THE COST OF BIOSOLIDS
Biosolids pose significant challenges for wastewater treatment plants. Transportation costs for disposal are extremely costly, with the bulk of the cost resulting from the high water content of the material; similarly with land application, transportation is limited due to the costs associated with transporting a material with a high water content. Furthermore, as population increases, land available for application continues to dwindle. At the end of the day, municipalities are left with few options and growing demand.
GRANULATION: A SOLUTION WITH MANY BENEFITS
The sustainable reuse of municipal biosolids as a fertilizer product or soil amendment offers a multitude of benefits, both economically and environmentally; the recycling of biosolids creates a revenue stream where waste management costs were once incurred. Additionally, biosolids are rich in macro and micronutrients and organic matter, a valuable commodity considering much of the world’s soils are depleted of such components.
FEECO is a leader in process design and equipment manufacturing and can offer a unique perspective on the granulation of biosolids based on our decades of experience in granulating organics into marketable products. Our granulation systems are extremely customizable and produce a premium granular fertilizer product** that minimizes odor and has little attrition.
The technologies mentioned here are proven, and backed by our international reputation in providing the best in fertilizer production equipment and complete process systems.
Some of our customers are listed below:
Mixer-Dryer Process Flow Diagram
Click the image to view the larger process flow diagram.
Benefits of Granulation
Improved Product Handling
Granules are more easily handled, transported, and applied.
Reduced Waste Management Costs
Dry granules are much less costly to transport than raw biosolids, because of the reduced moisture content.
Reduced Runoff
Dry granules aid in the prevention of runoff, because they are used only as needed, and do not add additional moisture to the soil.
Premium Product
Additives can be included in the process to create custom products and fertilizer blends, allowing the product to be tailored to specific soil needs and nutrient management programs, or to be sold as a premium product.
Additional Source of Revenue
In addition to reduced waste management costs, a granular fertilizer product can provide an additional source of revenue.
Enhanced Nutrient Management
Granular fertilizer makes it easier to effectively follow and monitor application rates for a nutrient management program. It is also a valuable tool in precision agriculture applications, where a granular product provides improved dispensing capabilities.
