United States Environmental Protection Agency Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory Cincinnati OH 45268 EPA-600/2-80-112 August 1980 Research and Development Monitoring Septage Addition to Wastewater Treatment Plants Volume II: Vacuum Filtration of Septage
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TECH-
NOLOGY series. This series describes research performed to develop and dem-
onstrate instrumentation, equipment, and methodology to repair or prevent en-
vironmental degradation from point and non-point sources of pollution. This work
provides the new or improved technology required for the control and treatment
of pollution-sources to meet environmental quality standards.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/2-80-112
August 1980
MONITORING SEPTAGE ADDITION TO
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Volume II. Vacuum
Filtration of Septage
by
Charles R. Ott
Burton A. Segall
University of Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts 01854
Grant No. R805406010
Project Officer
Steven W. Hathaway
Wastewater Research Division
Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Municipal Environ-
mental Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, and approved for publication. Approval does not signify
that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of
trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.
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FOREWORD
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was created be-
cause of increasing public and government concern about the
dangers of pollution to the health and welfare of the American
people. Noxious air, foul water, and spoiled land are tragic
testimony to the deterioration of our natural environment. The
complexity .of that environment and the interplay between its
components require a concentrated and integrated attack on the
problem.
Research and development is that necessary first step in_
problem solution and it involves defining the problem, measuring
its impact, and searching for solutions. The Municipal Environ-
mental Research Laboratory develops new and improved technology
and systems for the prevention, treatment, and management of
wastewater and solid and hazardous waste pollutant discharges
from municipal and community sources, for the preservation and
treatment of public drinking water supplies and for minimizing
the adverse economic, social, health, and aesthetic effects of
pollution. This publication is one of the products of that
research; ,a most vital communications link between the research-
er and the user community.
This report assesses the feasibility of dewatering septic
tank wastes (septage) with conventional vacuum filters. A
method of treating septage in combination with thickened_waste
activated sludge is demonstrated for adaptation at municipal
wastewater treatment plants.,
Francis T. Mayo
Director
Municipal Environmental Research
Laboratory
111
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ABSTRACT
The study examined the feasibility of using conventional
vacuum filtration to dewater conditioned septage sludge, by
itself and in combination with thickened waste activated
sludge. The septage was conditioned with aluminum sulfate,
ferric chloride and sulfuric acid, each used independently.
Laboratory experiments were conducted .with a filter leaf appara-
tus that simulates a coil spring vacuum filter. The Capillary
Suction Test, CST, was used to estimate filterability. Field
studies, utilizing a full-scale vacuum filter and large quanti-
ties of septage, were conducted at the Medfield, Massachusetts,
wastewater treatment plant.
The studies showed that vacuum filtration of a combined
mixture of thickened waste activated sludge and septage con-
ditioned with either alum, ferric chloride or acid is feasible.
Excellent cake yields and filtrate quality were obtained.
The cost of treating septage in the solids handling train
at Medfield was less than the cost of adding septage to the
liquid stream at the plant inlet.
This report was .submitted in fulfillment of Grant No.
R805406010 by the- University of Lowell under the sponsorship of
the UVS.- Environmental Protection Agency. This report covers
the period January 1978 to December 1979, and work was completed
as of March 1980.
IV
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CONTENTS
Foreword 1:[-:L
Abstract ., fy
Figures vii
Tables Yifi
Abbreviations and Symbols xiii
Acknowledgments. X1V
1. Introduction • • 1
Treatment Objectives 1
The Scope of Research 1
Literature Review 2
2. Summary and Conclusions 5
Summary of Research 5
Conclusions 7
Recommendations 8
3. Laboratory Test Results • 9
Task A - Determination of Optimum Chemical
Dosing. 9
Task B - Vacuum Filtration of Conditioned
Septage Sludge 19
Task C - Neutral pH Adjustment after
Conditioning 21
Task D - Vacuum Filtration of Septage and TWAS . 24
4. Field Tests 31
Experimental Facilities 31
Liquid Waste and Cake Characteristics. ..... 31
Field Test Selections 36
Field Test Procedures • 36
5. Field Test Results 38
Septage Treatment with Aluminum Sulfate 38
Septage Treatment with Ferric Chloride 47
Acid Treatment of Septage 50
6. Synthesis of Field Results 59
Cake Yield 59
Filtrate Quality 61
Practical Considerations 61
7. Heavy Metals 64
Determination of Metal Location 64
8. Cost of Septage Treatment 67
Operating and Mciintenance Costs 67
Method of Analysis 67
Cost Comparison 71
v
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References
Appendices
A. Task A - Determination of Optimum Chemical Dosing .
B. Task B - Vacuum Filtration of Conditioned Septage
Sludge
C. Task C - Neutral pH Adjustment after Conditioning .
D. Task D - Vacuum Filtration of Septage and TWAS. . .
76
77
85
95
100
VI
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FIGURES
Number
Page
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
CST vs. chemical dosage for mixed
chemically-treated septage, Task A 11
CST vs. chemical dosage for thickened septage,
Task A 13
CST vs. total solids and Al(III) dosage,
Task A 14
CST vs. total solids and Fe(III) dosage,
Task A 15
CST as a function of Al(III) dosage and
septage total solids concentration, Task A ... 16
CST as a function of Fe(III) dosage and
septage total solids concentration, Task A ... 17
Supernatant COD vs. chemical dosage, Task A . . 18
Supernatant, solids concentrations vs.
chemical dosage, Task A 19
Coilfilter leaf test apparatus 20
CST vs. chemical dosage for treated septage,
Task C 23
Process schematic - Medfield Wastewater Treat-
ment Plant . 32
Solids handling train at Medfield 33
Cake yield vs. vacuum filter cycle time,
field test 46
VII
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TABLES
Number Page
1 Chemical Dosages Used in Task A 9
2 Characteristics of Raw Septage and Raw
Thickened Septage - Task A 10
3 Filter Leaf Test Cake Results - Task B 21
4 Filter Leaf Test Filtrate Results - Task B ... 22
5 CST of Acid Treated Septage Sludges with
and Without pH Adjustment - Task C 23
6 Supernatant Characteristics for pH Adjusted and
Non-Adjusted Samples - Task C 24
7 Filter Leaf Test, Cake Yields - Task D 26
8 Filter Leaf Test, Cake Yields - Task D ..... 27
9 Filter Leaf Test, Filtrate Results, Task D,
Mode I, 20% Septage/80% TWAS 28
10 Filter Leaf Test, Filtrate Results, Task D,
Mode I, 50% Septage/50% TWAS ; 29
11 Filter Leaf Test, Filtrate Results, Task D,
Mode II, 20% Septage/80% TWAS 29
12 Filter Leaf Test, Filtrate Results, Task D,
Mode II, 50% Septage/50% TWAS 30
13 Vacuum Filter Dimensions, Medfield 34
14 Baseline Mixed Liquor, Secondary Sludge
Thickener Supernatant and Vacuum Filtrate
Characteristics (1978) 34
15 Thickened Waste Activated Sludge and Vacuum
Filter Cake - Baseline Study (1978) 35
16 Thickened Waste Activated Sludge and Vacuum
Filter Cake - This Study, Test #1 36
17 Vacuum Filtration Field Tests 37
18 Field Test Results, Septage, Alum Treatment ... 38
19 Cake and Filtrate Characteristics, Septage,
Alum Treatment 40
20 Field Test Results, Septage and TWAS, Alum
Treatment , 41
viii
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Number
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
TABLES (continued)
Page
Cake and Filtrate Characteristics, Septage and
TWAS, Alum Treatment 43
Field Test Results, Septage and TWAS, Alum
Treatment 44
Cake and Filtrate Characteristics, Septage
and TWAS, Alum Treatment 45
Field Test Results, Septage and TWAS, Iron
Treatment 48
Cake and Filtrate Characteristics, Septage
and TWAS, Iron Treatment 49
Field Test Results, Septage and TWAS, Iron
Treatment 50
Cake and Filtrate Characteristics, Septage and
TWAS, Iron Treatment 51
Field Test Results, Septage and TWAS, Acid
Treatment 52
Cake and Filtrate Characteristics, Septage and
TWAS, Acid Treatment 53
Field Test Results, Septage, Acid Treatment . 54
Cake and Filtrate Characteristics, Septage,
Acid Treatment ...... 55
Field Test Results, Septage and TWAS, No
Treatment ..... .... 56
Cake and Filtrate Characteristics, Septage and
TWAS, No Treatment . 57
Cake Yield Comparison for Chemical Treatments
and Septage/TWAS Mixtures . 60
Filtrate Comparison for Chemical Treatments
and Septage/TWAS Mixtures 62
Metals in Raw Septage 64
Percentage of Metal in Supernatant After
Indicated Treatment •• 66
Medfield Treatment Plant Averages and Yearly
Totals 68
Percent Distribution - Medfield - Method 1 . . 68
Cost Distribution - Medfield - Method 1 ... 70
Cost Distribution - Method 1 72
Incremental Costs - Methods 2 and 3, 2% Sep-
tage Addition 74
IX
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Number
A-l
A-2
A-3
A-4
B-l
B-2
B-3
B-4
B-5
B-6
C-l
C-2
C-3
D-l
D-2
D-3
D-4
D-5
D-6
TABLES (continued)
APPENDIX A
Task A - Raw Septage
Task A - Treated Septage Before Settling
Task A - Septage Sludge After Settling .
