Primary Sedimentation

Objective: To remove settleable organic solids in large basins

under relatively quiescent conditions
•  Removal efficiency
ü  BOD5: 30~40%
ü  TSS: 50~70%
•  Settled solids: collected by mechanical scrapers into a hopper,
from which they are pumped to a sludge-processing area.
•  Oil, grease, and other floating materials: skimmed from the
surface
•  Effluent: discharged over weirs into a collection trough
Types of primary sedimentation tanks
•  Horizontal flow •  Stacked or two-tray
•  Solids contact •  Proprietary
•  Inclined surface

1
 Horizontal Flow
Advantages
•  Occupy less land area when multiple units are used
•  Provide economy by using common walls for multiple units
•  Easier to cover the units for odor control
•  Provide longer travel distance for settling to occur
•  Less short-circuiting
•  Lower inlet-outlet losses
•  Less power consumption for sludge collection and removal
mechanisms
Disadvantages
•  Possible dead spaces
•  Sensitive to flow surges
•  Restricted in width by collection equipment
•  Require multiple weirs to maintain low weir loading rates
•  High upkeep and maintenance costs of sprockets, chain, and
flights used for sludge removal
2
Horizontal Flow Rectangular
Sedimentation Tank

3
4
5
6
Horizontal Flow Rectangular
Sedimentation Tank

Longitudinal section with skimmer

7
8
Horizontal Flow Rectangular
Sedimentation Tank

Cross section

9
Horizontal Flow
Sedimentation
Tanks

10
11
12
Horizontal Flow
- continued

Horizontal flow
circular clarifier

13
 Primary Sedimentation Basin
Scrubber for Odor Control

Odor Control Pipe

Covered Overflow Weir Scum Collection Arm

Scum Removal Weir

14
Primary Sedimentation Tank

15
 Inorganic Materials
in Primary Sedimentation Tank

16
Primary Sedimentation Tank Cover

17
Inside of Covered Primary Sedimentation Tank

18
 Solids Contact
ü  Incoming solids rise and come in contact with the
solids in the sludge layer. This layer acts as a
blanket, and the incoming solids agglomerate and
remain enmeshed within this blanket. The liquid
rises upward while a distinct interface retains the
solids below.
ü  Better hydraulic performance and shorter detention
time for equivalent solids removal in horizontal flow
clarifiers.
ü  Either circular or rectangular
ü  Not suitable for biological sludges because long
sludge-holding times may create undesirable septic
conditions.
19
Solids-Contact
Clarifier

20
 Inclined Surface
ü  Utilize inclined trays to divide the depth into
shallower sections, which in turn results in
significantly short settling time.
ü  Frequently used to upgrade the existing overloaded
primary and secondary clarifiers.
ü  Tube settlers: use thin-wall tubes in circular, square,
hexagonal, or any other geometric shape
ü  Parallel plate separators: provide a large surface
area, thereby reducing the clarifier size. Little wind
effect, laminar flow, good for upgrading overloaded
horizontal flow clarifiers
ü  Disadvantages: septic condition, sludge sloughing
off, and clogging of inner tubes and channels.
21
Inclined Plate Settlers

22
Lamella Settlers

23
 Design Factors
ü  Design Objective: provide sufficient time under quiescent
conditions for maximum settling to occur.
Conditions causing decrease in solids removal efficiency
•  Eddy currents induced by incoming fluid
•  Surface currents provided by wind action
•  Vertical currents induced by outlet structure
•  Vertical convection currents induced by the
temperature difference between the influent and the
tank contents
•  Density currents causing cold or heavy water to
underrun a basin, and warm or light water to flow
across its surface
•  Currents induced due to the sludge scraper and sludge
removal system
24
Stacked or Two-Tray Sedimentation Basin

