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Pretreatment of Microbial Sludges

U.S. Patent 5,380,445


Technology Description

Methods are described for pretreating microbial sludges to break cells and disrupt organic matter. One method involves the use of sonication, and another method involves the use of shear forces. The pretreatment of sludge enhances bioconversion of the organic fraction. This allows for efficient dewatering of the sludge and reduces the cost for final disposal of the waste.

Inventors

Christopher J. Rivard; Nicholas J. Nagle

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