8,2 surerenranow or soLosica eunrcanowaracmvarensiuoce usa 111 * Development of anaerobiosis in the clarifier. * Reactivation tank for sludge before purification (a few minutes aerated residence rime). = Colloidal SS structure Whereas interstitial water is limpid during bulking, it can in contrase be in a very colloidal dispersion ifs *# The saliniy is high (petrochemical plant). * The temperature is too low (this is seldom crue). *# The stirring energy is concinuous and coo vigorous (above 50 watts per cubic meter of tank). * There is a considerable amount of thiosulfates or surfaccancs present. B. Foaming Besides the trouble caused in operations, foaming also reduces the oxygen transfer coefficient and causes a fine-textured floc to form that is nonsettleable by activated sludge. A positive effect could sometimes be the removal of fine particles by foaming that would then have to be concrofled. {tis a much more common drawback in petrochemical plants and in gasification facilities than in refineries. There are a nuraber of origins: * Presence of cationic or anionic surfactants, such as sulfonates in fairly low concentrations. # Excessive use of demulsifying reagents ot certain organic flocculants during a prior step in the treatment sequence. * Development of filamentous bacteria, as mentioned earlier, associated with sludge bulking. » Excessive concentrations of intermediate praducts from carbohydrate compound me- tabolism. Correcrive action can be to: « Increase the stirring energy and added oxygen input. © Resort to careful addition of antifoaming agents and water sprinkling. * Modify the tank feed changing fram plug flow to completely mixed if need be. * Resort to preventive use of aluminum sulfate in physicochemical purification co precipitate up t0 3 co 5 mg-I”! of anionic detergents. 3.13.5 Monitoring biological purification Ie is possible to use reliable sensors and necessary to curb laboratory measurements. As 2 result there is a minimum amount of equipment for the monitoring and recording of: ws Activated sludge purification Jn the aeration tank: * pH, temperature and concentration of the sludge. * Possibly, conductivity and redox potential. In the clarifier: * Sludge bed level (ultrasonic probe). * Possibly, turbidiry of decanted water (UV turbidimeter). = Trickling filter purification * pH and temperature at the inlet, possibly resistivity and turbidity at the outlet. * Monitor pressure drap or sludge mass.