Special Studies

Resources and examples of studies that demonstrate the principles of optimization. 

1. • How to do a Special Study

     • PowerPoint presentation on the generic steps for a special study

     • Special Study template

   • Primary clarifier Solids Retention Time special stud (Caledonia, 2021)

     • Special study that measured the sludge retention time in a primary clarifier and compared it to the best practice of one day.

   • Composite versus grab sampling of Return Activated Sludge (Halton, 2021)

     • Special study that compared the concentration of Return Activated Sludge among grab samples, composite grab samples and 24-hour composite samples.

   • Desktop evaluation of secondary clarifier sludge blanket/mass control (2021)

     • A review of secondary clarifier data to look at the affect of various parameters (e.g. sludge recycle rate, SVI, sludge blanket height) on secondary clarifier mass and RAS concentration. 

   • Comparison of alternative methods for measuring secondary clarifier sludge mass

     • A data-based review of the effectiveness of alternative methods to clarifier core sampling for monitoring the mass of sludge in secondary clarifiers.