How Does The Activated Sludge Process Work?

The activated sludge wastewater treatment process is widely used and relied upon by many municipalities. The process utilizes a multi-chamber reactor unit that uses microorganisms as a method of removing nutrients from the water. Oxygen is used to establish and regulate aerobic conditions and to suspend the sludge. Activated sludge wastewater treatment has many advantages, but may not be suitable for all situations.

 

What is activated sludge wastewater treatment?

According to WEF, activated sludge is a biological flocculent culture formed in an aeration tank under controlled conditions.

 

Activated sludge is usually brown in color. Activated sludge is also known as waste activated biosolids or waste activated solids. The return sludge system includes pumps, a timer or variable speed drive, and a flow measurement device. An activated sludge system consists of the same components but in some cases, the waste activated sludge withdrawal is accomplished by adjusting valves on the return system.

 

According to Science Direct, sludge consists of a mixture of microorganisms, 95% of which are a variety of predominantly aerobic bacteria. Activated sludge also contains fungi, protozoa and higher invertebrate populations.

 

COD Degrading Bacteria

Activated sludge is the overall process used to treat wastewater. Air or oxygen is blown into the untreated wastewater. It is most effective for large volumes of water. The wastewater is mixed and aerated in a special tank. This step in the process is achieved by pumping air or oxygen into an activated sludge tank or by using a surface aerator. The process oxidizes the organic matter in the wastewater, producing new cells, carbon dioxide and water. Sludge particles can then be removed by a gravity settling process.

 

Activated sludge wastewater treatment is best accomplished in a centralized treatment facility. Activated sludge treatment can be performed in most climatic conditions. However, colder environments can reduce treatment capacity.

 

Xingzhong Water technologies professionals are available to discuss activated sludge treatment methods and other wastewater treatment services during a comprehensive consultation.

 

Aerobic Bacteria

How does the activated sludge process work?

The activated sludge process in wastewater treatment involves blowing oxygen or air into untreated, unsettled wastewater. This process crushes the solids. The effluent is bubbled and the effluent is discharged into an activated sludge chamber. The live bacteria sink to the bottom of the chamber and the dead bacteria float to the top. As the live bacteria return to the digestion chamber, the clean water is discharged to a percolation tank or waterway.

 

It is important to understand what activated sludge is in order to understand how a complete activated sludge system works. Sludge is considered activated because the particles actively collect beneficial bacteria that digest the effluent.

 

Advantages of the activated sludge treatment process

The activated sludge treatment process offers many significant advantages over other options. Wastewater treatment plants that primarily use this process to treat activated sludge have the following advantages.

 

Reduced amount of unwanted sludge.

Wastewater treatment plants are reseeded with beneficial bacteria.

The activated sludge treatment process allows for longer emptying intervals.

The process is very reliable.

The process is simpler.

Costs are reduced.

The process can be odorless.

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