Performance Evaluation of a Low-cost, Efficient Leachate Evaporator

SUMMARY: The treatment and disposal of some liquid wastes generated from a variety of agricultural, industrial and similar activities have become a serious problem in several areas around the world. Even in situations where the liquid effluents are managed by conventional wastewater treatment methods, severe limitations on discharges of process byproducts (residues) are being placed on owners and operators of the facilities due to regulatory constraints, depth of groundwater, distance to an acceptable discharge point and other reasons. Generally, these liquid effluents are managed by conventional wastewater treatment methods, reverse osmosis or evaporation. Common approaches to evaporation include thermal, vacuum and solar methods. An innovative and cost-effective process has been developed called an oxidation and isoenthalpic evaporation system for the treatment of leachate and other liquid wastes. The system essentially consists of two main processes: oxidation and evaporation. In the oxidation step, the leachate is sufficiently treated for the control of odors. Evaporation of the clarified liquid yields a substantial reduction of liquid volume and decreases operational costs. In the system, forced air is used to oxygenate and evaporate the liquid. A series of tests were conducted at a landfill site in the Veneto Region, Italy to assess the performance of the evaporative system.