CA2932009A1 - Electrical conditioning of organic sludge to prepare it for dehydration/extraction - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method of conditioning a sludge, comprising submitting the slurry to a pulsating electric voltage and / or a current electric pulse produced by at least one pair of electrodes arranged way substantially parallel to each other. At least one of said electrodes being mobile and adapted to rotate about an axis. The process includes agitating the sludge by rotating said at least one moving electrode, said mud fluid being treated and conveyed between said electrodes which are arranged in a chicane and in a manner substantially perpendicular to the meaning of displacement overall sludge conveyed between an inlet and an outlet in a device. The process to increase the dryness of the sludge, disinfection, extraction some products organic.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONDITIONING OF BIOLOGICAL SLUDGE FOR
APPREACH DEHYDRATION / EXTRACTION
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
The present application generally refers to the dehydration of sludge, and more particularly to the conditioning of biological sludge, as well as sludge conditioning method.
INTRODUCTION

Dehydration of secondary sludge is difficult because what are consisting almost entirely of micro-organisms resulting from the treatment organic.
These microorganisms, flocculating, tend to develop a structure with a very high affinity for water retention (Randall et al., 1971., EPA, 1987).

[0003] Biological sludge is very hydrophilic flocs, difficult to dehydrate by the mechanical pressing processes generally used in this type Application and are characterized by high retention of water molecules. In the sludge side effects, mainly bacteria of a colloidal nature, varying size between 0.1 and 10 μm in diameter, hydrophilic and impermeable. They can to be deformed and have a load on their surfaces (Genco and Carbonello, 1980).

Activated sludge treatment depends on the fact that certain microorganisms agencies are capable of forming flocs capable of decanting. Bioflocculation is caused extracellular polymers (ECPs) (Erikson and Alm, 1991). These PECs produced by bacteria in the mud form a chain in which these bacteria are incorporated (Bruus et al 1992). Bacterial polysaccharides are the main constituents of the material of these polymers but these contain also proteins and nucleic acids (Sanin and Vesilind, 1994).

Faced with the difficulty of dewatering sewage sludge and problems related to the use of the usual sludge digestion processes, various chemical processes combined thermal and sewage sludge conditioning have been developed at during the last years. However, most of these processes remain too much expensive to be widely used in wastewater treatment plants municipal and industrial.

[0006] Various electrochemical processes are proposed for the decontamination and the conditioning of biological sludge (of municipal and Industrial). For example, Canadian patent document CA 2,382,357 describes a process using landfill electric (pulsed electric fields) under high voltages (15 000 to 100 000V) affecting bacterial cells causing disturbances physiological and thus causing a release of the inter and intra cellular liquid, which reduces up to about 50% (w / w) the mass of sludge generated after dehydration mechanical sludge. The best yields of this system (pulsed electric fields) are obtained by imposing high energies of about 100 J / mL or 400 kVVh / tbs for initial sludge with a total solids concentration of 6%. said method of treatment of sludge from the Canadian application CA 2,382,357 can to permit improve sludge dryness but remain ineffective for disposal odors foul.

Canadian patent CA 2,511,091 describes an electrochemical process of conditioning and stabilization of municipal sewage sludge and industrial. said process involves the steps of acidification, followed by electrolysis in a cell comprising electrodes and whose anode is capable of generating in situ a oxidant bactericidal and this, in order to generate electrolyzed sludge with a dehydrability and greater stability than sewage sludge.

Canadian patent CA 1,334,658 describes an electrolytic cell for the treatment of sewage sludge, which is equipped with a multitude of flat electrodes placed in parallel (anodes and cathodes) and individually connected to the generator of current capable of delivering a voltage varying between 1.5 and 20 V.
iron electrodes (anode) and stainless steel (cathode) are arranged so that a anode be immediately followed by a cathode with an inter-electrode distance relatively weak (15 mm). This process can induce the transformation of substances particulate hydrophilic (organic and inorganic) hydrophobic substances, which can to improve the filterability of biosolids during filtration mechanical.

The methods developed in CA Canadian patent documents 2,382,357 and CA 1,334,658 do not mention the presence of an oxidant bactericidal the action could extend into the sludge at the outlet of the electrolyser (residual effect).
The residual effect of the oxidant would provide stability to more or less long term treated and dewatered sludge. Indeed, in most stations purification, Dehydrated sludge is initially stacked and stored at room temperature ambient before any final disposal (landfilling, spreading or incineration). In particular, in the method of Canadian patent document CA 2,382,357, even if the cell bacteria were physiologically disturbed by application of a field electric pulsed, they are however able to reactivate when they are find in a more favorable environment (in the absence, in particular, of a disruptive effect:
field electric). A bacterial reviviscence could thus be observed during the period of sludge storage and, as a result, lead to odor nuisances induced by organic and inorganic malodorous compounds.
SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

The object of the present disclosure is to propose a method of treatment electrochemical sludge to avoid certain disadvantages methods of the prior art and / or to improve at least one of aspects of treatment.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of conditioning (pretreatment) of a sludge. The method comprises a submission of flowing sludge at a pulsating electric voltage produced by at least one pair of electrodes, at least one of said electrodes being mobile and adapted to effector a rotation about an axis; and stirring the sludge by rotating said least one mobile electrode. Said process can make it possible to increase the dryness of the mud and said slurry being subjected to a pressure of about 5 to about 150 psi.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of conditioning a sludge. The method includes sludge submission flowing at a pulsed electrical voltage produced by at least one pair of electrodes arranged substantially parallel to each other, at least one said electrodes being movable and adapted to effect a rotation around a axis; agitation mud by rotating said at least one moving electrode, said mud flowing being treated and conveyed between said electrodes which are arranged in a baffle and in a manner substantially perpendicular to the overall direction of motion of the mud conveyed between an inlet and an outlet in an apparatus. Said method can to permit to increase the dryness of the mud.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an apparatus for conditioning a sludge. The apparatus has an entrance and an exit; a body intended for receiving the sludge to be treated and defining an axis of rotation; an entry and an exit that are in fluid flow communication with each other and with said body; at least a internal electrode and at least one external electrode for treating said mud and arranged inside said body, said electrodes being arranged way substantially parallel to each other, at least one of said electrodes being movable and adapted to effect a rotation about said axis of rotation, said electrodes defining between them at least one space intended to receive the mud to be treated;
and an activation means for inducing rotational movement of said at least an electrode movable about said axis to agitate the sludge in said at less space and conveying said slurry between said electrodes which are arranged in chicane and a perpendicular to the direction of overall displacement of the sludge is conveyed in the apparatus between said inlet and said outlet.