25
 Design overflow rates for sedimentation tanks (m3/m2·day)
Condition Range Typical
Primary sedimentation prior to secondary treatment
Average flow 30~50 40
Peak flow 70~130 100
Primary sedimentation with WAS return
Average flow 25~35 30
Peak flow 45~80 60
Detention Times for Various Overflow Rates and Tank Depth
Overflow rate Detention period (hrs)
(m3/m2·day) 2-m 2.5-m 3-m 3.5-m 4-m 4.5-m
depth depth depth depth depth depth
30 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6
40 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7
50 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.7 1.9 2.2
60 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8
70 0.7 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.5
80 0.6 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.2 1.4
Detention time at average design flow 1 m3/m2·day =
•  Primary sedimentation tanks - 1~2 hrs 24.5424 gal/ft2·day 26
•  Secondary clarifiers - 2~4 hrs
BOD5 and TSS Removal
Efficiency with Respect
to Overflow Rate and
Detention Time

27
 Design Factors - continued
Weir loading rate (< 370 m3/m2·day) (Ten-States Standards)
124 m3/m2·day for plants designed for average design flow of ≤ 44 L/sec
186 m3/m2·day for plants designed for average design flow of > 44 L/sec
Dimensions
Type Range Typical
Rectangular
Length, m 10~100 25~60
Length-to-width ratio 1~7.5 4
Length-to-depth ratio 4.2~25 7~18
Sidewater depth, m 2.5~5 3.5
Width, m 3~24 6~10
Clarifier
Diameter, m 3~60 10~40
Side depth, m 3~6 4
Solids Loading
Not an important deciding factor for primary sedimentation tank design
Primary sedimentation tanks: 1.5~34 kg/m2·day
Secondary clarifiers: 49~98 kg/m2·day
28
 Design Factors - continued
Influent structure
☛  Dissipate energy in incoming flow by means of baffles or stilling
basin
☛  Distribute flow equally along the width
☛  Prevent short circuiting by disturbing thermal and density
stratification
☛  Provide small head loss
ü  Provision for flow control, scum removal, and maintenance
ü  Velocity at inlet pipe: 0.3 m/sec

29
Influent Structures

30
 Design Factors - continued
Effluent structure
☛ Provide a uniform distribution of flow over a large area
☛ Minimize the lifting of the particles and their escape into the effluent
☛ Reduce the escape of
floating matter to the
effluent
●  Weir loading for plants
≤ 44 L/sec – 124 m3/m·day
> 44 L/sec - 186 m3/m·day
●  Straight (1~2 mm head over
weirs – capillary clinging
effects – slime accumulation
or V-notches either one side
or both sides of trough
●  Baffle in front of the weir
to stop the floating
matter from escaping into
the effluent
31
 Design Factors - continued
Sludge collection
●  Bottom slope: to facilitate draining of the tank and to remove the
sludge toward the hopper. Rectangular tanks: 1~2%; circular
clarifiers: 40~100 mm/m diameter
●  Equipment
Rectangular tanks
☛  A pair of endless conveyor chains running over sprockets
attached to the shafts or moving-bridge sludge collectors
having a scraper to push the sludge into the hopper
☛  Suction-type arrangement to withdraw the sludge from basins
Circular tanks
☛  Scraping mechanism with radial arms having plows set at an
angle supported on center pier (≥ 10 m diameter) or on a beam
spanning the tank (< 10 m diameter) (flight travel speed -
0.02~0.06 revolution/min)
☛  Suction-type units for handling light sludge.

32
 Conveyor Chain
ü  One endless chain is connected to a shaft and a drive unit.
ü  Linear conveyor speed is 0.3~1 m/min for primary and 0.3
m/min for secondary clarifier
ü  Cross-wood (flights) (5 cm thick and 15~20 cm deep) are
attached to the chain at 3-m intervals and are up to 6 m in
length.
ü  For tanks greater than 6 m in width, multiple pairs of chains
are used.
ü  The floating material is pushed in opposite direction of
sludge and is collected in a scum collection box.
ü  Advantages: simple to install, low power consumption,
efficient scum collection, and suitable for heavier sludge
ü  Disadvantages: high maintenance cost of chain and flight
removal mechanism, dewatering of tanks for gear and chain
repair, and potential resuspension of light sludge
33
 Chain-and-Flight Sludge Collector
A. Chain
B. Sprockets
C. Shear pin
D. Chain tightener brackets
E. Wall bearings

