[Rheological measurement used as a tool to assess sludges settleability]

The activated sludge process is the most widely used biological wastewater treatment method. The measurement of some physico-chemical parameters in aeration tanks do not still allow to avoid clarification operation failure. This study focus on the ability to apply rheological measurements on activated sludge at standard concentrations in order to assess sludge settleability. Measurements in shear flow show a pseudonewtonian region which corresponds to the maximum dispersion of the suspensions that can be detected with the rotational system used. The Bingham's viscosity and shear stress are used to characterise activated sludge. Different shear sensitivities of flocs seem to result from various operational conditions of activated sludge process. Significant relationships with different parameters of settleability point out the ability of Bingham's shear stress to express the compressibility of the activated sludge. According to the protocol of measurement of the study, Bingham's shear stress may influence the nature of the sludge on its settleability.