Effect of Particle Size on Sludge Dewaterability

by Jerry Y. C. Huang, Univ of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA,
Carol Diggelman, Univ of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Environmental Engineering

Abstract:

Using a modified Buchner funnel apparatus to measure specific resistance and a sequential centrifugation/filtration procedure to fractionate a sludge, it was possible to more precisely determine the range of particles that most influence the dewaterability of a waste activated sludge. The results of over 25 pairs of data indicated that particles in the range from 0. 45 to 2. 5 mu m most influenced dewaterability and also the sludge filter cake solids concentration. Shearing a sludge increased the mass of particles in this range and also increased the specific resistance. This size falls in the range of discrete microbial cells, which have a high surface to volume ratio and a net negative charge, bind water to their surfaces, and become difficult to dewater.

Subject Headings: Sludge | Surface properties | Particle size distribution | Load and resistance factor design | Surface water | Shear resistance | Particles

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search