Compact aerobic-anoxic sludge digestion process for municipal
This technology improves how wastewater treatment plants handle the thick, wet waste (sludge) produced during sewage processing. It combines two existing steps—anaerobic digestion (breaking down organic matter without oxygen) and aerobic/anoxic digestion (with and without oxygen, alternating or simultaneously)—into a streamlined sequence that can be run in a single tank. The result is better-treated sludge that is safer to dispose of or reuse, with potentially lower energy and infrastructure costs than traditional multi-stage systems. The process works under normal temperature conditions, making it accessible for standard municipal facilities.
What you could build
A retrofittable sludge digestion system or process license sold to municipal wastewater utilities and engineering firms designing or upgrading treatment plants, particularly those looking to reduce footprint or meet tighter biosolids regulations.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia municipal water authorities (e.g., HRSD, DCWASA service areas) and environmental engineering firms headquartered or operating in the state would be natural evaluators of this process.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Sudhir N. Murthy, John T. Novak, Walter F. Bailey JR., Glen T. Daigger, Perry Schafer, Christopher Peot
- Granted
- November 16, 2010
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7833415
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.