Supercritical water oxidation of pulp mill sludges

Supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) is a new process that can oxidize organics very effectively at moderate temperature (400-650°C) and high pressure (25.5 MPa). It is an environmentally acceptable alternative for sludge treatment. In bench-scale tests, total organic carbon (TOC) and halide (TOX) reductions of 99-99.9% were obtained; dioxin reductions were 95-99.9%. A conceptual design for commercial systems has been completed, and preliminary economics have been estimated.