Modelling and simulation of a convective low temperature sludge dryer with multilayer belt

Abstract

Sewage sludge is an inevitable result of anthropic activity and its management is an ever-increasing problem. As a result of that new solutions regarding sludge treatment, management, and utilization are in demand. In this context, drying is a non-avoidable step for sludge transformation. In this paper, we develop a dynamic model of a convective sludge dryer by means of First-Principle Data-Driven approach and a Matlab-based simulation environment is designed accordingly. Simulation examples show how the model mimics properly some fundamental aspects of wastewater sludge behaviour during drying.