It has been observed that such methods of pretreatment or conditioning and devices make it possible to obtain greater dryness with the presses conventional.
If such methods and apparatus are not used, the yields of the presses conventional are clearly inferior.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the different modes of achievements described here and to demonstrate more clearly how these different modes of achievements can be made, the reference will be made, as for example, to the drawings annexed, which represent at least one exemplary embodiment, in which :

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for conditioning, according to one embodiment;

Figure 2 is a view of the cross-section of an apparatus for conditioning, according to one embodiment;

Figure 3 is a view of the cross-section of an apparatus for conditioning, according to one embodiment;

Figure 4 is a view of the cross-section of an apparatus for conditioning, according to one embodiment;

Figure 5 is a view of the cross-section of an apparatus for conditioning, according to one embodiment;

Figure 6 is a view of the cross-section of an apparatus for conditioning, according to one embodiment;

Figure 7 is a view of the cross-section of an apparatus for conditioning, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a treatment method of the mud that understands the conditioning process and the dehydration process conventional, according to one embodiment;

Figure 9 is a schematic view of the packaging process of the mud, according to one embodiment;

Figure 10 is a schematic view of a system of conditioning of the sludge comprising two conditioning apparatus in parallel arrangement, according to one embodiment;

Figure 11 is a schematic view of a system of conditioning of the sludge comprising two conditioning devices in series disposition, according to one embodiment;

Figure 12A is a schematic view of the cross-section a solid electrode, according to one embodiment;

Figure 12B is a schematic view of the cross-section a star-shaped electrode according to one embodiment;

Figure 120 is a schematic view of the cross-section a segmented electrode, according to one embodiment;

Figure 12D is a schematic view of the cross-section a eccentric electrode, according to one embodiment;

Figure 12E is a schematic view of the cross-section a another eccentric electrode, according to one embodiment;

Figure 12F is a schematic view of the cross-section a another eccentric electrode, according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0034] Several embodiments are described herein.
request, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The embodiments described are not supposed to be limiting in any way. This disclosure is applicable to many embodiments, as is evident in the disclosed disclosure below.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be practice with changes and changes without departing from the lessons disclosed. Good that particular features of this disclosure may be described in referring to one or more embodiments or particular illustrations, he must be understood that these features are not limited to use in one or several particular embodiments or illustrations making reference to which they are described.

[0035] The terms an embodiment, mode, modes of production , the embodiment, the embodiments, one or more modes of realization, and some embodiments want to mean one or several (but not all) embodiments of this disclosure (s) unless expressly otherwise specified.

The terms including, including and the variant thereof want to mean including, but not limited to, unless expressly stated other. A
list of items does not mean that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly stated otherwise. Terms a / a and the mean one or more, unless expressly stated otherwise.

In addition, although the steps of a process, the steps of a process, algorithms or the like can be described (in the disclosure and / or the claims) in a sequential order, such processes, processes and algorithms can be configured to work in an alternative order. In addition, any sequence or sequence of steps that can be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that measurements are made in that order. The steps of the methods described here can be performed in any order that is practical. In addition, some steps can to be performed simultaneously.

When only one device or object is described here, it will be obvious that more than one device / object (whether they cooperate or not) can be used in place of a only device / object.
Similarly, when more than one device or object is described in this cooperate or not), it will be obvious that only one device / object can be used in place of the most a device or object.

It should be noted that the terms of such degree as substantially, about and approximately when they are used in this, mean a quantity reasonable deviation from the modified term, so that the result final is not significantly modified. These degree terms should be interpreted as including a deviation from the modified term if that difference did not contradict the meaning of the term he amended.

In addition, the recitation of digital ranges by points end in this includes all the numbers and fractions encompassed in this range (by example, 1 to 5 comprises 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4 and 5). It is also understood that all numbers and fractions of these are supposed to be modified by the term about which means a variation up to a certain amount of the number at which reference is made if the end result does not change significantly.

In addition, the expression and / or as used in this, means one or inclusive. In other words, X and / or Y, for example, means X or Y or both, and X, Y and / or Z means X or Y or Z or any combination of these.

The sludge can be subjected to a pressure of about 5 to about 150 psi.

[0043] Said electrodes may be arranged in a manner interposed.

The pulsed electrical voltage can be produced by a plurality electrode, disposed substantially parallel to one another, at least one said electrodes being mobile and adapted to effect rotation around of an axis.

The dryness of the mud before conditioning can be from about 0 to about 8%.

The rotational movement relative to the axis of rotation ensures a contact substantially constant mud with the electrodes. The rotation of electrodes can induce a pulsed treatment. The rotation of the electrodes can induce a pulsed treatment a frequency proportional to the speed of rotation. The rotation of electrodes can induce a pulsed treatment of a frequency proportional to the speed flow of the mud. The rotation of the electrodes can induce a pulsed treatment of a frequency proportional also including (in addition) agitation by the arrangement cells of baffle electrodes.

The process steps can be repeated in series or in parallel. The process steps can be repeated with the same voltage in each process. The process steps can be repeated with the different voltage of a process of treatment to another.

The temperature of the sludge can be from about 5 ° C. to about 50 ° C.

The voltage gradient applied to the sludge may vary approximately from about 500 to about 50000 V / cm.

In at least one embodiment, the intensity of the current electric can to be kept lowest during treatment.

The fecal coliform content of the packaged sludge may be about 95 to about 100% lower than the fecal coliform content of the mud to treat.