P. Gear box
F. Pillow block bearings K. Return rail system Q. Baffles
G. Sewage take-up bearing L. Floor rail wear strip R. Flights (fiberglass or
H. Set collars M. Couplings wood)
I. Screw conveyer N. Wear shoes S. Weirs
J. Shafting O. Filler blocks T. Scum pipe 34
 Bridge Drive Scraper
ü  Standard traveling beam bridges for spans up to 13 m (40 ft)
and truss bridge for spans over 13 span are used.
ü  Bridge travel is accomplished by the use of a gear motor.
ü  The wheels run on rails which are attached to the footing
wall along each side wall of the basin.
ü  Mechanical scrapers or rakes are hung from the top carriage
that push the sludge to the hopper.
ü  Separate blades are provided on top to move the scum.
ü  Advantages: all moving mechanisms above water, scraper
repair or replacement without dewatering tanks, no width
restrictions, longer operation life, and lower maintenance
cost in low-span bridges.
ü  Disadvantages: high power requirement, not suitable for
cold weather (ice formation in tanks), and frequent break-
down due to wheel climbing over rails in long-span bridges.
35
Traveling Bridge Sludge Collector

36
 Bridge Drive Sludge Suction
ü  The bridge design is similar to the bridge drive scraper.
ü  The sludge removal mechanisms are attached to the bridge
and provide continuous removal of sludge along the length
of travel.
ü  Pump, siphon, or airlift arrangements are used to suck and
remove the sludge.
ü  Advantages: Better pickup of light sludge, all moving
mechanisms above water, scraper repair or replacement
without dewatering tanks, no width restrictions, longer
operation life, and lower maintenance cost in low-span
bridges, and suitable for biological and chemical sludges.
ü  Disadvantages: high power requirement, not suitable for
cold weather (ice formation in tanks), and frequent break-
down due to wheel climbing over rails in long-span bridges,
and not used in primary sedimentation tanks.
37
Vacuum Sludge Removal

Rectangular sedimentation basins

Southern States and warm climate areas
None freezing environments
Surface ice is difficult to design for. 38
 Vacuum Sludge
Removal

39
 Design Factors - continued
Sludge Removal
●  Removed by means of a pump.
Design considerations
☛  Provision of continuous sludge pumping is desirable.
☛  Each sludge hopper should have individual sludge withdrawal
line at least 15 cm in diameter.
☛  In rectangular tanks, cross-collectors are preferred over
multiple hoppers.
☛  Screw conveyors for sludge removal are also used.
☛  An automatic control of sludge pump or siphon pipes using a
photocell-type or sonic-type sludge blanket detector is
desirable, especially for secondary clarifiers.
☛  The sludge pump used are self-priming centrifugal and
normally discharge into a common manifold. One sludge
pumping station can serve two rectangular sedimentation
tanks. The circular clarifiers are normally arranged in groups
of two or four.
40
 Design Factors - continued
Scum removal
●  Generally pushed off the surface to a collection sump. In
rectangular tanks, the scum is normally pushed in the opposite
direction by the flights of the sludge mechanism in its return
travel. In circular clarifiers, the scum is removed by a radial arm
which rotates on the surface with the sludge removal equipment.
Sometimes, removed by water sprays.
●  Scraped manually or mechanically up an inclined apron.
●  All effluent weirs have baffles to stop the loss of scum into the
effluent.
●  The scum has a specific gravity of 0.95. Solids content may vary
from 25 to 60%.
3 3
●  The quantity of scum varies from 2 to 13 kg/10 m (17~110 lb/
million gallon).
●  Pipings are often glass-lined and kept reasonably warm to
minimize blockage.
●  Scum has been digested in aerobic and anaerobic digesters.

