Faultürme / Digestion towers © iStock

CHALLENGE DIGESTER FOAMING IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS

We solve digester foaming problems

Digester foaming leads to considerable operational disruptions, such as foam within gas pipes, blockages, higher operating costs due to increased defoamer requirements and cleaning effort, reduced digester gas formation, etc. and, in the worst case, can lead to the digester overflowing.

We understand this specific challenge and put together a customized package of measures for you: Based on the investigation of possible causes of the foam problem, we develop a suitable treatment plan and help you with both short-term immediate measures and long-term concepts to solve the problem.

Causes of digester foaming

In most cases, digester foaming is caused by gram-positive filamentous bacteria, usually Microthrix parvicella, which enter the digester with the excess sludge.

Foaming in the digestion tower often occurs some time after the development of Microthrix parvicella in the activated sludge (February, March).

Foaming is also promoted by

  • uneven feeding
  • addition of co-substrate
  • insufficient mixing within the digestion tower

EXPERTISE: CHARACTERISTICS OF MICROTHRIX PARVICELLA

Often responsible for problems in municipal, rather low-polluted systems. 

Microthrix parvicella is promoted by a low sludge load, low oxygen content and low water temperatures. This is why this filamentous organism usually occurs in the winter months and leads to problems with bulking sludge and/or floating sludge in February/March. 

Microthrix parvicella can also cause sludge foaming if it is very filamentous.

Mikroskopie des Fadenbakteriums Microthrix parvicella / Microscopy of filamentous bacteria Microthrix parvicella © BIOMONTAN GmbH
purity water splashing wave © Fotolia.com

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