A salmonella content of the packaged sludge may be from less about 40% less than the salmonella content of the sludge to be treated.

The salmonella content of the packaged sludge may be about 60 to about 70 A less than the salmonella content of the sludge to be treated.

The current applied to the sludge may be at least one selected from a voltage continuous, pulsating DC voltage, AC voltage, voltage Polar and / or a bipolar voltage.

The voltage applied to the sludge may be an alternating voltage about 500 V to about 1000 V. The voltage applied to the mud can be a voltage alternative from about 1000 V to about 3000 V. The voltage applied to the sludge can be a tension alternative from about 3000 V to about 50000 V. Polar pulsed voltage applied to the sludge can be of frequency from about 10 Hz to about 5000 Hz.
pulsed bipolar applied to the sludge may be of frequency from about 10 Hz to about 5000 Hz.

The packaging process may be followed by a step of dehydration or extraction of said sludge.

The packaging process can be followed by a step of dewatering said sludge carried out by means of a rotary press.

At least one internal electrode may be inserted and disposed in parallel with said at least one external electrode.

The apparatus may comprise a plurality of internal electrodes and a plurality of the external electrodes disposed substantially parallel one relative to each other, at least one of said plurality of electrodes internal being movable and adapted to rotate about said axis of rotation, said plurality of inner electrodes and plurality of outer electrodes defining between them at least one space for receiving the sludge to be treated.

The inlet and the outlet for the sludge may be adjacent.

The activation means can induce the mud a movement of rotation in a predetermined direction of the entry of the mud at the exit of the mud conditioned.

The pairs of electrodes can be dismountable.

The electrodes can be inert for the environment.

The electrodes may comprise a material selected from steel stainless, titanium, or a material coated with a platinum coating, palladium, iridium or ruthenium.

The electrodes may be coated with an Ebonex coating, palladium, platinum and / or food grade material.

The electrodes can be made of the material selected from steel stainless, titanium or any other material with a coating of Ebonex, palladium and platinum.

At least one electrode may be made of conductive ceramic.

The inert electrodes can be coated with a coating.

The coating may be made of ceramic.

The voltage applied to the mud may be an alternating voltage about 500 V at about 1000 V. The voltage applied to the sludge can be a voltage alternative from about 1000 V to about 3000 V. The voltage applied to the sludge can be a tension alternative from about 3000 V to about 50000 V. The voltage applied to the mud may be a pulsating DC voltage of about 10 to about 5000 Hz.
voltage applied to the mud can be an alternating frequency voltage of about 10 to about 5000 Hz.

The entry and the exit of the mud can be on the same side of the device.
The entrance and the exit of the mud can be on opposite sides.

The rotational speed can be from about 0 to about 100 rotations / minute.

The rotational speed can be from about 100 to about 1800 rotations / minute.

The electrical connection of the pairs of electrodes may be a connection in parallel or in series.

Each pair of electrodes may be a set composed of a electrode internal and an external electrode.

An internal electrode may be capable of rotational movement.

The internal surfaces of the apparatus can be smooth to minimize the accumulation of solids.

The apparatus can be made of FDA certified materials.

The surface area of the electrodes may be about 1.

The space between the electrodes can be from about 0.2 cm to about 20 cm.

Each pair of electrodes may be composed of a spacer insulating external, an external electrode, an internal spacer, an internal electrode, a tree common supports the internal electrodes for the electrical connection and / or for the rotation movement.

In at least one embodiment, the current may be the most down to course of treatment.

The electrical supply of the electrodes may be at least one food alternating electric, pulsed alternative, pulsed polar, pulsed bipolar, square and keep on going.

The frequency of the electrical supply of the electrodes can be fixed.

The frequency of the electrical supply of the electrodes can be variable.

The device can be electrically connected through a terminal block external.

In at least one embodiment, only the active part of the electrodes may be in contact with the mud.

In at least one embodiment, all the parts Metallic module, except electrodes, can be connected to the grounding for secure the system.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus as described in the present disclosure can be used for sludge conditioning organic.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus as described in the present disclosure may be used for product packaging food to increase the liquid extraction performance.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus as described in the present disclosure may be used for conditioning for the bursting / permeabilization of the vesicles for the extraction of oils and species natural.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus as described in the present disclosure may be used for the abatement of at least one type of bacteria, fungi, viruses, or helminths.

In at least one embodiment, a system may include at least one less two devices installed in parallel.

In at least one embodiment, a system may include at least one less two devices installed in series.

In at least one embodiment, a system may include at least one less two devices installed vertically.

In at least one embodiment, a system may include at least one less two devices installed horizontally.

In at least one embodiment, a system may include at least one minus one apparatus as described in the present disclosure and a rotary press.

In at least one embodiment, a system may include at least one less two apparatuses as described in the present disclosure, wherein a connection of at least two appliances may be an electrical connection in parallel or serial.

In at least one embodiment, a method of treatment a mud may include the packaging process as described here, followed by a step extracting said sludge by a mechanical pressing process or by centrifugation.

Flowing sludge can be submitted to a voltage Pulsed.

The slurry may be subjected to a pulsed electric current.

[00102] A cross-section of an example of an apparatus for packaging 100 mud, according to at least one embodiment, is illustrated in the Figure 1.

The apparatus has an input 101 and an output 102, a body 104 defining an axis of rotation 108, as well as a pair of the electrodes, ie at least one electrode internal 110 and at least one external electrode 112.

The internal electrodes 110 and the external electrodes 112 are disposed substantially parallel to each other as illustrated in the Figure 1. Internal electrodes 110 and external electrodes 112 can also be arranged in a baffle.

The internal electrodes 110 and the external electrodes 112 define between they have a space 120 or more spaces 120 intended to receive the mud at treat.

In at least one embodiment, the internal electrodes 110 can to be mobile. In these embodiments, the electrodes 110 are adapted for rotate around the axis of rotation 108. For example, the external electrode 112 can be fixed, while the internal electrode 110 can be mobile and adapted for effector a rotation about the axis of rotation 108, as illustrated with the arrow 109 in Figure 1.

