Parameterization Of Electrolysis For The Thickening Of Sludge From Wastewater Treatment Plant: Taguchi Method Approach

The buildup of sludge is a significant issue for wastewater treatment facilities, and this study focuses on thickening it by electrolysis. The main objectives are to identify the factors influencing the sludge characteristics and to determine the optimal levels of these factors for efficient thickening. The Taguchi method with an L8(2^4) orthogonal array was used to conduct the tests, which showed that electrolysis is effective in thickening the sludge, as evidenced by the increase in dryness rate from 2.97% to 34.37% and the mass loss of 0.23 kg or 2.3%. Analyses of the carbon, chlorine, nitrogen, and sodium levels indicate that the process does not pose significant environmental risks. Minitab analysis identified the most influential factors: the electrolytic additive (NaOH) and the settling effect (without settling) for sludge thickening, the current intensity (12.6 A) for sludge quality, and the concentration of the electrolytic additive (0%) for energy consumption and electrolysis efficiency. This data is crucial for optimizing the electrolytic parameters, thereby enhancing the process efficiency and minimizing environmental and energy impacts.