Beneficial Use Analysis of Alum Sludge from Drinking-water Treatment Plants for Portland Cement Manufacturing in Holly Hill, South Carolina

The Portland Cement Manufacturing process has utilized a variety of natural and industrial byproduct materials to produce cement products at affordable costs. The global demand for cement is increasing and the effort to reduce emissions has placed emphasis on cement manufacturers to reduce their impacts. Emphasis on locating additional alternative raw materials and replacing decreasing industrial byproduct supplies become more important. A case study was conducted analyzing the industrial by product, alum sludge, from a drinking water treatment plant to assess its feasibility for cement production in South Carolina. The sludge was chemically analyzed and trialed as a raw material feed. A cost benefit analysis reviewed the cost savings between waste disposal and beneficial use as well as an environmental review of CO2 impacts from transportation and mining activities. The sludge is promising as a replacement and further trials and analysis will be needed to confirm its viability.