The apparatus 100 also has an activation means which enables to induce a rotational movement 109 of the movable electrode 110 about the axis 108, so to agitate the mud in space 120. For example, an electric motor 130 can induce a movement of rotation 109 of the movable electrode 110 about the axis 108.

The stirring of the sludge can be carried out by rotating one or many movable electrodes 110. The slurry may be processed and conveyed between the electrodes which are arranged in a baffle and perpendicular to the direction of global displacement of the conveyed sludge between an inlet 101 and an outlet 102 in one 100. For example, an overall direction of movement of the sludge may be substantially perpendicular to the electrodes 110 and 112. Not only this arrangement of the electrodes with respect to the mud increases the surface of the exposed mud to electrodes, but it also increases the brewing that allows exposure homogeneous to electric fields.

In at least one embodiment, the sludge to be treated can be inserted in the inlet 101 and the packaged sludge can exit the apparatus 100 at the exit 102. The management Sludge movement is demonstrated with arrows 126 and 128.

For example, the inlet 101 and the outlet 102 of the sludge can be adjacent and be on the same side, as for example, in the apparatus 700 in the Figure 7. In another example, as in the apparatus 100 in Figure 1, the input 101 and the exit 102 for mud may be in opposite sides of the apparatus 100.

For example, the sludge can be subjected to a pressure of about 5 psi to about 150 psi, about 5 psi to about 110 psi, about 5 psi to about 100 psi or from about 5 psi to about 90 psi.

[00111] In at least one embodiment, at least one electrode internal 110 can be inserted and arranged in parallel with at least one electrode external 112.

[00112] A cross section of a packaging apparatus 200 according to at least one embodiment is illustrated in Figure 2. The apparatus 200 has a plurality of internal electrodes 210 and a plurality of external electrodes disposed substantially parallel to one another.
In at least one embodiment, the internal electrodes 210 are movable. The electrodes internal members 210 are adapted to rotate about the axis of rotation 209.
internal electrodes 210 and external electrodes 212 define between them spaces 220 intended to receive the sludge to be treated.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the internal electrodes 210 can be intercalated and arranged in parallel with the external electrodes 212.

The conditioning apparatus 300 is illustrated in FIG. 3, according to least one embodiment. The apparatus 300 includes a plurality of electrodes 310 and a plurality of external electrodes 312 arranged with a way substantially parallel to each other. In at least one mode of realization, the internal electrodes 310 are movable. Internal electrodes 310 are adapted to rotate about the axis of rotation 308. The electrodes internal 310 and the external electrodes 312 define between them at least an area intended to receive the sludge to be treated. In Figure 3, the electrodes internal 310 are interposed and arranged in parallel with the external electrodes 312.

In the various embodiments, the internal electrodes 110, 210, 310 and the external electrodes 112, 212, 312 may have shapes sinusoidal, semi-oblong, square or other. For example, as it is illustrated in the Figure 2, internal electrodes 210 and external electrodes 212 may have a shape semi-oblong. Internal electrodes 310 and external electrodes 312 can also have a square shape (as shown in Figure 3).

[00116] A cross-section of a packaging apparatus 400, according to least one embodiment, which is similar to the apparatus 100, is illustrated in Figure 4. The conditioning apparatus 400 has no means of activation and so did not a rotational movement of one or more electrodes.

[00117] A cross section of a packaging apparatus 500, according to least one embodiment, which is similar to the apparatus 300, is illustrated in Figure 5. The conditioning apparatus 500 has no means of activation and so did not a rotational movement of one or more electrodes.

In at least one embodiment, the internal electrodes (110, 310) and / or the external electrodes (112, 212, 312) can be dismountable.

In at least one embodiment, the internal electrodes (110, 310) and / or the external electrodes (112, 212, 312) can be inert for the environment.

[00120] For example, the internal electrodes (110, 210, 310) and / or the electrodes (112, 212, 312) may contain a material selected from steel stainless titanium or any other material with a coating (a protective layer or coating) platinum, palladium, iridium or ruthenium. For example, the electrodes (the electrodes internal (110, 210, 310) and / or external electrodes (112, 212, 312)) can be coated with a coating of Ebonex (Ti407), palladium, platinum and / or grade material food.

. CA 02932009 2016-06-02

For example, the two electrodes (the internal electrodes (110, 210, 310) and / or the external electrodes (112, 212, 312)) can be coated with a coating. By for example, the coating can be made of conductive ceramic.

The internal electrodes (110, 210, 310) and / or the electrodes external (112, 212, 312) can be inert and can be coated with a coating. By example, the coating can be made of ceramic.

The internal electrodes (110, 210, 310) may have different shapes and more particularly different shapes of the cross section.

Different examples of the cross sections of an electrode internal or an external electrode are shown in Figures 12A, 12B, 120, 12D, 12E and 12F.
In each of Figures 12A, 12B, 120, 12D, 12E and 12F, the portion continues represent a disc portion (metal) of the electrode, with the exception of a part middle circular.
Discontinuous parts of the disc (spaces between the metal parts) can be filled with insulation (not shown).

Figure 12A is a view of the cross-section of a internal electrode full 1200a, according to one embodiment. Figure 12B is a view of the section cross-section of an internal electrode in the shape of a star 1200b, according to a mode of production. Figure 120 is a view of the cross-section of a internal electrode segmented 1200c, according to one embodiment.

Figure 12D is a view of the cross-section of a internal electrode eccentric 1200d, according to one embodiment. Figure 12E is a view of the section cross-section of another type of an eccentric internal electrode 1200e, according to a mode of production. Figure 12F is a cross-sectional view of another electrode Eccentric internal 1200f, according to one embodiment.

