Applications for CBXSludge Blanket Meter

Savings and optimization of the process

Sludge Blanket Measuring

• What is a sludge blanket meter?

• Definition? - Measures interface between water and sludge or

solids in a clarifier or settling tank• Measuring methods:

- Manual (Sludge Judge = Monitoring) - Ultrasonic sensor - Suspended solids sensor (CBX)

• CBX is the most accurate, reliable and repeatable sensor in the market!

Sludge Blanket Meter

The customers sludge process?

Sludge dewatering

Polymer

• Thickener? - Sedimentation or Mechanical?• Primary clarifier?• Sludge storage - tanks?• Dewatering equipment?

How is the sludge currently controlled?

• Pumps run on timer?• Sludge or not?• Does pumping of excess water

occur?• Consistent & higher TSS% from

thickener or sedimentation?• Control of sludge level?• Reduce energy costs???

How is the outgoing sludge controlled today?

Energy efficient???

NO WAY!!!

How does it look?

Thickening or Sludge

Clear water or Supernatant

Too much water?

Thin sludge or fluff only

Too much sludge?

Over loaded & Fluff in Supernatant

Sludge Profile

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 120000

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

mg/l

Depth (cm)

Sludge Blanket and Fluff level

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 120000

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

mg/l

Depth (cm)

Fluff

Blanket

High fluff level is detected!

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 120000

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

mg/l

Depth (cm)

High Fluff

Digester and thickener

Digester

When water goes into the digester more energy is needed to heat up the water

By controlling the sludge level, the sludge TSS can be increased from 3% to 4% which means 25% reduction in sludge volume

Energy is saved by not heating excess water

Heat

% TSS ??

CBX at Västerås WWTP

3982

0

3983

3

3984

7

3986

8

3988

2

3989

6

3991

1

3992

4

3993

8

3995

2

3996

6

3998

7

4000

1

4001

5

4002

9

4004

3

4005

70.00%

0.01%

0.02%

0.03%

0.04%

0.05%

0.06%

-increased TSS by 10,000 ppm

-saves 700,000 kwh/year

-pay back time CBX:

26 days!- Report available

Optimize the sludge process• Let the sludge level control the pump operation• Less wasting saves pumping energy $$$$• Polymer dosing – even or more consistant TSS % of sludge

Dewatering

Polymer

If the dewatering is not working?

Sludge dewatering

Polymer

You will pay extra for chemicals and transportation of water!

Early warning of settling problems• Warning of change in sedimentation properties • Polymer dosing is required – to avoid sludge wash out

Sand filter

Polymer

Where did the activated sludge go?

Secondary Clarifier

Why measure sludge level?

• Optimize the dewatering process• Decrease the chemical

consumption • Decrease the energy consumption• Better control and prevention of

settling problems!• Save money and operational time!

Installations in Sweden

Report from IVL Swedish Environmental Institute

CBX• Sludge level defined as

concentration • Possible to measure 2

levels – Fluff & Blanket• Is not effected by change

in sedimentation properties

• Can show a profile • Works no matter what

type of settling properties!

Ultra Sonic • Measures difference in

density by seeing it• Measures only 1 level but

not accurately • Effected by poor settling

sludge • Cannot show a profile • Is disturbed by change in

sedimentation properties or density

Cerlic CBX – The Best Solution to Control Your Sludge Properties