GWI utilizing geotubes to recycle sludge from treatment process
Georgetown, Guyana: Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), has commenced exploring the possibility of recycling the sludge which remains after the treatment of water. The company commenced testing in June 2015 with the use of polymers and Geotextile containers, referred to as ‘Geotubes’.
The programme is being lead by GWI’s Scientific Services Department and according to Senior Chemical Engineer, GWI, Deon Anderson, ‘the Geotubes are capable of thickening and dewatering the sludge by trapping solid constituents and separating the liquid component through the walls of the fabric, with the aid of a polymer’.
This provides a dry product (25-30% solids) that can be easily handled and disposed of; this process would allow GWI to dispose of the solid sludge in a more efficient manner.
In addition, the separated water, which was removed from the sludge, can be re-used in the treatment process. ‘Another benefit of using Geotubes is the possibility of re-using the filtrate, which is water removed from the sludge, in the treatment process. 90% of the sludge volume is reduced and recovered as filtrate’, stated Anderson, ‘in addition to this, about 8% of treated water which was once wasted through backwashing processes, can also be reused in the treatment process, thus recovering significant costs’.
According to Anderson, the use of the Geotubes is the most environmentally-friendly option that GWI is currently exploring to manage the sludge which remains after the water treatment process. ‘Indeed, Geotubes are the most feasible option, they offer the best economic benefits with high quality filtrate for recycle,’ stated the Senior Chemical Engineer, ‘this new technology also allows GWI to continue to be in compliance with the environment protection policies and guidelines’.
The use of the Geotubes are also in line with GWI’s sustainable management practices as they allow for the water removed from the sludge to be re-used in the treatment process.
The Geotubes, which are currently being tested for effectiveness by GWI at the company’s Shelter-Belt Water Treatment Facility, Georgetown, are supplied by Tencate, a multinational company established in Almelo, the Netherlands.
The investment by GWI to employ the use of Geotubes would cost in excess of GY$5 Million, which is the most cost-effective option the company has explored with regard to the disposal of sludge.
Anderson also noted that ‘based on the supplier’s design of the Geotube units, 2-4 Geotubes would be recommended to treat the required amount of sludge, which would cost GWI US$5000. per tube’.
The initiative would provide GWI with a more effective method of disposal; one that does not require the need to release significant amounts of sludge into the Irving Street Canal.
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