Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators

Math
First Edition

for
Wastewater Treatment Operators
A Guide to Preparing for Wastewater Treatment
Operator Certification Exams

Grades 1 and 2
Grades 1 and 2

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20662_cover_grades1and2.indd 1 12/16/2008 12:12:18 PM

 MATH FOR WASTEWATER
TREATMENT OPERATORS
GRADES 1 AND 2

20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 1 1/13/2009 3:27:20 PM

20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 2 1/13/2009 3:27:20 PM
 MATH FOR WASTEWATER
TREATMENT OPERATORS
GRADES 1 AND 2
A Guide to Preparing for Wastewater Treatment
Operator Certification Exams

John Giorgi

First Edition

20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 3 1/13/2009 3:27:20 PM

20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 4 1/13/2009 3:27:20 PM
 This work is dedicated to my wife, Flora Zhou Giorgi; my children, Sara, Stephanie,
and Steve; my mother, Thelma Giorgi; and my father, Albert Peter Giorgi.

20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 5 1/13/2009 3:27:20 PM

 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2
Copyright © 2009 American Water Works Association

AWWA Publications Manager: Gay Porter De Nileon

Technical Editor/Project Manager: Martha Ripley Gray
Production: Hop-To-It Design Works & SquareOne Publishing

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information or retrieval system, except in the form
of brief excerpts or quotations for review purposes, without the written permission of the publisher.

Disclaimer
The authors, contributors, editors, and publisher do not assume responsibility for the validity of the content or any
consequences of their use. In no event will AWWA be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential
damages arising out of the use of information presented in this book. In particular, AWWA will not be responsible
for any costs, including, but not limited to, those incurred as a result of lost revenue. In no event shall AWWA’s
liability exceed the amount paid for the purchase of this book.

Although this study guide has been extensively reviewed for accuracy, there may be an occasion to dispute an
answer, either factually or in the interpretation of the question. Both AWWA and the author have made every effort
to correct or eliminate any questions that may be confusing or ambiguous. If you do find a question that you feel is
confusing or incorrect, please contact the AWWA Publishing Group.

Additionally, it is important to understand the purpose of this study guide. It does not guarantee certification. It is
intended to provide the operator with an understanding of the types of math questions he or she will be presented
with on a certification exam and the areas of knowledge that will be covered. AWWA highly recommends that you
make use of the additional resources listed at the end of this study guide and any other resources recommended by
your state certification board in preparing for your exam.

Library of Congress Cataloging‑in‑Publication Data

Giorgi, John.
Math for wastewater treatment operators grades 1 and 2 : practice problems to prepare for wastewater treatment
operator certification exams / John Giorgi and prepared by the editors of American Water Works Association. ‑‑ 1st ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978‑1‑58321‑587‑6
1. Sewage‑‑Purification‑‑Mathematics. 2. Sewage‑‑Purification‑‑Problems, exercises, etc. 3. Sewage disposal
plants‑‑Employees‑‑Certification. 4. Water‑‑Purification‑‑Mathematics. 5. Water‑‑Purification‑‑Problems, exercises,
etc. 6. Water treatment plants‑‑Employees‑‑Certification. 7. Engineering mathematics‑‑Formulae. I. Title. II. Title:
Math for wastewater treatment operators grades one and two.

TD745.G56 2008
628.301’51‑‑dc22
2008016635

6666 West Quincy Avenue

Denver, Colorado 80235-3098
800.926.7337

20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 6 1/13/2009 3:27:20 PM

 CONTENTS

Figures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv

Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii

Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

CHAPTER 1 WASTEWATER TREATMENT GRADE 1 . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 7

Significant Figures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Common Miscellaneous Conversion Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Temperature Conversion Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Ratio Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Percent and ppm Conversion Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Percent Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Percent Strength by Weight Solution Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Percent Solids By Weight Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Percent Volatile Solids Reduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Percent Moisture Reduction Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Volatile Solids Pumping Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Calculations for Arithmetic Mean, Median, Range, Mode, and Geometric Mean. . . . . . . 23
Area Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Circumference Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Volume Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Density Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Specific Gravity of Liquids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Specific Gravity of Solids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Pressure Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Hydraulic Press Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Screening Material Removal Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Screening Pit Capacity Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

Grit Removal Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Recirculation Ratio Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Detention Time Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Weir Overflow Rate Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Surface Overflow Rate Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Flow and Velocity Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Pump Discharge Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Solids and Hydraulic Loading Rate Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Sludge Pumping Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Biosolids Pumping and Production Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Waste Activated Sludge Pumping Rate Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Total Dynamic Head Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Pumping Horsepower and Efficiency Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Calculations of Chlorine Dose, Demand, and Residual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Dosage Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Chemical Feed Solution Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Dry Chemical Feed Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Sludge Production Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Sludge-Age (Gould) Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Sludge Volume Index and Sludge Volume Density Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Organic Loading Rate Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Suspended Solids Loading Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Biochemical Oxygen Demand Loading Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Soluble and Particulate Biochemical Oxygen Demand Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Chemical Oxygen Demand Loading Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Hydraulic Digestion Time Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Digester Loading Rate Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Mean Cell Residence Time (Solids Retention Time) Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Digester Volatile Solids Loading Ratio Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Digester Gas Production Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Volatile Acids–to–Alkalinity Ratio Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Lime Neutralization Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Poulation Loading Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Poulation Equivalent Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Solids under Aeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Suspended Solids Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Biochemical Oxygen Demand Removal Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Food-to-Microorganism Ratio Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Seed Sludge Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

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 CONTENTS

Gravity Thickener Solid Loading Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Dissolved Air Flotation: Thickener Solids Loading Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Dissolved Air Flotation: Air-to-Solids Ratio Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Dissolved Air Flotation: Air Rate Flow Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Centrifuge Thickening Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Sand Drying Bed Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Deatering Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Vacuum Filter Yield and Operating Time Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Biosolids Volume Index and Biosolids Density Index Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Settleable Solids Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Chemistry and Laboratory Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Basic Electricity Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

WASTEWATER TREATMENT—GRADE 1 TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  115

WASTEWATER TREATMENT—GRADE 1 TEST SOLUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . .  119

CHAPTER 2 WASTEWATER TREATMENT GRADE 2 . .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 135

Common Miscellaneous Conversion Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Temperature Conversion Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Ratio Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Percent and ppm Conversion Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Percent Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Percent Strength by Weight Solution Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Percent Solids by Weight Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Percent Volatile Solids Reduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Percent Moisture Reduction Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Volatile Solids Pumping Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Solution Mixture Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Calculations for Arithmetic Mean, Median, Range, Mode, and Geometric Mean. . . . . . 150
Area Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Circumference Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Volume Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Density Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Specific Gravity of Liquids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Specific Gravity of Solids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Pressure Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Hydraulic Press Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Screening Material Removal Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Screening Pit Capacity Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

ix

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

Grit Removal Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Recirculation Ratio Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Detention Time Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Weir Overflow Rate Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Surface Overflow Rate Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Flow and Velocity Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Pump Discharge Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Solids and Hydraulic Loading Rate Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Sludge Pumping Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Biosolids Pumping and Production Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Waste Activated Sludge Pumping Rate Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Total Head, Total Static Head, and Head Loss Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Pumping Horsepower, Efficiency, and Costing Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Dosage Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Chemical Feed Solution Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Dry Chemical Feed Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Sludge Production Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Sludge Age (Gould) Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Sludge Volume Index and Sludge Volume Density Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Organic Loading Rate Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Suspended Solids Loading Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Biochemical Oxygen Demand Loading Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Soluble and Particulate Biochemical Oxygen Demand Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Chemical Oxygen Demand Loading Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Hydraulic Digestion Time Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Digester Loading Rate Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Mean Cell Residence Time (Solids Retention Time) Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Digester Volatile Solids Loading Ratio Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Digester Gas Production Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Volatile Acids–to–Alkalinity Ratio Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Lime Neutralization Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Poulation Loading Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Poulation Equivalent Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Solids under Aeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Suspended Solids Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Biochemical Oxygen Demand Removal Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Food-to-Microorganism Ratio Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Seed Sludge Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Gravity Thickener Solids Loading Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250

20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 10 1/13/2009 3:27:21 PM

 CONTENTS

Dissolved Air Flotation: Thickener Solids Loading Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252

Dissolved Air Flotation: Air-to-Solids Ratio Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Dissolved Air Flotation: Air Rate Flow Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Centrifuge Thickening Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Sand Drying Bed Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Dewatering Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Vacuum Filter Yield and Operating Time Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Biosolids Volume Index and Biosolids Density Index Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Settleable Solids Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Composting Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Chemistry and Laboratory Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Basic Electricity Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Kilowatt Determinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270

WASTEWATER TREATMENT—GRADE 2 TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  271

WASTEWATER TREATMENT—GRADE 2 TEST SOLUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . .  277

Appendix A  Common Conversion Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

Appendix B  Summary of Wastewater Treatment Equations. . . . . . . 303

Appendix C  Chemistry Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

Appendix D  Depth/Diameter (D/D) Table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337

Appendix E  Wastewater Flow Chart Diagrams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

Appendix F  Abbreviations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353

Bibliography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357

Additional Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359

xi

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20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 12 1/13/2009 3:27:21 PM
 TABLES

C-1 International Atomic Weights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

C-2 Common Chemicals Used and Encountered in the Water Industry. . . . . . . . . 333

C-3 Common Formula Weights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335

D-1 Depth/Diameter Table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .337

xiii

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20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 14 1/13/2009 3:27:21 PM
 FIGURES

Figure 1 Flow Chart of Typical Wastewater Treatment Processes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340

