Influence of Surface-loading Rate on Operation Period of a Novel Suspended Media Clarifier

A novel suspended media clarifier was developed as a substitute for the secondary clarifier of conventional activated sludge process.The influence of surface-loading rate on the operation period and sludge distribution of the suspended media clarifier was studied in a pilot-scale test to investigate its operation principle and key parameters.The results indicate that the operation period of the clarifier decreases exponentially with the increase of the surface-loading rate.Considering the operation efficiency and convenient management,the operation period of the clarifier is recommended to be 7 d,and the corresponding surface-loading rate should be 2.5 m3/(m2·h).