41
Scum Collection
and Removal
Arrangements

42
 Information Checklist
ü  Average and peak design flows including the returned flows
from other treatment units
ü  All sidestreams from thickener, digester, and dewatering
facility
ü  Treatment plant design criteria prepared by the concerned
regulatory agencies
ü  Equipment manufacturers and equipment selection guide
ü  Information on the existing facility if the plant is being
expanded
ü  Available space and topographic map of the plant site
ü  Shape of the tank (rectangular, square, or circular)
ü  Influent pipe data, to include diameter, flow characteristics,
and approximate water surface elevation or hydraulic grade
line
ü  Headloss constrains for sedimentation facility

43
 Design Calculations
Design criteria
1. Two rectangular units shall be designed for independent operation.
Allow for a bypass to secondary treatment process when one unit
is out of service.
2. Overflow rate and detention times shall be based on an average
design flow of 0.44 m3/sec (10 MGD).
3. The overflow rate shall be < 36 m3/m2·day at average design flow.
4. The detention time shall be > 1.5 hrs at average design flow.
5. The influent structure shall be designed to prevent short circuiting
and reduce turbulence. The influent channel shall have a velocity
< 0.35 m/sec at design peak flow (0.661 m3/sec through each
basin).
6. All sidestreams shall be returned to aeration basins.
7. The weir loading shall be < 186 m3/m·day at average design flow
and < 372 m3/m·day at design peak flow.
8. The launder and outlet channels shall be designed at the peak
design flow of 1.321 m3/sec (0.661 m3/sec through each basin).
9. The average liquid depth in the basin shall be > 3 m.
10. The slope of the tank bottom shall be 1.35%.
44
 Design Calculations - continued
Basin dimensions
1. Select basin geometry and provide two rectangular basins with
common wall
Average design flow through each basin = 0.44/2 = 0.22 m3/sec
Overflow rate at average design flow = 36 m3/m2·day
Surface area = 0.22 m3/sec × 86,400 sec/day ÷ 36 m3/m2·day
= 528 m2
Use length-to-width ratio (L:W) = 4:1 ~ OK
4W × W = 528 m2; W = 11.5 m; use W = 11.58 m (38 ft) due to 2
ft increments for sludge collectors.
Thus, length = 46.33 m (152 ft).
Depth at mid-length of the tank = 4 m (13.1 ft)
Length-to-depth ratio = 46.33 m/4 m = 11.6 ~ OK
Freeboard = 0.6 m (2 ft)
Average depth of the basin = 4.6 m (15 ft)

45
 Design Calculations - continued
2. Check overflow rate
Overflow rate at average design flow = 0.22 m3/sec × 86,400
sec/day ÷ (11.58 m × 46.33 m) = 35.4 m3/m2·day
Overflow rate at peak design flow = 0.661 m3/sec × 86,400
sec/day ÷ (11.58 m × 46.33 m) = 106.4 m3/m2·day
3. Check detention time
Average volume of the basin = 4 m × 11.58 m × 46.33 m
= 2,146.0 m3
Detention time at average design flow = 2,146.0 m3 ÷ (0.22 m3/sec
× 3,600 sec/hr) = 2.7 hrs
Detention time at peak design flow = 2,146.0 m3 ÷ (0.661 m3/sec
× 3,600 sec/hr) = 0.9 hr
Influent structure
1. Select the arrangement of the influent structure
The influent structure includes a 1-m wide influent channel that
runs across the width of the tank. Eight submerged orifices 34 cm
square each, are provided in the inside wall of the channel.
46
 Design Calculations - continued
A submerged influent baffle is provided 0.8 m in front, 1 m deep,
and 5 cm below the liquid surface.

47
 Design Calculations - continued
2. Compute the headloss in the influent pipe connecting the junction
box located downstream of the grit chamber and the influent
structure of the sedimentation basin
The elevation of the water surface in the influent channel of the
basin is lower than that in the junction box downstream from the
grit chamber. ΔH is the sum of the headloss in the connecting
pipe due to the entrance, friction, bends, and fittings and exit loss
into the influent channel of the sedimentation basin.

