This study investigates how to establish various pathways of sludge-to-resource/energy (StR/StE) application. The major objectives of this study are to assess the energy yield efficiency of synthesis gas and bio-oil produced from organic sewage and paper-mill sludge by thermal conversion technologies. The catalyst was selected from water purification sludge containing Fe/Mn. The sintered lightweight building materials manufactured by residues derived from sludge-to-energy are also discussed. Based on the results of this research, important information regarding the technical development of sludge-to-resource ( StR) and/or sludge-to-energy (StE) application can be provided. Experimental results indicate that the water purification sludge containing Fe/Mn can serve as a catalyst for application of sludge-to-energy technology, due to its active catalytic properties and high surface areas. Sewage and paper-mill sludge catalytic gasification and pyrolysis showed that the heating value of synthesis gas produced increased from 6.43 MJ/Nm3 to 8.59 MJ/Nm3, with increasing the tested catalyst addition. The energy density of synthesis gas was 1.5 and above. That is, the energy utilization efficiency could enhance 1.5 times the energy content of the sewage and paper-mill sludge. The maximum bio-oil production rate was approximately 17% from catalytic pyrolysis of the tested sludge. Meanwhile, the maximum heating value and energy density of bio-oil produced from tested sludge was 5,800 kcal/kg and 3.76, respectively. When the product was sintered,the sintered product had the characteristics of being lightweight, heat insulating,energy-saving, and having high strength, which are compliant with Taiwan standards for construction application. In conclusion, the experimental results of this research confirm that it is possible to enhance the energy utilization efficiency of synthesis gas and bio-oil converted from the tested sludge. It can also promote the potential for applying residue derived from sludge-to-energy and water purification sludge in construction materials.

gasification,pyrolysis,sludge