Task A - Supernatant After Settling . .
APPENDIX B
Page
76
77
79
82
Task B - Cake Characteristics, Alum Treatment. 84
Task B - Cake Characteristics, Ferric Chloride
Treatment 86
Task B - Cake Characteristics, Acid Treatment. 88
Task B - Filtrate, Alum Treatment 90
Task B - Filtrate, Ferric Chloride Treatment . 92
Task B - Filtrate, Acid Treatment 93
APPENDIX C
Task C - pH Adjusted Raw Septage 94
Task C - pH Adjusted Treated Thickened Septage 95
Task C - pH Adjusted Treated Supernatant ... 97
APPENDIX D
Task D - Cake Characteristics, Mode I, 20%
Septage/80% TWAS, Alum Treatment 99
Task D - Cake Characteristics, Mode I, 20%
Septage/80% TWAS, Ferric Chloride Treatment . 101
Task D - Cake Characteristics, Mode I, 20%
Septage/80% TWAS, Acid Treatment ....... 103
Task D - Cake Characteristics, Mode I, 50%
Septage/50% TWAS, Alum Treatment ....... 105
Task D - Cake Characteristics, Mode I, 50%
Septage/50% TWAS, Ferric Chloride Treatment . 107
Task D - Cake Characteristics, Mode I, 50%
Septage/50% TWAS, Acid Treatment 109
x
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TABLES (continued)
Number Page
D-7 Task D - Septage and TWAS Mixture Character-
; is tics, Mode I, 20% Septage/80% TWAS Ill
D-8 Task D - Septage and TWAS Mixture Character-
istics, Mode I, 50% Septage/50% TWAS 112
D-9 Task D - TWAS Cake Characteristics, No Septage . 113
D-10 Task D - TWAS and Septage Mixture Character-
istics, Mode II, 20%/80% and 50%/50% Mixtures . 115
D-ll Task D - Cake Characteristics, Mode II, 20%
Septage/80% TWAS, Alum Treatment 116
D-12 Task D - Cake Characteristics, Mode II, 20%
Septage/80% TWAS, Ferric Chloride Treatment . . 118
D-13 Task D - Cake Characteristics, Mode II, 20%
Septage/80% TWAS, Acid Treatment 120
D-14 Task D - Cake Characteristics, Mode II, 50%
Septage/50% TWAS, Alum Treatment 122
D-15 : Task D - Cake Characteristics, Mode II, 50%
Septage/50% TWAS, Ferric Chloride Treatment . . 124
D-16 Task D - Cake Characteristics, Mode II, 50%
Septage/50% TWAS, Acid Treatment 126
D-17 Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode I,
TWAS Only 128
D-18 Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode I, 20%
Septage/80% TWAS, Alum Treatment ... 129
D-19 i Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode I, 20%
Septage/80% TWAS, Ferric Chloride Treatment . . 130
D-20 Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode I, 20% '
Septage/80% TWAS, Acid Treatment 131
D-21 Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode I, 50%
Septage/50% TWAS, Alum Treatment ... 132
D-22 , Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode I, 50%
Septage/50% TWAS, Ferric Chloride Treatment . . 133
D-23 Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode I, 50%
Septage/50% TWAS, Acid Treatment ........ 134
D-24 , Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode II,
20% Septage/80% TWAS, Alum Treatment 135
D-25 Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode II,
20% Septage/80% TWAS, Ferric Chloride Treatment. 136
XI
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Number
D-26
D-27
D-28
D-29
TABLES (.continued)
Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode II,
20% Septage/80% TWAS, Acid Treatment . . .
Page
137
Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode II,
50% Septage/50% TWAS, Alum Treatment 138
Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode II,
50% Septage/50% TWAS, Ferric Chloride Treatment. 139
Task D - Filtrate Characteristics, Mode II,
50% Septage/50% TWAS, Acid Treatment 140
XII
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS
ABBREVIATIONS
cm
COD
CST
cu ft
cu m
gal
hr
kg
kw-h
L
Ibs
mgd
mg/1
ml
sec
sq ft
sq m
-centimeter
-chemical oxygen demand
-capillary section time
-cubic feet
-cubic meter
-gallon
-hour
-kilogram
-kilowatt hour
-liter
-pounds
-million gallons per day
-milligrams per liter
-milliliter
-second
-square feet
-square meter
SYMBOLS
A1(1 1 1)
Cd
Cr
Cu
Fe(III)
H2S04
Ni
P
Pb
s
SS
TS
TVS
TWAS
x
Zn
—trivalent aluminum ion
—calcium carbonate
—cadmium
—chromium
—copper
—trivalent iron ion
—sulfuric acid
—nickel
—-phosphorus
—lead
—standard deviation
—suspended solids
—total solids
—total volatile solids
—thickened waste activated sludge
—mean
—zinc
Xlll
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors gratefully acknowledge the contributions
made by their graduate research assistants, Diane Robinson and
Edward Znoj. The accomplishments of the research were in
large measure the results of their commitment, to the laboratory
and field projects.
The authors also acknowledge the cooperation and assis-
tance given by the Medfield treatment plant staff, Plant
Supervisor Kenneth Feeney, Peter lafolla and Robert LaPlante.
Mr. Feeney facilitated scheduling research activities with
plant operation, provided equipment for material handling and
septage transfer, and managed septage deliveries.
Appreciation is expressed to the Town of Medfield for
permitting the use of its excellent facilities for research.
xiv
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SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
TREATMENT OBJECTIVES:
Liquid and solids separation is a principal objective in
the treatment of municipal wastewaters. At conventional ac-
tivated sludge treatment facilities separation occurs both in
primary sedimentation basins and following secondary biological
conversion of dissolved organics to organisms. At primary
plants only the former process is employed; at extended aeration
plants only the latter. Septage can be introduced into the
liquid waste stream at a treatment plant where it settles well
in primary basins and is oxidized in aeration processes. However,
oxidizing septage organics is costly and the solids concentra-
tion in septage is often on a par with the concentration of /-,
solids in streams generated in primary and secondary processes .
Septage introduction directly into the sludge processing
train at municipal wastewater treatment plants is not generally
practiced and the efficacy of treating septage with only sludge
processing facilities has not been adequately studied.
Adding septage directly to the sludge processing train
could reduce treatment costs at -plants and would reduce the
organic loading on conventional aerobic treatment processes.
The technology is appropriate for proposed treatment plants
and for existing plants where excess vacuum filtration capacity
is available.
THE SCOPE OF RESEARCH
The purpose of this research was to determine the feasi-
bility of dewatering chemically conditioned septage. The de-
watering process utilized was a conventional coil spring vacuum
filter. Septage was treated and vacuum filtered alone and in
combination with thickened waste activated sludge, TWAS. Chemi-
cal conditioners used independently for the study were aluminum
sulfate (alum), ferric chloride and sulfuric acid.
The laboratory phase of the study was conducted at the
University of Lowell, where ten septage samples were chemically
treated over a range of chemical dosages. Settled sludges
were dewatered on a filter leaf apparatus at various form and
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drying time intervals and vacuum pressures. Cake yields and
solids contents were determined; filtrates and supernatants
were analyzed.
The laboratory tests were followed by full scale tests at
the Medfield, Massachusetts Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Selection of chemical treatments and dosages for the field
tests were based upon the laboratory work. Ten full-scale
field tests were conducted at Medfield, each utilizing about
45.4 cu m (12,000 gal) of septage. Septage was chemically
treated, the supernatant decanted, and the thickened septage
vacuum filtered alone or in combination with thickened waste
activated sludge. Filter yield, cake composition and filtrate
characteristics were monitored. For each filter run, the cake
formation time, drying time and vacuum pressure were periodi-
cally changed.
The study also included an analysis of effects of neutral
pH adjustment after chemical treatment; filtration of acid
treated septage with and without polymer conditioning; and
effects of adding untreated septage to thickened waste activated
sludge.
The cost of chemically treating septage and adding it to
the solids handling train at Medfield was compared with the cost
of adding septage to the liquid train (adding it directly with
incoming sewage) as reported in Volume One: Monitoring Septage
Addition to Wastewater Treatment Plants.
Heavy metals in sludges, cakes and filtrates were monitored
to assess concentrations and the extent of metal association
with liquid and solids fractions.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Thickening and dewatering of septage has been investigated
by a number of researchers (2, 3, 4, 5) .
Feige, et al./ ' Tilsworth, ^ ' and Perrin^ found that
raw septage settled poorly, if at all. Perrin found that
aeration for as long as one month was required before settling
improved significantly. Condren(4), using screened raw septage,
also observed poor separation by settling alone.
In an effort to improve separation, chemical coagulation-
flocculation schemes using various conditioning agents have been
investigated (2, 4, 6, 7). Condren(^) used alum, ferric chlor-
ide, ferric chloride-lime, and acidification with sulfuric acid.
He found that very high chemical dosages and two-stage acid-
lime coagulation were needed to produce a high quality super-
natant. Following separation, the sludge was dewatered using
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sand beds, pressure filtration, solid bowl centrifugation, or
cloth belt vacuum filtration. He concluded that sand bed and
pressure filtration worked best.
Tilsworth found that solids-liquids separation could only
be achieved using very high chemical dosages. For example,
lime requirements were approximately 10,000 mg/1. Feige, et al.
