水处理残余物（污泥）的机械冻融处理产生了一种固体含量极高的产品。凭直觉，这一过程似乎过于昂贵，不可行。本文提出了一个模型，可用于研究机械冻融条件的经济性。模型结果显示了两种成本最优的冷冻条件:通常初始固体含量为10%w/w或更高，以及固化时间为gt6 h。此外，该模型还用于比较最佳冷冻的成本- 将设计与传统剩余物管理列车的成本融为一体。结果表明，对于中等至较高的处理成本（>$25/吨[$28/公吨]）和低电价（<$0.075 x kW-1 x h-1），冻融处理可能具有成本效益。包括36个参考文献、表格、图表。

Mechanical freeze-thaw conditioning of water treatment residuals (sludge) producesa product with extremely high solids content. Intuitively, the process appears too expensive to be feasible. This article presents a model that can be used to investigate the economics of mechanical freeze-thaw conditioning. Model results reveal two cost-optimum freezing conditions: typically an initial solids content of 10 percent w/w or higher, and curing times >6 h. Also, the model is used to compare the cost of the optimum freeze-thaw designs with the costs of traditional residuals management trains. Results show that freeze-thaw conditioning may be cost-effective for moderate to high disposal costs (>$25/t [$28/metric t]) and low electricity rates (<$0.075 x kW-1 x h-1). Includes 36 references, table, figures.