Figure 2 Flow Chart of Conventional Activated Sludge Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341

Figure 3 Flow Chart of Contact Stabilization Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342

Figure 4 Flow Chart of Activated Sequencing Batch Reactor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

Figure 5 Flow Chart of Typical Wastewater Treatment

Using Ponds after Secondary Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344

Figure 6 Flow Chart of Typical Wastewater Treatment

Using Polishing Ponds in Series Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345

Figure 7 Flow Chart of Wastewater Treatment

Using Rotating Biological Contactor Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346

Figure 8 Flow Chart of Typical Wastewater Treatment Using an Oxidation Ditch . . . . 347

Figure 9 Flow Chart of Typical Wastewater Treatment

Using Electrodialysis or Nanofiltration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348

Figure 10 Flow Chart of Typical Wastewater

Treatment Using a Membrane Bioreactor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349

Figure 11 Flow Chart of Wastewater Treatment Nitrification Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350

Figure 12 Flow Chart of Wastewater Treatment Plant Processing Sludge. . . . . . . . . . . . 351

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20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 16 1/13/2009 3:27:21 PM
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank the staff and editors of the American Water Works Associ-
ation, publications manager Gay Porter De Nileon, editor Martha Ripley Gray, and
reviewers Radenko Odzakovic and Tim McCandless for their help and guidance
in making this book possible. Their assistance is greatly appreciated.
I am grateful to my wife, Flora, and my children, Steve, Stephanie, and Sara.
Their patience and support for my long hours working on this book will always
be greatly appreciated.

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20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 18 1/13/2009 3:27:21 PM
 PREFACE

The first edition of Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2 was
written to provide students and operators with examples of a variety of different
problems that will be encountered both on certification exams and on the job. This
book is divided into four main parts: the introduction, which is a review of sig-
nificant numbers and rounding; two chapters on math followed by practice tests,
one after each math chapter; and appendices. The math problems in chapter two
are a little more difficult than the math problems in chapter one and also contain
a few new types.
Each problem is presented with easily followed steps and comments to facilitate
understanding. One possible way to go through the math problems presented in
this study guide is for you to cover the page you are working on with a piece of paper
or cardboard. Then, slowly move the cover down until you can read the question. Do
the problem on a separate piece of paper. Uncover the worked solution and compare
your method and result to the book’s method and result. If your answer is the same,
but your method is different, that’s okay. Remember that there may be more than
one way to solve a problem. If there is a certain problem that gives you trouble,
try to do the problem again on another day until you completely understand it. Do
similar problems that may be found in the other grade in the book. The more math
problems you do, the more comfortable you will become with them.
Included after each grade level are tests to help you determine where your
strengths or weaknesses are. Each test consists of randomly chosen problems
from the associated problems in that chapter. The questions in the test are fol-
lowed immediately by each individual question, procedure, and result. You can
complete all the problems in the test on a separate piece of paper. After com-
pleting the test, the procedures and answers can be checked against the provided
procedures and solutions.
Common conversion factors are included in appendix A for reference purposes
and for doing problems in this book. Appendix B is a summary of the wastewater
treatment equations. Appendix C consists of chemistry tables that are needed for
some of the problems. Appendix D is the depth-to-diameter table for calculating
flow in a pipeline that is not full. Appendix E contains flow charts of wastewater
treatment processes. And appendix F lists abbreviations used in this book.
Any suggestions for improving this math book, including additional types of
problems, would be appreciated by the author. Please send your suggestions or ques-
tions to John Giorgi at aujourney@hotmail.com, or in care of Publications Manager,
AWWA, 6666 W. Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235-3098.

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20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 20 1/13/2009 3:27:21 PM
 INTRODUCTION

SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
When you see an answer to a mathematical problem, laboratory test result, or other measured
values, do you ever wonder how accurate they are? The accuracy of any answer is based on how
accurate the values are in determining the answer, or the accuracy of the laboratory result
depends on the precision of the measuring instruments, and even the laboratory analyst.
The following discussion will show how to determine the number of significant figures or
digits an answer to any particular problem should have, i.e., how many decimal places, if any,
should the answer have.
The number 30.03 has four significant figures, while the number 33,000 has only two but could
have three, four, or five depending on whether or not any of the zeroes are measured values.
Why is this so? The number 30.03 has been measured to the hundredth place, so the zeroes that
are straddled by the threes are significant. In fact, all figures to the left of a decimal point are
significant (for example, 2.000 has four significant figures). The second number, 33,000, has
only two because the zeroes in this case are only placeholders and are thus not significant. See
the exercise below on significant figures.

“Rounding Off”

“Rounding off” numbers is simply the dropping of figures starting on the right until the appro-
priate numbers of significant figures remain. Let’s look at the three rules and an example for
each that governs the process of rounding numbers.

1. When a figure less than five is dropped, the next figure to the left remains unchanged. Thus,
the number 11.24 becomes 11.2 when it is required that the four be dropped.

2. When the figure is greater than five that number is dropped and the number to the left is
increased by one. Thus 11.26 will become 11.3.

3. When the figure that needs to be dropped is a five, round to the nearest even number.
This prevents rounding bias. Thus 11.35 becomes 11.4 and 46.25 becomes 46.2.

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

The Significance or Insignificance of Zero

A zero may be a significant figure, if it is a measured value, or be insignificant and serve only
as a spacer for locating the decimal point. If a zero or zeroes are used to give position value to
the significant figures in the number, then the zero or zeroes are not significant. An example
of this would be the following expression: 1.23 mm = 0.123 cm = 0.000123 m = 0.00000123 km.
The zeroes are insignificant and only give the significant figures, 123, a position that dictates
their value.

Addition and Subtraction

In addition and subtraction, only similar units and written to the same number of decimal places
may be added or subtracted. Also, the number with the least decimal places, and not necessarily
the fewest number of significant figures, places a limit on the number that the sum can justi-
fiably carry, for example, when adding the following numbers: 446 mm + 185.22 cm + 18.9 m.
First, convert the quantities to similar units, which in this case will be the meter (second row
below). Next, choose the least accurate number, which is 18.9. It has only one number to the
right of the decimal, so the other two values will have to be rounded off (third row below).

446 mm = 0.446 = 0.4 m

185.22 cm = 1. 8522 m = 1. 8 m
18.9 m 18 9 m = 18. 9 m
21.1 m

When adding numbers (including negative numbers), the rule is that the least accurate
number will determine the number reported as the sum. In other words, the number of signif-
icant figures reported in the sum cannot be greater than the least significant figure in the group
being added. Another example is given below in which the least accurate number, 170, dictates
how the other three numbers will have to be changed before addition is done.
1.023 grams (g) = 1g
23.22 g = 23 g
170 g = 170 g
1 .008 g = 1g
195.251 g 195 g

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 INTRODUCTION

However, you cannot report either of these values. The third value, 170 g, has two significant
numbers, while all the others have four. The limiting factor is this third value, 170 g. The number
195 has three significant figures, and thus, cannot be used either. The answer must be reported
as 200 g even though this looks wrong because it appears to have only one significant figure!

Multiplication and Division

In multiplication or division, the number that has the fewest significant figures will dictate how
the answer will be written. Suppose we had a problem where we had to multiply two numbers:
(23.88)(7.2) = 171.936. The first number has four significant figures, while the second has only
two. The answer should only be written with two significant figures, as 170, because one of the
numbers, 7.2, has only two significant figures. In both multiplication and division, “rounding
off” never should be done before the mathematical exercise. Only the result should be appropri-
ately “rounded off.”
However, the above explanation of rounding multiplication and division problems is really an
approximation of the exact rule. The exact rule states that the fractional or percentage error
of a multiplication or division problem cannot be any less than the fractional or percentage
error of any one factor. The exact rule always has to consider the amount of error that would
result when rounding and applies to problems that have only one or two significant figures.
These problems may require an additional significant number. An example follows: (0.93)(1.23)
= 1.14. If this were rounded to 1.1 (two significant figures as is 0.93), as per the generalized or
approximate rule, it would result in an error of approximately 3.5%, i.e., from the 1.14 answer.
If the least significant number in the problem, 0.93, were written as 0.93 ± 0.01, it would result
in an error of just over 1%, i.e., if it were really 0.94 or 0.92.

(0.01) (100%)
= 1.075%, round to 1.1%
0.93

Thus, the best answer would be 1.14 because it introduces less error than the least significant
number, if again it were measured wrong and were a little more or less (0.94 or 0.92).
Because this is much more difficult than what we need in this book, we will use the approx-
imate rounding rule throughout this book, except where indicated. I stated it here so that you
would be aware of this rule in case you are not already.

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

In the following exercise, give the number of significant figures from each of the values below:

VALUE ANSWER
a. 8.34 lb/gal 3
b. 0.03 ntu 1
c. 19.08 mgd 4
d. 3 1-ton sulfur dioxide containers 1 or infinite*
e. 2.30 mg/L 3
f. 0.00000254 3
g. 80,000 pennies 1 to 5
h. 0.006700 4
i. 43,560 ft /acre-ft
3
4 or 5 or infinite#
j. 220 m 2 or 3
k. 9.02 mg 3
l. 10,200,050 gal 7 or 8
m. 1,000,000/mil 7 or infinite#
n. 1,440 min/day 4 or infinite+
o. 7.481 gal/ft3 4
p. 86,400 sec/day 5 or infinite+

* Because one would not divide them up in little pieces.

