SUCCESSSTORIE
SDetermining the gross calorific value of sludge/// Calorimeter C 200 provides accurate results“We decided to work with an IKA calorimeter as they are easier to operate and provide fasterand more accurate results. Especially the C 200, which is robust and low-maintenance. Therefore, it is a reliable companion in our lab where we do not always work under easy conditions.”									- Mr. Ramesh Nair, CDD Society

IKA CALORIMETERS

OUR CUSTOMERAs the population of India grows exponentially, cities, suchas Bengaluru, are affected by pollution and increased water
wastages. The release of untreated liquids and solid waste
pollutants in the environment causes an imbalance of theentire ecosystem that impairs the population’s health andhygiene. Especially slums and emergency settlements, areasthat are densely populated, produce large volumes of sludge
in their onsite sanitation systems.

Consortium for DEWATS Dissemination (CDD) Society, anon-profit organization founded in 2005, provides solutions for
sanitary issues, which include faecal sludge management andwastewater treatment of communities and remediation plansfor drains and lakes across the country.
In collaboration with the town of Devanahalli located in Bengaluru, India, ITC factories, Flipkart and other organizations, CDD
Society set up India’s first dedicated faecal sludge management
plant to provide robust and sustainable post-toilet infrastructurewith the aim of improving health and hygiene, preserving theenvironment and securing water resources. This plant treats
wastewater generated by 150,000 people every day.

WWW.IKA.COM

THE CHALLENGE

THE SOLUTION

Conversion of waste materials into reusable products

Reproducible and reliable gross calorific value
determination

Onsite sanitation technologies, particularly portable toilets, pit
latrines, septic tanks are common and highly used in densely
populated areas. Conventional wastewater treatment plants(WWTP) are also sources of high sludge quantities. Theselarge volumes of sludge attract a large number of pathogens
and vector attraction, which is a major concern as it can leadto disease outbreaks.

CDD Society uses an IKA calorimeter (model C 200) to determine the gross calorific value of waste samples.

Rapid sludge generation limits the application of traditional
alternatives for sludge treatment and/or disposal. Other alternatives for sewage sludge treatment and/or disposal, such asanaerobic digestion, composting, etc. with relatively low conversation rates may not be viable for rapid sludge processing.

The ultimate goal of measuring the gross calorific value of the waste samples is the conversion of waste materials into reusable products(e.g. vermicomposting, organic manures oralternate fuels) that finally lead to a healthierand more hygienic environment.

Therefore, CDD Society set up a laboratory to do research on
the value of waste and how it can be utilized further.

In order to get reproducible and reliable measurement results,sample preparation is most important. Sludge is an inhomogeneous mixture of solid and liquid waste, containing mostly
excreta and water in combination with sand, grit, metals,
trash and/or various chemical compounds. Therefore, samples
have to be thoroughly mixed and weighted into batches.
Furthermore, it is important to reduce the moisture level byusing a drying oven before testing the sample in the calorimeter. Post the drying procedure, the sample needs to bepelletized in order to facilitate the measurement process.

Before starting the measurements, the calorimeter has tobe calibrated. CDD society calibrated its C 200 with C 723
benzoic acid using the operation mode ‘dynamic’ at 25 °C
and achieved the following results: C-value of 9102 J/K;
reference gross calorific value (GCV): 26,460 J/g.
Afterwards sample measurements can be started. Some
exemplary results are shown in the table below.

Trial No.

Sample name

Weight (g)Sample form

Temp. rise (K)Result (J/g)

Remarks

1

Benzoic acid1.0082Pellet2.944226461

Complete combustion

2

Final compost

1.0762Pellet1.3522

11325

Complete combustion

3

SBD sludge

1.0188Pellet1.5216

13476

Complete combustion

The below pictures show the final compost and Sludge Belt Dryer (SBD) sludge.

Final Compost

IKA India Private Limited
814 / 475, Survey No. 129 / 1 Mysuru Road,Kengeri, Bengaluru 560060, Karnataka, India
Phone: +91 80 26253 900, Fax: +91 80 26253 901
Free Hotline: 1800-42-555-444, e-Mail: info@ika.in

SBD Sludge

www.ika.comIKAworldwide // #lookattheblue