(2) had to add similar quantities of lime (about 0.090 kg/kg dry
solids) in order to achieve acceptable septage dewatering on
sand drying beds.
Shaboo , using either alum or sulfuric acid, was able to:
1. effect good solids- liquid separation;
2. produce a relatively clear supernatant with substan-
tially reduced contaminant concentration, and
3. dewater the thickened septage satisfactorily on
laboratory scale sand beds.
His samples were all rapid mixed for one minute, slow mixed
for twenty minutes and settled for 22 hours prior to decanting
and placement on the sand beds.
Crowe investigated septage dewatering without prior
settling and supernatant decanting. He vacuum filtered septage
and mixtures of septage and digested municipal sludge that had
been treated with lime, ferric chloride and polymers. He found
that mixtures of digested sludge and up to 20 percent raw
septage by volume were readily dewatered.
/ -D \
Perrinv ' used capillary suction time (GST) as a laboratory
measure of dewaterability and found that raw septages with GST's
of 125 to 825 seconds could be successfully lowered to 50
seconds through the addition of either ferric chloride, alum,
and some polymers. Septages with GST values of 50 seconds or
lower were satisfactorily dewatered on sand beds.
For approximately twelve years the community of Islip,
Long Island, has chemically treated raw septage with ferric
chloride and lime and dewatered the sludge on a coil belt
vacuum filter. Septage is screened, degritted and sent to an
equalization basin before chemicals are added to a flash mixer.
Solids-liquid separation occurs in a clarif locculator . Chemi-
cal requirements average about 0.095 kg lime/kg solids and 0.21
liters of standard strength ferric chloride solution/kg dry
solids. Cake production rates are good, cakes are relatively
dry and release from the coil very well.
The total chemical cost of ferric chloride and lime treat-
ment was estimated at $2.04/cu m ($7.70/1000 gal) of septage.
These estimates were based upon chemical costs and average
septage concentrations used in this, study: FeCl3 cost $0.795/Jl
-------
($165.50/55 gal drum), lime cost $0.198/kg ($0.09/lb) and
average septage solids concentrations were 11,550 mg/1 (96.3 lb/
1000 gal).
Summary of Volume One
(1)
In Volume One of this report the effects and costs of high
septage loadings were examined at treatment plants located at
Medfield and Marlborough, Massachusetts and on the University
of Lowell campus. Large quantities of septage were fed to the
plants on both continuous and shock loading schedules. Process
changes, influent and effluent quality were monitored. Moni-
tored characteristics included organic, nutrient and solids
concentrations, plant operating parameters, biological indica-
tors and sludge production.
In Volume One it was concluded that septage is readily
treated biologically with domestic sewage and the organic and
solids content of septage averages about 50 times that of
domestic sewage. The efficiency of septage solids separation
in primary clarification was demonstrated. It was shown that
vacuum filtration was only affected to the extent that more
solids must be processed when septage is added to the liquid
stream. The studies at Lowell, Medfield and Marlborough indi-
cated that aeration capacity is likely to be the critical para-
meter in a plant's capacity for treating septage. The septage
receiving capacity of a plant can be determined by assuming
septage has an average BOD of 6,000 mg/1, and oxygen utilization
for septage treated with sewage is the same as for sewage alone.
In Medfield and Marlborough utilization averaged about 0.7 kg
O2/kg BOD5.
The liquid stream study (Volume One) indicated that thick-
ener and vacuum filter design for extended aeration and con-
ventional activated sludge plants can be based upon total anti-
cipated solids in the combined influent sewage and septage with
septage contributing 50 times that of an equivalent volume of
sewage.
Practical difficulties inherent in handling and treating
septage were discussed in Volume One and these are included in
Section 6 of this Volume.
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SECTION 2
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH
The purpose of this research was to determine the feasi-
bility of dewatering chemically conditioned septage, alone and
in combination with thickened waste activated sludge. The
research encompassed laboratory experimentation with a filter
leaf apparatus and field experimentation with a Komline-Sander-
son coil spring vacuum filter. The chemical conditioners used
independently for septage treatment were aluminum sulfate (alum),
ferric chloride and sulfuric acid.
Laboratory Experiments
The laboratory work was divided into five tasks, A through
E. In Task A optimum dosages of Al(III), Fe(III) and H2SO4
were determined for ten different septage samples. Septage
settling characteristics, Capillary Suction Time (CST) levels
and supernatant characteristics were examined. The results of
Task A experiments indicated optimum Al(III) dosages between
100 and 180 mg/1, iron dosages between 220 and 400 mg/1 as
Fe(III) and optimum acidification for conditioning between pH2
and pH3. A tenfold reduction in supernatant COD and total
solids concentration was observed with optimum chemical treat-
ments.
Treated septage sludge samples were vacuum filtered in
Task B, on a filter leaf apparatus. Various cake form and
drying times, and vacuum pressures were used. Cake dryness and
yield and filtrate quality were monitored. The leaf tests
showed the feasibility of forming cakes on a simulated coil
spring filtering medium and appreciably the same results were
obtained with the three chemical conditioners.
In Task C the pH of conditioned septage sludges and
supernatants were adjusted to pH7. This was done to protect
dewatering equipment from corrosion. The tests showed that
pH adjustment with lime had little or no effect on dewater-
ability as measured by the CST Test.
In Task D, septage was combined with thickened waste
activated sludge, TWAS, and vacuum filtered on the leaf appara-
-------
tus. Two modes of combination were used:
Mode I - Septage was chemically treated and settled.
The thickened septage was mixed with TWAS,
polymer was added and the mixture was vacuum
filtered.
Mode II- Septage and TWAS were combined then chemically
treated with coagulant or acid and polymer.
Septage and TWAS were combined in ratios of 20% septage to
80% TWAS and 50% septage to 50% TWAS on a total solids basis.
Cake dryness, yield and filtrate characteristics were monitored.
Task D tests showed that the same results were accom-
plished with Modes I and II but twice the quantity of chemical
was required for Mode II. The test showed the feasibility of
dewatering conditioned septage in combination with TWAS and
that comparable results were obtained with either the aluminum
or iron coagulants or with acidification.
Heavy metals in conditioned septage sludges and super-
natants were monitored in Task E. These laboratory tests
showed that Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn associate with the
solids after treatment with either iron or alum coagulants.
Acid conditioning tended to increase metal concentration in
the supernatant, particularly Cd and Ni.
Field Experiments
Ten vacuum filter tests were conducted with a full-scale
vacuum filter at the Medfield, Massachusetts wastewater treat-
ment plant. Septage was conditioned with either acid, alum or
ferric chloride. In each test chemicals were mixed with
about 45.5 cu m (12,000 gal) of septage. The septage was
settled, the supernatant decanted and the conditioned septage
sludge either fed directly to the vacuum filter or combined
with TWAS. The mixture was then treated with polymer, followed
by vacuum filtration. The tests included three experiments
with^alum: a septage only test, and runs with mixtures con-
taining 14.6% and 55% conditioned thickened septage. Two mix-
ture tests were conducted with ferric chloride conditioned
septage: 23.1% and 44.8% septage combinations. Acidified
septage was used in three tests, one with a 46.7% septage/
53.3% TWAS mixture and the others with only septage - one with
polymer, the other without. For comparison a filter run on
thickened waste activated sludge was monitored and in a final
test a quantity of untreated septage was added to TWAS and the
mixture vacuum filtered.
-------
Cake yields, cake solids concentrations and filtrate
quality were monitored in filter runs, during which vacuum
pressures and drum speeds were varied.
The costs of treating septage in both the liquid and
solids trains at Medfield, were determined.
CONCLUSIONS
Coil spring vacuum filtration of a combined mixture of
thickened waste activated sludge and septage conditioned with
either alum, ferric chloride or sulfuric acid is feasible.
This research showed conclusively that excellent cake yields
were obtained with combined mixtures having up to 55% septage
solids content. Cake release and filtrate quality were good.
In fact, when conditioned septage was added to thickened waste
activated sludge its dewatering characteristics were improved.
The cost of treating septage in the solids handling train at the
Medfield, Massachusetts wastewater treatment plant was between
$1.79/cu m ($6.76/1000 gal) and $4.04/cu m ($15.28/1000 gal).
These costs compare with between $2.02/cu m ($8.30/1000 gal)
and $5.26/cu m ($19.82/1000 gal) for adding septage with raw
sewage at Medfield.
The laboratory and field studies also showed:
1. Conditioned septage, by itself is not dewaterable on
coil spring vacuum filters. Fines in the septage
i rapidly clog the filtering medium.
2. The CST of conditioned septage sludge was always
higher than thickened waste activated sludge values.
But, when conditioned septage was combined with TWAS
and polymer added, CST levels comparable, to polymer
treated TWAS were achieved.
3. Based upon observed dewaterability of the conditioned
septage/TWAS mixture, the inability to dewater condi-
tioned septage alone and the CST results stated in
item 2, it is hypothesized that when septage was
mixed with TWAS, fine septage particles were incorpor-
ated into the biological floes. The net effects of
combining septage particles and TWAS was the ability
to dewater septage with vacuum filtration and enhance-
ment of TWAS filtration.
4. Laboratory filter leaf tests showed that conditioned
septage should be amenable to vacuum filtration. The
coil spring filter leaf model overestimated cake
yields subsequently obtained in the field when filtering
only conditioned septage. The filter leaf apparatus
-------
underestimated yields obtained with combined septage
and TWAS mixtures. The leaf apparatus also overesti-
mated obtainable cake dryness.