#
By definition, so one could extend the zeros past the decimal point to infinity.
+
By definition, these are the minutes and seconds, respectively, that are in a day; until the earth’s rotational
speed slows down enough to warrant a change in these times, I will call these as indicated.

See chapter 1, Significant Figures, for more practice.

ROUNDING IN THIS BOOK

The problems in this book are done in steps so the student can see each operation visually,
which facilitates understanding. In so doing, a certain amount of “pre-rounding” has to occur,
otherwise the numbers continue in most cases to absurdity. This “pre-rounding” was done as
much as possible such that the final answer would not be affected. In general, keep at least
one more significant digit in intermediate results, when doing multistep calculations, than is
required in the final answer.

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 INTRODUCTION

SET UP OF PROBLEMS IN THIS BOOK

Note that many of the same problem types have the equation written each time and that the
units are written throughout each problem. The reason this is done is to help the student form
a good habit, because carrying units throughout a calculation will assist in identifying which
units require conversion and as a check on the final result. This habit should be carried over
during a certification test or on the job. In some cases, partial credit will be given for a correct
written equation. When the units are written down, it will not only help the student in setting
up the problem correctly by seeing how the units will cancel, but will also make it easier for the
person correcting the test to see your intent and also in correcting the problems.

Pi (π)
The number used for pi (π) will be 3.14 throughout this book.

ppm and mg/L

Since in most cases mg/L = ppm, please note that mg/L will cancel out units that are in millions.
For example, mg/L will cancel with the mil (million) in mil gal.

DERIVATION OF THE NUMBER 0.785

The number 0.785 is used extensively in this book in conjunction with the diameter squared.
Examples include the determination of the area of a circular reservoir or the volume of the
tank. The same answer can be achieved using πr2, where “r” equals the radius. But how is this
number, 0.785, derived? The following applies:

1. (0.785)(Diameter)2 = πr2
2. (Diameter)2 = 4r2

Proof: Assume x is the number 0.785 but is not yet known. We know some number, x, times the
diameter squared equals π times the radius squared. The equation is:

x(Diameter)2 = πr2
From 1 above and substituting x for 0.785, substitute 4r2 for (Diameter)2 from 2 above.
x(4r2) = πr2 Rearrange equation to solve for x.

x = πr2 = π = 3.14 = 0.785

2

4r 4 4

Thus, x is equal to 0.785, which is what we wanted to prove. Most water treatment operators
like to use (0.785)(Diameter)2, while engineers and scientists like to use πr2. Because both will
be encountered, it is advisable to know both methods.

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20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 6 1/13/2009 3:27:22 PM
 Chapter

1 WasteWater Treatment
Grade 1
Students preparing for Grade 2 through Grade 4 wastewater
treatment certification tests should also understand these problems.

SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
These problems are a good refresher for the student or operator. The importance of significant
figures is to not place too much importance in numbers that are insignificant and therefore
meaningless.

Note: L = liter, gal = gallons, mgd = million gallons per day, g = grams, cm = centimeters

1. Addition:

a.  6.071 L   b.  488.0 gal   c.  6.004 mgd

2.463 L 1.943 gal 0.2896 mgd
5.8 L 9. 4 gal 14.2 mgd
0.158 L 23 . 007 gal 0.847 mgd
14.492 L 522 35 al 21. 3406 mgd

Answers:
a. 14.5 L b. 522.4 gal c. 21.3 mgd

20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 7 1/13/2009 3:27:24 PM

 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

2. Subtraction:

a.  0.068902 g    b.  422 cm    c.  1, 437.5 gal

- 0.0376 g - 5.23 cm - 12.96 gal
0.031302 g 416.77 cm 1, 424.54 gal

Answers:
a. 0.0313 g b. 417 cm c. 1,424.5 gal

3. Multiplication:

a.  (24.03)(0.2876) = 6.911028, round to 6.911

b.  (8.1)(1.6238) = 13.15278, round to 13

c.  (3.214 × 104)(4.2 × 107) = 13.4988 × 1011, round to 13 × 1011

  (Always add the exponents 104 + 107 = 1011 or in the case when one of the exponents is
negative, 105 + 10–7= 10–2)

4. Division:

21.973 1, 402 0.8334

a.  = 0.3772   b.  = 18.6   c.  = 0.33
58.25 75.2 2.5

COMMON MISCELLANEOUS CONVERSION PROBLEMS

These problems are a good refresher for the student or operator because they are used con-
stantly in wastewater calculations.

5. How many pounds (lb) does exactly 2 gallons of water weigh?

Know: 1 gal = 8.34 lb

Thus: Number of lb = (8.34 lb/gal)(2 gal) = 16.68 lb

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

6. How many pounds are there in 1 cubic foot (ft3) of water?

Know: 1 ft3 = 7.48 gal

Number of lb/ft3 = (8.34 lb/gal)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 62.3832 lb/ft3, round to 62.4 lb/ft3

7. How much does exactly 25 gallons of water weigh?

Equation: Number of lb = (Number of gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb = (25 gal)(8.34 lb/gal) = 208.5 lb, round to 208 lb

Note: In this case 25 gal is not a measurement, but an exact amount asked for in the problem.
It therefore has an infinite number of significant figures. The limiting factor in this problem is
8.34 lb/gal (three significant figures).

8. How many gallons are there in 34.8 ft3?

Know: 1 ft3 = 7.48 gal

Thus: Number of gal = (7.48 gal/ft3)(34.8 ft3) = 260.304 gal, round to 260 gal

9. Convert 249,473 ft3 to acre-ft.

Know: 1 acre-ft = 43,560 ft3

249, 472 ft 3
Thus: Number of acre-ft = = 5.7271 acre-ft
43, 560 ft 3 /acre-ft

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

10. How many acre feet (acre-ft) are there in 4.35 million gallons (mil gal)?

Know: 1 acre of ft3 = 43,560 ft3 and 1 ft3 = 7.48 gal

First, convert 4.35 million gallons to gallons.

Number of gallons = (1,000,000/mil)(4.35 mil gal) = 4,350,000 gal

(1 acre ft) (1 ft3) (4, 350, 000 gal)

Number of acre-ft = = 13.35 acre-ft, round to 13.4 acre-ft
(43, 560 ft3) (7.48 gal)

11. Convert 250 gallons per minute (gpm) to cubic feet per second (ft3/s).

Know: 1 ft3 = 7.48 gal

Number of gpm
Thus: Number of ft3/s =
(60 s/ min) (7.48 gal/ft 3)
250 gpm
Number of ft3/s = = 0.557 ft3/s, round to 0.56 ft3/s
(60 s/ min) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

12. Convert 485.6 grams (g) to pounds (lb).

Know: 1 pound = 454 grams

(1 lb) (485.6 g)
Number of lb = = 1.069 lb, round to 1.07 lb
454 g

13. Convert 77 gallons to liters (L).

Know: 1 gallon = 3.785 liters

Thus: Number of liters = (77 gal)(3.785 L/1 gal) = 291.445 L, round to 290 L

10

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

14. Convert 18.2 ft3/s to million gallons per day (mgd).

Know: 1 ft3/s = 0.6463 mgd

(18.2 ft 3 /s) (0.6463 mgd)

Thus: Number of mgd = = 11.7627 mgd, round to 11.8 mgd
1 ft 3 /s

15. A tank holds 500 gallons. How many cubic feet is this?

Know: 1 ft3 = 7.48 gal

(500 gal) (1 ft 3)
Thus: Number of ft3 = = 66.845 ft3, round to 70 ft3
7.48 gal

16. How many million gallons are there in 326 acre-ft?

Know: 43,560 ft3 = 1 acre-ft and 7.48 gal = 1 ft3

Thus: (326 acre-ft)(43,560 ft3/acre-ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)(1 mil gal)

= 106.22 mil gal, round to 106 mil gal
1,000,000

17. Convert 16.3 ft3/s to gallons per minute (gpm).

Know: 7.48 gal = 1 ft3

Thus: (16.3 ft3/s)(7.48 gal/ft3)(60 s/min) = 7,315.44 gpm, round to 7,320 gpm

18. Convert 9.2 ft3/s to mgd.

Know: 7.48 gal = 1 ft3

Thus: Number of mgd = (9.2 ft3/s)(7.48 gal/ft3)(86,400 s/d)(1 mil gal/1,000,000 gal)

Number of mgd = 5.946 mgd, round to 5.9 mgd

11

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

19. Convert 72.35 acre-ft to cubic feet.

Know: 43,560 ft3 = 1 acre-ft

Thus: (72.35 acre-ft)(43,560 ft3/acre-ft) = 3,151,566 ft3, round to 3,152,000 ft3

TEMPERATURE CONVERSION PROBLEMS

These problems are a good refresher for the student or operator. Temperature is important
in many plant processes. During sedimentation, the higher the temperature of the water, the
faster the suspended particles, floc, and other fine materials will settle. Cold temperature water
is denser than warmer water and thus particles take longer to settle. Microorganisms grow
faster in warmer water than in cold water, which affects processes such as oxidation ditches,
ponds, and digesters.

