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the sample. To release the material in the unit,
touch the stem extending from the bottom section
against a hard surface such as the partition wall in
the sedimentation chamber. This opens the check
valve to drain the sample. A range of 0” to 4” is
preferred. Typically solids are brown and well
flocced. More than 4” (0-102 mm) is typically due
to high recirculation rates and sludge will appear
black in color. To correct sludge depths greater than
4” (0-102 mm), decrease the recirculation rate and
increase the backwash rate.
Sludge Descriptions:
Black –
septic or sewer-like odor due to hydrogen
sulfide and other gases
Brown –
undigested sludge is light brown, becomes
darker with digestion, lightly settled
Clear –
may see a clear water layer beneath solids if
gas carries solids upwards
Flocced -
settled with texture similar to a tuft of wool
Grainy -
gritty or sandy texture
Gray -
partially digested sludge
Milky –
light in color, cloudy, not transparent
Muddy –
typically well settled, often present just after
startup, may be due to infiltration
Mustard -
an off-color, remnants of digestion are
often yellowish in color
White -
sometimes present after new construction
often due
to drywall mud
PART B: Anaerobic Chamber
-
collect samples from the
outlet baffle of the anaerobic chamber to be used for
the following analyses:
1. Transparency –
A transparency reading more than
20 cm is preferred.
2. Scum –
Should not be present unless recirculation
and/or backwash rate is too high or daily flow exceeds
design capacity. To correct, reduce the recirculation
and or backwash rate.
3. Sludge –
A range of 0” to 18” (0-46 cm) is preferred.
Typically brown and settled, becomes gray to black
as depth and digestion increases. More than 18” (46
cm) may require a reduction in recirculation rate. A
sludge accumulation of greater than 18” (46 cm) in
the anaerobic chamber requires pumping.
PART C: Sedimentation Chamber
– collect samples from
the outlet baffle of the sedimentation chamber for the
following analyses:
1.
Scum –
0” to 12” (0-30.5 cm) is common, so long as
it is not rising above the partition wall. If so, punch
down using ladle.
2.
Sludge –
A range of 0” to 36” (0-94 cm) is common.
Typically brown and settled, becomes gray or
black as depth and digestion increases. A sludge
accumulation of > 36” (94 cm) in the sedimentation
chamber requires pumping.
FUSION
®
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, continued
