4.

0 EXPERIMENTS ON DETERMINATION OF SLUDGE VOLUME INDEX

Sl. No. Contents

Preamble

4.1 Aim

4.2 Introduction

4.2.1 Environmental Significance

4.3 Principle

4.4 Materials Required

4.4.1 Apparatus Required

4.5 Procedure

4.6 Calculation

4.7 Interpretation of Results

4.8 Inference

4.9 Evaluation
 4.0 EXPERIMENTS ON DETERMINATION OF SLUDGE VOLUME
INDEX
PREAMBLE:
“How to determine Sludge Volume Index in Wastewater”.

Measurement of activated sludge settling properties is not standardized internationally

and many countries use the US Standard methods. (Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater, APHA el al., 2005).

 2710C the method for settled sludge volume;

 2710D the determination of sludge volume index;
 2710E the determination of zone settling rate;
 2710I determines settled sludge volume using a 2-L graduated cylindrical vessel to
allow suspension volume to be determined in relation to the results in 2710C.

4.1 AIM
To determine the Sludge Volume Index in the given sample.

4.2 INTRODUCTION
The sludge volume index (SVI), introduced by Mohlman in 1934, has become the
standard measure of the physical characteristics of activated sludge solids. It is
defined as "the volume in ml occupied by 1 g activated sludge after settling the
aerated liquor for 30 min"

Although the sludge volume index (SVI) is widely used as a measure of the
physical properties of activated sludge, it is possible for sludge’s with identical
SVI values to have vastly different physical properties.

The SVI value for sludge is not consistently related to the settling velocity,
compression characteristics, suspended solids concentration, or rheological
characteristics of the sludge. Also, results of SVI tests are not indicative of
settling characteristics in settling basins. While the sludge volume index is a
convenient control test in the operation of activated sludge plants, comparisons of
SVI values from various plants are not meaningful.

The parameter is not suitable for research applications, and cannot be used to
predict recycle requirements or mixed liquor suspended solids concentrations in
the activated sludge process.
 4.2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE

SVI can indicate changes occurring in the activated sludge treatment process. By
trending SVI data over a period of time, operators are able to prevent problems. Many
textbooks give guideline SVI numbers, but since every plant operates differently, the
best SVI for each plant will be different. The SVI should be determined when the
facility is running at optimum, and should be used as a benchmark.

4.3 PRINCIPLE

The Sludge volume Index or sludge index is used to indicate the physical state of
the sludge produced in a biological aeration system. It represent the degree of
concentration of the Sludge system, and hence decides the rate of recycle of sludge
(QR)required to maintain the desired MLSS and F/M ratio in the aeration tank to
achieve the desired degree of purification.

4.4 MATERIALS REQUIRED

4.4.1 APPARATUS REQUIRED

1. Graduated measuring Cylinder

2. Imhoff cone
3. Crucible
4. Oven
5. Desiccators
6. Analytical Balance
7. Dish Tongs
4.5 PROCEDURE

 Collect one liter of sample from the outlet of aeration chamber and Keep it standing
in imhoff cone or graduated measuring cylinder and observe the volume occupied
by it after 30 minutes

 If settling rate is to be observed take observation of volume occupied by the sludge

after a fixed interval of time for 30 minutes and plot the graph (Time versus volume)

 Take thoroughly mixed sample and find out the suspended solid and calculate
percent by weight or mg/lit.

4.6 CALCULATION

% 𝑺𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒚 𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆
SVI= % 𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓

OR

=…………….ml/g

4.7 Interpretation of Results

In the given sample, a sludge volume index is equivalent to …………. Ml/g.
4.8 Inference
The usual adopted range of SVI is between 50-150ml/gm and such a value indicates
good Settling Sludge.
4.9 Evaluation

1. In a well operating activated sludge process unit, what is the value of sludge volume index.

a) < 50
b) 100-150
c) 200-300
d) < 300

2) Considering the following statement:

In context of sludge volume index (SVI)

1. The SVI is expressed as the volume (in cum.) of the activated sludge for one
gram of dry weight of the sludge.

2. A higher value of SVI indicate a light and fluffy sludge which is not easily
Settleable
3) In Conventional activated sludge process, MLSS is generally Kept in which range?
a)<100mg/l
b)1000-2000mg/l
c) 2000-3000mg/l
d)3000-50000mg/l

4) The mixed liquor Suspended solid concentration in the basin of aeration system
Is 2200mg/lit and Sludge volume after settling in a one litre graduated cylinder is
200ml, the Sludge volume index is.

a)2400mg/lit
b)91ml/gm
c)200 ml/lit
d)91mg/lit