is field proven to generate little or no waste sludge and requires a fractional footprint compared to conventional technologies. Cost of treatment is about $150-$250/DT of COD compared to $300-$500 for conventional technologies.

Reprinted with Permission from http://www.pmcbiotec.com