20. Convert 210 degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius.

The equation for determining Celsius is: °C = 5°C/9°F(°F - 32°F)

Substitution: °C = 5°C/9°F(210 - 32) = 5/9(178) = 98.89°C, round to 99°C

21. Convert 36 degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius.

Equation: C = 5°C/9°F(°F - 32°F)

Substitution: °C = 5°C/9°F(36 - 32) = 5/9(4) = 2.22°C, round to 2.2°C

22. Convert -197 degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit.

The equation for determining Fahrenheit is: °F = 9°F/5°C(°C) + 32°F or use F = 1.8°C + 32°F

Substitution: °F = 9°F/5°C(-197°C) + 32 = -322.6°F, round to -323°F

12

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

RATIO CALCULATIONS
Ratios are a quick and easy way to solve simple problems when a particular relationship of
two variables is known and one of those variables is changed to a known value. The question
now is what happens to the variable that was not changed? The final result for this unknown
variable can be calculated by setting up a ratio—a “relationship” between the known variables
that can be set to equal the new “relationship” with the unknown. Then, using simple algebra,
solve for the unknown. The following problems are examples of ratio problems that wastewater
operators may find useful in their work.

23. A chemical pump discharges 27 mL of polymer at a speed setting of 29% and a

stroke setting of 10%. If the polymer requires an increase from 27 mL to 45 mL,
what should the pump speed setting be moved to? Assume pump has a linear
output.

This problem can be solved using a ratio, as follows:

Speed setting1, Percent Speed setting2, Percent

=
Polymer dosage1, mL Polymer dosage 2, mL

Substitute values and solve.

29% Speed setting2, Percent

=
27 mL 45 mL
(29%) (45 mL)
Speed setting2, Percent = = 48.33%, round to 48%
27 mL

13

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

24. A wastewater treatment plant has a chlorine dosage of 9.28 mg/L at a flow of
2.65 mgd. If the flow increases to 3.31 mgd, what should the chlorine dosage be
increased to assuming all other parameters remain the same?

Set up a ratio.

Chlorine dosage1, mg/L Chlorine dosage2, mg/L

=
Flow1, mgd Flow2, mgd

Rearrange the ratio to solve for chlorine dosage2.

(Chlorine dosage1, mg/L) ( Flow2, mgd)

Chlorine dosage2, mg/L =
Flow1, mgd

Substitute values and solve.

(9.28 mg/L) (3.31 mgd)

Chlorine dosage2, mg/L = = 11.59 mg/L New chlorine dosage
2.65 mgd

PERCENT AND PPM CONVERSION PROBLEMS

These problems are a good refresher for the student or operator. They are important because
they are used in some dosage and mixture problems. Note: mg/L = ppm.

25. A solution was found to be 4.8% soda ash. What is the mg/L soda ash in the solu-
tion?

Know: A 1% solution = 10,000 mg/L

(4.8%) (10, 000 mg/L)

Thus: = 48,000 mg/L Soda ash
1%

26. Convert a solution that has 26,588 ppm to percent.

Know: A 1% solution = 10,000 ppm

26, 588 ppm

Thus: = 2.6588% Solution
10, 000 ppm/1%

14

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

27. Convert 67,114 ppm to percent.

Know: A 1% solution = 10,000 ppm

67, 114 ppm

Thus: = 6.7114% Solution
10, 000 ppm/1%

PERCENT CALCULATIONS
Percent calculations are used throughout this book and are thus essential to understand.

28. If 293 is 100%, what is 43.4%.

Let x = the unknown number, that is, 43.4% of 293

x = (293)(43.4%/100%) = 127.162, round to 127

Another way to solve these types of problems is by writing a ratio.

293/100% = x/43.4%

(43.4%) (293)
x= = 127.162, round to 127
100%

An easier way to solve these types of problems is to know that the number for 43.4% must be
smaller than 293. Thus, if we multiply by the decimal for 43.4% (43.4%/100% = 0.434), we get
the same answer. Simply remember that when you divide by 100%, it is the same as moving the
decimal point to the left two places. If you can do this step in your head, these problems can be
solved faster.

x = (293)(0.434) = 127.162, round to 127

15

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

29. Calculate the percent efficiency in removing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5)
for a primary clarifier, if the influent BOD5 is 228 mg/L and the effluent BOD5 is
133 mg/L.

Equation:

(Influent BOD5 - Effluent BOD5) (100%) (In - Out) (100%)

Percent BOD5 removal = or
Influent BOD5 In
(228 mg/L - 133 mg/L) (100%) (95 mg/L) (100%)
Percent BOD5 removal = =
228 mg/L 228 mg/L

Remember, always perform addition or subtraction within parenthesis before multiplication or

division outside of the parenthesis.

Percent BOD5 removal = (0.4167)(100%) = 41.67 %, round to 41.7% removal of BOD5

30. If 85 is 16.2%, what is 90%? Assume two significant figures.

Write a ratio and solve for the unknown number, x.

85/16.2% = x/90%

x = (90%)(85)/16.2% = 472.222, round to 470

PERCENT STRENGTH BY WEIGHT SOLUTION PROBLEMS

The strength of solution calculations are important to determine so that operators can properly
mix chemicals in the percentages they need for dosing a particular wastewater process or other
application.

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

31. If 40.1 lb of magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2] is dissolved in 98.4 gallons of water,

what is the percent strength by weight of the Mg(OH)2 solution?

First, convert the number of gallons of water to pounds.

Number of lb = (98.4 gal)(8.34 lb/gal) = 820.656 lb of water

Next, find the percent strength of the solution.

(Number of lb of chemical) (100%)

Equation: Percent strength =
Number of lb, Water + lb, Chemical

Substitute values and solve.

[40.1 lb Mg (OH)2] (100%)

Percent strength =
820.656 lb, Water + 40.1 lb Mg (OH)2
[40.1 lb Mg (OH)2] (100%)
Percent strength = = 4.66% Mg(OH)2 solution by weight
860.756 lb

32. If 15 grams (g) of lime are dissolved in 2.500 liters (L) of water, what is the per-
cent strength by weight of the lime solution?

Know: 1 liter = 3,785 mL = 3,785 grams

(Number of g of chemical) (100%)

Equation: Percent strength =
Number of g, Water + g, Chemical

Substitute values and solve.

(15 g Lime) (100%)

Percent strength =
(2.5 L, Water) (1, 000 g/L)+15 g Lime
(15 g Lime) (100%)
Percent strength = = 0.60% Lime solution by weight
2, 515 g

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

33. What is the percent strength by weight of a polymer solution, if 7.57 grams (g) of
polymer is dissolved in 1.000 liters (L) of water?

Know: 1 liter = 3,785 mL = 3,785 grams

(Number of g of chemical) (100%)

Equation: Percent strength =
Number of g, Water + g, Chemical

Substitute values and solve.

(7.57 g Polymer) (100%)

Percent strength =
(1.000 L, Water) (1, 000 g/L)+7.57 g Polymer
(7.57 g Polymer) (100%)
Percent strength = = 0.75% Polymer solution by weight
1, 007.57 g

PERCENT SOLIDS BY WEIGHT CALCULATIONS

Operators use percent solids calculations to determine efficiency of different unit processes, as
well as to determine how much waste will require disposal.

34. What are the percent total solids by weight in a sludge sample that weighed 295
grams before drying and 16.3 grams after drying?

(Dry sample in grams) (100%)

Equation: Percent total solids =
Sludge sample in grams
(16.3 grams) (100%)
Percent total solids = = 5.53% Total solids by weight
295 grams

35. If the percent total solids by weight are 4.72% and the dried sample (total solids)
weighed 9.84 grams, what must have been the weight of the sludge sample before
it was dried?

(Dry sample in grams) (100%)

Equation: Percent total solids =
Sludge sample in grams

Rearrange the equation.

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

(Dry sample in grams) (100%)

Sludge sample, grams =
Percent total solids

Substitute values and solve.

(9.84 grams) (100%)

Sludge sample, grams = = 208.47 grams, round to 208 grams
4.72%

PERCENT VOLATILE SOLIDS REDUCTION

The percent volatile solids reduction calculations indicate the effectiveness of the digested
sludge process when compared to the volatile solids in the influent. The higher the percent
volatile solids reduced or destroyed, the more stable the organic matter in the digester becomes
and the more gas that is produced.

36. Calculate the percent volatile solids (VS) reduction by weight, if the digester
influent sludge has a VS content of 65% and the digester effluent sludge has a VS
content of 51%.

First, convert percentage to decimal form by dividing by 100%.

65%/100% = 0.65

51%/100% = 0.51

Equation: Percent VS reduction =

(Percent influent VS - Percent effluent VS) (100%)

[Percent influent VS - (Percent influent VS) (Percent effluent VS)]
(0.65 - 0.51) (100%) 0.14 (100%)
Percent VS reduction = =
0.65 - (0.65) (0.51) 0.65 - 0.3315
14%
Percent VS reduction = = 43.96%, round to 44% VS reduction by weight
0.3185

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

37. If the digester influent sludge has a volatile solids (VS) content of 61% and the di-
gester effluent sludge has a VS content of 48.5% by weight, calculate the percent
VS reduction.

First, convert percentage to decimal form by dividing by 100%.

61%/100% = 0.61

48.5%/100% = 0.485

(Influent - Effluent) (100%)

Equation: Percent VS reduction =
Effluent - (Effluent) (Influent)
(0.61 - 0.485) (100%) 0.125 (100%)
Percent VS reduction = =
0.61 - (0.61) (0.485) 0.61 - 0.29585
12.5%
Percent VS reduction = = 39.79%, round to 40% VS reduction by weight
0.31415

PERCENT MOISTURE REDUCTION PROBLEMS

This calculation will tell the operator the efficiency of the moisture reduction process.

