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The purpose of the clarifier tank is to settle out solids and return them to the <br /> aeration tank by means of the airlift pumps. One of the characteristics of Activated <br /> Sludge during the early stage of plant operation is that it is likely to be stringy and <br /> sticky. As the sludge settles toward the bottom of the tank, it will have a tendency <br /> to cling to the walls of the hopper and will not be picked up by the airlifts for return to <br /> the Aeration Tank. In the event this is unattended, a continuous build-up of sludge <br /> will occur becoming a spongy mass and completely fill the lower section of the tank. <br /> In a very short period, this mass will form a gas and break up into chunks of sludge, <br /> which will float to the surface of the final Tank. This floating mass of solids will <br /> prevent the equipment from functioning property and will give off a highly offensive <br /> odor. It is important that during the first few weeks of operation, the operator checks <br /> the clarifier tank closely and scrape the hopper sides so the sludge is constantly <br /> picked up by the airlifts and returned to the Aeration Tank. The operator should <br /> gently scrape the hopper walls in a slow, downward motion, just enough to move <br /> the sludge toward the bottom of the hopper so the airlifts can pick it up. An <br /> extended handle type rubber squeegee will work for this. <br /> DO NOT STIR OR AGITATE THE SLUDGE AS IT WILL <br /> BREAK UP AND RISE TO THE SURFACE OF THE TANK <br /> Should this occur, the floating masses will have to be removed and returned to the <br /> Aeration Tank Section. It is possible to have the lower portion of the final tank filled <br /> with sludge and the airlift pumps discharging clear water. <br /> The airlift pumps will pull clear water from the top of the tank forming a channel <br /> through the sludge pack in the hopper section. Once the plant has reached normal <br /> operation stage and a good activated sludge has been developed, this procedure <br /> can be reduced to a weekly or monthly check by the operator. <br /> 4. If chlorination equipment has been provided, it may be desirable to apply a higher <br /> than normal amount of chlorine to the plant effluent for a short time during the initial <br /> operating period. <br /> Routine Operation <br /> The operation of the treatment plant will enter the routine or normal operation when the <br /> flow becomes stabilized; a good activated sludge has been developed, and a consistent <br /> low BOD stable effluent is produced. Once normal operation has been obtained, it is <br /> recommended that the operator perform the following routine operations.. <br /> ROUTINE PLANT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE <br /> 1. Check operating blowers and motors to make sure it is not over-heating. If <br /> overheating is indicated; check the following; <br /> (a) Check discharge pressure with 0-15 PSI pressure gauge. Pressure should not <br /> exceed 7 P.S.I. If pressure is excessive, check diffusers and airline for <br /> clogging. <br /> 4 pesiM,m/ iartup-prd in:inary-1-6 <br />