Caption title. At head of title: Project summary. Distributed to depository libraries in microfiche. "Feb. 1986." "EPA/600-S2-85-140."

This study developed and tested automated control strategies for municipal wastewater sludge processing. The strategies were applied to three unit processes -- chemical conditioning with lime and ferric chloride, vacuum filtration, and incineration. The project was conducted at the St. Paul, Minnesota, Metropolitan Waste Control Commission (MWCC) Seneca facility, a 24-mgd plant with parallel sludge processing trains. Several strategies were developed for controlling lime and ferric chloride addition and filter cake production rate. Each strategy was evaluated during approximately 500 hr of operation. Automated strategies were also developed for controlling incinerator hearth temperatures and air input. The strategies were designed to maintain the lowest possible furnace burning zone and to minimize excess air. The test data show a moderate cost reduction for automated control. On-line sensors were used to collect data and implement control strategies. Performance data for these sensors are summarized, and the digital data acquisition and control system is described.