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In the pre-modelling era, engineers developed various complex criteria, which, as they believed, describe the state and the maximum acceptable loading of
clarifiers. In addition, they developed geometrical and other recommendations. Some of the many criteria proposed and contained in technical standards and
guidelines are presented and reviewed in this chapter.
Loadings
Four criteria are most commonly used:
Volumetric loading rate is a useful criterion if not applied as in ATV A131. This is shown in next figure. Resch1 investigated several Dortmund type and one Berlin
type clarifiers, all vertical according to ATV A131.
It is interesting to see the change of approach to the weir loading rate. Many large clarifiers operate successfully with significantly higher weir loading rate than
the traditional 10 m3/m h. The response was pragmatic. The value for large clarifiers was increased by 50 % rather than questioning the criterion as such.
In some recommendations and technical standards the solids loading rate is still wrongly defined as it was in 1959:
From Dick (1976):
where Ga is the applied solids flux (this is correctly total flux, by standard notation Gt = v(1+ R)Xa);
r is the recycle ratio (standard notation R = Q r/Qe);
Q is the clarifier outflow rate (Qe);
cMLSS is the concentration of the operating mixed liquor suspended solids (X a);
A is the area of the clarifier.
Solids flux theory is rock solid since 1957 (Yoshioka et al.). Its application does not depend on the geometry of the clarifier (shape, area), scraping or
whatever else. In terms of solids flux theory application all clarifiers are equal. It has to be noted, however, that the solids flux analysis is the same for a
clarifier deep 1 m and 10 m (as examples). Obviously, depth is not a parameter of the classic solid flux theory and has to be reviewed by newer modifications
of the solids flux theory or by other theories. One of the newer approaches is based on the thickening gradient, as shown in the figure. Solids flux gradient
approach can be used in sludge blanket mathematical modeling.
Application of Total Flux as a criterion is wrong in principle! The Applied Flux criterion has little if any value in the mathematical modelling
era.
Concentrations
Typical recommendations for operating sludge concentration (MLSS) are 2 to 6 g/l and for the returned sludge 5 to 15 g/l. Of course, any recommendation
neglecting SVI is wrong.
A131 recommends minimum side water depth 2,5 m and minimum average water depth 3 m.
The criteria of geometry as such are meaningless unless other parameters, such as mixed liquor inlet, water and sludge uptake arrangements etc. are
considered.
1 H. Resch: Untersuchungen an vertikal durchströmten Nachklärbecken von Belebungsanlagen; Berichte aus Wassergütewirtschaft und
Gesundheitsingenieurwesen, Nr. 29; Technische Universität München; 1981
2 Adapted from Wet Weather Operating Practices for POTWs with Combined Sewers, Technology Transfer Document, New York State Department of
Environmental Protection, 2000 http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/wwtechtran.pdf.
3 Sewage Treatment Plant Design, ASCE WPCF Manual of Engineering Practice, Water Pollution Control Federation, Washington, D. C. 375 pp., (1959).
4 Dick Richard I. (1976). Folklore in the design of final settling tanks. Journal Water Pollution Control Federation, 48, pp. 633-644.
5 Wahlberg Eric J.: Folklore in Activated Sludge Treatment Plant Operations. Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association 65th Annual Meeting, September 17, 2002