EXPERIMENT NO.

SLUDGE VOLUME INDEX (SVI)

2.1 Introduction

Sludge Volume index (SVI) is an important parameter, used for monitoring the operation of
aeration systems. It is also an indicator of performance of these systems.

SVI is the volume in ml occupied by 1 gm of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS)

settled in 30 minutes.

Mixed liquor sample for SVI test is drawn from the outlet of an aeration tank of an activated
sludge process (conventional or modified.)

2.2 Importance of SVI Determination

SVI is used for determining the quality of sludge produced in an aeration unit and hence its
efficiency.
It is used for determining the recirculation ratio necessary for maintaining a specified MLSS
concentration in the aerator.
It is also used for estimating suspended solids concentration in recirculated sludges.

2.3 Discussion

An Imhoff cone is used for determination of SVI. This represents, effectively, the principle
and working of a secondary settling tank in an aerobic biological system. (In the absence of
an Imhoff cone, a 1000 ml graduated cylinder may be used – particularly for field tests.)

The volume of sludge (ml), settled in 30 minutes per gram of MLSS varies from 25 to 200,
depending upon the quality of sludge produced. As the purpose of biological aeration is to
convert non settleable organic suspended solids into settleable cell mass, low SVI values
indicate high quality of sludge produced and high efficiencies of BOD removal.

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 Associated Operational Parameters for Biological Aeration Process

BOD
Av.
SVI MLSS F/M Aeration Removal Quality of
Process Sludge
mg /l mg/l d-1 Time (h) Efficiency Sludge
Age (d)
%

150-200 High Rate 500-1000 0.5-1.0 3-4 5 60-75 Poor

Good, as
indicated by
50-100-
Conventional 2000-3000 0.2-0.5 6-10 10 80-90 the median
150
value 100
mg/l
Extended
25-50 4000-6000 0.05-0.2 24-36 25 90-98 Excellent
Aeration

Sludge produced in an aeration system is considered excellent, if it settles easily, occupies

minimum volume. It is also granular and highly mineralized, it dewaters and dries easily
without odour nuisance. Sludge to be wasted from extended aeration systems, with SVI in the
range of 25-50 ml/gm, can be discharged to sludge drying beds directly, without the need of
stabilization in anaerobic digesters.

Sludge from the aeration tank of a conventional or standard rate ASP, with SVI around 100
ml/gm, is good in quality but inferior to sludge produced by an extended aeration process. It
has pollutional load and requires stabilization in a digester before drying.

Sludge from the aeration tank of a high rate process, with SVI in the range of 150-200 ml/gm
is poor in quality, odorous, high in volume, sticky and highly pollutional. It is unfit for
disposal without proper digestion.

2.2 Sludge Bulking

If SVI is more than 200 ml/gm, sludge produced in a biological aeration system is said to be
bulked. Bulked sludge indicates failure of the process. Sludge bulking is a major operational
problem, which increases the effluent BOD and decreases process efficiency.

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Causes of Sludge Bulking

(a) Poor Characteristics of Influent Wastewater

1. Frequent variation in quantity and quality of influent.

2. Low pH. (Filamentous organisms such as Beggiatoa and Sphaerotilus grow
below pH 5. These multicellular organisms get water-entrained and remain
suspended without settling down in SST.
3. Low temperature, resulting in decreased bacterial activity.
4. Staleness or septicity of influent.
5. Low nutrients (The common BOD:N:P weight ratio required for biological
treatment is 100:5:1) and,
6. High carbohydrates contribute to sludge bulking.

(b) Poor Plant Design and Operation

1. Insufficient aeration.
2. Insufficient mixing of recirculated sludge with influent wastewater.
3. Organic over-loading (high F/M)
4. Insufficient hydraulic retention time or aeration time.
5. Insufficient sludge retention time.
6. Improper recirculation of sludge resulting in fluctuating MLSS in the
aerator, and,
7. Retention of sludge in SST for too long, promoting anaerobic
conditions, contribute to sludge bulking.

Emergency Control Measures

1. Controlled chlorination of bulked sludge to kill multi-cellular

organisms only.
2. Re-aeration of return sludge on the recycle line.

Long Term Control Measures

1. Modification and improvement of Influent characteristics.

2. Modification and improvement of plant design and operational
parameters.

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2.3.3 Recirculation Ratio and Concentration of Return Sludge

SVI is related to the volume and concentration of return sludge.

2.4 Determination of SVI

2.4.1 Principle

SVI determination is based on estimating the volume of sludge settled in 30 minutes

per gram of MLSS.

2.4.2 Apparatus and Equipment

Imhoff cone ( or 1000 ml measuring jar), 50 ml measuring cylinder, crucibles, 250 ml

beaker, Whatman filter paper No. 40 (with funnel and stand), Hot air oven.

2.4.3 Procedures

A. 1) Take exactly one liter of a mixed liquor sample from an aeration tank and
allow it to settle in an Imhoff cone.

2) Record volume of settled sludge (V ml/l) at the end of 30 minutes.

B. 1) Weigh a clean and empty crucible (A) .............W1 gm.

2) Stir up the Imhoff cone contents well, collect 50 ml of the mixed liquor in (A)
(25 ml if a high value of MLSS is expected) and evaporate to dryness in a hot air
oven.

3) Cool the crucible (A) to room temperature and weigh with solids
residue… .....W2 gm.

4) Weigh a clean and empty crucible (B) ...................... W3 gm.

5) Stir up the Imhoff cone contents again and collect 50 ml (or 25 ml) of the
mixed liquor and filter through corrugated Whatman No. 40 filter paper and collect
the filtrate in crucible (B) and evaporate to dryness.

6) Cool the crucible (B) with dissolved solids residue and weight … W4 gm.

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Calculations

Mixed Liquor Total Solids (MLTS), mg/l = (W2- W1) gm * 1000 (ml/l)*1000(mg/gm)
Sample taken (ml)

Mixed Liquor Dissolved Solids (MLDS), mg/l = (W4 –W3) gm * 1000 (ml/l)*1000(mg/gm)
Original Sample taken (ml)

Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS), mg/l = MLTS – MLDS

SVI = V (ml/l) * 1000 (mg/gm)

MLSS (mg/l)
Observation Table:

Description Volume of settled MLSS SVI

Sample No. Remarks
of Sample sludge ml/l mg/l ml/g

(Note: SVI value has no practical significance if the corresponding MLSS value is not
satisfactory)

Conclusion

Figure

(Draw schematic sketch of the experimental setup used by you during performance, on both-
side blank journal paper)

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Questions on SVI

1. Define SVI.
2. SVI is an indication of plant performance. Comment on this.
3. Explain the terms:
a. MLSS
b. MLVSS
4. What is meant by Sludge Bulking? What are its causes? What are the preventive
measures to avoid sludge bulking.

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