48
 Design Calculations - continued
3. Compute the headloss at the influent structure
The horizontal velocity in the sedimentation basin (v2) is small and
is ignored. The average velocity in the influent channel (v1) is
calculated at peak design flow. Half of the flow divides on each
side of the basin.
⎛ Discharge ⎞ Peak design flow per basin 0.661 m3 /sec
⎜ in each ⎟ = = = 0.331 m3 /sec
⎜ ⎟ 2 2
⎝ channel ⎠
The depth of water into the influent channel is fixed by the
designer. Assume the depth of water at the entrance of the influent
channel is 1 m and the width of
3
the influent channel is 1 m.
⎛ Velocity in the channel ⎞ = 0.331 m /sec = 0.331 m/sec
⎜ at peak design flow ⎟ < 0.35 m/sec → OK
⎝ ⎠ 1 m ×1 m
Δz = hL; Q = CdA 2gh L 2
⎡ 3 ⎤
0.331 m /sec ÷ 4
Δz = h L = ⎢ ⎥ = 0.07 m
2 2
⎢⎣ 0.6 × (0.34 m) × 2 × 9.81 m/sec ⎥⎦
49
 Design Calculations - continued
Effluent structure
1. Select the arrangement of the effluent structure
The effluent structure consists of weirs, launder, an outlet box, and
an outlet pipe. Use V-notched weir.
2. Compute the length of the weir
Weir loading = 372 m3/m·day at peak design flow
Peak design flow per basin = 0.661 m3/sec × 86,400 sec/day
= 57,110 m3/day
Weir length = 57,110 m3/day ÷ 372 m3/m·day = 153.3 m
Provide weir notches on both sides of the launder. Thus,
Total length of the weir plate = 2(29.5 + 10.38) m + 2(28.3+9.18)
m - 1 m = 153.72 m
Actual weir loading = 57,110 m3/day ÷ 153.72 m
= 371.6 m3/m·day ≈ 372 m3/m·day at peak flow → OK
3. Compute the number of V-notches
Provide 90° standard V-notches at a rate of 20 cm center to center
on both sides of the launders.
50
Weir Arrangement

51
 Design Calculations - continued
Total number of notches = 5 notches per m × 153.72 m = 769
In order to leave sufficient space on the ends of the weir plate,
provide a total of 765 notches.

52
 Design Calculations - continued
4. Compute the head over the V-notches at the average design flow
The average discharge per notch at average design flow
= 0.22 m3/sec ÷ 765 notches = 2.88 × 10-4 m3/sec per notch
The discharge through a V-notch is calculated using the eq. below.
Q = 8/15 Cd √2g ·tan(θ/2) H5/2
where Cd = 0.6, H = head over notch, m, and θ = angle of the V-
notch = 90°.
2.88 × 10-4 m3/sec = 8/15 × 0.6 × √2 ×9.81 m/sec2·tan (90/2) H5/2
H = 0.03 m = 3 cm
5. Compute head over V-notches at peak design flow
Discharge per notch at peak design flow
= 0.661 m3/sec ÷ 765 notches = 8.64 × 10-4 m3/sec per notch
8.64 × 10-4 m3/sec = 8/15 × 0.584 × √2 ×9.81 m/sec2·tan (90/2) H5/2
H = 0.06 m = 5 cm
6. Check the depth of the notch
The total depth of the notch is 8 cm. Max. liquid head over the
notch at peak design flow is 5 cm (safe allowance of 3 cm).
53
 Design Calculations - continued
7. Compute the dimensions of the effluent launder
Width of the launder b = 0.6 m
Width of the effluent box = 1.0 m
Diameter of the outlet pipe = 0.92 m
The depth of water in the effluent box = 1.0 m (fixed by designer)
Provide the invert of the effluent launder 0.46 m above the invert
of the effluent box
Depth of water in the effluent launder at exit point y2
= 1.0 m - 0.46 m = 0.54 m
Critical depth of flow in the launder = 0.5 m
Q = A c gd c = b g ⋅ d 3/2
c
Since 0.54 m > 0.5 m, the outfall is submerged.
Half of the flow divides on each side of the launder
Flow on each side of the launder = 0.661 m3/sec ÷ 2 = 0.33 m3/sec

