Problem

• The paper mill generated approximately 1000 kg/hr of highly sticky bio-sludge with moisture above 85%.
• Wet sludge was difficult to transport, store, and manage, and created odor and compliance issues.
• The sludge had negligible usable value in its wet form and was treated purely as a waste disposal burden.

Proposed Solution

• Gem Drytech supplied a BELTOTHERM sludge dryer engineered for slimy, sticky sludge.
• The system used indirect drying with steam or bio-gas and continuous belt transport for controlled moisture reduction.
• After drying, the material could be fed to the boiler as supplementary fuel.

Result

• Moisture was reduced from above 85% to below 10%.
• Landfill disposal was eliminated and the sludge was converted into a usable fuel source.
• The client reduced external fuel purchase and sludge transport costs.
• The project improved waste handling, compliance, and overall sustainability performance.

Conclusion

This installation demonstrates that with the right drying technology, problematic bio-sludge can be transformed from a disposal liability into an internal energy resource.

Applicability

Relevant for paper-industry bio-sludge and other sticky ETP sludge streams where waste-to-energy recovery is a practical goal.