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Performance of coarse pore filtration activated sludge system
M R Alavi Moghaddam1, H Satoh, T Mino
1Department of Urban Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
Summary
A coarse pore filter effectively separates sludge in aeration tanks, maintaining high mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and producing high-quality effluent. This method offers superior carbon removal and lower sludge yield compared to conventional systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Conventional activated sludge processes rely on sedimentation for sludge-liquid separation.
- Implementing filters within aeration tanks offers an alternative separation mechanism.
- Investigating coarse pore filters aims to enhance mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a coarse pore filter for sludge separation within an aeration tank.
- To maintain high MLSS concentrations in the activated sludge process.
- To assess the performance of the system under high MLSS conditions.
Main Methods:
- A small-scale reactor was utilized, incorporating a coarse pore filter inside the aeration tank.
- The filter's pore size is larger than microfiltration (MF) membranes.
- Operational performance was monitored over 62 days.
Main Results:
- The system demonstrated effective sludge-liquid separation without sedimentation.
- Effluent quality, particularly SS, TOC, DOC, and turbidity, improved, especially after sludge bulking.
- Average carbon removal reached 94% (based on DOC) and 87% (based on TOC).
Conclusions:
- Coarse pore filters can successfully replace sedimentation in activated sludge processes.
- The system effectively manages high MLSS concentrations while achieving excellent effluent quality.
- The investigated system exhibits a lower sludge yield compared to conventional activated sludge and trickling filter processes.