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Gasification of Sewage Sludge—A Review

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  • Katarzyna Śpiewak

    (Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

Abstract

The increasing amount of sewage sludge produced demands new methods of its management to minimize socioeconomic and environmental problems related to its current treatment. An effective solution may be the thermochemical conversion of sewage sludge through gasification. First, the most known sewage sludge gasification processes are presented along with the challenges that they face. Then the detailed characteristics of sewage sludge are discussed from the point of view of its use in the gasification process, as well as research on the kinetics of gasification of sewage sludge char using various models. As scientific reports on sewage sludge gasification focus on the influence of process parameters on gas yield and composition (especially H 2 and tar content), the main part of the work is devoted to the discussion on the influence of temperature, type, and amount of the gasifying agent and the presence of a catalyst on these parameters. Moreover, the co-gasification of sewage sludge as well as advanced gasification methods, i.e., supercritical water gasification and plasma gasification, are analyzed. Finally, the possibilities of utilization of sewage sludge gasification process by-products were discussed and the impact of the process on the environment was assessed. The review concludes with indications of directions for further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Katarzyna Śpiewak, 2024. "Gasification of Sewage Sludge—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-31, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:17:p:4476-:d:1472829
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Grzegorz Czerski & Katarzyna Śpiewak & Dorota Makowska & Barbora Grycova, 2023. "Study on Steam Co-Gasification of Waste Tire Char and Sewage Sludge," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-15, February.
    2. Castello, Daniele & Haider, Muhammad Salman & Rosendahl, Lasse Aistrup, 2019. "Catalytic upgrading of hydrothermal liquefaction biocrudes: Different challenges for different feedstocks," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 420-430.
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    1. Serena Righi & Filippo Baioli & Andrea Contin & Diego Marazza, 2025. "TO-SYN-FUEL Project to Convert Sewage Sludge in Value-Added Products: A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-22, October.
    2. José Ramón Copa Rey & Andrei Longo & Bruna Rijo & Cecilia Mateos-Pedrero & Paulo Brito & Catarina Nobre, 2025. "Modelling Syngas Combustion from Biomass Gasification and Engine Applications: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-22, September.

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