5. Based upon experience with the leaf apparatus and full
scale testing it is concluded that the leaf apparatus
had limited application for scaling-up purposes but
did indicate feasibility.
6. The GST measurement is an effective way of determining
optimum coagulant dosage for vacuum filtration.
7. Based upon ease of handling, quality of filtrate,
cake yield and cost, alum treatment is the method of
choice.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. This research did not investigate the limits of the
septage/TWAS ratio nor were binder materials other than
TWAS studied. It is recommended that these are worth-
while areas for study.
2. Full-scale implementation of an alum treatment system
is recommended for wastewater treatment plants. The
system should include, properly designed septage
storage, mixing and pumping equipment, chemical feeders
and facilities for combining conditioned septage with
TWAS for vacuum filtration. The system should be
designed to permit the flexibility of liquid stream as
well as solid stream addition.
-------
SECTION 3
LABORATORY TEST RESULTS
TASK A - DETERMINATION OF OPTIMUM CHEMICAL DOSING
Aluminum potassium sulfate, ferric chloride and sulfuric
acid were added separately, to ten different septages. The
chemicals were added to series of 1 000 ml samples in the do-
sages shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1. CHEMICAL DOSAGES USED IN TASK A
Chemical
Dosage Range
Aluminum Potassium
Sulfate
Ferric Chloride
Sulfuric Acid
80 to 800 mg/1 as Al(III)
100 to 400 mg/1 as Fe(III)
to pH 2 and pH 3
The range of dosages selected for each test was based upon
alkalinity and estimated septage strengths. Septage strength
was appraised visually. .Chemical dosage selection began at
80 mg/1 of either Fe(III) or Al(III) when measured alkalinity
was less than about 400 mg/1. At alkalinity levels above 600
mg/1 the selected chemical dosage range began at 100 to 120 mg/1.
CST (Capillary Suction Time) of settled septage sludges were
used to determine optimum coagulant dosages or pH adjustment.
Analyses were conducted on raw septage, raw thickened septage,
raw septage supernatant, treated septage before settling and
thickened septage and supernatant after settling.
Characterization data for raw septage and thickened septage
prior to treatment are shown on Table 2. . The full set of com-
piled test results are included as Appendix A of this report.
The data in Table 2 show that septage used for this laboratory
study had comparatively high solids and organic content.
Measured CST values of both the mixed septage and settled
sludge (before chemical addition) were very high. This indi-
cated that these materials would not filter well. The settled
-------
TABLE 2. CHARACTERISTICS OF RAW SEPTAGE AND
RAW THICKENED SEPTAGE - TASK A
Raw Septage
Raw Thickened
Septage
**
Analysis
COD, mg/1
Total Solids, mg/1
X
36 770
29 840
s
13 600
12 180
X
49 880
55 880
s
15 350
21 640
Total Volatile Solids,
mg/1 19 910 6 410
pH 6,2 0.5
Alkalinity, mg/1 as
CaCO3 1 090 698
CST (Capillary Suction
Time) 295 113
Settling Cone, ml
Sludge/ml total
* Average values
** Standard deviations
37 310
8 820
234
88
465/930 110/20
portion of the raw septage occupied about half of the total
sample volume and had about twice the solids concentration of
the mixture prior to settling.
Total solids and total volatile solids measurements of
mixed samples (replications of the raw septage measurements)
after chemical addition show that chemical additives increased
the weights slightly. The values shown .in Table 2 for total
and volatile solids are the results of more than 280 analyses.
CST values for mixed septage samples (before settling)
were markedly changed by chemical'conditioning. .. These changes
are shown on Figure 1, as functions of chemical additives and
dosage. Figure 1 shows average values for Al(ill) and Fe(III).
CST was a function.of .initial solids concentration and alka-
linity as well as chemical dosage. Acid quantities used to
reach pH values of 2 or 3 were also dependent upon alkalinity
and solids concentrations. .While a trend of increasing chemical
10
-------
o
w
^
H-
O
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
H2SO/, TREATMENT
CST
82
77
2
3
Fe(lll)
- Al(lll)
I
0
100
200
300 400
CHEMICAL DOSAGE, mg/t
Figure 1. CST vs. chemical dosage for mixed chemically-
treated septage, Task A.
requirements and initial CST was observed with increasing alka-
linity and initial solids concentration, no definitive relation-
ships were discernible.
The optimum range for the aluminum coagulant was between
100 and 180 mg/1 as Al(III) and between 220 and 400 mg/1 as
Fe(III) for the iron coagulant. Optimum pH values for acidi-
fication were between 2 and 3. The addition of either 100 mg/1
of Al(III) or Fe(III) caused about a 1 unit drop in initial
11
-------
septage pH. Any Additional 100 to 200 mg/1 of coagulant used
caused a further reduction of about 0.5 pH unit.
Task A was conducted to determine optimum chemical dosing
for vacuum filter tests. Either the mixed conditioned septage
or the settled portion of the septage can be filtered. To
examine both prospects, analyses were conducted on both mixed
and chemically settled sludge. Supernatant quality was monitored.
Solids concentrations in settled septage sludge were about
the same as observed without chemical addition. Type and quan-
tity of chemical additive did not influence sludge solids con-
centrations. The average total solids concentration after chemi-
cal conditioning and settling was 52,850 mg/1; the average vola-
tile solids concentration was 35,260 mg'/l. The results were based
on a total of 280 analyses, and compare with averages of 55,880
mg/1 and 37,310 mg/1 for total and volatile solids, respectively,
before conditioning. Sludge volumes in settling cones were about
50% of the total volume both before and after chemical addition.
However, increased supernatant clarity after chemical addition
indicates additional solids incorporation in the settled sludge.
CST values for the thickened septage are shown on Figure 2.
A comparison of this figure and Figure 1 shows average CST
values 20 to 60 units higher for thickened samples than for the
mixed unsettled samples. This was due to the increased solids
concentrations in the settled samples. Since CST is, at best,
an indirect measure of filterability, no comparison was made of
CST values for the Al(III), Fe(III) and acid treated samples.
However, a comparison of chemical treatments was made using the
filter leaf apparatus in Tasks B and D and in the field tests
conducted at the Medfield wastewater treatment plant.
Relationships between initial septage total solids concentra-
tion, coagulant dosage and CST are shown in Figures 3 and 4.
Data for each coagulant dosage were fitted to an exponential
curve. Coefficients of determination, r , for the least squares
curves, averaged 0.58 for the alum treatment and 0.23 for the
ferric chloride treatment. The fitted exponential curves, plotted
on Figures 3 and 4, are transposed on Figures 5 and 6, where CST
is shown as a function of dosage for septages with varying initial
total solids content. The results shown on these last two exhib-
its can be used to approximate chemical dosage requirements.
Supernatant COD is shown as a function of chemical addi-
tion in Figure 7 and results of .solids analyses are shown in
Figure 8. At optimum dosages, supernatant COD and solids con-
12
-------
o
-------
o
0)
to
co
O
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0
Al(lll)
DOSAGE
10
20
30
40
.-3
TOTAL SOLIDS-, 10 mg/l
50
Figure 3. CST vs. total solids and Al(III) dosage, Task A.
14
-------
240
220
200
180
160
o 140
cu
H-
co
o
120
100
80
60
40
20
0'
0
10
20
Fe(lll)
DOSAGE
mg/l
30
40
-3
TOTAL SOLIDS, 10 mg/l
50
Figure 4. CST vs. total solids and Fe(III) dosage, Task A.
15
-------
o
cu
CD
CO
O
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
TOTAL SOLIDS
mg/l
I
50 000
40 000
30 000
20 000
10 000
5 000
0 100 200 300
CHEMICAL DOSAGE, mg/l
Figure 5. CST as a function of Al(III) dosage and septage
total solids concentration, Task A.
16
-------
o
CD
w
O
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0
TOTAL SOLIDS, 'mg/£
50 000
40 000
10 000
5 000
100
200
300
Figure 6.
CHEMICAL DOSAGE, mg/l
GST as a function of Fe(III) dosage and septage
total solids concentration, Task A.
17
-------
01
£
-\
Q
50 000
40 000
30 000
20 000
10 000
0
Al(lll)
H2SO/+ TREATMENT
EH COD
2 2310
3 2720
Fe(lll)
0 100 200 300 400
CHEMICAL DOSAGE,
Figure 7. Supernatant COD vs. chemical dosage, Task A.
18
-------
=s?
**-^
CT\
^OJ
s
6 000
-\
CO
2
Hi
O
m 5 000
LU
_J •
1^^
<
_J
> 4 000
_i
<
H~
O
Q 3 000
CO
O
It
^ 2 000
CO
_1
L«
r^
° 1 000
11 1
1
Ho SO/, TREATMENT
*
_ TOTAL
PH SOLIDS
.£*-*
2 10130
3 6130
—
—
Q0TS, Al(lll)
~s
°^^^3--CL^n-^a^xE!
^^ TS,
Q ^
V ^^^3^^
^^^TS-^S,
TVS, Al(lll)
1 1 1
0 100 200 300
VOLATILE
SOLIDS
5190
2590
—
Fe(lll)
Fe(lll)
|
400
CHEMICAL DOSAGE, m3/l
Figure 8. Supernatant solids concentrations vs. chemical"dosage,
Task A.
