Patent ID: 6325935
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: C02F

Abstract:
A method of treating sludge to reduce pathogens within the sludge, comprising:a. directing incoming sludge through a first heat exchanger;b. directing the incoming sludge from the first heat exchanger to one or more reactors for holding and treating the sludge;c. directing the treated sludge from the one or more reactors through a second heat exchanger;d. directing a heat transfer medium through the first and second heat exchangers for efficiently heating the incoming sludge and cooling the treated sludge;e. directing the treated sludge from the second heat exchanger and ultimately to a digester; andf. varying the flow of the heat transfer medium through the first and second heat exchangers so as to cool the treated sludge to a target temperature range before reaching the digester.