Sustainable logistics with biogas : from the sludge for the sludge

Abstract

The following report summarises the five–month–long investigation concerning the sludge logistics between seven sewage treatment plants, owned by the governmental company Waterschap Aa en Maas, which has its main office in ‘s–Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. As a result of wastewater treatment, significant amount of sludge is produced. From this side product, biogas is created in three WWTPs of Waterschap Aa en Maas. The technology processes, performed at the plants, are followed by the sludge transportation to the finale destination, namely SNB premises in Moerdijk, the Netherlands. The digester at the plant of ’s–Hertogenbosch will be renovated until 2018. Taking the opportunity of the reconstruction, a new logistics solution could be innovated in a more cost–effective and sustainable way. Therefore, the main focus of the project is to study the current logistical situation and to answer the following question: What is the optimal way to use the biogas, produced by ‘s–Hertogenbosch WWTP, as the main truck fuel to transport the sludge? Thorough investigation proves, qualitatively and quantitatively, the most advisable solution and reveals the most favorable alternative of sludge transportation.