Part II of Field Research: Impact of Centrifuge Torque and Polymer Dose on Odor Production from Anaerobically Digested Biosolids

A study was performed to optimize the operation of a high solids centrifuge in terms of dewatering performance as well as the subsequent generation of odors from the biosolids cake. The results are presented in a two paper series, one dealing with the dewatering performance, and the second covering the impact on odors. This is the second paper in the series and will present how centrifuge polymer dose, polymer addition location, and torque effect the generation of odors. The findings are significant and show that the centrifuge torque and polymer dosage are critical control parameters and the centrifuge is a critical control point for biosolids product quality. The results of this study have led Western Lake Superior Sanitary District to develop a centrifuge operating strategy to produce a biosolids, lower in odor, to maintain a sustainable land application program.