38. What is the percent moisture reduction by weight for a digester, if the raw bio-
solids is 8.1% solids and the digested biosolids is 15.9%?

Equation: Percent moisture reduction =

(Percent influent moisture - Percent moisture, after digestion) (100%)

[Percent influent moisture - (Percent influent moisture) (Percent moisture, after digestion)]

First, convert the percentages for solids to moisture percent then to decimal form for easier
substitution.

Raw biosolids = 100% - 8.1% = 91.9%/100% = 0.919

Digested biosolids = 100% - 15.9% = 84.1%/100% = 0.841

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

Substitute values and solve.

(0.919 - 0.841) (100%)

Percent moisture reduction =
[0.919 - (0.919) (0.841)]

Simplify:

(0.078) (100%)
Percent moisture reduction =
(0.919 - 0.772879)
(0.078) (100%)
Percent moisture reduction = 53% Moisture reduction by weight
0.146121

39. What is the percent moisture reduction by weight for a digester, if the raw bio-
solids is 6.8% solids and the digested biosolids is 13.9%?

Equation: Percent moisture reduction =

(Percent influent moisture - Percent moisture, after digestion) (100%)

[Percent influent moisture - (Percent influent moisture) (Percent moisture, after digestion)]

First, convert the percentages for solids to moisture percent then to decimal form for easier
substitution.

Raw biosolids = 100% - 6.8% = 93.2%/100% = 0.932

Digested biosolids = 100% - 13.9% = 86.1%/100% = 0.861

Substitute values and solve.

(0.932 - 0.861) (100%)

Percent moisture reduction =
[0.932 - (0.932) (0.861)]

Simplify:

(0.071) (100%)
Percent moisture reduction =
(0.932 - 0.802452)
(0.071) (100%)
Percent moisture reduction = = 55% Moisture reduction by weight
0.129548

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

VOLATILE SOLIDS PUMPING CALCULATIONS

These calculations are used as a planning tool by the operator. By knowing the pumping rate
of volatile solids into a digester, an operator can make sure it is not overloaded, which would
adversely affect the digester’s operation and performance. See Figures 2, 4, 5, and 6 in Appendix
E for four types of wastewater plants using a digester.

40. How many lb/day of volatile solids (VS) are sent to a digester, if 56% by weight of
the 2,344 lb/day of solids sent to the digester are volatile?

Equation: VS, lb/day = (Number of lb/day, sent to digester)(Percent VS)/100%

VS, lb/day = (2,344 lb/day Solids)(56% VS)/100% = 1,312.64, round to 1,300 lb/day of VS

41. Given the following data, how many lb/day of volatile solids (VS) are pumped to
a digester?

Pumping rate = 7,745 gpd

Solids content = 6.25%
Volatile solids = 59.5%

Equation: VS, lb/day =

(Percent solids) (Percent VS)

(Number of gpd to digester) (8.34 lb/gal)
100% 100%
(6.25%) (59.5% VS)
VS, lb/day = (7,745 lb/day Solids) (8.34 lb/gal)
100% 100%

VS, lb/day = 2,402.06 lb/day, round to 2,400 lb/day of VS

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

42. Given the following data, how many lb/day of volatile solids (VS) are pumped to
a digester?

Pumping rate = 4,055 gpd

Volatile solids = 61%
Solids content = 7.1%

Equation:

(Percent solids) (Percent VS)

VS, lb/day = (Number of gpd to digester) (8.34 lb/gal)
100% 100%
(7.1%) (61% VS)
VS, lb/day = (4,055 lb/day solids) (8.34 lb/gal)
100% 100%

VS, lb/day = 1,464.69, round to 1,500 lb/day of VS

CALCULATIONS FOR ARITHMETIC MEAN,

MEDIAN, RANGE, MODE, AND GEOMETRIC MEAN
These calculations are good tools for planning and evaluating plant processes.

43. What is the average mg/L per day of volatile acids coming off a digester given the
following data?

Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.

234 261 280 272 259 257 244

Sum of volatile acids, mg/L/day

Equation: Avg. volatile acids, mg/L/day =
Total time, days
234 + 261 + 280 + 272 + 259 + 257 + 244
Avg. volatile acids, mg/L/day =
7 days

Avg. volatile acids, mg/L/day = 258.14 mg/L/day, round to 258 mg/L/day of Volatile acids

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44. What is the average number of gallons per day (gpd) per square foot of nitrogen
removal given the following data?

Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.

1.53 1.59 1.60 1.62 1.64 1.68 1.71

Sum of nitrogen removal, gpd/ft 2

Equation: Avg. nitrogen removal, gpd/ft2 =
Total time, days
1.53 + 1.59 + 1.60 + 1.62 + 1.64 + 1.68 + 1.71
Avg. nitrogen removal, gpd/ft2 =
7 days

Avg. nitrogen removal, gpd/ft2 = 1.62 gpd/ft2 of Nitrogen removal

45. Calculate the moving (running) average for BOD5 removal during days 8, 9, and
10 given the following data:

1—212 mg/L 9—226 mg/L

2—231 mg/L 10—211 mg/L
3—244 mg/L 11—245 mg/L
4—235 mg/L 12—206 mg/L
5—217 mg/L 13—193 mg/L
6—202 mg/L 14—188 mg/L
7—194 mg/L 15—189 mg/L
8—209 mg/L 16—204 mg/L

Day 8, 7-day moving average:

Add day 8 BOD5 to the previous 6 days.

231 + 244 + 235 + 217 + 202 + 194 + 209

7-day average = = 219 mg/L BOD5
7 days

Day 9, 7-day moving average:

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

Add day 9 BOD5 to the previous 6 days.

244 + 235 + 217 + 202 + 194 + 209 + 226

7-day average = = 218 mg/L BOD5
7 days

Day 10, 7-day moving average:

Add day 10 BOD5 to the previous 6 days.

235 + 217 + 202 + 194 + 209 + 226 + 211

7-day average = = 213 mg/L BOD5
7 days

46. Given the following data, calculate the unknowns.

Note: A scientific calculator is required for determining the geometric mean.

Day Effluent BOD5, mg/L Unknown

Monday 28 a. Arithmetic mean, mg/L
Tuesday 32 b. Median, mg/L
Wednesday 34 c. Range, mg/L
Thursday 32 d. Mode, mg/L
Friday 29 e. Geometric mean, mg/L
Saturday 23
Sunday 35

a. Calculate the arithmetic mean of BOD5, mg/L and use

the exact rule for rounding.

Sum of all measurements

Equation: Arithmetic mean =
Number of measurements
28 + 32 + 34 + 32 + 29 + 23 + 35
Arithmetic Mean = = 30.4 mg/L BOD5
7

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

b. Determine the median of BOD5 mg/L.

To determine the median, put the chlorine dosages in ascending order and choose the middle
value.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
23 28 29 32 32 34 35

In this case the middle value is 32 mg/L BOD5

c. Determine the range of BOD5 mg/L.

Equation: Range = Largest value - Smallest value

Range, mg/L = 35 mg/L - 23 mg/L = 12 mg/L BOD5

d. Determine the mode of BOD5 mg/L.

Mode is the measurement that occurs most frequently.

In this case it is 32 mg/L BOD5

e. Calculate the geometric mean and use the exact rule for rounding.

Equation: Geometric mean = [(x1)(x2)(x3)(x4)…..(xn)]1/n

Geometric mean, mg/L = [(23)(28)(29)(32)(32)(34)(35)]1/7

Geometric mean, mg/L = (22757826560)1/7

Geometric mean, mg/L = 30.2 mg/L BOD5

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

AREA PROBLEMS
Areas are important to determine for a number of reasons including knowing the “footprint” of
a tank or pond or the area of a particular process to make further calculations in other waste-
water problems.

47. What is the area of an aeration tank that is 85 ft long and 9.5 ft wide?

Equation for a rectangular area is: Area = (Length)(Width)

Area, ft2 = (85 ft)(9.5 ft) = 807.5 ft2, round to 810 ft2

48. What is the area of a trench that is 126 ft by 3.3 ft?

Equation: Area = (Length)(Width)

Area, ft2 = (126 ft)(3.3 ft) = 415.8 ft2, round to 420 ft2

49. What is the area of a digester that is 59.9 ft in diameter?

Equation: Area = rr2, where r = 3.14

First, find the radius.

Radius = Diameter/2 = 59.9/2 = 29.95

Area of tank, ft2 = (3.14)(29.95 ft)(29.95 ft) = 2,816.59 ft2, round to 2,820 ft2

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50. What is the area of a tank, if the radius is 49.8 ft?

Equation: Area = rr2 or (0.785)(Diameter)2

In this problem let us use Area = rr2 since the radius is already given.

Area, ft2 = (3.14)(49.8 ft)(49.8 ft) = 7787.33 ft2, round to 7790 ft2

51. What is the area of a circular reservoir, if it has a diameter of 2,170 ft?

Equation: Area = (0.785)(Diameter)2

Area of tank, ft2 = (0.785)(2,170 ft)(2,170 ft) = 3696486.5 ft2, round to 3,700,000 ft2

52. If the surface area of a stabilization pond is 12,805 ft2 and one side measures
50.0 ft, what is the length of the other side?

