Activated Sludge Operations

Activated Sludge Operations /Aerated Stabilization Basin Workshop Outline

This special workshop is a combination of the activated sludge workshop and the aerated stabilization basin workshop. Day 1 is devoted to activated sludge operations. Day 2 is devoted to common topics for both types of systems. Day 3 is devoted to ASB operations.

DAY 1 - Activated Sludge
Process Control and Monitoring Tests for Activated Sludge Operations
o Settlometer - measuring/assessing sludge settling characteristics
o Depth of blanket - determining clarifier inventory and sludge detention time
o Oxygen uptake - determining metabolic rate, detecting and managing toxicity, spills

Using the Microscope
o Floc Structure
o Filament Abundance
o Protozoa
o Other organisms

Secondary Clarifier Operation
o Controlling RAS flow - strategies (Clarifier Sludge Detention Time, Blanket Level, Inventory)
o Controlling WAS flow - strategies (MCRT, F/M. Inventory)
o Optimizing clarifier capacity

Process Control Management
o Monitoring AS plants
o Using Trend Charts
o Developing a Control Plan
o Plant Mass Balance Tracking

Class Exercises, Case Histories

DAY 2 - Activated Sludge and ASB
Overview of Wastewater Treatment
o Classification of Solids
o Treatment Steps - Preliminary, Primary, Biological, Sludge

Primary Clarifiers
o Assessing Performance
o Impacts on Secondary Treatment (positive, negative)

Biological Growth Pressures
o Organic Loading
o Hydraulics
o Temperature
o pH
o Oxygen
o Nutrients

Controlling Aeration
o Types of Aeration
o Oxygen Demand
o Impacts of Oxygen Deficiency
o D.O. Monitoring

Nutrient Management
o Types of Nutrients - nitrogen, phosphorus
o Nutrient Management - Overfeeding/Underfeeding
o Nitrification/Denitrification
o Control

Troubleshooting Sludge Settling Problems
o Non-Filamentous Problems
- Pin floc
- Dispersed Growth
- Straggler Floc
- Denitrification
- Slime Bulking
- Tetrads
- Foam
o Filamentous Problems
- Septicity (sulfides/organic acids)
- Low D.O.
- Low F/M
- Nutrient Deficiency
- Greases/Fats/Oils
o Short-Term Control
- Settling aids
- Hypochlorite/peroxide
o Long-Term Control
- Identify Cause
- Eliminate Cause

DAY 3 - ASB
Overview of ASBs
o Layers
o Types - completely aerated, partially aerated, anaerobic
o Benthic Feedback

Using the Microscope
o Floc Structure
o Filament Abundance
o Protozoa
o Other organisms

Monitoring of ASBs
o BOD
o Solids - TSS/VSS
o Nutrients
o Sludge Accumulation

Troubleshooting ASBs
o High Effluent BOD
o High Effluent TSS
o Foam
o High Effluent Ammonia
o Effluent Toxicity
o Sludge Accumulation

Class Exercises, Case Histories