[00127] Figures 6A and 6B are cross sectional views machines 600A and 600B, according to at least two embodiments. The internal electrode 610a of the 600A device may have a rotation option. For example, the density the fields in 600A and 600B appliances may be different.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 700, according to a mode of production. The apparatus 700 may also have a rotation option of the internal electrode 710.
Electrical terminals 730 and 732 are coupled to the internal electrode 710 and to electrode external 712, respectively. Electric fields 760 occur when the voltage is applied to the electrodes 710 and 712. Adjusting the distance between the electrodes 710 and 712 can be is provided by a distance adjustment mechanism 766. By For example, the distance adjustment for the single-stage model can be used to modify the processing parameters such as voltage / cm, the processing power, speed flow etc.

The device 700 has a body that can receive the sludge to be treated and defining an axis of rotation; an input 101 and an output 102 which are in communication fluid flow between them and with said body; at least one electrode internal 710 and at least one external electrode 712 for treating the sludge and arranged inside from the body. The electrodes can be arranged in a substantially parallel relative to each other, at least one of the electrodes can be mobile and adapted for effector a rotation about said axis of rotation. Electrodes 710 and 712 define also between them at least one space for receiving the sludge to be treated.
The 700 device may also have an activation means for inducing a movement of rotation of a movable electrode 710 about the axis to agitate the mud in space between the electrodes 710 and 712 and convey the sludge between the electrodes.

In at least one embodiment, the internal surfaces device can be smooth to minimize the accumulation of solids.

In at least one embodiment, a packaging method a mud consists of a step of submitting the slurry to a tension electric pulsed and / or pulsed electric current. This pulsed electric current is produced by at least a pair of electrodes. At least one of said electrodes is mobile and adapted for rotate about an axis 108.

The packaging process is constituted in another of a step agitation sludge by rotating the moving electrode or moving electrodes.

In at least one embodiment, the method of conditioning allows to increase the dehydratability of the mud (increase of dryness).

In at least one embodiment, a packaging method a mud consists of a step of submitting the mud to a current / voltage electric pulsed. This current / voltage is produced by at least one pair of electrodes, disposed substantially parallel to each other. At least one of the electrodes can be mobile and be adapted to rotate around of an axis 108.

The packaging process is constituted in another of a step agitation sludge by rotating the moving electrode or the plurality of moving electrodes.

For example, the slurry can be runny, i.e. she can sink from the entrance 101 at the exit 102 of the apparatus. Flowing sludge can be treated and conveyed between internal and external electrodes according to a direction of global movement of the mud convoyed between an input and an output in a device that can be substantially perpendicular to said electrodes.

In at least one embodiment, the internal electrodes and the external electrodes are arranged in a baffle. For example, electrodes internal and external electrodes may be arranged intercalated.

[00137] The pulsed electric current can be produced by a plurality electrode comprising a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes.

In at least one embodiment, the mud before conditioning can be a pumpable product, for example the dryness of the mud before conditioning can be from about 0 to about 8%. The packaging process as described here can allow to increase the dryness of the mud. For example, the process of conditioning can increase dewaterability of sludge in downstream equipment (press to band, screw press, rotary press, centrifuge, etc.) of about 2% at about 10% of dryness depending on the type of sludge treated.

In at least one embodiment, the packaging method as discussed here can be followed by a dehydration step or extraction of mud. For example, the packaging process can also be followed by a = CA 02932009 2016-06-02 stage of dehydration of the mud carried out by the kiss of a press conventional (rotary, belt, screw press, centrifuge).

[00140] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a treatment method mud that understand the 900 packing process as discussed here and the method conventional dewatering 820, according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a schematic view of 900 slurry conditioning process, representing the detail of the flow of the sludge and the arrangement of the electrodes in the different devices conditioning (module). The packaging method 900 can be used like a pretreatment before the conventional dehydration process 820.

For example, the typical dryness of the mud may be about 0 to about 8%
at the beginning. Without the use of conditioning processes, as discussed here and in using only a conventional press, the dryness can increase to about 15-18% after conventional press treatment that submits sludge to a process of dehydration.

For example, the sludge conditioned with the process of conditioning, such discussed in this description, and therefore dealt with by the process conventional dehydration (eg rotary press), may have a dryness increased. The dryness of the sludge treated as this can become, for example, from about 25% to about 30%.

[00143] In at least one embodiment, the mud in space 120 is subjected to a pulsating electric voltage and / or a pulsating electric current.
Voltage electrical connection is applied to the electrical terminals 130 and 132, which are coupled operative to the internal and external electrodes 110 and 112, respectively.

[00144] In at least one embodiment, the voltage applied to the mud can be a pulsed voltage of low voltage, medium voltage, or high voltage.
By for example, the low voltage can be from about 500 V to about 1000 V, about 600 V to about 900 V or about 700 V to about 800 V. For example, the average voltage can be from about 1000 V to about 3000 V or from about 1500 V to about 2500 V.
By for example, the high voltage can be from about 3000 V to about 50000 V, about 4000 V
at about 30000 V or about 10000 V to about 20000 V.

= CA 02932009 2016-06-02

In at least one embodiment, the pulsed voltage applied to the mud can be low frequency. For example, the frequency of the voltage applied to the mud can be from about 10 to about 5000 Hz, from about 100 to about 4000 Hz or about 2000 at about 4000 Hz.

[00146] In at least one embodiment, the voltage applied to the mud can be a bipolar or polar pulsed voltage.

In at least one embodiment, the voltage gradient applied to the mud can range from approximately 500 to approximately 50000 V / cm, from about 1000 to about 40000 V / cm, from about 5000 to about 30000 V / cm or from about 10,000 to about 20000 V / cm.

To avoid overheating of the module and / or degradation of products the intensity of the electric current applied to the sludge can be maintained lower at course of treatment.

For example, the current may be proportional to the conductivity of the product to condition the dimensions of the module to the applied voltage. For example, if the current is too high, it can cause a rise in temperature due to joule (undesirable), that is why we talk about voltage gradient (kV / cm).

[00150] In at least one embodiment, the current applied to the mud can be a direct current, a pulsating direct current, an alternating current, a polar current and / or a bipolar current. For example, the current applied to mud can to be a combination of these types of currents.

