Optimization of municipal sewage sludge injection
Date
1976
Authors
Loftis, Jim, author
Ward, Robert C., advisor
Labadie, John, committee member
McWhorter, David B., committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
A major obstacle to the application of continuous subsurface injection as an effective sludge disposal method is the lack of techniques for planning and implementing sludge injection systems. This thesis is based upon research conducted in an effort to develop the technology for planning cost-effective and environmentally sound sludge disposal systems. The environmental dangers of on-land disposal of municipal sludge are discussed and the economics of subsurface injection are developed in some detail. These environmental and economic factors are then incorporated into a dynamic programming model which defines an optimal injection program. This optimization code is used as a screening model to evaluate the relative importance of several input parameters. Finally, the systems analysis techniques of dynamic programming and simulation are applied to an example problem based on conditions at Boulder, Colorado, in order to illustrate a systems approach to planning sludge injection systems.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
Sewage sludge
Mathematical optimization