5.3
Determination of Sludge Removal
In order to determine the need for sludge removal in the wastewater treatment system, a settling test
should be carried out at maintenance intervals. For this settling test, the SV30 is measured. The SV30 is
the sludge volume occupied by 1000 ml of activated sludge after a settling period of 30 minutes. It is a
measure of the amount of sludge present in the wastewater treatment system.
Measurement of the SV30 is carried out in a 1000 ml graduated cylinder.
The following points must be observed during this measurement:
6. Turn ventilation on - if not active - and allow to mix for a short time
7. Submerge the scoop into the tank and remove sludge sample
8. Fill the graduated cylinder with the sludge sample up to the 1000 ml mark
9. Let the cylinder containing the sample stand in a place free from vibrations for 30 minutes
10. Read the sludge level and carry out sludge removal if this is > 900 ml/l
11. After emptying the tank have to be filled up with fresh water again
Fill the graduated
cylinder with the
sludge sample up
to the 1000 ml
mark
5.4
Sludge Removal
Removing sludge from the wastewater treatment system should be carried out according to the following
points:
7. Remove the cover
8. Remove the deposits on the water surface and on all visible surfaces (baffle, sample container,
siphon)
9. Wash down the visible surfaces
10. Insert the suction hose into the wastewater treatment tank until it reaches the floor
(CAUTION: air admittance valves on the ground must not be damaged!)
11. Aspirate until about 30 cm of wastewater and sludge remain in the wastewater treatment system
5. Inspection and Maintenance
30 minutes
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Read
the
sludge
level an carry out
sludge
removal
if
this is > 900 ml/l