Activated Sludge Process

ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS (ASP):

PC Engineering made by Activated sludge process (ASP) is a process that was developed around 2009 - 10 for the treatment of sewage and industrial wastewaters.There are many different designs, but in general, all ASP have three main components: an aeration tank that serves as a bio reactor; a settling tank for separating AS solids and treated waste water; and a return activated sludge (RAS) equipment that transfers settled AS from the clarifier to the aeration tank's influent.

The concentration of biodegradable components in the influent is reduced in all activated sludge plants due to biological (and sometimes chemical) processes in the aeration tank. Different boundary conditions, such as the hydraulic residence time (HRT) in the aeration tank, which is defined as the aeration tank volume divided by the flow rate, control the removal efficiency.

                               Fig. 01 Type Flow Chart for ASP

The activated sludge process in wastewater treatment involves injecting oxygen or air into raw, unsettled sewage. The solids are smashed during this process. The sewage is bubbled, and the sewage liquor is discharged into a chamber with activated sludge. Live bacteria sink to the bottom of the tank, while dead bacteria float to the surface. While the live bacteria return to the digestion chamber, clean water is discharged into a soak away or watercourse.

It is critical to understand what activated sludge is in order to comprehend how the entire activated sludge system operates. Because the particles are actively swarming with beneficial bacteria that digest the sewage, the sludge is considered activated.

The benefits of activated sludge treatment:

The activated sludge treatment process has numerous significant advantages over other alternatives. Benefits are:

· The quantity of unwanted sludge is reduced.

· Beneficial bacteria reseed themselves in sewage treatment plants.

· The activated sludge treatment process allows for longer emptying intervals.

· The procedure is extremely dependable.

· The procedure is less complicated.

· Costs are being reduced.

· The method can be odourless.

                                             Fig. 02 Flow Diagramme for ASP

Disadvantages of the activated sludge treatment process:

The activated sludge treatment process has some drawbacks and may not be suitable for all applications. Some disadvantages of activated sludge include:

· Some facilities may be discouraged from using this method due to the initial high capital and operating costs.

· The activated sludge system must be designed and built by professionals.

· Skilled personnel are required to operate and maintain the treatment of activated sludge.

· Electricity must be used continuously, which increases the energy consumption of wastewater treatment.

· Parts and materials may not be available locally.

· Sludge and effluent may necessitate additional treatment or discharge.