Equation: Area = (Length)(Width)

Area of 12, 805 ft 2

Length, ft = = 256.1 ft, round to 256 ft
50.0 ft

CIRCUMFERENCE PROBLEMS
The circumference is important to know for calculating the area of a circular tank or the area of
a particular process to make further calculations in a problem. For example, an operator needs to
calculate the weir overflow rate on a circular clarifier: given the diameter, the circumference or
length of the weir can be calculated, and thus the weir overflow rate can be determined from this.

53. What is the circumference of a tank that is 75 ft in diameter as measured to the

nearest foot?

Equation: Circumference = r(Diameter)

Circumference = (3.14)(75 ft) = 235.5 ft, round to 236 ft

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

54. What is the circumference of a clarifier, if the radius is 40.0 ft?

Equation: Circumference = 2r(radius) or 2rr

Circumference = 2(3.14)(40.0 ft) = 251.2 ft, round to 251 ft

VOLUME PROBLEMS
Volumes are very important to determine because many problems in the wastewater field
require the volume to be known before the rest of the calculations can be made. Knowing the
volume of a particular process can also help the operator plan and make proper decisions in the
treatment of wastewater.

55. A circular tank has a radius of 29.85 ft and is 12.1 ft high at the spill point. What
is the capacity of the tank in cubic feet?

The volume equation for a circular tank is: Volume = rr2(Height), where r is the radius.

Volume of tank in ft3 = 3.14(29.85 ft)(29.85 ft)(12.1 ft) = 33,853.5 ft3, round to 33,900 ft3

56. If a stabilization pond is 360 ft long, 64.5 ft wide, and 7.8 ft deep, what is the num-
ber of cubic feet in a stabilization pond?

The volume equation for a rectangular basin is: Volume = (Length)(Width)(Depth)

Volume = (L)(W)(D) = (360 ft)(64.5 ft)(7.8 ft) = 181,116 ft3, round to 180,000 ft3

57. A circular tank has a radius of 24.0 ft and is 21.2 ft high at the spill point. What is
the capacity of the tank in cubic feet?

The volume equation for a circular tank is: Volume = rr2(Height), where r is the radius

Volume of tank in ft3 = 3.14(24.0 ft)(24.0 ft)(21.2 ft) = 38,343 ft3, round to 38,300 ft3

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

58. Calculate the volume in cubic feet for a pipeline that is 12.0 inches in diameter
and 1,080 ft long.

First, convert the diameter to feet.

(1 ft)
(12.0 in.) = 1.00 ft (Diameter)
12 in.

Then, convert the diameter to the radius.

radius = Diameter /2 = 1.00 ft/2 = 0.500 ft (radius)

Equation for the volume of a pipe in cubic feet is: rr2(Length) or (0.785 (Diameter)2(Length)

Using the first equation, the Volume, ft3 = (3.14)(0.500 ft)(0.500 ft)(1,080 ft)

Volume, ft3 = 847.8 ft3, round to 848 ft3

59. How many gallons would be in the pipe for the problem above?

(847.8 ft3)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 6,341.5 gal, round to 6,340 gal

60. What is the volume of a pipeline that is 14 inches in diameter and 455 ft long?

Equation: Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Length)

First, convert the diameter to feet.

(1 ft)
(14.0 in.) = 1.167 ft (Diameter)
12 in.

Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(1.167 ft)(1.167 ft)(455 ft) = 486.4 ft3, round to 490 ft3

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

61. What is the volume of a conical tank in cubic feet that has a radius of 10.0 ft and
a height of 17 ft?

Equation: Volume, ft3 = 1/3rr2(Height or Depth)

Substitute values and solve.

Volume, ft3 = 1/3r(10.0 ft)(10.0 ft)(17 ft) = 1,779 ft3, round to 1,800 ft3

62. Determine the volume in cubic feet for a pipeline that is 18 inches in diameter
and 552 ft long.

First, convert the diameter to feet.

(1 ft)
(18 in.) = 1.5 ft in Diameter
12 in.

Equation: Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Length)

Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(1.5 ft)(1.5 ft)(552 ft) = 974.97 ft3, round to 970 ft3

63. A dry chemical feed tank is conical at the bottom and cylindrical at the top. If the
diameter of the cylinder is 20.0 ft with a depth of 36.2 ft and the cone depth is 10.1
ft, what is the approximate volume of the tank in cubic feet and gallons?

First, find the volume of the cone in cubic feet.

Volume, ft3 = 1/3rr2(Depth)

Where the radius = Diameter/2 = 20.0 ft/2 = 10.0 ft

Volume, ft3 = 1/3(3.14)(10.0 ft)(10.0 ft)(10.1 ft) = 1,057.13 ft3

Next, find the volume of the cylindrical part of the tank.

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 62. Determine the volume in cubic feet for a pipeline that is 18 inches in diameter and 552 ft long. Deleted: -

First, convert the diameter to feet:

Math(18
for Wastewater
in.)( 1 ft ) = Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2
1.5 ft in Diameter Deleted: inches
12 in. Deleted: inches

3 2
ft3 =Volume,
Equation:
Volume, 2 ft = (0.785)(Diameter) (Length)
3 rr (Depth) = (3.14)(10.0 ft)(10.0 ft)(36.2
3 ft) = 11,366.8
3 ft3
Volume, ft = (0.785)(1.5 ft)(1.5 ft)(552 ft) = 974.97 ft , round to 980 ft

Then,63.add
A chemical
the twotank is conical
volumes for at
thetheanswer.
bottom and cylindrical at the top. If the diameter of the
cylinder is 20.0 ft with a depth of 36.2 ft and the cone depth is 10.1 ft, what is the approximate
volume of the tank in cubic feet and gallons?
Total volume, ft3 = 1,057.13 ft3 + 11,366.8 ft3 = 12,423.93 ft3, round to 12,400 ft3
First find the volume of the cone in cubic feet:
Volume, ft3 = 1/3πr2(Depth): Where the radius = Diameter/2 = 20.0 ft/2 = 10.0 ft
To find the number of gallons multiply the total number of cubic feet by 7.48 gal/ft3.
Volume, ft3 = 1/3(3.14)(10.0 ft)(10.0 ft)(10.1 ft) = 1,057.13 ft3
Number
Next,of gallons
find = (12,423.93
the volume ft3)(7.48
of the cylindrical part ofgal/ft
3
) = 92,930.996 gal, round to 92,900 gal
the tank. Deleted: Next

Volume, ft3 = πr2(Depth) = (3.14)(10.0 ft)(10.0 ft)(36.2 ft) = 11,366.8 ft3

Then, add
64. What isthe twowater
the volumes volume
for the answer.
in gallons of a trapezoidal channel given the fol-
lowing data: 3 3 3 3 3
Total volume, ft = 1,057.13 ft + 11,366.8 ft = 12,423.93 ft , round to 12,400 ft

Length
To find ft of gallons multiply the total number of cubic feet by 7.48 gal/ft 3.
365number
= the
Water width at surface = 11.5 3ft
Number
Depth = 6.3of gallons
ft = (12,423.93 ft )(7.48 gal/ft3) = 92,930.996 gal, round to 92,900 gal
Water width at bottom = 5.8 ft

(b1 + b 2)
Equation for a trapezoidal channel is: Volume, gal = (Depth)(Length)(7.48 gal/ft3)
2

Where b1 = Water width at surface, b2 = Water width at bottom, and altitude = depth

(11.5 ft + 5.8 ft) (17.3)

Volume, gal =
64. What is the water2 volume in(6.3 ft)(365
gallons of aft)(7.48 gal/ft
trapezoidal
3
) = given the
channel (6.3 ft)(365data:
following ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)
2
Length = 365 feet Water width at surface = 11.5 feet
Depth = 6.3 feet Water width at bottom = 5.8 feet
Volume, gal = 148,782.25 gal, round to 150,000 gal
Equation for a trapezoidal channel is: Volume, gal = (b1 + b2)(Depth(Length)(7.48 gal/ft3)
2
Length = 365 ft
Base 2 = 11.5 ft

Trapezoid – a four sided plane figure that

Altitude = has two parallel sides and two non-parallel
6.3 ft sides.

Base 1 = 5.8 ft

16

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

DENSITY CALCULATIONS
The density of a substance is the amount of mass for a given volume. It is usually expressed as
lb/gal or lb/ft3 in the English system or as g/cm3, kg/L, or kg/m3 in the metric system. Mass is
defined as the quantity of matter as determined from Newton’s second law of motion or by its
weight. Weight is defined as the force that gravitation exerts upon a body and is equal to the
mass of the body times the local acceleration of gravity.

65. A substance weighs 771 grams and occupies a space of 300.0 cubic centimeters
(cm3). What is its density in grams/cm3?

Equation: Density = Mass/Volume

Density = 771 grams/300.0 cm3 = 2.57 grams/cm3

66. What is the density in lb/gal of a 1.000-liter solution that weighs 2.85 lb?

First, convert mL to gallons.

(1.000 liter)(1 gal/3.785 liters) = 0.2642 gal

Equation: Density = Mass/Volume

Density of solution = 2.85 lb/0.2642 gal = 10.8 lb/gal

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67. The density of an unknown substance is 4.55 grams/cm3. How much space would
this substance occupy in cm3, if it weighed 8.09 lb?

