Patent · US Expired

Method of converting sewage sludge to fertilizer

US4519831A · kind A · utility

40Cited by
7References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 17, 1983
Grant dateMay 28, 1985
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 17, 2003

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S71/902
  • WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method of converting sewage sludge solids into dense controlled release, attrition resistant fertilizer agglomerates is disclosed. The method is carried out by forming a fertilizer premix from dry sewage sludge solids and uncondensed liquid ureaform. Acidic material, preferably phosphoric acid, is distributed throughout the premix to bring the pH to between 4 and 6, and the premix is heated for 5 to 60 minutes to 120.degree. C. The heated premix is compressed between solid surfaces at pressures between 500 and 10,000 pounds per square inch to form agglomerates. The method is preferably carried out on a continuous basis using a heated blender and conveyor for blending and heating the fertilizer premix containing the sewage sludge solids, liquid ureaform, and phosphoric acid. Continuous compacting rollers are used to convert the premix to fertilizer agglomerates which may be readily broken up and screened to any desired fertilizer particle size range. The fertilizer produced releases nitrogen safely and at a slow rate. Complete fertilizers may be produced by the method of this invention, and worthless, very light weight sewage sludge solids may be converted to useful plant food pro…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.