Sludge bags or geotextile tubes are gaining in popularity as a way to dewater sludge. The bags are used as an alternative method to traditional pump and haul to remove sludge in a lagoon. The bags are constructed from high-strength permeable geotextiles. The porous fabric only allows water to escape. The bags are resistant to biological, chemical and UV degradation for 5-7 years. The finished product is easier to transport, can be stored and used later, and has low odor. The bags allow a farmer to target a critical area in the lagoon, such as near the intake. There is the potential for a marketable final product. You will need approval from the Division of Water Resources (DWR) animal division. Price comparison is needed to make sure that this will benefit your farm’s situation. Consider cost of equipment, polymers and distance to receiving land. This article will give a brief overview of the process. Contact your Extension Agent for more information.
Some materials and equipment needed:- geotextile tubes (30 to 90’ in circumference and any length usually 25-100’)
- dredge to remove sludge and water from the lagoon
- pumps and piping – system needs to be able to add polymer before the pump, after the pump, and a special pump. Injection point is important. Some lagoons need more mixing, so need a pump to add polymer before mixing. Others need less, so put in polymer after the pump for less turbulence and mixing.
- solid separator
- flow meter gives total gallons per day
- frac tank mixes to have a consistent product and helps with polymer dosage rate.
- polymers and container to mix polymers. There are several polymer types to choose from (examples are aluminum sulfate, ferric sulfate, food grade polymers). The amount of polymer will influence the rate of dewatering and increase the rate and suspension of solids in the bag. Need correct ratio for proper flocculation.
