This process uses the energy introduced by ultrasound to destroy structures and micro-organisms present in the sludge, thereby changing the sludge characteristics and improving subsequent digestion.

Because sewage sludge disintegration by ultrasound has attracted increasing attention in recent years and because it has become established at a large number of sewage treatment plants, the Association for Water Management, Sewage and Waste [Vereinigung für Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall (DWA)] is now dedicating leaflet DWA-M 302 to this process. It is aimed primarily at planners and operators of sewage treatment plants and is to include information about the technical possibilities of various ultrasonic disintegration processes and their economic and energy efficiency. It also contains recommendations for practical operation. A draft of the leaflet should be available by the middle of 2010.