TASK B - VACUUM FILTRATION OF CONDITIONED SEPTAGE SLUDGE
Thickened septage samples, obtained from experimentation in
Task A, were filtered using a filter lea,f apparatus. The de-
vice simulates a coil spring vacuum filter and was obtained
from the Komline-Sanderson Company. The filter membrane was
the K-S standard reference screen which has a 93 sq cm (0.1 sq
ft) filtering area. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the test
apparatus.
19
-------
VACUUM
GAUGE
TO
VACUUM
PUMP
FILTRATE
VACUUM
FLASK
SLURRY-
TEST
LEAF
Figure 9. Coilfliter leaf test apparatus.
Thickened septage samples tested with the filter leaf
apparatus were those treated at optimum chemical dosage. Each
of the ten thickened septage samples, treated independently
with Al(III), Fe(III), or acid at optimum dosage, were filtered
at 52 kPa (7.5 psi) and 103 kPa (15 psi) and at 1, 2 and 4
minute form-times. One hundred and eighty filter leaf tests
were conducted in Task B on thickened septage. Measured
characteristics included cake thickness, dry cake weight,
percent total solids, percent total volatile solids and cake
yield.
Task B results, for percent total solids and cake yield,
are summarized in Table 3. The complete results are shown in
Appendix B of this report. Total volatile solids averaged
72% of total solids and cake thickness and dry weights were
consistent with the cake yields shown in Table 3. Greater
yields were obtained with increased pressure but after the
first minute of forming little additional solids capture was
observed. This is indicated by a sharp decline in yield,
20
-------
TABLE 3. FILTER LEAF TEST .CAKE RESULTS - TASK B
Form Time, min
Aluminum Potassium
Sulfate
103 kPa(15psi)
52 kPa(7.5psi)
Ferric Chloride
103 kPa(15psi)
52 kPa(7.5psi)
Sulfuric Acid, pH2-
pH3
103 kPa(15psi)
52 kPa(7.5psi)
Cake
1
24.5
22.0
24.7
22.3
27.4
23.9
Total
%
2
27.5
24.0
27.6
24.6
29.8
25.7
*
Solids
4
29.5
26.3
30.2
25.5
31.7
26.4
*
Cake Yield
Ib/sq
1
1.37
.92
1.20
.90
'l.ll
.82
ft-hr**
2
.66
.57
.53
.51
.51
.33 • ,
4
36
30
29
23
32
16
**
Ten Sample Averages
1 Ib/sq ft-hr = 4.844 kg/sq m-hr
almost in an inverse proportion to changes in form-time.
Essentially the same yields and percent solids were obtained
with the aluminum potassium sulfate, ferric chloride and the
acid treatments.
Leaf test filtrate characteristics are summarized.in Table
4 and shown fully in Appendix B. Filtrate total solids and
COD concentrations were about the same at all form-times and
vacuum pressures. Filtrate COD was slightly less,in samples
treated with Al(III) than with either acid for Fe(III).
Filtrate total solids were considerably higher in acidified
samples than in samples treated with aluminum or iron.
TASK C - NEUTRAL pH ADJUSTMENT AFTER CONDITIONING
Ferric chloride and aluminum potassium sulfate are salts
of strong acids and weak bases and thus tend to depress pH be-
low 7 when added to septage. The acidic conditions caused by
these coagulants can in time corrode a vacuum filter. Sludges
acidified with sulfuric acid are, of course, highly corrosive.
The objective of Task C was to readjust sludge samples to
a pH of 7 after chemical treatment and sedimentation as a means
of protecting dewatering equipment. Lime was added to thicken-
ed septage and supernatant samples obtained from Task A. The
21
-------
TABLE 4. FILTER LEAF TEST FILTRATE RESULTS - TASK B
Filtrate COD'
mg/1
Filtrate Total Solids
mg/1
Form Time, min
Aluminum Potassium
Sulfate
103 kPa(15psi)
52 kPa(7.5psi)
8630 9380 8800 6350 7130 6920
12290 10430 9860 9050 7900 7090
Ferric Chloride
103 kPa(15psi) 9300 10790 11070 5590 7660 7860
52 kPa(7.5psi) 14600 13240 11770 10220 9420 7910
Sulfuric Acid, pH2-
pH3
103 kPa(15psi) 12280
52 kPa(7.5psi) 13700
* Ten Sample Averages
12270 11240 11930 11390 11690
13070 12050 12030 11310 10250
supernatant samples were adjusted to see if any additional
separation would occur which would tend to improve super-
natant clarity. Lime increased the average total solids con-
centration in'the septage sludge from 52,850 mg/1, found in
Task A, to 56,360 mg/1.
S
GST values for treated and pH adjusted thickened septage
are shown in Figure 10 and Table 5. The non-adjusted data
obtained in Task A are shown for comparison. Figure 10 shows
that GST values for alum treated sludges averaged about 30
GST units above those obtained for the unlimed samples. A
similar result was observed with the ferric chloride treat-
ment. Results obtained for the first nine tests with acidi-
fied samples, shown in Table 5, indicates that pH adjustment
with lime had no effect on GST.
Table 6 shows the effects of adding lime to supernatant
samples. pH adjustment had no effect on the samples of super-
natant obtained from treatment with either aluminum or iron.
However, the acidified supernatant clarity was improved by
the addition of lime. COD, total solids and volatile solids
concentrations were reduced by lime addition but total solids
levels were still double values obtained with the Al(III) and
Fe(III) treatments.
22
-------
o
cu
CQ
H
CO
o
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
°C
1 1 1 1
— _
— - —
- s-* Fe(lll), TASK C~
~ 0®" — ^"C1~^------r-L ~~
\ X\ .<— Fe(lll),
Ov XV^ TASK A
\ ^VT« AI CT T T) , TASK C
- \ • \D
^ * A1 ( T T T ) TA^K A
~ TASK C - pH ADJUSTMENT TO pH7 ~
_ TASK A - NO pH ADJUSTMENT
1 I 1 1
) 100 200 300 400 '
CHEMICAL DOSAGE, rng/l
Figure 10. CST vs. chemical dosage for treated septage, Task C.
TABLE 5. CST OF ACID TREATED SEPTAGE SLUDGES
WITH AND WITHOUT pH ADJUSTMENT - TASK C
pH After
Coagulant or Acid
Treatment
2
2
3
3
pH After
Lime Addition
2
7.0
3
7.0
_*
X
67
49
103
82
CST
s**
29
53
65
63
Task
A
C
A
C
*Average
**Standard Deviation
23
-------
TABLE 6. SUPERNATANT CHARACTERISTICS FOR
pH ADJUSTED AND NON-ADJUSTED SAMPLES - TASK C
Treatment
COD,
mg/1
TOTAL
SOLIDS,
mg/1
VOLATILE
SOLIDS,
mg/1
Al(III)
No pH adjustment 2130
pH adjusted to 7 1970
2440
3560
840
920
Fe(III)
No pH adjustment 2360
pH adjusted to 7 2490
2160
2610
1150
1190
S04, pH2
No lime adjustment 2490
pH adjusted to 7 1820
11560
8000
6020
1020
H2S04/ pH 3
No lime adjustment 2770
pH adjusted to 7 1600
6970
5860
2940
1150
TASK D - VACUUM FILTRATION OF SEPTAGE AND TWAS
Septage samples, combined with thickened waste activated
sludge (TWAS) were dewatered on a filter leaf apparatus. The
apparatus used for this task and for Task B is shown in
Figure 9. Septage and thickened waste activated sludge were
combined in ratios of 20% septage to 80% TWAS and 50% septage
to 50% TWAS, on a solids weight basis.
Two procedures were used for combination and treatment.
For the first procedure, Mode I, septage and TWAS were chemi-
cally treated separately, the septage settled and then thicken-
ed septage and TWAS were combined for dewatering. Septage
was treated with acid or coagulant and the TWAS was treated
with Nalco 7120 polymer. In the second procedure, Mode II,
septage and TWAS were combined prior to treatment with coagu-
lant and polymer and no settling or decanting employed.
After chemical treatment the combined sludges were filter-
ed. Cake thicknesses, dry weights, percent total and volatile
solids were determined and cake yields were cdmputed. These
24
-------
data are tabulated in Appendix D. Appendix D also includes
TWAS. and filtrate characteristics.
A summary of results for Mode I (chemical treatment before
combination) is shown in Table 7. This table shows total solids
and cake yield averages for the 20%/80% and 50%/50% combinations
at three form-times and at two vacuum pressures.
Table 7 indicates the following:
1. Increased vacuum pressure did not affect percent
solids in the 20%/80% samples but caused about an
18% increase in percent solids in the 50%/50% samples.
2. Cake yield was the same at 103 kPa (15psi) and at
52 kPa (7.5psi).
3. Cake dryness increcised with increasing form-time.
4. Cake yields declined almost in proportion to increases
in form-time. This indicates that only small amounts
of material accumulated after the first minute of
forming.
5. A comparison of cake dryness and yield values for the
th^ee chemical treatments indicates little difference
in the observed results. Yields were low and about
the same in all three cases.
6. A comparison of mixture compositions indicates that
dryer cakes were obtained with the 50%/50%. This
was expected since septage solids would tend to add
weight to a cake. However, better yields were ob-
tained with the 20% septage/80% TWAS mixture, indi-
cating better pick-up and cake thickness.