First, convert the number of lb to grams (g).

Number of g = (Number of lb)(454 g/1 lb)

Substitution: Number of g = (8.09 lb)(454 g/1 lb) = 3,672.86 g

We know that 4.55 grams of the substance occupies 1 cm3 by knowing its density. To get the
space 3,672.86 grams occupies we only need to divide by the density.

3,672.86 g
Space occupied by substance = = 807.22 cm3, round to 807 cm3
4.55 g/cm3

68. If a substance weighs 10.38 lb/gal, what is the density of a solution in g/cm3?

Equation: Number of g/cm3 = (Number of lb/gal)(454 g/1 lb)(1 gal/3,785 cm3)

Number of g/cm3 = (10.38 lb/gal)(454 g/1 lb)(1 gal/3,785 cm3)

Number of g/cm3 = 1.245 g/cm3, round to 1.24 g/cm3

69. The density of an unknown substance is 2.09 grams/cm3. How much space would
this substance occupy in cm3, if it weighed 4.4 lb?

First, convert the number of lb to grams (g).

Number of g = (Number of lb)(454 g/1 lb)

Substitution: Number of g = (4.4 lb)(454 g/1 lb) = 1,997.6 g

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We know that 2.09 grams of the substance occupies 1 cm3 by knowing its density. To get the
space 1,997.6 grams occupies, we only need to divide by the density.

1, 997.6 g
Space occupied by substance = = 955.79 cm3, round to 960 cm3
2.09 g/cm 3

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF LIQUIDS

Specific gravity compares the density of one substance to another. Water is the standard for
liquids and is equal to 1.

70. The specific gravity (sp gr) of a liquid solution is 1.30. How many lb will 1 ft3
weigh?

Know: 62.4 lb = 1 ft3 for water

Equation: lb/ft3 = (sp gr)(62.4 lb/ft3)

Substitute values and solve.

lb/gal of liquid solution = (1.30)(62.4 lb/ft3) = 81.1 lb for 1 ft3 of the liquid solution

71. The density of an unknown liquid is 65.8 lb/ft3. What is the specific gravity of the
liquid?

Know: Water has a density of 62.4 lb/ft 3. Divide the density of the unknown by the
density of water.

Equation: Specific gravity (sp gr) = Density of substance/Density of water

65.8 lb/ft 3
Sp gr of Unknown Substance = = 1.05 sp gr
62.4 lb/ft 3

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72. What is the specific gravity for a solution that weighs 9.07 lb/gal?

Know: Density of water can also be expressed as lb/gal, or 8.34 lb/gal.

9.07 lb/gal
Sp gr = = 1.088 sp gr, round to 1.09 sp gr
8.34 lb/gal

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOLIDS

Specific gravity (sp gr) compares the density of one substance to another. Water is the standard
for solids and is equal to 1.

73. A piece of metal that weighs 35.4 kilograms in air is weighed in water and found
to be 22.8 kilograms. What is the specific gravity of this metal?

First, subtract the weight in air from the weight in water to determine the loss of weight in water.

Number of kilograms = 35.4 kg - 22.8 kg = 12.6 kg is weight loss in water

Next, find the specific gravity by dividing the weight of the metal in air by the weight loss in
water.

Sp gr = 35.4 kg/12.6 kg = 2.8095, round to 2.81 sp gr

74. A piece of metal that weighs 18.1 kilograms in air is weighed in water and found
to be 12.2 kilograms. What is the specific gravity of this metal?

First, subtract the weight in air from the weight in water to determine the loss of weight in water.

Number of kilograms = 18.1 kg - 12.2 kg = 5.9 kg is weight loss in water

Next, find the specific gravity by dividing the weight of the metal in air by the weight loss in water.

Sp gr = 18.1 kg/5.9 kg = 3.0678, round to 3.07 sp gr

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PRESSURE PROBLEMS
Pressure is the measure of force against a surface and is usually expressed as force per unit
area. In the English system the units are usually in lb/in.2 or lb/ft2. Scientists and engineers
usually use the metric system, where pressure is measured in Pascals (Pa). One Pascal is equal
to a force of 1 Newton per square meter. A Newton is equal to the force required to accelerate
1 kilogram one meter per second per second (1 kg.m/s2). You can also have kilopascals (kPa),
megapascals (mPa), and gigapascals (gPa). Also: 1 Pascal = 10 dyne/cm2 = 0.01 mbar. 1 atm =
101,325 Pascals = 760 mm Hg = 760 torr (Torricelli barometer) = 14.7 psi. Note: psi = pounds
per square inch.

75. What is the height of water in a storage tank if the psi is 6.80 at the bottom?

Equation: Height, ft = (psi)(2.31 ft/psi)

Substitute values and solve.

Height, ft = (6.80 psi)(2.31 ft/psi) = 15.7 ft, Height

76. What is the psi at the bottom of a tank, if the water level is 15.52 ft deep?

Depth, ft
Equation: psi =
2.31 ft/psi
15.52 ft
psi = = 6.72 psi
2.31 ft/psi

77. What is the depth of water in a pond, if the psi is 4.88?

Equation: Depth, ft = (psi)(2.31 ft/psi)

Depth, ft = (4.88 psi)(2.31 ft/psi) = 11.3 ft deep

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78. If the height of water in a tank is 11.08 ft, what is the pressure at the bottom of
the tank in lb/ft2?

Equation using pressure in lb/ft2 is:

Pressure, lb/ft2 = (Height or Depth, ft)(Density, 62.4 lb/ft3)

Substitute values and solve.

Pressure, lb/ft2 = (11.08 ft)(62.4 lb/ft3) = 691.39 lb/ft2, round to 691 lb/ft2

HYDRAULIC PRESS CALCULATIONS

Hydraulic press calculations have two fundamental principles: total force equals pressure
applied times area the pressure is applied to, and the force applied to a liquid will be equally
distributed within that liquid.

79. A force of 78.5 pounds is applied to a small cylinder on a hydraulic jack. The di-
ameter of the small cylinder is 10.0 inches. If the diameter of the large cylinder
is 2.25 ft, what is the total lifting force?

Total force, lb
Equation: Pressure = for pressure on the small cylinder
Area, ft 2

First, convert 10.0 inches to feet.

(10.0 in.)(1 ft/12 in.) = 0.833 ft

Substitution:

78.5 lb
Pressure = = 144.12 lb/ft2
(0.785) (0.833 ft) (0.833 ft)

Next, calculate the total force on the large cylinder.

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Equation: Total force = (Pressure)(Area), where area = (0.785)(Diameter)2

Total Force, lb = (144.12 lb/ft2)(0.785)(2.25 ft)(2.25 ft) = 572.74 lb, round to 573 lb

80. A small cylinder on a hydraulic jack is 8.0 inches in diameter. A force of 245
pounds is applied to the small cylinder. If the diameter of the large cylinder is
2.50 ft, what is the total lifting force?

Total Force, lb
Equation: Pressure = for pressure on the small cylinder
Area, ft 2

First, convert 8.0 inches to feet.

(8.0 in.)(1 ft/12 in.) = 0.667 ft

245 lb
Pressure, lb/ft2 = = 701.53 lb/ft2
(0.785) (0.667 ft) (0.667 ft)

Next, calculate the total force on the large cylinder.

Equation: Total force = (Pressure)(Area)

Total Force = (701.53 lb/ft2)(0.785)(2.50 ft)(2.50 ft) = 3,441.88 lb, round to 3,400 lb

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

SCREENING MATERIAL REMOVAL CALCULATIONS

The amount of screening debris should be calculated by operators so that they can plan and
properly dispose of the material. A record should be kept each time for the amount of material
removed from the screening pits. Screenings are usually disposed of by landfill, incinerated, or
ground and returned to the wastewater process. They are very odorous and will attract flies. See
the figures in Appendix E for placement of wastewater screens.

81. A wastewater treatment plant processes an average of 2.56 mgd. If the screen-
ings average 89 gallons per day (gpd), what is the cubic foot of screenings per
million gallons?

First, determine the amount of cubic feet in 89 gallons.

Number of ft3 = 89 gal/7.48 gal/ft3 = 11.898 ft3

Next, determine the cubic foot of screenings per million gallons.

Number of ft 3 /day
Equation: Screenings, ft3/mil gal =
Number of mgd
11.898 ft 3 /day
Screenings, ft3/mil gal = = 4.65 ft3/mil gal, round to 4.6 ft3/mil gal
2.56 mgd

82. During the month of April an average of 46.5 gallons of screenings were removed
each day. What were the total cubic feet of screenings removed that month?

(46.5 gal/day) (30 days)

Total screenings, ft3 = = 186.497 ft3, round to 186 ft3
7.48 gal/ft 3

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SCREENING PIT CAPACITY CALCULATIONS

The operator needs to know the capacity of a screening pit so he or she knows when it should be
cleaned based on past records of material removed (above calculations).

83. An average of 3.25 ft3 of screenings is added to a screening pit each day. If the pit
is 6.0 ft by 10 ft and 4.2 ft deep, how many days will it take to fill the pit?

First, determine the volume of the pit in ft3.

