Scientific American Supplement, No. 467, December 13, 1884Various
Science
Scientific American Supplement, No. 467, December 13, 1884
Various
Science -- Periodicals
In the course of our practice we have had to advise as to the majority
of the processes, and to design the works for their being carried into
operation. We have found that the cost of such works complete varies
from 0.091 to 0.166 pound per head of the population, and that the
average cost of the works at several towns which we have been connected
with is 0.123 pound per head. This figure may be conveniently followed
by that of the cost of treatment, which we find varies from 0.036 to
0.110 pound per head per annum, and an average of several places gives
0.06 pound per head per annum. The above figures apply only to places
where the very highest standard was sought to be attained, but our more
recent experience leads us to modify the arrangement of the works and
the cost of treatment, so as to rely on filtration of the effluent as
an important factor. We estimate that under these conditions the cost
of the works complete would be about 0.075 pound per head, and the
cost of treatment 0.04 pound per head per annum. The disposal of the
sludge has always been a difficulty in these works, but this is now
overcome in two ways: either by digging it into the ground, as is done
at Birmingham now, or by pressing it into cakes in filter presses.
It is found at Birmingham that one ton of sludge with 90 per cent.
of moisture is produced from 1,000 people. There the lime process is
used. We have found that about one ton to 2,000 people is produced
where a salt of alumina or iron is used with the lime. At Birmingham
the sludge is dug into the land adjoining the works, and it is found
that one square yard of land will take one ton of sludge with 90 per
cent. of moisture once in three years, which results in three yards of
land being required to be provided for each ton of sludge. This system
of digging in sludge is successfully carried out as regards freedom
from nuisance. Where land is not available to dig in the sludge, it is
necessary to make it portable for removal and disposal away from where
it is produced. This is best effected by filter presses. Appliances are
made for this purpose, by which the sludge is pressed to a consistency
of about 50 per cent. of moisture. The cost of effecting this is about
0.007 pound per head per annum. It is found in practice that where the
sludge is produced by straining the solids from sewage before passing
it on to land for purification, it requires a little lime to enable
the press to work well. About two barrow loads of lime for each ton of
pressed sludge suffices.
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