Settled solids in the primary clarifier should be checked routinely to prevent a mechanical problem from backing up solids into the secondary processes.
CORETAKER
®
Sludge Sampling
check sludge depth of bed at several consistent points
Point level monitoring of sludge levels with infrared sensors permanently suspended in tank. Your 24/7 eyes on sludge level. Autodialer alerts staff of rising sludge via text message, email, radio or alarm. Single or multiple sensors.
Sludge Alarm
if skimmer on tank, requires minimal clearance for cables
The SID makes checking primary sludge levels quick and easy. The operator can range the probe at a desired depth from one end of the bridge to the other to check for inconsistent depth of blanket. The super bright red LED's are visible in direct sunlight and the adjustable horn alerts operator to changes in sludge density.
SID primary clarifier sampling
check sludge depth of bed at several consistent points
In just 15 minutes operators can determine how much activated sludge is in the aeration tank. Optimizing the amount of "bugs" with the incoming "food" is critical to process control. Raven's horizontal rotor provides a straight line interface on the tube scale between the compacted sludge and the liquid.
In just 5 minutes the Settleometer lets the operator know if there is a sludge settling problem. If the aerator sample doesn't settle to 800 in the first 5 minutes there is a settling problem. Additional time provides Settled Sludge Volume. The multi-dilution test is commonly used as a possible indication of filamentous sludge.
Settleometer Sampling
retrieve sample from aerator tank effluent
fill Settleometer immediately out of direct sunlight
gently stir with wide paddle to avoid damaging floc
multi-dilution test helps determine cause of settling problem
Percent solids in just 15 minutes. Establish your own benchmarks for percent solids. As a rule of thumb, not more than 10% of the total secondary solids should be in the secondary clarifiers. It's important to know where the solids are, how much there is, and how old it is for effective process control.
Viewing a representative core of the secondary clarifier provides a wealth of information. Track sludge levels and see sludge color. Purge the core sample into a container for determining percent solids using Raven's process centrifuge.
Core samples:
1/3 of the distance from the sidewall to centerwell
Point level monitoring of sludge levels with infrared sensors permanently suspended in tank. Your 24/7 eyes on sludge level. Autodialer alerts staff of rising sludge via text message, email, radio or alarm. Single and mutiple probes.
Sludge Alarm:
if skimmer on tank, requires minimal clearance for cables
Quick, easy and cleaner than a core sampler. Highly accurate infrared sensor. Eliminates operator to operator variances common with core samplers. Portable for use in multiple tanks.
SID secondary clarifier sampling
1/3 of the distance from the sidewall to centerwell
Floating sludge must be kept in check to avoid losing solids under the baffle. Notice the shape of the sensor probe that allows sludge to flow through for accurate measurements. Simply push the probe thru the blanket until the red LED's on the meter go out and measure with markers on pushrod.
The volitile acids/alkalinity relationship (.05 to .15) is a better indication of methane capability than simply monitoring pH. Separate the solids from your digester sample with the process centrifuge and decant the clear supernatant for more accurate results in the standard methods testing for acidity and alkalinity.
Process centrifuge anaerobic digester sampling:
retrieve samples from primary digester with dipper
fill 6 centrifuge tubes to 100%
spin in centrifuge for 15 minutes
repeat until enough clarified supernatant is achieved
CORETAKER
®
Sludge Sampling
