Dry Matter and Ash Determination in Wastewater and Sewage Sludge

This webinar presents advanced thermogravimetric solutions for automated moisture and ash determination in sewage sludge and wastewater applications using the LECO TGM800 and TGA801 analyzers. Increasing regulatory requirements and the need for reliable sludge characterization demand analytical methods that combine accuracy, automation, and high throughput while minimizing operator involvement. The presentation introduces the principles of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and demonstrates how LECO instrumentation provides efficient alternatives to traditional loss-on-drying and ash determination procedures.

The webinar covers the operational theory, hardware design, and analytical capabilities of both systems, including automated weighing, controlled furnace atmospheres, programmable temperature profiles, and simultaneous multi-sample analysis. Practical examples from wastewater and sludge management applications illustrate the determination of dry matter, volatile solids, and ash content in water, slurry, and dried sludge samples. Comparative studies between TGM and TGA methodologies highlight analytical precision, reproducibility, and workflow improvements.

Special emphasis is placed on the advantages of automation for environmental laboratories, including reduced manual handling, improved documentation and data security, safer processing of toxic or odorous samples, and enhanced analytical consistency. Real-world case studies demonstrate how thermogravimetric techniques support sludge management processes and optimize monitoring of drying and combustion efficiency. In addition, the webinar outlines broader applications of thermogravimetric analysis across food, feed, soil, coal, ores, and municipal waste materials.

Overall, the webinar demonstrates that automated thermogravimetric moisture and ash analysis provides a robust, precise, and efficient solution for modern environmental and wastewater laboratories seeking reliable characterization of sewage sludge and related materials.