Webcast of the Month: Process Control for Activated Sludge

Rebecca Arvin welcomes viewers to the process control for activated sludge webcast and provides important logistical information regarding PDF presentations, professional development hours, and question submissions.

A poll is conducted to determine the number of participants in the webcast, and viewers are informed about the availability of PDH credits for completion of the evaluation form.

An overview of the topics to be covered in the webcast including definitions, cell growth, nitrification, and activated sludge process components.

The historical background of the activated sludge process including key milestones and classifications based on loading rates and SRT.

Detailed explanation of biological processes involving organic matter, microorganisms, autotrophic organisms, and nitrification in activated sludge systems.

Explanation of process control calculations including SRT, F/M ratio, mixed liquor volatile suspended solids, and food to microorganism ratio.

Discussion on indicator organisms found in activated sludge systems and their implications for system performance and troubleshooting.

Guidance on gathering information, identifying problems, analyzing potential causes, and taking corrective actions for troubleshooting activated sludge systems.

Understanding plant characteristics and maintenance procedures are crucial for effective operation. Maintaining good records and identifying process problems are key challenges.

Issues such as hydraulic problems from rainstorms and system malfunctions require high-quality maintenance and redundant equipment to prevent sludge buildup and equipment failures.

Process troubleshooting involves maintaining a thorough knowledge of streams, loading, design, and abnormal conditions. Laboratory testing and corrective measures are essential for effective troubleshooting.

Bulking in clarifiers can occur due to solids washout, low mixed liquor suspended solids concentration, and foam formation. Various corrective measures like adjusting SRT and chlorine dosing are necessary to address bulking issues.

Filamentous and non-filamentous bulking in reactors can be caused by various factors like improper organic loading, pH variations, and sulfide presence. Chlorination and adjusting chlorine doses are common strategies to manage bulking.

Deammonification is discussed as a process that follows nitrification to reduce oxygen and carbon usage. This innovative method is still under research for full-scale plants, and the presentation concludes with a thank you message to the participants.