The power supply of the electrodes may be of different types. By example, the power supply of the electrodes can be alternating, pulsed alternative, pulsed polar, pulsed bipolar, square and / or continuous. In at least one mode of realization, the frequency of the electrodes power supply can be fixed or variable.

[00152] In at least one embodiment, the connection electric pairs electrodes may be a parallel and / or series connection.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus for conditioning (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) can be made of FDA certified materials. The device 100 do some FDA certified materials can be used for food products.

In at least one embodiment, the surface ratio of the electrodes internal to the external electrodes may be about 1. The distance between the electrodes internal and external electrodes and therefore the width of the space (120, 220 or 320) intended to receive the sludge to be treated may be, for example, from about 0.2 cm to about 20 cm.

In at least one embodiment, each pair of the electrodes may be an assembly composed of an internal electrode and an external electrode. In at minus one embodiment, each pair of electrodes may be composed of a brace external insulator, an external electrode, an internal spacer, an electrode internal, and common shaft that can support the internal electrodes for connection electric and / or for the rotational movement.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus for conditioning (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) can be connected electrically through a terminal block external. By For example, all metal parts of the module, except electrodes, can be connected to grounding to secure the system.

For example, in the packaging apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 500), only the active part of the electrodes can be in contact with the sludge.

In at least one embodiment, at least one of the electrodes can be able to rotate. For example, the speed of rotation at least one electrodes about the axis of rotation (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) can be from about 0 to about 100 rotations / minute. For example, a laminar regime can be achieved with the speed of rotation in this tuning fork.

For example, the rotational speed of at least one of the electrodes around the axis of rotation 108 may be from about 0 to about 1800 rotations / minute or about 100 at about 1800 rotations / minute. For example, a turbulent diet can be achieved with the speed of rotation in this tuning fork.

[00160] In at least one embodiment, the rotational movement 109 by relative to the axis of rotation (108, 208, 308, 408, 508) ensures contact substantially constant mud with anode and cathode.

In at least one embodiment, the rotation of the electrodes can induce a pulsed treatment with mud at a frequency proportional to the speed flow.
For example, the rotation of the electrodes can induce a pulsed treatment of a frequency proportional to the speed of rotation of one of the electrodes. For example, the rotation of electrodes can induce a pulsed treatment of a frequency proportional to speed flow of the sludge. The rotation of the electrodes can also induce a treatment pulse of a proportional frequency further comprising (in addition) agitation over there arranging the electrode cells in a baffle.

In at least one embodiment, the steps of the method may to be repeated in series. The process steps can be repeated with the same voltage in each process or with the different voltage of a treatment method to the other.

In at least one embodiment, the temperature of the mud may be from about 5 ° C to about 50 ° C. In at least one embodiment, the temperature of the sludge can be from about 5 C to about 80 C.

[00164] The packaging apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) as discussed in this description, can be used in different applications where the dryness for the biological sludge packaging, for the packaging of products food to increase the liquid extraction performance,

[00165] The packaging apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) as discussed in this description can be used in different applications for the bursting / permeabilization of the vesicles for the extraction of oils and species natural.

The conditioning apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) can be in use also for abatement of at least one type of bacteria, fungi, viruses, or helminths.

[00167] The intracellular fluid of bacteria and biological products can be released by the application of electricity. The application of electricity to the mud biological and / or organic products can increase performance extraction / dehydration conventional equipment. For example, the free liquid level can be increases. By therefore, sludge compaction and volume reduction can become more easy. Compaction of organic sludge and biological products of the dehydration can increase. Therefore, the extraction rate of liquid organic products can increase. The viscosity of the sludge can be reduced and the filterability resistance may decrease. For example, the process of conditioning can improve the solid / liquid separation during dewatering of the sludge.
Resistance Mechanical mud and viscosity can also decrease. The process of conditioning can therefore increase the dryness of the mud.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) and the conditioning process discussed in this may allow to increase dryness sludge at the outlet of conventional dewatering equipment in conditioning electrically biological sludge.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) and the conditioning process discussed in this may allow to increase the performance of liquid extractors (eg, juice, essential oils, species etc.) by electrically conditioning the biological products.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) and the conditioning process discussed in this can help disinfect the solid and biological sludge liquids and biological products. In at least one mode of embodiment, the apparatus and the packaging method as discussed in this can allow to take care of biological liquid sludge to increase the dehydration performance.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) and The conditioning process discussed in this can be used to extraction of natural oils and essences.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) and the conditioning process discussed in this can be used for the disinfection by application of electricity as well as secondary and primary sludge that of the biological process products. For example, electrical conditioning and the Electro-dehydration conditioning can be combined.

In at least one embodiment, the coliform content fecal matter packaged sludge can be from about 95% to about 100% lower than the content faecal coliforms of the mud to be treated.

[00174] In at least one embodiment, a salmonella content of mud conditioned can be at least about 40% lower than the salmonella from the mud to be treated.

[00175] In at least one embodiment, the salmonella content of the mud packaged can be from about 60 to about 70% lower than the salmonella the mud to be treated.

In at least one embodiment, the packaging apparatus (100, 200, 300, 400, 500), as discussed in the present description, can make part of a packaging system comprising two or more conditioning.
For example, the packaging apparatus in such a system of conditioning can be installed in parallel and / or in series. For example, devices of conditioning in such a packaging system may be installed in vertical and / or horizontally.

[00177] In at least one embodiment, the packaging system can have at least one conditioning device, as discussed above, and a hurry press. For example, the press may be a rotary press or another press that is intended to dehydrate sludge or other biological product.

[00178] In at least one embodiment, the packaging system can have at least two packs. In such a system, the connection electrical modules may be an electrical connection in parallel or in series.

[00179] Figure 10 is a schematic view of a 1000 system of conditioning of the sludge comprising two conditioning apparatus 1050 and 1052 in parallel arrangement, according to one embodiment. The 1000 system has a 1001 input and 1002 output for the sludge.

