TM 5-814-3/AFM 88-11, Volume III
b. Sludge drying beds. Sludge drying beds rely on drainage and evaporation to effect moisture reduction.
These beds are open; and, as such, are very susceptible to climatic conditions such as precipitation, sunshine,
air temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity. For example, sludge drying in 6 weeks in summer
would take at least 12 weeks to dry in the winter. Sludge bed drying efficiency can be improved significantly
by covering the bed with glass or plastic and by providing artificial heat. Heat could be supplied using waste
biogas as a fuel or waste heat from the base power plant. Figure 16-2 illustrates a typical bed.
16-9
Previous Page
