Simultaneous determination of activated sludge floc size distribution by different techniques

• DOI: 10.2166/wst.2004.0693
• Publication Date: 2018-05-18T13:24:50Z
• Authors: R. Govoreanu; H. Saveyn; P. Van der Meeren; P.A. Vanrolleghem
• Keywords: Sewage; Population Dynamics; 11. Sustainability; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Flocculation; Particle Size; Waste Disposal, Fluid; 6. Clean water; Biotechnology

The activated sludge floc size distribution (FSD) is investigated by using different techniques and the results are compared against each other in order to gain insight into FSD characteristics, as well detect limitations of measurement technique. experimental set-up consisted three devices coupled series: a MastersizerS, an automated image analysis system (IMAN) CIS-100. latter instrument has two channels, based on time transition (TOT), (SHAPE) principles. In minimise variability between successive measurements, samples collected from pilot-scale SBR were flocculated until steady state was achieved. show that MastersizerS SHAPE yield similar volume weighted FSD. contrast, IMAN overestimated TOT frequently showed bimodal distribution. number distributions agreement, while those generated mainly located submicron range corresponded larger sizes. good fit log-normal model. It shown principle utmost importance transformation may lead data misinterpretation.