54
 Weir Trough

Section AA

Section CC 55
Effluent Launder Water Surface Profile

56
Outlet Channel

57
 Design Calculations - continued

2
2
2(q' L ⋅ N ) 2 2 ⋅ 0.332
y1 = y 2 + 2
= 0.54 + 2
= 0.64 m
gb y 2 9.81× 0.6 × 0.54
Generally, an allowance for losses due to friction, turbulence, and
bends is 10~30%. In this case, provide a 25% allowance, and add
0.6 m for freefall.
Water depth at the far end of trough = 0.64 m × 1.25 = 0.80 m
Total depth of the effluent launder = 0.80 m + 0.60 m = 1.40 m
Headloss through sedimentation basin
Headloss at the influent structure (calculated)
Headloss at the effluent structure (calculated)
Headloss in the basin (small - ignored)
Headloss at the influent and effluent baffles (small - ignored).

58
 Design Calculations - continued
Hydraulic profile through the basin
A total headloss of 0.99 m (3.25 ft) at the peak design flow.

59
 Design Calculations - continued
Sludge Quantities
1. Establish sludge characteristics
Primary sludge: specific gravity of 1.03 and a solids content of
3~6%. Assume a typical solids content of 4.5%.
2. Compute average quantity of sludge produced per day
Amount of solids produced per basin per day at a removal rate of
63% = 260 g/m3 × 0.63 × 0.22 m3/sec ×86,400 sec/day
× kg/1,000 g = 3,113.5 kg/day
Average quantity of sludge produced per day from both basins
= 2 × 3,113.5 kg/day = 6,227 kg/day
3. Compute the volume of sludge produced per minute per basin
Volume of sludge at specific gravity of 1.03 and 4.5% solids
= 3,113.5 kg/day ÷ (1.03 × 1 g/m3 × 1 kg/1,000 g × 0.045 ×
106 cm3/m3 × 1,440 min/day) = 0.0467 m3/min per basin
4. Determine sludge pump size and pumping cycle
Provide separate sludge pumps for each basin. Arrange such that
each pump will serve both basins in case one pump is out of service.
60
 Design Calculations - continued
Operate each pump on a time cycle, at 16.5-min intervals with a
1.5-min pumping cycle per basin (total time 18 min per cycle)
The desired pumping capacity of the pump = (0.0467 m3/min per
basin × 18 min per cycle) ÷ 1.5 min pumping per cycle
= 0.56 m3/min per basin (150 gpm)
When one pump is used to remove the sludge from two basins, the
cycle time will be reduced.
Cycle interval in min for two basins
= (16.5 + 1.5) min ÷ 2
= 9 min per cycle
Effluent quality from primary
sedimentation basin
1. Establish BOD5 and TSS removal
At overflow rate of 35.4 m3/m2·day,
BOD5 removal = 34%
SS removal = 63%