The results of Mode II Cseptage and TWAS combination be-
fore treatment) are summarized in Table 8. The results of the
Mode II testing are very similar to what was achieved in Mode
I and the above stated results for Table 7 are also appro-
priate for Table 8. Total solids concentrations were again
higher for the 50%/50% mixtures than for the 20% septage/
80% TWAS mixtures. Cake yields were again superior for the 20%/
80% mixtures.
A comparison of Tables 7 and 8 shows yields about the
same for the 20%/80% mixture for both chemical addition pro-
cedures. For the 50%/50% mixtures adding coagulant or acid
prior to combination of septage and TWAS was advantageous.
However, in all cases yields obtained on the filter leaf
apparatus were very low when compared with customary full-scale
25
------- Q V. a EH 1 CO Q H H >H W & a. O EH" CO W EH P4 rt P-l Hi PH W EH Hi H pq • ^ fr"! f*A 5j ^ S CO 0 rtj H |S^ <£ t3 H W eg c5 § Q o D CJ Hi CO K Q o m h EH Ixl rf! w > H Q EH W O EH m 1-1 K Q Hi Ixl H t« W tfP W o (< 00 O \ dP O CM dP O in dP \ d° «• 0 CQ in p H ^^ CO 111 o Hi £ O o EH oo dP O CM .. 0) tn fd -P CO ft P£ 0) !2 rrt p i UJ t^ dP dP •=!< CM ^ CM rH "* CM rH «5f CM rH CD •rl *~^ EH F4 •rl 6 S w o h CM O in r- ------- P NH CO I^J EH 1 CO P H H t* H H EH O ^ O in * \ MfAQ OV it^*l C3 I m 4J MH U1 CO \ rH «. P i-3
-------
vacuum filter yields. In part this was due to the low polymer
dosages used in the laboratory tests. Chemical treatment after
combination, Mode II, did improve cake dryness. Percent total
cake solids were higher in Mode II than in Mode I.
About twice the quantity of chemical was needed to perform
the Mode II tests for a prescribed quantity of septage since
coagulant or acid was added to TWAS and septage. Based upon
the similarity of results in Tables 7 and 8 it was concluded
that septage treatment prior to combination with TWAS, Mode I,
is a preferable procedure for field implementation.
A comparison of Task B and Task D results indicates that
conditioned septage alone filters as well as it does in com-
bination with TWAS. These results were later contradicted
by field testing.
Summaries of filtrate characteristics for Task D are shown
in Tables 9 through 12. The complete results are included in
Appendix D. Tables 9 through 12 indicate the following:
TABLE 9. FILTER LEAF TEST FILTRATE RESULTS, TASK D,
MODE I, 20% SEPTAGE, 80% TWAS
Form Time,
Al(III)
103 kPa
52 kPa
Fe(III)
103 kPa
52 kPa
min
(15psi)
(7.5psi)
(15psi)
(7.5psi)
Sulfuric Acid,
pH2-pH3
103 kPa
52 kPa
(15psi)
(7.5psi)
Filtrate COD
1
4300
5140
6630
5710
5240
5020
mg/1
2
5310
3860
6260
4070
4970
3490
4
4760
3460
5040
3330
4570
3460
Filtrate
1
4540
5040
6210
5190
5330
4720
Solids
mg/1
2
5190
3500
5850
3600
5050
3850
Total
4
4660
3900
4640
2840
4450
3040
28
-------
TABLE 10. FILTER LEAF TEST,FILTRATE RESULTS, TASK D
MODE I, 50% SEPTAGE/50% TWAS
Form Time , min
Al(III)
103 kPa (15psi)
52 kPa (7.5psi)
Pe(III)
103 kPa (15psi)
52 kPa (7.5psi)
Sulfuric Acid,
pH2-pH3
103 kPa (15psi)
52 kPa (7.5psl)
Filtrate COD
mg/1
124
5790 5350 4950
6260 4940 4350
7150 6850 6460
7640 6490 5490
7340 7430 6300
8170 6240 5460
Filtrate Total
Solids
mg/1
1 2
>
4820 5090
5660 4120
6240 5740
6350 5380
6660 6540
7680 6150
4
4790
3620
5510
4600
6090
5180
TABLE 11. FILTER LEAF TEST,FILTRATE RESULTS, TASK D
MODE II, 20% SEPTAGE/80% TWAS
Form Time,
Al(III)
103 kPa
52 kPa
Fe(III)
103 kPa
52 kPa
loin
(15psi)
(7.5psi)
(15psi)
<7.5psi)
Sulfuric Acid,
pH2-pH3
103 kPa (15psi)
52 kPa (7.5psi)
Filtrate COD
mg/1
1 2
5050 5480
5080 4210
7220 7150
5480 5000
8370 7880
7010 5880
4
5200
3700
6130
4220
7640
6890
Filtrate Total
Solids
mg/1
1
5660
5870
7430
6070
9140
9560
2
5930
5070
7070
4850
10540
8900
4
5840
4290
6120
4410
9590
8470
29
-------
TABLE 12. FILTER LEAF TEST,FILTRATE RESULTS, TASK D
MODE II, 50% SEPTAGE/50% TWAS
Form Time,
Al(III)
103 kPa
52 kPa
Fe(III)
103 kPa
52 kPa
min
(15psi)
(V.Spsi)
(15psi)
(7.5psi)
Sulfuric Acid,
pH2-pH3
103 kPa (15psi)
52 kPa (V.Spsi)
Filtrate COD
mg/1
1
6840
7060
8130
7880
10020
8510
2 4
7260 6330
6150 5920
8330 7850
7500 6890
9710 8230
8000 7330
Filtrate Total
Solids
mg/1
1
7040
7180
7350
6800
13870
12440
2
7430
6370
7450
6470
13380
12050
4
7410
6120
7400
6020
12540
10770
COD and total solids concentrations in the leaf
apparatus filtrate were more than twice as high as
usually experienced when dewatering TWAS with full-
scale vacuum filters. Average field test filtrate
total solids concentration in this study was 2,800 mg/1;
the average concentration measured with the leaf
apparatus was 6,400 mg/1.
Increased vacuum pressure expectedly resulted in an
increase in filtrate solids and, COD concentrations.
Concentrations decreased with increasing form-time,
reflecting a filtering action of deposited material.
Filtering combined septage and TWAS with Al(III) pro-
duced the best quality filtrate. Results shown for
ferric chloride and acid treatments are appreciably
higher than aluminum treatment results.
Better filtrate quality was obtained with the 20%
septage/80% TWAS mixtures than with the 50%/50% mix-
tures and Mode I gave better results than Mode II.
30
-------
SECTION 4
FIELD TESTS
EXPERIMENTAL FACILITIES
Field tests for the research were conducted at the Med-
field, Massachusetts Wastewater Treatment Plant during the
months of July and August 1979. Figure 11 is a schematic
diagram of the treatment plant with the processes in use during
the experimental period shown with bold lines. Sewage passes
through a 56.8 cu m (15,000 gal) aerated grit chamber into the
first of four aeration tanks which are in series. The volume
of each aeration tank is 302 cu m (80,800 gal). At the average
flow rate during July and August, 0.013 cu m/sec, the deten-
tion time in the four basins was about 28 hours. The overflow
rate in the single 13.1 m (40 ft) diameter final clarifier,
in use, was 9.5 cu m/sq m-day (235 gpd/sq ft). The plant was
designed for a flow of 0.055 cu m/sec (1.5 mgd). Sewage flow
during the study was only 20% of the design flow rate. As
a result the primary sedimentation basins were bypassed;
aeration basin and final clarifier detention times were long,
and loading parameters were low. . Thickener and vacuum filters
were normally used only one day each week and were available
for experimentation. Thickened waste activated sludge used
for combination with septage contained no primary sludge.
Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the sludge handling system
at Medfield. Thickener, pump and vacuum filter dimensions and
operating parameters are given in Table 13.
LIQUID WASTE AND CAKE CHARACTERISTICS
During a monitoring study conducted at Medfield in 1978,
under this research contract, plant wastewater streams were
monitored for a period of three weeks. The results of that
baseline study are valid for operating conditions during this
study and are shown in Tables 14 and 15. Total solids concen-r
tration in waste secondary sludge averaged about 1%. The CST
of this material was very low at 9.1 sec. Table 14 also shows
vacuum filter filtrate COD and solids average values that can
be compared with the results of the septage filtration tests.
31
-------
n:
CO
|
o
SAND FILTER
I
I VACUUM
, FILTERS
L-P
0
UJ
<
<
2:
QC
UJ
Q.
CO
SECONDARY
CLARIFIER
SLUDGE
HOLDING
SEWAGE
c
1
I
1
1
A
r
mmmmm
3
1
1
(
X.
31
~*s
f?. 1 AERATION
•ZL LU
UJ CD
^*- Q
i—. i
I CO
ujl
CD |
Q '
_J '
CO,
I'
2 1
H- 1
S 1
1
1
I
»• —
[THICKENERS '
r
- — <
— J
/
AERATED
ih
SEPTATE
"^
GRIT
®
e
1®
Z| •
•5 •
2
«^
PRIMARY
CCTTTI TM/s
© SAMPLING LOCATIONS
Figure 11.' Process schematic - Medfield Wastewater Treatment
Plant.
