New generation gasification technologies allow high water content sludge to be turned directly into SynGas which can generate electric power or be raw material for hydrocarbon fuels. The field requires vision and it is something that the majority of people "turn their noses up at", both literally and figuratively. Innovation with gasification, and algae tertiary (or even secondary) treatments will change the shape and scope of sewage processing in the next few years unless the inertia of status quo engineering firms quashes this truly significant advances. I don't think that will happen, however, since there are projects planned for Jordan and other world centers that will expose the potential to all.
Sincerely,
Stafford "Doc" Williamson
How will cities around the world be able to process an additional 4.3 billion gallons of municipal wastewater daily?
A report about municipal wastewater technology by Lux Research suggests there could be up to $27.8 billion spent on upgrades and overhauls during 2012. Of that, more than $22.3 billion will be dedicated to projects in developed nations, according to “Sizing Up Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment.” Given that reality, emerging technology for wastewater treatment better integrate well with existing infrastructure.
The focus of these projects? Lux Research predicts the following:
- Approximately 55 percent of projects will involve urban replacement.
- Niche technologies that offer easy to deploy solutions will be appealing. Specifically, Lux Research mentions three companies: Epuramat, which makes technology called Box4Water; Clearford, which makes a shallow-pipe treatment network; and SCFI, which makes industrial treatment technology.
- The United States and China will represent the largest markets (little surprise here).
- Two other companies that Lux Research is following closely are Aqwise and Entex, which both offer alternative approaches to the traditional method of using activated sludge for treatment processes
