A state-of-the-art system that adds a second layer to the sewage treatment process by converting solids left over from the water recycling process into valuable reusable resources.
Converts organic solids to fertilizer or fuel
Heat generated during treatment process harnessed for use in production
Reflects IRWD’s commitment to sustainability
IRWD’s Biosolids and Energy Recovery Facility converts solids left over from the water recycling process into a valuable resource that can be used as fertilizer or fuel. The facility also harnesses the biogas — a renewable fuel produced from the breakdown of organic matter — and uses it to generate electricity to power the facility.
The process begins when sludge from the adjacent Michelson Water Recycling Plant is pumped to the nearby biosolids plant. The sludge is screened and then thickened by centrifuges to separate water from the solids.
From there, the thickened sludge is sent to a two-phase digester system. (The separated water is piped back to the Michelson plant so no water is wasted.) Methane gas produced during the digestion process is used as fuel for the pellet drum dryer and for micro-turbines to produce energy. The heat produced by the gas combustion is captured and used for heating the digestion process and portions of the buildings.