32
-------
CAKE
CONVEYOR
BELT—-
WASTE -
ACTIVATED
SLUDGE
POLYMER
MIXING
DRUM
VAT
PLUNGER
PUMP
DISSOLVED AIR
FLOTATION
THICKENER
SEPTAGE
SEPTAGE &• TWAS
TREATMENT AND
MIXING TANK
AIR
MIXING
Figure 12. Solids handling train at Medfield.
33
-------
TABLE 13. VACUUM FILTER DIMENSIONS, MEDFIELD
VACUUM FILTER
Type:
Drum Diameter:
Drum Width:
Surface Area:
Drum Speed:
Filter Springs:
Vacuum Pump:
Coilfilter
1.83 m (6 feet)
2.44 m (8 feet)
13.9 sq m (150 sq ft)
1 to 10 min/rotation
Stainless steel, Rerolled Type 304,
42.5 kg/sq m (8.7 Ib/sq ft)
13.9 cu m/min at 33 cm Hg
(490 cu ft/min at 13 inch Hg)
^T- TABLE 14. BASELINE MIXED LIQUOR, SECONDARY SLUDGE
THICKENER SUPERNATANT AND VACUUM FILTRATE CHARACTERISTICS (1978)
Mixed Secondary
Vacuum
Thickener Filter
Characteristics
COD-Total, mg/1
BOD5-Total, mg/1"
BODg-N Suppressed,
mg/1
TOC , mg/1
Total Solids, mg/1
Total Volatile
Solids, mg/1
Suspended Solids, mg/1
Volatile Suspended
Solids, mg/1
PH
Liquor Sludge
7910 9830
4670 5850
7580
4570
7.0
Supernatant
26
4.4
0.7
12
329
71
1
1
Filtrate
358
120
101
91
768
381
83
55
Alkalinity, mg/1
as CaCO,
Metals, mg/1
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Nickel
Lead
Zinc
CST, sec
30-minute Settlo-
meter, ml/ml total
=241
0.03
0.01
0.07
0.09
0.45
0.23
9.1
695/1000 803/1000
34
0.02
0.08
0.15
0.10
0.23
1.31
-------
TABLE 15. THICKENED WASTE ACTIVATED SLUDGE AND VACUUM FILTER
CAKE - BASELINE STUDY (1978)
Characteristics
Thickened Waste
Activated
Sludge
Vacuum Filter
Cake
Total Solids, % 5.6
Total Volatile Solids,
% of Total 61
Volume, cu m/day 5.36
(gal/day) ' (1420)
Capillary Suction Time,,
(sec) 12
Metals, mg/kg dry cake
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Nickel
Lead
Zinc
*after polymer treatment
12.2
61
38
306
1240
179
1330
1080
Table 15 shows average thickened waste activated sludge
and cake characteristics measured during the baseline period.
At an average flow rate of'0.012 cu m/sec (0.28 mgd) during the
baseline period the plant produced 185 kg/day (407 Ib/day) of
dry solids with a cake solids dbntent of 12.2%..
During the course of this septage conditioning and vacuum
filtration study with plant flow averaging 0.013 cu m/sec (0.3
mgd) thickened sludge and vacuum filter cake characteristics,
shown in Table 16, are similar to values obtained during the
baseline period. The results shown on Table 16 were for Test
1, conducted during the same period that chemically treated
septages were filtered. Samples of vacuum filter filtrate
taken during this test were atypical. During the baseline per-
iod filtrate COD averaged 820 mg/1; total solids averaged 1,150
mg/1. Volatile solids were 63% of the total solids concen-
tration . '-
35
-------
TABLE 16. THICKENED WASTE ACTIVATED SLUDGE AND VACUUM FILTER
CAKE - THIS STUDY, TEST #1
Characteristics
Thickened Waste
Activated
Sludge
Vacuum Filter
Cake
Total Solids, %
Total Volatile Solids,
GST, sec
Yield, kg/sq m-hr
Ib/sg ft-hr
4.6
62
16
10.3
61
12.1
( 2.5)
FIELD TEST SELECTIONS
Laboratory experimentation with septage and TWAS indica-
ted that both chemically treated septage and septage combined
with TWAS should vacuum filter well. Based upon the laboratory
results an initial decision was made to vacuum filter septage
alone, treated separately with alum, ferric chloride and sul-
furic acid and conditioned septage in combination with treated
waste activated sludge. This schedule was modified when it
became apparent that chemically treated septage cannot be de-
watered on coil spring filters without the addition of thicken-
ed waste activated sludge.
Table 17 shows the field test program. Aluminum and
acid treated septage was filtered alone without the aid of
polymer, as was done in the laboratory tests. The acid treated
septage was also filtered with polymer after the failure of
the septage-without-polymer test. Septage and TWAS were com-
bined in approximately equal mixtures, on a solids weight
basis, after the septage had been treated with either alum,
acid or ferric chloride. In addition, tests were conducted with
TWAS only, alum added to a 14.6% septage mixture, and iron
added to a 23.1% septage mixture. At the request of the plant
operators a final test was conducted in which 1.9 cu m (500
gal) of untreated septage was added to 8.3 cu m (2,200 gal) of
thickened waste activated sludge.
FIELD TEST PROCEDURES
Septage used for field testing was held in one of two .:
45.5 cu m (12,000 gal) tanks normally used to hold thickened
waste activated sludge prior to vacuum filtration. A diffuser
in the tank provided mixing. Septage was either discharged
36
-------
TABLE 17. VACUUM FILTRATION FIELD TESTS
Test
No.
Chemical
Treatment
Coagulant
Dosage
Septage
TWAS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Polymer
Al(III) &
Al(III) &
Al(III) &
Fe(III) &
Fe(III) &
(no
(no
H?SO,
H2SO4
Polymer
Polymer
Polymer
Polymer
Polymer
Polymer
polymer)
polymer)
polymer)
80
100
130
180
270
pH 3
pH 4 . 4
pH 3
100
14.6
55
23.1
44.8
46.7
100
100
1.4
100
0
85.4
45
76.9
55.2
53.3
0
98.6
directly from incoming trucks to the tank or transferred by
pump from an aerated grit chamber, where excess septage was
stored. Septage was not screened and every effort was made to
obtain high solids concentrations. Settlometer and Capillary
Suction Time (CST) tests were conducted on septage samples and
optimum chemical dosages determined. Based upon these tests
required quantities of either acid, alum or ferric chloride
were added to full tanks of septage. Septage and chemicals were
mixed for 30 minutes and settled for 24 hours. Supernatant
was decanted and the treated sludge was either fed directly
to the vacuum filter or mixed with TWAS and fed to the filter.
Settling cones were used to predict thickened • septage quantity
and the amount of supernatant to be drawn off. The interface
between solids and supernatant was distinct and while pumping
supernatant, the liquid darkened quickly upon reaching the'in-
ter face.
The decision to treat septage prior to mixing with
thickened waste activated sludge was based upon the labora-
,tory work which showed that cake yields, cake dryness and fil-
trate quality were'about the same whether chemical condition-
ing was done before or after combination. The before-com-
bination procedure (Mode I) was used in the field test to re-
duce chemical usage. In addition, more sample could be treat-
ed in the 45.,4 cu m (12,000 gal) tank, with pretreatment and
decanting prior to combination, because of the need to mix
TWAS and conditioned septage prior to filtration.
37
-------
SECTION 5
FIELD TEST RESULTS
SEPTAGE TREATMENT WITH ALUMINUM SULFATE
On three occasions powdered aluminum sulfate was mixed
with about 45 cu m (12,000 gal) of septage. Quantities of
septage and thickened waste activated sludge, and the chemical
concentrations used in each test are shown in Tables 18 through
23. These tables also show the effects of chemical condition-
ing and septage/TWAS mixture ratio, on cake production, and
supernatant and filtrate quality.
TABLE 18. FIELD TEST RESULTS, SEPTAGE, ALUM TREATMENT
Field Test Number:
Test Date:
Mixture:
Chemical Treatment:
7/10/79
100% Septage
80 mg/1 as Al(III)
Initial Septage Volume: 47.3 cu m (12,500 gal)
Thickened Septage Volume:11.7 cu m (3,100 gal)
Characteristic
Total Solids, mg/1
Volatile Solids, mg/1
COD, mg/1
CST, sec
pH
Alk, mg/1 CaCO3
Raw
Septage
9 950
7 450
16 730
169
6.3
595
Thickened
Septage
;
37 180
27 190
54 150
40
5.0
Septage
Supernatant
9.50
490
750
38
-------
Alum Conditioned Septage Without TWAS - Test 2
Table 18 shows the effects of adding 80 mg/1 of Al(III)
to 47.3 cu m (12,500 gal) of septage with an initial total
solids concentration of 9,950 mg/1. This concentration of
Al(III) was the lowest used in all tests but in the mixed
condit'ioned septage CST was reduced from 169 seconds to 10.3
seconds. Increasing the dosage to 140 mg/1 only reduced the
CST furthur to 9.7 seconds. The conditioned septage solids
settled to 27% of the original volume. The CST was reduced
from 169 seconds in raw septage to 40 seconds in the thickened
septage. At the initial value the septage could not be vacuum
filtered, at 40 seconds filtration should be possible. De-
canted supernatant COD and solids concentrations were only_
about twice that of domestic sewage and constituted an insig-
nificant load on the treatment plant liquid stream. For example,
treating a volume of septage equal to 2% of a plant'1 s flow
rate would only increase the COD and solids input to the liquid
stream by 4%. '
Table 19 shows vacuum, filter test results. At each
selected vacuum pressure and drum rotational speed three
samples were taken at ten minute intervals. Form and_
drying times were dependent upon drum submergence, which ranged
from 15 to 25% and averaged about 20%. Drying time averaged
50% and the remaining 30% was release time.
