Sludge reduction to energy recovery from waste: case study of a breakthrough sludge treatment technology able to achieve reliable performances in a concrete way

The problem of sludge disposal affects all the countries worldwide with a priority level that changes according to the level of attention required by the regulations, from critical need to emergency. A concrete, easy, reliable and cost-effective solution today is provided by Newlisi S.p.A., an Italian company that has developed, patented and successfully commercialized for six years an innovative technology that reduces sludge volumes by over 70% and improves waste-to-value by increasing biogas production up to +40%. Newlisi is an all-Italian company, with a unique know-how and solution covered by a patent registered in 39 countries worldwide. Such innovative technology is a thermo-chemical hydrolysis process, working at low pressure and temperature (up to 100 °C). Technically, Newlisi's solution breaks down the compounds sludge as well as the polymers present. As a result, the solubilized sludge becomes an excellent substrate for both the biomass of the oxidation tank and for an eventual anaerobic digester, increasing the biogas production. As a result, a very high sludge volume reduction (by over 70%) is achieved, significantly reducing disposal costs. The chemicals used are of common use, no civil works or special authorisations by Local Authorities are required and the payback of the investment for customer from operating cost savings is very short (3 to 5 years). IRSA-CNR (the Water Research Institute of the Italian National Research Council) has been the company's strategic R&D partner since 2014. IRSA-CNR provides laboratory tests and modelling in order to simulate and optimize the process. Newlisi's R&D employees work in strong cooperation with IRSA-CNR.