What are the disadvantages of a short sludge age?
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A too long sludge age in the activated sludge process definitely presents problems, but apart from the decrease in sludge concentration, I’m not sure if there are any other negative effects of a short sludge age. Please share your insights. I am currently debugging a project, and I have noticed severe sludge bulking. The effluent from the secondary sedimentation tank contains a large amount of sludge; the sludge concentration MLSS is around 3200 mg/L, SV30 is 90%, and the SVI value is approximately 250. The MLVSS/MLSS value reaches 85%. Is it normal for the MLVSS/MLSS to be higher than the generally accepted level of 75%, and could this be due to a short sludge age? How to handle sludge bulking urgently.
Regarding the sludge bulking you mentioned, was an excessive growth of filamental bacteria observed under microscopic examination?
1. First, there is a question that needs to be addressed: I hold a different view on the claim that a short sludge age leads to a decrease in sludge concentration; this only holds true in cases of significant loss of sludge. 2. MLVSS/MLSS merely indicate the amount of inorganic components in the activated sludge, reflecting indirectly its activity; this value is used to adjust the F/M ratio. There is no absolute threshold for determining the performance of the activated sludge, but a lower ratio tends to improve its sedimentability ； 3. Please provide information on hydraulic retention time, pH, BOD5, water temperature, and microscopic examination results, so that we can have a more in-depth discussion.
1. It is incorrect to say that a short sludge age reduces the sludge concentration; this is only true in cases of significant loss of sludge. 2. MLVSS/MLSS merely indicate the amount of inorganic components in the activated sludge, reflecting indirectly its activity; this value is used to adjust the F/M ratio. There is no absolute threshold for determining the performance of the activated sludge, but a lower ratio tends to improve its sedimentability ； 3. Please provide information on water retention time, pH, BOD5, water temperature, and microscopic examination results; for more details, please visit the Environmental Protection section for communication.