[00180] Figure 11 is a schematic view of a system 1100 of conditioning of the sludge comprising two apparatuses 1150 and 1152 of conditioning in series arrangement, according to one embodiment. The 1100 system has an entrance 1101 and an outlet 1102 for the sludge.

The packaging according to the process discussed may be in batch or in continued. Sludge conditioning can be a combination treatment of electrical conditioning and pressure. Packaging can also to be a combination of electrical and magnetic conditioning.

[00182] The present disclosure may include equipment comprising a or several compartments / stages of sludge electrical conditioning organic.

[00183] EXAMPLES
SICCITY OF THE SICCITE MUD SLUDGE
SICCITY OF
PRESSED (NOT PRESSED (PRIOR
ORIGIN OF THE MUD MUD
CONDITIONED) CONDITIONED) LIQUID (%) (%) (%) MUNICIPAL MUD
1.00 8.38 13.67 MUNICIPAL MUD
0.57 10.80 14.27 MUNICIPAL MUD
2.00 11.98 29.48 MUNICIPAL MUD
2.20 11.70 27.54 MUNICIPAL MUD
0.67 19.00 22.85 MUNICIPAL MUD
1.08 12.93 18.42 MUNICIPAL MUD
1.22 15.26 19.56

[00184] Table 1. The dryness of the initial mud (1st column), of the pressed mud only (2nd column) (no packaging procedure being applied) and mud packaged according to one of the conditioning methods of this disclosure and pressed (3rd column).

[00185] Table 1 shows that the dryness of the sludge can be increased considerably using the conditioning method of this disclosure.
When used as pre-treatment that precedes a step of dehydration performed through a conventional press. It has been demonstrated by the values of Table 1 that the conditioning process could achieve a dryness about 30%. Without conditioning, the observed values were about 19% or less. He has It has been demonstrated that the conditioning process makes it possible to obtain a improvement from about 3.5% to about 17.5% of the dryness values obtained when such conditioning is not performed.

[00186] References:

[00187] EPA (1987) Dewatering Municipal Wastewater sludges, Design Manual US
Environmental Protection Agency, EPA / 65 / 1-87 / 014, Cincinnati, 193 p.

Randall, C.VV; Turpin, JK; King, PH (1971) Activated sludge dewatering:
Factors affecting Drainability, J. Water Pollut. Control Fed., Vol. 43, n 1, p. 102¨ 122.

[00189] Genco, JM; Carbonello, JJ (1980) Dewatering secondary sludge ¨ a pilot plant study, Tappi, 63 (6): 99 ¨ 102.

[00190] Erikson, L; Alm, B. (1991) Study of flocculation mechanisms by observing Effects of a complexing agent on activated sludge properties, Water Sci.
Technol., Vol.4, No. 7, p. 21 ¨ 28

[00191] Bruus, JH; Nielsen, PH; Keinding, K. (1992) On the stability of activated sludge flocks with implications to dewatering, Water res., vol. 26, No. 12, p.
1597-1604.
Sanin, FD; Vesilind, PA (1994) Effect of centrifugation on the removal of extracellular polymers and physical properties of activated sludge, Water Sci. Technol., flight. 30, No. 8, p.
117 ¨ 127.

Claims (78)

