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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Sludge and Solids Handling
Course: WRT124

First Term: 2011 Spring
 Lecture   3 Credit(s)   3 Period(s)   3 Load  
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S


Description: Exploration of conventional activated sludge plant operations including principles of activated sludge and sludge digestors used in wastewater treatment. Laboratory procedures and effluent disposal included.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the design variables, aeration systems and routine control of a conventional activated sludge plant. (I)
2. Explain procedures for startup, operation, maintenance, and shutdown of an activated sludge plant. (I)
3. Describe methods of collecting samples, interpreting lab results, and making adjustments in treatment processes. (I)
4. Explain how a sludge digestor works and what factors influence and control the digestion process. (II)
5. Explain methods of collecting samples, interpreting lab results, and making appropriate adjustments in the sludge digestion and solids handling processes. (II)
6. Describe methods of recognizing factors that indicate the sludge digestion and solids handling processes are not performing properly. (II)
7. Determine loading on sludge digestors and solids handling facilities. (II)
8. Explain procedures for properly disposing of plant effluents in receiving waters. (III)
9. Develop an operational strategy for effluent disposal. (III)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Removing Course Material in Preliminary Treatment
   A. Terms
   B. Bar Screens and Racks
      1. Safety
      2. Manually Cleaned Bar Screens
      3. Mechanically Cleaned Bar Screens
      4. Operational Procedures
      5. Disposal of Screenings
   C. Comminution
      1. Comminutors
      2. Barminutors
      3. Safety
      4. Operational Procedures
   D. Grit Removal
      1. Grit Channels
      2. Cyclone Grit Separators
      3. Grit Washing
      4. Quantities of Grit
      5. Disposal of Grit
      6. Pre-aeration
II. Sedimentation and Flotation
   A. Terms
   B. Purpose of Sedimentation and Flotation
   C. Operation and Maintenance
      1. Startup
      2. Daily Operation and Maintenance
      3. Shutdown Procedures
      4. Operational Strategy
      5. Abnormal Conditions
      6. Troubleshooting
   D. Sampling and Laboratory Analysis
      1. Need
      2. Sampling
      3. Calculation of Clarifier Efficiency
      4. Typical Clarifier Efficiencies
      5. Response to Poor Clarifier Performance
   E. Sludge and Scum Pumping
   F. Safety
   G. Principles of Operation
      1. Types of Units
      2. Primary Clarifiers
      3. Secondary Clarifiers
   H. Flotation Processes
   I. Combined Sedimentation-Digestion Unit
      1. Purpose
      2. How it works
      3. Sampling and Analysis
      4. Operation
      5. Maintenance
      6. Safety
   J. Imhoff Tanks
   K. Septic Tanks
III. Trickling Filters
   A. Terms
   B. Principles of Trickling Filters
   C. Principles of Operations
   D. Classification of Filters
      1. General
      2. Standard-Rate Filters
      3. High-Rate Filters
      4. Roughing Filters
      5. Filter Staging
   E. Starting, Operating, and Shutting Down a Filter
   F. Sampling and Analysis
   G. Operational Strategy
   H. Maintenance
   I. Safety
   J. Loading Criteria
   K. Calculations
IV. Biological Contactors
   A. Terms
   B. Process Operation
      1. Pretreatment Requirements
      2. Startup
      3. Operation
      4. Abnormal Operation
      5. Shutdown and Restart
   C. Maintenance
      1. Break-In
      2. Preventive
   D. Safety
      1. Slow-Moving Equipment
      2. Wiring and Connections
      3. Slippery Surfaces
      4. Infections and Diseases
   E. Loading Calculations
      1. Typical Loading Rates
      2. Computing Hydraulic Loading
      3. Computing Organic Loading
V. Activated Sludge
   A. Terms
   B. Process Description
   C. Requirements for Control
   D. Package Plants
      1. Purpose
      2. Pre-Start Check-Out
      3. Starting the Plant
      4. Aeration Equipment
      5. Wasting Sludge
      6. Laboratory Testing
      7. Calculations
      8. Safety
      9. Maintenance
   E. Oxidation Ditches
      1. Use
      2. Safety
      3. Startup
      4. Operation
      5. Maintenance
      6. Guidelines
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date:  11/23/2010

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.