Urban wastewater treatment plants may encounter a variety of problems during operation, which may affect treatment effectiveness, increase operating costs, or lead to environmental pollution. Here are some common problems and how to deal with them:
1.*Sludge Expansion**:
Problem**: Sludge swelling can lead to sludge loss and reduce treatment efficiency.
Countermeasures**: Adjust sludge age, control aerobic and anoxic conditions, and use chemicals such as polyaluminium chloride to improve sludge settling performance.
2.*Foam generated**:
Problem**: In activated sludge systems, the formation of biofoam can affect gas transfer and sludge settling.
Solution**: Adjust the pH, increase dissolved oxygen, use a defoamer, or change the sludge return flow.
3.*Equipment Failure and Wear & Tear**:
Problem**: Equipment failure and wear can affect the stable operation of the treatment plant.
Countermeasures**: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment, establish a preventive maintenance plan, and replace worn parts in a timely manner.
4.*Effluent quality is not up to standard**:
Problem**: Substandard effluent quality may lead to environmental pollution or violation of discharge standards.
Countermeasures**: Optimize the treatment process, increase the frequency of monitoring, adjust operating parameters to ensure the correct use of chemicals.
5.*High energy consumption and cost**:
Problem**: High energy consumption and high operating costs can affect the sustainability of treatment plants.
Countermeasures**: Adopt energy-saving equipment and technology, optimize the treatment process, and improve energy efficiency.
6.*Odor & Odor Issues**:
Problem**: Foul-smelling gases can affect the surrounding environment and the quality of life of residents.
Solution**: Install deodorization equipment, such as a biofilter or activated carbon adsorption system, to optimize the sludge treatment process.
7.*Winter Operational Issues**:
Problem**: Low temperatures can affect microbial activity and treatment efficiency.
Countermeasures**: Increase insulation measures such as heating or insulation, adjust sludge age and aeration to accommodate low temperature conditions.
8.*Fluctuation of influent water quality**:
Problem**: Fluctuating influent water quality can affect treatment effectiveness and the stability of treatment facilities.
Countermeasures**: Strengthen influent monitoring and adopt flexible operational strategies, such as adjusting sludge load and return ratio.
9.*Sludge Treatment & Disposal**:
Problem**: Improper sludge handling and disposal can lead to environmental pollution.
Response**: Use advanced sludge treatment technologies, such as anaerobic digestion or mechanical dewatering, to find safe sludge disposal routes.
10.*Operator skills are insufficient**:
Problem**: Insufficient operator skills can lead to operator errors and inefficient handling.
Countermeasures**: Provide regular training and technical support to improve the technical level and problem-solving ability of operators.
Prevention, monitoring and timely response are key to tackling these issues. By establishing an effective operation management system, urban sewage treatment plants can better cope with problems in operation and ensure their stable, efficient and environmentally friendly operation.