Abstract: A treatment unit for densely compacted sewage sludge having an elongated trough like member with at least one elongated shaft extending throughout its length and rotatably mounted therein. The elongated shaft has a first longitudinal portion with a helix formed thereon. A shear section is located in the trough like member downstream of the first longitudinal portion of the elongated shaft. The shear section includes a static member attached to the inner surface of each sidewall of the trough like member and a rotary component mounted on a second longitudinal portion of the elongated shaft. The rotary component of the shear section includes a pair of half cylinder segments attached to the shaft. Each segment has a first longitudinal section with a plurality of outwardly extending paddles mounted thereon and a second longitudinal section with a plurality of outwardly extending pitched blades mounted thereon. The elongated shaft is rotated by an electric motor mounted on the trough like member.