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Sludge Volume Index (SVI) d a te : 11/10/09

Technical Department Reference: 17

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parameter measurement measure measurement measurement

1. Objective and general principle

The Sludge Volume Index (SVI) of mixed liquor is the ratio of the sludge volume settled in
30 minutes (Vs30’) divided by the suspended solids of this mixed liquor (called MLSS). It is
expressed in ml/gTSS. When the volume of settled sludge after 30 min exceeds 300 ml/l, the
mixed liquor is diluted beforehand by a settling test, so as to drop below this value.

Historically, the Mohlman Index (IM) was more common: this is the same test, the only
difference being that the volume read in the test tube was divided by the MLSS concentration,
regardless of the volume of sludge measured after 30 min (no mixed liquor dilution). In this
case, the IM depends more on the MLSS than on its thickening capacity. It is therefore
recommended to no longer use this Mohlman Index. Note: IM is sometimes referred to
instead of IB (always verify the presence or absence of dilution).

These indexes are used to characterize the settling ability and thickening capacity of
biological sludge.

2. Sampling, packaging and conservation of the samples, analysis deadline

Bottling Recommended conservation Maximum non-evolution
Volume conditions time
Plastic or glass Do not fill to the brim 24 hours at 4°C
2l
Note: mixed liquor must be sampled when the aerators of the aeration tank have been in
operation for at least 15 min so as to obtain a representative mixed liquor sample of the
activated sludge tank.

3. Water quality indication to control the analysis, detection limit

No measurement limit

4. Procedure
Determination of the volume occupied by sludge after 30 min settling of 1 liter of mixed
liquor. The MLSS content is determined simultaneously.
If the volume of settled sludge after 30 min exceeds 300 ml/l, the mixed liquor is diluted until
Vs30’ < 300 ml/l.

Vs 30 ' (ml / l )
SVI =
[TSS ] ( g / l ) × DilutionFactor

”This document includes internal and confidential information belonging to Veolia Water –
It cannot be reproduced or used without Veolia Water’s written authorization”
 pa ge : 2 /2
Sludge Volume Index (SVI) d a te : 11/10/09
Technical Department Reference: 17

5. Possible interference and measurement errors

For VS30’
 The diameter of the test tube used must be roughly 8-8.5 cm to limit the edge effects.
Ideally, an Imhoff cone should be used.
 The mixed liquor must be sampled when the aerators are in operation to obtain a
representative sample.
 To maintain sludge flocculation, clarified water must be used as dilution water (not
drinking water). If low-mineralization water is used for dilution, there will be an
osmotic shock on the biomass, causing cell lysis and consequently reducing the
settling ability of sludge. In addition, the test tube or Imhoff cone must be stored out
of sun light.

For the MLSS content of mixed liquor, refer to analysis sheet ref. 01.

6. Estimates

SVI (and possibly IM) is used to

characterize the settling ability of
biological sludge:

 IB > 200 ml/g of SS: poor

settling ability (bulking
phenomenon)
 50 <IB < 200 ml/g of SS:
suitable settling ability
 IB < 50: ”very quick” settling
ability (risk of deposit at the
bottom of the tanks if stirring is
insufficient)

Source: Biolog (internal VWS application)

The variations over time must be monitored more closely than the absolute value. In case of
high sludge index, microscopic observation is recommended to highlight the potential
presence of filamentous bacteria.

”This document includes internal and confidential information belonging to Veolia Water –
It cannot be reproduced or used without Veolia Water’s written authorization”