Civil Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 8-1-2023

Abstract

This study aims to identify how variabilities in wastewater process configurations impact the biocrude yields from sludges processed and stabilized by hydrothermal liquefaction. Clean and renewable energy sources are vital to ensure a sustainable future. However, the current consumption of fossil fuels limits the ability to achieve this goal. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a thermochemical process that converts wet biomass to valuable biocrude oil and biochar while reducing solid masses. Wastewater sludges were sampled across three facilities with varying influent design capacities and biological treatment configurations. Lipids extracted via solvent extraction and biocrudes produced from HTL were determined gravimetrically. Relative ester content was analyzed using gas chromatography. Results found that primary sludges from the sampled facilities yielded up to 44% higher mass of biocrude than waste-activated sludges. Additionally, the relative ester content of C16:0 - C18:3 fatty acids from lipids and biocrudes revealed statistical similarities across the sludge types and facilities. This suggests that HTL produces a biocrude whose yield is influenced by sludge treatment process configuration, but ester quality remains similar across facilities. These results help discover how biocrude products from HTL of wastewater sludges are impacted as specific wastewater processes vary and emphasize the valorization of wastewater sludge as a resource for energy resource recovery.

Keywords

HTL, sludge, biocrude, oil, ester, wastewater

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Civil Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Civil Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Anjali Mulchandani

Second Committee Member

Dr. José Cerrato

Third Committee Member

Dr. Andrew Schuler

Download

Available for download on Friday, August 01, 2025

Share

COinS