Activated Sludge Technology

Activated sludge technology

Activated sludge technology is a biological method that introduces air into the wastewater to breed and cultivate aerobic microorganisms to form activated sludge with strong adsorption capacity. Biological methods have gradually become the mainstream method of sewage treatment technology. This method was pioneered by E. Arden and W.T. Lockett in Manchester, England in 1914.

Basic process of activated sludge technology

It consists of an aeration tank, a secondary sedimentation tank, an aeration system, and a sludge return system. The wastewater flowing out from the primary sedimentation tank and the activated sludge flowing back from the bottom of the secondary sedimentation tank enter the aeration tank at the same time and become a mixed liquid. Under the action of the aeration tank, the mixed liquid is fully aerated and the activated sludge and wastewater are fully contacted. Soluble organic pollutants in wastewater are adsorbed by activated sludge and decomposed by microbial groups so that wastewater can be purified.

There are many types of activated sludge technology, including the ordinary activated sludge method, oxidation ditch method, AB two-stage activated sludge method, sequential batch activated sludge (SBR) method, complete mixed sludge method, etc.

Equipment required for activated sludge technology

The equipment required for activated sludge technology includes aeration equipment, sludge return pumps, stirring equipment, sedimentation equipment, gas collection systems, filtration equipment, metering and monitoring equipment, chemical dosing systems, and control systems. These devices work together to treat and purify wastewater.