CHALLENGE FLOATING SLUDGE AND FOAM IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Floating sludge and foam under control.
We solve problems relating to floating sludge and foam
Bulking and floating sludge massively impair the settleability of the sludge and thus lead to pollution of the receiving water.
In addition to bulking sludge, floating sludge can occur as a second phenomenon of “diseased” activated sludge. This sludge floating on the surface is caused by certain filamentous bacteria, which have a highly hydrophobic cell surface. In the activated sludge tanks, bubbles of air or nitrogen gas can attach themselves to the hydrophobic cell surface and cause the sludge to float.
Floating sludge should be removed from the system as quickly as possible, as it also leads to foam formation in digesters during anaerobic sludge stabilization.
Wir verstehen diese spezifischen Herausforderungen und schnüren ein für Sie individuelles Maßnahmenpaket.
Causes of floating sludge and foam
Floating sludge
Filamentous bacteria (mainly Nocardioform actinomycetes or Microthrix parvicella) are usually involved in the formation of floating sludge. They form a light to dark brown floating layer that only occurs in certain areas or can cover entire pools. In some cases, the floating sludge is only visible during aeration and then disappears again.
Foam
is significantly lighter in colour than floating sludge, is not formed by filamentous bacteria and is characterized by large, unstable bubbles. Foam can be caused by the introduction of foaming chemicals or severe disturbances in the system.
STANDARDS
We focus on excellent analysis and individual solutions.
We examine the biology of the system and the floating sludge for you and determine the causative filamentous bacteria or alternative causes.
All necessary analyses are carried out by our experts in our in-house laboratory.
More about our Analytical Laboratory
Based on the analysis results and the operating parameters determined, we develop a customized package of measures to reduce the floating sludge or foam.
Characteristics of the most common floating sludge causing filamentous bacteria
ProduCTS AND SYSTEMS
Efficient solutions for floating sludge and foam:
EXPERTISE: CHARACTERISTICS oF THE MOST COMMON FLOATING SLUDGE CAUSING FILAMENTOUS BACTERIA
Nocardioform Actinomycetes
Filamentous bacteria from the Nocardioform actinomycetes group are common causes of floating sludge. Gas bubbles are permanently stabilized by their branched filaments and float to the surface without dissolving.
A reliable differentiation from Microthrix parvicella (which is also a frequent cause of floating sludge) is only possible by microscopic examination.
Microthrix parvicella
s also a typical cause of floating sludge. Microthrix parvicella is promoted by a low sludge load, low oxygen content and low water temperatures.
This is why this filamentous organism usually occurs in the winter months and leads to problems with bulking sludge and/or floating sludge in February/March.
Microthrix parvicella can also cause sludge foaming if it is very filamentous.
