University of Sulaimani

College of Engineering
Water Resources Department

Test no.2

Sludge Volume Index

Prepared by: Sivar Rzgar

Group: B

Date: 7 – 11 – 2022
Table of Contents

 Introduction
 Aim of the test
 Apparatus
 Procedure
 Calculation
 Discussion

2
Introduction

Sludge Volume Index (SVI), a process control parameter, is used to

describe how sludge settles in the aeration tank of an activated sludge
process.
SVI gives a more realistic picture of the sludge settling qualities than
settleability or mixed liquid suspended solids (MLSS) alone. When the
treatment of activated sludge changes, SVI could reveal it.
The index will let you know if the (MLSS) in the activation tank are
settling at the right rate and if they're interfering with your facility's
ability to function normally. Your findings may need you to modify the
sludge's composition in your aeration tank.

3
Aim of the test

The aims are to keep the activated sludge floating and maintain aerobic
conditions.

Apparatus

1- Conical Flask
2- Crucible
3- Filter Paper
4- Mixed Sample
5- Muffle Furnace

4
Procedure

1. Samples from the aeration tank should be obtained. This sample is

best characterized as "mixed liquor," which denotes that it includes raw
wastewater, returning sludge, and activated sludge from the aeration
tank. The chemical detected in the aeration tank is known by this name
in science.
2. Allow the data to rest for around 30 minutes before beginning the
analysis.
3. Analyze the sample to determine the MLSS value (reported in grams
per liter), or mixed liquid suspended solids, which is the concentration of
suspended solids.
4- The preceding stage's MLSS value divided by the settled sludge's wet
volume, which is expressed in mL/L.
5- Your SVI value (in mL/g) will be the result of this calculation.

5
Calculation

Volume of settled sludge = 2 ml/l

W1=Weight of filter paper = 0.5051g
Volume of suspended solid sample = 5ml
W2=Weight of dry sample+W1= 0.5175g

𝑆𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 × 1000

𝑆𝑉𝐼 =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑

0.5175 − 0.5051
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑 = × 106 = 2480𝑚𝑔/𝑙
5

2 × 1000
𝑆𝑉𝐼 = = 0.8065𝑚𝑙/𝑔
2480

6
Discussion

The sludge settles more slowly the greater the SVI. Sludge that is
settling too slowly runs the risk of losing suspended solids over the
weirs of the clarifier. Pin floc, which is frequently (but not always)
brought on by old muck, may be the cause of the SVI settling too rapidly
if the SVI is less than 50. It is advised to take the SVI exam each day. It
is advantageous to calculate the SVI for a 30 minute settling period as
well as sometimes for a 60 minute period. The first 30 minutes should
see the bulk of the settling. It is advised to do a microscopic analysis to
identify the cause if your SVI changes. The settled sludge can also be
left in the container to see whether there is a rising period during which
the sludge floats. Denitrification is indicated by this. There is a risk of
floating sludge in the clarifier if the rise time is less than two hours, thus
actions must be taken to lower nitrate and BOD levels and raise oxygen
levels entering the clarifier.