CLAIMS: A method of conditioning (pretreatment of) a sludge, comprising:
submitting flowing sludge to pulsed electrical voltage produced by at least one pair of electrodes, at least one of said electrodes being mobile and adapted to effect rotation about an axis; and agitating the sludge by rotating said at least one moving electrode;
said method for increasing the dryness of the sludge and said sludge being subjected to a pressure of about 5 to about 150 psi. 2. A method of conditioning a sludge, comprising:
submitting flowing sludge to pulsed electrical voltage produced by at least one pair of electrodes arranged substantially parallel to each other, at least one of said electrodes being mobile and adapted to effect rotation about an axis;
agitating the sludge by rotating said at least one moving electrode, said flowing sludge being treated and conveyed between said electrodes which are arranged in a baffle and in a substantially perpendicular fashion relative to the direction of overall displacement of the sludge conveyed between a input and output in a device;
said method for increasing the dryness of the sludge. 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sludge is subjected to the pressure from about 5 to about 150 psi. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said electrodes are arranged in an interposed manner. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the voltage electrical pulse is produced by a plurality of electrodes arranged in a way substantially parallel to each other, at least one of said electrodes being mobile and adapted to effect a rotation about an axis. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dryness of the slurry before conditioning is from about 0 to about 8%. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Rotational movement relative to the axis of rotation ensures a contact substantially constant mud with the electrodes. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotation electrodes induces a pulsed treatment. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotation electrodes induces a pulsed treatment of a frequency proportional to the speed of rotation. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rotation electrodes induces a pulsed treatment of a frequency proportional to the speed flow of the sludge. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the rotation electrodes induces pulsed treatment of a proportional frequency also including (in addition) agitation by the arrangement of the electrode cells into chicane. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein Steps of the process are repeated in series or in parallel. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein Steps of the process are repeated with the same voltage in each process. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein Steps of the process are repeated with the different voltage of a treatment process to the other. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the mud temperature is from about 5 ° C to about 50 ° C. The process according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the gradient voltage applied to the mud varies from approximately 500 to approximately V / cm. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the intensity of electrical current is kept lowest during treatment. 18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein content Fecal coliforms of conditioned mud is about 95 to about 100%
less than faecal coliform content of the sludge to be treated. The method of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a content in salmonella conditioned mud is at least about 40% lower than content Salmonella from the mud to be treated. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein content Salmonella-conditioned mud is about 60 to about 70% lower to the content Salmonella from the mud to be treated. 21. The method according to any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the flow applied to the slurry is at least one chosen from a DC voltage, a voltage keep on going pulse, an alternating voltage, a polar voltage and / or a voltage bipolar. 22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein voltage applied to the mud is an alternating voltage of about 500 V to about 1000 V. The method of any of claims 1 to 21, wherein voltage applied to the mud is an alternating voltage of about 1000 V to about 3000 V. 24. The method of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein voltage applied to the mud is an alternating voltage of about 3000 V to about 50000 V. 25. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein voltage Polar pulsation applied to the mud is of frequency of about 10 Hz to about 5000 Hz. The method of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein voltage Pulsed bipolar applied to the mud is frequency of about 10 Hz to about 5000 Hz. 27. A method of treating a sludge, comprising the method of conditioning according to any one of claims 1 to 26, followed by a step of dehydration or extracting said sludge. 28. A method of treating a sludge, comprising the method of conditioning according to any one of claims 1 to 27, followed by a step of dehydration said sludge carried out by means of a rotary press. 29. Apparatus for conditioning a sludge comprising:
an entrance and an exit a body intended to receive the sludge to be treated and defining an axis of rotation;
an input and an output that are in fluid flow communication between they and with said body;
at least one internal electrode and at least one external electrode to treat said sludge and disposed within said body, said electrodes being arranged substantially parallel to each other with respect to the other, at least one of said electrodes being mobile and adapted for effector a rotation about said axis of rotation, said electrodes defining between them at least one space for receiving the sludge at treated; and activation means for inducing rotational movement of said at least one electrode movable about said axis to agitate the mud in said at least one space and convey said sludge between said electrodes that are arranged in a baffle and in a perpendicular way by relation to the direction of global displacement of the mud which is conveyed in the apparatus between said input and said output. Apparatus according to claim 29, said at least one electrode internal being interposed and arranged in parallel with said at least one electrode external. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 30, comprising a plurality of the inner electrodes and a plurality of the outer electrodes arranged substantially parallel to each other, at least one of said plurality of internal electrodes being mobile and adapted to perform a rotation around said axis of rotation, said plurality of internal electrodes and plurality of external electrodes defining between them at least one space for receive mud at treat. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the entrance and the outlet for the mud are adjacent. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the way of activation induced mud rotational movement in one direction predetermined the entrance of the mud at the exit of the conditioned mud. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the pairs electrodes are removable. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the electrodes are inert to the environment. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein said electrodes include a material selected from stainless steel, titanium, or a material covered with a coating of platinum, palladium, iridium or ruthenium. . Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the electrodes are coated with a coating of Ebonex, palladium, platinum and / or material of food grade. 38. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the electrodes are made of material selected from stainless steel, titanium or a material with a coating of Ebonex, palladium or platinum. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 38, wherein at least an electrode is made of conductive ceramic. 40. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 39, wherein the Inert electrodes are coated with a coating. 41. Apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the coating is made of ceramic. 42. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 41, wherein voltage applied to the mud is an alternating voltage of about 500 V to about 1000 V. 43. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 41, wherein voltage applied to the mud is an alternating voltage of about 1000 V to about 3000 V. 44. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 41, wherein voltage applied to the mud is an alternating voltage of about 3000 V to about 50000 V. 45. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 41, wherein voltage applied to the slurry is a pulsed DC voltage of about 10 at about 5000 Hz. 46. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 41, wherein voltage applied to the mud is an alternating frequency voltage of about 10 to about 5000 Hz. 47. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 46, wherein the entrance and the Mud outlet are on the same side of the unit. 48. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 46, wherein the entrance and the Out of the mud are opposite sides. 49. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 48, wherein speed rotation is from about 0 to about 100 rotations / minute. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 48, wherein speed rotation is about 100 to about 1800 rotations / minute. 51. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 50, wherein the electrical connection of the electrode pairs is a parallel connection or in series. 52. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 51 in which each pair of electrodes is a set consisting of an internal electrode and a electrode external. 53. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 52 wherein a internal electrode is capable of rotational movement. 54. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 53 wherein surfaces internal devices are smooth to minimize the accumulation of solids. 55. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 54, materials FDA certified. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 55 in which report of electrode surface is about 1. 57. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 56 wherein space between the electrodes is from about 0.2 cm to about 20 cm. 58. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 57 in which each pair of electrodes is composed of an external insulating spacer, a external electrode, an internal spacer, an internal electrode, a common shaft supports the electrodes internals for the electrical connection and / or for the rotational movement. 59. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 58 wherein the flow is the lowest during treatment. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 59 in which the power supply of the electrodes is at least one power supply electric alternative, pulsed alternative, pulsed polar, pulsed bipolar, square and keep on going. 61. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 60 wherein the power supply frequency of the electrodes is fixed. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 61 wherein the frequency of the electrodes power supply is variable. Apparatus according to any of claims 29 to 62 wherein the device is electrically connected through an external terminal block. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 63 wherein only the active part of the electrodes is in contact with the sludge. 65. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 64 wherein all the metallic parts of the module, except electrodes, are connected to the setting earth for secure the system. 66. Use of the apparatus according to any of the claims 29 at 65 for the conditioning of biological sludge. 67. Use of the apparatus according to any of the claims 29 at 65 for the food packaging to increase performance extraction of liquids. 68. Use of the apparatus according to any of the claims 29 at 65 for the conditioning for bursting / permeabilization of vesicles for extraction of natural oils and essences. 69. Use of the apparatus according to any of the claims 29 at 65 for abatement of at least one type of bacteria, fungi, viruses, or helminths. 70. A system comprising at least two apparatuses according to the claims 29 to 65 installed in parallel. 71. A system comprising at least two apparatuses according to the claims 29 to 65 installed in series. 72. A system comprising at least two apparatuses according to the claims 29 to 65 installed vertically. 73. A system comprising at least two apparatuses according to the claims 29 to 65 installed horizontally. 74. A system comprising at least one apparatus according to any one of Claims 29 to 65 and a rotary press. 75. A system comprising at least two apparatuses according to any one of of the Claims 29 to 65, wherein an electrical connection of at least two appliances is an electrical connection in parallel or in series. 76. A method of treating a sludge, comprising the method of conditioning according to any one of claims 1 to 28, followed by a step extraction of said sludge by a mechanical pressing process or by centrifugation. The method of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein mud runner is subjected to a pulsating electric voltage. 78. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein mud flowing is subjected to a pulsating electric current.