Polymer, Sludge, Bags and Other

Stuff You Didnt Want to Know

How to cheaply get rid of solids

Polymer
Available as Cationic (+),
Anionic(-), Nonionic
Available as Dry, Emulsion, Liquid
Available as Structured/cross link
or Linear/long chain

Polymer Structure
The polymer
molecule is a
tightly wound
ball in water
inside oil

Structured Polymer Molecule

Linear Polymer Molecule

Polymers
Polymers come with different
weights and percent of charge
All of this matters because
different polymers will react
differently with your sludge

Polymer Safety
Dont get it in your
eyes.
If you do, rinse with
lots of water
If you get it on skin,
rinse with lots of water

Polymer Safety
Simply put, dont spill,
very slippery.
Dont use water.
If spilled, use oil
absorbent to cover and
cones to mark area.
Scoop up later and then
clean with water and
detergent until very clean.

Handling Tips
Polymer mixers offer
control and continuous
feed
Disposable gloves
help with clean up

How Do Polymers Work

For our purpose we will discuss
linear/long chain cationic polymers
Polymer molecules have an
electrical charge

How Does It Work

This charge attracts the solids in
the waste water.
The polymer and solids then form
a chain (flock) of solids and
polymer that separate from the
water and settle.

How Does It Work

How To Use Polymer

Emulsion Polymer MUST be
properly diluted before use.
Diluted polymer increases in
viscosity
Maximum dilute concentration 1%
Best to AGE the polymer

Polymer Viscosity

Polymer Viscosity

Polymer Viscosity

Commercial Polymer Mixer

Commercial Polymer Mixer

Portable Polymer Mixer

Sludge Dewatering
Remove water from solids
Frequently uses polymer

Sludge Dewatering
Various Presses, Belt, Screw,
Centrifuge
Sand Beds
Wedge Wire Beds

Bag

Using the EcoTube

Spreading the bag

How to fill the bag
Empting the bag
Cost Comparison

Spreading The EcoTube

Spread the EcoTube

Spread the EcoTube Option 2

Spread the EcoTube Option 3

Inserting the Feeding Tube

Securing the Feeding Tube

Starting the Filling

Start the Polymer

Filling the EcoTube

Sludge Sample Port

Installed between
polymer injection
point and bag feed
Tool to determine if
correct polymer
feed

Check for Flock

Continue Filling the EcoTube

Effluent from EcoTube

Fill Until Full

Stop Filling

When the bag is full

When out of sludge
When out of polymer
Before the bag explodes
Any questions?

EcoTube Continues to Drain

24 or More Hours Later

Solids still in bag

Bag about as tall or less
Repeat as necessary
As often as needed
Until Bag is Full
Let sit as long as you can

How full is full

over 7 foot tall

Also over 7 foot tall

Then what?
When dry cut flaps at either end at top of
curve
Cut slits along top edge on both sides, but
not to disrupt bag integrity
This will allow more drying
Wait as long as possible allowing more
drying time

Disposing of sludge
If the bag is in a roll off, disconnect all
equipment and call trucking company.
Order new bag and roll off.
If the bag is on the ground.

Open the EcoTube

Opening the Eco Tube

Cut front of the bag near the middle from
side to side
At the center of the opening make a cut
back into the bag
From the end of this slice cut towards each
side opening flaps to both sides
Scoop and load

Start up cost
Polymer 5 gallon pail $150.00
Polymer mixer ACS and Stranco units $6K
to 10K up to $20K for all of the bells and
whistles
Portable polymer mixer, $4K to $6K
depending on some selections
Eco Tube, size dependent $640 to $2.5K

EcoTube filling cost

Eco Tube size30 ft x 22.5ft. (2 bags) $1,600.00

Polymer 1 pail $150.00
1% solids from digester
95,000 gallons dewatered (3 fillings)
Eco Tube capable of at least 3 more fillings.
One more pail of polymer $150.00
TOTAL COST $1,900.00

Estimated cost of liquid disposal

190K gallons hauled @ $350.00 load

2K gallons per load
95 loads
95 loads X $350.00 = $33,250
Additional problems with timing to apply
liquid in that volume to fields

Solids disposal cost

30 X 22.5 bag holds 45 cu.yds

2 bags
90 cu.yds
$25.00 per yard land apply
90 x $25= $2,250.00

Savings

Liquid Hauling Cost

Dry Hauling Cost
Dewatering cost
Savings
Start up cost

$33,250.00
$ 2,250.00
$1,900.00
$29,100.00
$ 4K to 10K

How to purchase polymer

Buy from a reputable company

Compare salesperson
Salesperson should have many polymers
Jar test multiple polymers
Compare USE cost
Compare availability

Disclaimer
The cost/savings are representative of one
facility and will vary from facility. We
strongly suggest that you fully investigate
your situation.
Talk with your local EPA representative
before changing your sludge handling
process.

This presentation would not be

possible without the assistance of
lots of people and corporations.
My sincerest thank you to the
following

Mike Dwyer
Technical Representative

Special Thanks To
Rick Smith, Ohio EPA
Scott Jamison, Operator Dornock
Homeowners Association
John Thompson, Operator, Commercial
Point
Hundreds of other operators that were nice
enough to share their experience

Bob Hockstok
614-736-3090