Sludge treatment reed beds share many design similarities with downflow reed beds in that there is a drainage matrix of graduated media in the base. Above the drainage matrix is a substantial freeboard for the accumulation of sludge sufficient for an operating cycle of approximately 10 to12 years.

A number of modules are used on each installation so that one bed can be taken out of service every 10 years in order to remove the dry, treated sludge and then be re-commissioned for another operating cycle. The reed bed is not damaged during dried sludge removal and new sludge feed can be applied to the beds within a very short period of time.

The process is highly automated and can be operated and comprehensively monitored from a remote or centralised location. Furthermore, unlike mechanical dewatering plant, no chemicals of any type are used in the process, the only power usage is for pumping to and from the installation. There is no noise, the sludge is mineralised to a high degree, the returned liquors are virtually solids free and the BOD levels very low.

The system is totally automatic and can be operated and monitored remotely. They can be built to process any capacity of sludge.

The dried sludge produced has a dry solids content of more than 40% and meets all requirements as an “enhanced treated” product in respect of pathogen kill and so can be disposed of for beneficial agricultural use.