Table 19 shows the characteristics of conditioned thicken-
ed septage in the vacuum filter vat, during the course of the
test. Average COD and total solids were 54,140 mg/1- and 37,180
mg/1 respectively. Concentrations were consistent throughout
the run and were the same as those measured in the septage
holding tank shown on Table 17.
Septage produced a comparatively dry cake but the dry
solids yield averaged only 4.75 kg/sq m-hr (0.20 Ib/sq ft-hr).
Based upon this result coil spring vacuum filtration of -alum
treated septage, without the addition of thickened waste
activated sludge and without polymer is not considered feasible.
Cake yields shown in Table 19 progressively decreased during
the course of the test. This was'caused by granular material
in the septage progressively clogging the filter medium.
At the end of the septage filter run filtration was attempted
with a 50% alum conditioned septage/50% TWAS mixture. This
mixture should have filtered well but no cake was produced.
After filtration several hours were spent washing the filter
medium with a fire hose. This is not normal practice at the
plant nor was it necessary after .filtering mixtures of septage
and thickened waste activated sludge.
The failure of this attempt to vacuum filter conditioned
septage is also indicated by the filtrate data, included on
39
-------
TABLE 19. CAKE AND FILTRATE CHARACTERISTICS
SEPTAGE, ALUM TREATMENT
Field Test Number: 2
Mixture: 100% Septage
Chemical Treatment: 80 mg/1 as Al(I.II)
Filtration Pressure,
psi*
Cycle Time, min:sec
Vat Contents
COD, mg/1** ^
Total Solids, mg/1
Volatile Solids, ^
** mg/1
pH
Vacuum Filter Cake
Total Solids, %t
Volatile Solids,1"
% of Total
Cake Yield, (lb/
sq ft-hr)tt
Filtrate
COD, mg/1**
Total Solids, mg/1**
Volatile Solids,
% of Total
pH**
9
8:50
52930
37830
27140
5.6
18.6
72.5
0 . 32
18020
13350
69.4
5.6
15
8:50
54710
39360
28300
5.6
19.1
75.3
0.27
21150
15290
70.7
5.9
15
4:59
57510
38190
28070
5.0
20.3
76.6
0.20
24080
15100
72.2
5.6
7
4:59
53690
36360
26800
5.4
21.3
78.1
0.14
18860
13810
72.9
5.9
15
10:14
51910
34180
25650
5.3
20.7
78.4
0.09
19770
13620
74.0
6.0
1 psi = 6.9 kPa
**Averages of 3 samples taken at 10 minute intervals
t Averages of 2 samples taken at 10 minute intervals
ttDry solids' yield, one sample
1 Ib/sq ft = 4.844 kg/sq m
Table 19. Filtrate COD and total solids concentrations were
ten times higher than values monitored during both normal
filter operation with TWAS (See Table 14) and operation with
mixtures of septage and TWAS.
Alum Conditioned Septage Combined with TWAS - Test 3
In the third test 46.6 cu m (12,300 gal) of a compara-
tively weak septage was treated with 100 mg/1 of aluminum sul-
40
-------
fate. The settled solids occupied only 5.3 cu m (1,400, gal)
at a solids concentration of slightly over 2%.
Experimentation with large quantities of septage over
the course of this and previous research has shown that, weak
septage, with, total solids concentrations between 3,000 mg/1
and 7,000 mg/1 are the rule. Loads in excess of 20,000 mg/1
were seldom encountered in pumpage from domestic septic tanks.
This suggests that a large quantity of septage could be held
for dewatering by collecting solids in a tank. This could be
accomplished by chemically treating and mixing when a tank
was full, decanting supernatant, adding more septage and
repeating the process.
In Test 3 a thickened waste activated sludge, TWAS was
added to the chemically treated septage sludge in a ratio of
14.6% septage to 85.4% TWAS. The measured total solids con-
centration of!the mixture was over 4%. Chemical characteris-
tics of the septage, thickened septage and supernatant, TWAS
and the mixture are shown on Table 20.
TABLE 20. FIELD TEST RESULTS, SEPTAGE AND TWAS, ALUM TREATMENT
Field Test Number: 3
Test Date: 7/2/79
Mixture: 14.6% Septage/85.4% TWAS
Chemical Treatment: 100 mg/1 as Al(III)
Initial Septage Volume: 46.6 cu m(12,300 gal)
Thickened Septage Vol: 5.3 cu m(1,400 gal)
;~~:Thickened
Raw Thickened Super- .Septage &
Characteristic Septage
Total Solids, mg/1
Volatile Solids, mg/1
COD, mg/1
CST, sec
pH . _ . •
Alk, mg/1 CaCO3
3059
2073
4730
48
5.5
207
Septage, natant TWAS
21520 1650
16150 640
920
,
4.4
43390
26830
30040
16
6.9
TWAS
44960
29100,
6.9
polymer was added to waste activated sludge during thick-
ening jand it was again added to the septage/TWAS mixture during
vacuuri filtration. For addition to the septage/TWAS mixture
41
-------
polymer was -diluted to 16% of its commercial strength and this
solution was fed at a rate of 94.6 £/hr (25 gal/hr) . This
solution and feed rate were used for all tests employing poly-
mer addition with the exception of Test 10. In Test 10 a 50%
stronger solution was used. Polymer was added in all tests
except Tests 2 and 8. The results of the vacuum filter test
are shown on Table 21. Cake yields averaged 80.7 kg/sq m-hr
(3.4 Ib/sq ft-hr). This yield was as good or better than
usually achieved, treating secondary sludge, at this plant.
Table 16 showed a yield of 59.3 kg/sq m-hr (2.5 Ib/sq ft-hr)
for the initial test with TWAS and no septage. Cake dryness
in Tests 1 and 3 (Tables 16 and 21) were about the same.
The fairly wet, 10% to 12% solids content, is characteristic
of polymer treated secondary sludge. In addition, vacuum
pressure on the drying cycle was low during all tests.
Attempts to increase pressure were not successful. Yields
were slightly improved at the higher drum rotational speeds,
indicated by a comparison of the last four columns in Table
21. Filter clogging was not experienced with the septage/TWAS'
mixture as it was in the previous test - the highest yield was
measured at the end of the test period.
Table 21 also shows polymer conditioned,septage and TWAS
mixture solids content, measured in the vacuum filter vat.
These values were consistent with holding tank concentrations.
Filtrate characteristics are also shown on Table 21.
The filtrate varied from a relatively clear solution, monitored
at 27.6 kPa (4 psi) to a moderately high solids content solu-
tion at pressures of 41 kPa (6 psi) and above.
This test showed conclusively that alum treated septage
in combination with TWAS in the proportions used, is easily
vacuum filtered. Yields were better than average for Medfield
and filtrate quality was acceptable.
Alum Conditioned Septage Combined with TWAS - Test 4
Septage was again treated with aluminum sulfate in Test
4 and combined with TWAS after decanting the septage super-
natant. The mixture used in this test was 55% septage and 45%
TWAS, on a solids weight basis. Table 22 shows septage, TWAS
and mixture characteristics. Septage settled to about half
of its original volume before decanting. The decanted super-
natant was clear with the COD and solids concentrations shown
on Table 22, characteristic of alum treated septage. Alum
conditioning of the relatively strong septage produced a sludge
with better than 4% solids. In combination with TWAS the mix-
ture solids content averaged about 5%. The CST of the initial
septage was a high 148 seconds.' After conditioning and com-
bination with TWAS the CST was a very low 5.1 sec. A solids
42
------- EH 55 W A EH (^ s EH a y 1-3 P-s co is ^ Q rH 0 0 ' CM CM CM rH W3 oo r~ rH 00 rH m o\° (J1 W CD* •> \ *4* ra* ^3 fd c\° rCi* rH Vacuum Filter C Total Solids, Volatile Soli of Total Cake Yield, ( f t-hr) T o o "3* en in f- • • V^ ^f i — 1 **D '*3> m <*D o o en en *£> r^ • • OO VD "sf VD rH H in o o o en o a\ H vo "* "* ^° o o in en in o en vo ^ in ^o o o oo en CM in • • <*D en oo vo CM CM «3 o o r-> r~ 0 l> • • «3 00 CM VD CM CM in 4- IH4- 4- O rH 4- fd rH *o -P \ O &i .-En g CQ rd Filtrate COD, mg/l^t Total Solids, Volatile Soli --pHtt - d rt o o 00 • M-i oo in O en vs •=F fd d H do oo 2 m • PH O OO 1 o vo •H s d 0 l> M-I r~ • O oo oo -P rH (ti ' -P CO 4- IH4- ' 4- O rH 4- fd H o\° -P \ O CT> -En g^ Vat Contents: Total Solids, Volatile Soli ,— * s tr1 w tn •^ ^ oo e •^ II W -P W rH M-l rH fd fd > & > M en M CD ^ CD -P ft 4J Cl rH S-H •H -H rH ' CD (D -P 1 -P j3 3 d w d -H CD -H S tri £ fd o M o rH O rH -P fd -P td fd CD |