Study of using domestic wastewater sludge as a multifunctional additive in the process of ceramic brick production

Summary

While using wastewater sludge as an additive in the production of ceramic bricks, the precise moisture content of the sludge must be taken into account, since it affects the burning time at the required temperature. Based on analyses and published literature data, the following types were chosen for the follow-up studies of using sludge as a multifunctional additive in ceramic bricks: mature sludge from sludge beds; mature sludge from sludge beds with the addition of a mixture of raw sludge and excess activated sludge (50:50 ratio) from the Samara municipal wastewater treatment facilities. The experiment was based on theoretical assumptions and hypotheses. Furnace charge from the Samara Ceramic Material Plant using standard ceramic brick production technology, was taken as a basis. The experiment involved replacing ash and some of the coal clay with the waste in question – domestic wastewater sludge. Based on this sludge, the composition was developed and the process parameters for producing porous aluminosilicate filler were determined. The obtained filler with a fine-porous structure and a density of 400–700 kg/m³ is comparable in properties to expanded clay gravel. This filler is recommended as a coarse aggregate in the composition of foamed concrete.

Key words

activated sludge , wastewater sludges , sludge utilization , solid part of sludge , composition of sludge dry matter , production of ceramic materials , multifunctional additives