SLUDGE BLANKET

Sludge blanket height is the most difficult parameter to estimate. At the same time, it is one of the most important parameters for clarifier design. Without reliable
prediction of sludge blanket height neither maximum clarifier loading nor appropriate design of clarifier configuration and equipment are possible. Thus many
clarifiers seen at treatment plants are far from optimum design and operation.

Variables and factors influencing sludge blanket

Sludge quality parameters SVI

Process parameters Xa, v, R, incoming concentration of nitrate, temperature

Clarifier design parameters Bottom slope, frequency of arms rotation, number of arms, scraper blade height and shape

Available formulae for calculation of sludge blanket height, such as that in A131, include sludge parameter and some of the process parameters.  Clarifier design
parameters are frequently missing. Thus all clarifiers, good or bad in design, would be calculated according to the same formula.

Zones in clarifier are defined as in A131:

h1    Clear water zone

h2    Separation zone
h3    Accumulation zone
h4    Thick blanket zone

The two figures below show calculation of sludge blanket, according to two different approaches. The left one is based on AquaNova design procedure, the right one
according to A131. Data are from Günthert (1984), collected at Buchloe II clarifier. One point was omitted (SVI = 373 ml/g).

Points falling into the gray area (outside the common spread
of data) are influenced by denitrification in the sludge blanket.
In this case, A131 overpredicts the sludge blanket height.
Thus denitrification does not only cause sludge clusters to rise
Further, it does not include any of clarifier design parameters.
but also expands the blanket. For details on rising sludge, see
Henze et al. (1993).
Denitrification in final clarifiers has to be avoided by proper design of the nitrification-denitrification system!

At clarifier underloading conditions, sludge blanket height Sludge blanket height trajectory. Same clarifier and interval as
follows the clarifier effluent flow (with time delay). in the left figure.

Sludge blanket behavior is also influenced by the sludge recycling pattern. In principal, there are two options (left and right
figures):