6161
 Design Calculations - continued
2. Compute BOD5 and TSS in the effluent
Assume the sidestreams from the thickeners, digesters, and
dewatering facilities are returned to the aeration basin.
BOD5 in the primary effluent = 250 g/m3 × (1 - 0.34) × 0.44
m3/sec × 86,400 sec/day × kg/1,000 g = 6,273 kg/day
TSS in the primary effluent = 260 g/m3 × (1 - 0.63) × 0.44
m3/sec × 86,400 sec/day × kg/1,000 g = 3,657 kg/day
Volume of primary effluent = Average flow to primary - Sludge
withdrawal = 0.44 m3/sec × 86,400 sec/day - (6,227 kg/day
× 1,000 g/kg) ÷ (0.045 g/g × 1.03 × g/cm3 × 106 cm3/m3)
= 38,016 m3/day - 134 m3/day = 37,882 m3/day
BOD5 conc. in effluent = 6,273 kg/day ÷ 37,882 m3/day × 1,000
g/kg = 165.6 g/m3 = 165.6 mg/L
TSS conc. in effluent = 3,657 kg/day ÷ 37,882 m3/day × 1,000
g/kg = 165.6 g/m3 = 96.5 mg/L
Scum quantity: ave. quantity of scum (S.G.=0.95) = 8 kg/1,000 m3
8 kg/1,000 m3 × 38,016 m3/day = 304 kg/day = 0.32 m3/day
62
Layout of the Primary Sedimentation Basins

63
64
 Common Operating Problems
1. Black and odorous septic wastewater due to decomposing wastewater
in the collection system, recycle of excessively strong digester
supernatant, or inadequate pretreatment of organic discharges from
the industries → preaeration, chlorination, or hydrogen peroxide/
potassium permanganate oxidation, control of digester supernatant,
and strict enforcement of industrial pretreatment regulations
2. Scum overflow due to inadequate frequency of scum removal,
excessive industrial contribution, worn or damaged scum wiper
blades, or improper alignment of the skimmer
3. Sludge that is hard to remove from the sludge hopper due to excessive
grit accumulation → check the grit removal facility
4. Low solids in the sludge due to excessive sludge withdrawal, short
circuiting, or surging flow
5. Excessive corrosion of metals due to H2S gas
6. Frequent broken scraper chain and shear pin failures due to improper
shear pin sizing and flight alignment, ice formation, or excessive
loading on the sludge scraper
7. A noise chain drive or a loose or stiff chain due to misalignment
65
 Operation and Maintenance
1. Remove accumulations from the influent baffles, effluent weirs,
scum baffles, and scum box each day.
2. Inspect all mechanical equipment at least once each shift.
3. Hose down and remove wastewater sludge and spills ASAP.
4. Determine sludge level and underflow concentration, and adjust
primary sludge pumping rate accordingly.
4. Observe operation of scum pump and provide hosing as
necessary.
5. Check daily electrical motors for overall operation, bearing
temperature, and overload detector.
6. Check oil levels in gear reducers and bearings on a regular basis.
7. Drain each primary basin annually and inspect the underwater
portion of the concrete structure and all mechanical parts.
8. Inspect all mechanical parts for wear, corrosion, and set proper
clearance for flights at tank walls.
9. Clean and paint the exposed metal surfaces as necessary.
66
 Specifications
General
●  Include a complete assembly of a sludge collector
mechanism with drive and collector chains with
flights, access bridge and walkway, influent and
effluent structures, pumping facilities, and overload
alarm system.
●  Dimensions: # of basins (identical basins with
common wall), Length, width, side wall depth
(SWD) at effluent end, influent end, and mid
length, bottom slope, free board, etc.

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 Specifications - continued
Materials and Fabrication
●  Conform to proper ASTM standards. The min.
thickness of all submerged metal shall not be < 0.64
mm (1/5 in) and of all-above water metal 4.8 mm
(3/16 in). Conform to all American Institute of
Steel Construction (AISC) standards for structural
steel buildings.
Collectors
●  Provide two longitudinal collectors and one cross-
collector in each basin
●  Dimensions, numbers, and materials of flights,
sprocket wheels, scrapers, chains, etc.
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 Specifications - continued
Drive Unit
●  Consists of a gear motor, gear reducer, drive base, shear pin
coupling, overload alarm device, and drive sprocket and chain
●  Motor and gear – detailed specifications

Sludge Pump
●  Self-priming, centrifugal, and nonclogging, pumping rate, etc.

Effluent Weir
●  V-notch weir and effluent box dimensions, scum removal, etc.

Skimmer
●  Hand-operated adjustable scum trough

Painting
●  Primed and painted with approved paint or epoxy

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