Pit volume, ft3 = (6.0 ft)(10 ft)(4.2 ft) = 252 ft3

Pit volume, ft 3
Equation: Number of days to fill =
Screenings removed, ft 3 /day
252 ft 3
Number of days to fill = = 77.5 days, round to 78 days
3.25 ft 3 /days

84. A new screening pit is being designed to replace the old one at a wastewater
treatment plant. The engineer wants to design the pit to hold enough screenings
for exactly 60 days. If the number of cubic feet normally removed by the plant is
76.5 gal/day in worst-case scenarios, determine the size in ft3 the pit should be.
Note: round to the nearest cubic foot.

(76.5 gal/day) (60 days)

Pit size, ft3 = = 613.64 ft3, round to 614 ft3
7.48 gal/ft 3

85. An average of 72 gallons per day of screenings is removed from a screening pit
that has a capacity of 7.5 yd3. How long will it take to fill the pit in days, if the
screenings are not removed?

First, convert yd3 to ft3.

Know: 1 yd3 = 27 ft3

Number of ft3 = (7.5 yd3)(27 ft3/yd3) = 202.5 ft3

(202.5 ft 3) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

Number of days = = 21 days
72 gal/day

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GRIT REMOVAL CALCULATIONS

Grit removal is important for the same reason as screening removal— planning for proper dis-
posal. Grit channels are important in wastewater treatment because by removing the grit from
the waste it prevents wear on pumps and deposition in pipelines or channels. It also prevents
grit from accumulating in other processes such as digesters or biological contactors. Not all
wastewater treatment plants have grit channels and they are not always placed after screens
or comminutors. See the figures in Appendix E for where grit channels are commonly placed in
different treatment plants.

86. A wastewater plant removes 42 gallons of grit during the processing of 3.08 mil
gal. What is the ft3/mil gal removal rate during this interval?

Equation: Grit removal, ft3/mil gal =

42 gal
Grit removal, ft3/mil gal = = 1.8 ft3/mil gal
(7.48 gal/ft 3) (3.08 mil gal)

87. Calculate the number of gallons of grit removed from a wastewater plant on a
day that the plant treated 2.17 mil gal and the grit removal rate during that time
interval was 1.62 ft3/mil gal.

Grit removal, gal = (1.62 ft3/mil gal)(2.17 mil gal)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 26.3 gal

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RECIRCULATION RATIO PROBLEMS

The recirculation ratio calculation is used to help operators keep flow variations to a trickling
filter to a minimum. This ratio can also help solve process problems such as increasing the rate
of hydraulic loading when needed, reducing odors and filter flies, or to prevent the trickling
filter from drying out during low flows. Recirculation is from the secondary clarifier or trickling
filter effluent. The ratio usually ranges from 1:1 to 2:1.

88. What is the recirculation ratio for a trickling filter, if the influent to a trickling
filter plant is 1.09 mgd and the recirculation of the trickling filter effluent is
1.83 mgd?

Recirculated flow
Equation: Ratio =
Plant influent flow

Ratio = 1.83 mgd/1.09 mgd = 1.68

89. What must have been the trickling filter’s effluent flow in mgd, if the influent
flow to the wastewater plant was 2.17 mgd and the recirculation ratio was 1.14?

Recirculated flow
Equation: Ratio =
Plant influent flow

Rearrange the equation to solve for the recirculation flow (return of the trickling filter’s
effluent).

Recirculated flow = (Ratio)(Plant influent flow)

Substitute values and solve.

Recirculated flow = (1.14)(2.17) = 2.47 mgd

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DETENTION TIME CALCULATIONS

Detention time is simple the time period that starts when wastewater flows into a basin or tank
and ends when it flows out of the basin or tank. Detention time is usually calculated for waste-
water ponds, oxidation (aerobic) ditches, and clarifiers. Detention times are theoretical, since
basins begin to fill with settled sludge and other debris. This causes the true detention time
to constantly change (decrease). While it is true sludge removals will cause the detention time
to increase, the true detention time will always be less than theoretical. Also, flows through a
basin are never perfectly laminar and thus cause a further decrease in the true detention time.
See Figures 5 and 6 in Appendix E for two types of wastewater plants using ponds.

90. What is the detention time in days for a wastewater treatment pond that is 382 ft
long, 159 ft wide, and 4.75 ft in depth, if the flow is 0.0562 mgd?

First, convert the number of mgd to gallons per day (gpd) in the waste treatment pond.

(0.0562 mgd)(1,000,000/1 mil) = 56,200 gpd

Next, determine the volume of the waste treatment pond.

Equation: Volume, gal = (Length)(Width)(Depth)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Volume, gal = (382 ft)(159 ft)(4.75 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 2,158,021 gal

Write the equation with units asked for in the question.

Volume, gal
Detention time, days =
Flow rate, gpd
2, 158, 021 gal
Detention time, days = = 38.4 days
56, 200 gpd

Detention times are theoretical since basins begin to fill with solids as time passes.

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91. Find the detention time in days for an aeration pond that averages 462 ft in
length, 391 ft in width, and 3.52 ft in depth, and flow through the pond is 75,000
gal per day.

First, determine the volume in gallons for the aeration pond.

Volume, gal = (Length)(Width)(Depth)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Volume, gal = (462 ft)(391 ft)(3.52 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 4,756,232 gal

Then, determine the detention time.

Volume, gal
Equation: Detention time, days =
Flow, gpd
4,756,232 gal
Detention time, days = = 63.4 days
75, 000 gpd

WEIR OVERFLOW RATE PROBLEMS

A weir is like a small dam, gate, notch, or other barrier placed across a basin to help regulate
water out of the basin. The weir overflow rate is used to determine the velocity of wastewater
over the weir. The velocity informs the operator about the efficiency of the sedimentation process.
At constant wastewater flow, the shorter the length of the weir the faster the water velocity will
be out of the basin. Conversely, the longer the weir length the slower the velocity will be out of
the basin. See Figures 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 in Appendix E for five types of wastewater plants using
a clarifier.

92. A rectangular clarifier has a weir length of 175 ft. What is the weir overflow rate
in gpd/ft, if the flow is 0.95 mgd?

Flow, gpd
Equation: Weir overflow rate =
Weir length, ft

First, change 0.95 mgd to gpd.

(0.95 mgd)(1,000,000/1 mil) = 950,000 gpd

950, 000 gpd

Weir overflow rate = = 5,428.6 gpd/ft, round to 5,400 gpd/ft
175 ft

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93. A rectangular clarifier has a weir length of 199 ft. What is the weir overflow rate
in gpd/ft, if the flow is 1.6 mgd?

Flow, gpd
Equation: Weir overflow rate =
Weir length, ft

First, change 1.6 mgd to gpd.

(1.6 mgd)(1,000,000/1 mil) = 1,600,000 gpd

1, 600, 000 gpd

Weir overflow rate = = 8,040.2 gpd/ft, round to 8,040 gpd/ft
199 ft

94. A circular clarifier has a diameter of 100.0 ft. If the entire circumference acts as a
weir and the flow is 2.88 mgd, what is the weir overflow rate in gpd/ft, if the flow
is 2.09 mgd?

First, change 2.09 mgd to gpd.

(2.09 mgd)(1,000,000/1 mil) = 2,090,000 gpd

Next, determine the weir length. In this case it is the circumference.

Equation: Circumference = r(Diameter)

Substitution: Circumference, weir length = 3.14(100.0 ft) = 314 ft

Flow, gpd
Equation: Weir overflow rate =
Weir length, ft
2, 090, 000 gpd
Weir overflow rate = = 6,656 gpd/ft
314 ft

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

SURFACE OVERFLOW RATE CALCULATIONS

Surface overflow rate determinations are used to determine the loading on clarifiers. The flow
amount used in these calculations only counts plant flow, not recirculation.

95. What is the surface overflow rate in gpd/ft2, if the basin is 112 ft long, 42 ft wide,
and flow into the basin is 1,408,000 gpd?

First, determine the area of the basin.

Area = (Length)(Width)

Area = (112 ft)(42 ft) = 4,704 ft2

Flow, gpd
Equation: Surface overflow rate =
Area, ft 2
1, 408, 000 gpd
Surface overflow rate = = 299.3 gpd/ft2, round to 300 gpd/ft2
4, 704 ft 2

96. Given the following data, calculate the surface overflow rate for a clarifier
in gpd/ft2:

Clarifier diameter = 74 ft
Primary effluent flow = 1,345,000 gallons per day (gpd)

First, determine the area of the clarifier.

Area = rr2 where r = Diameter/2 = 74 ft/2 = 37 ft

Area = (3.14)(37 ft)2 = 4,298.66 ft2

Next, calculate the surface overflow rate.

Flow, gpd
Equation: Surface overflow rate =
Area, ft 2
1, 345, 000 gpd
Surface overflow rate = = 312.89 gpd/ft2, round to 310 gpd/ft2
4, 298.66 ft 2

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97. If a sedimentation basin measures 49 ft by 152 ft and receives a flow of 9.048 mgd,
what is the surface overflow rate in gallons per day per ft2(gpd/ft2)?

Flow, gpd
Equation: Surface overflow rate =
Area, ft 2

First, convert mgd to gpd/ft2.

Number of gpd/ft2 = (9.048 mgd)(1,000,000 gallons/mil) = 9,048,000 gallons/day

9, 048, 000 gallons/day

Surface overflow rate = = 1,214.82 gpd/ft2, round to 1,200 gpd/ft2
(49 ft) (152 ft)

FLOW AND VELOCITY PROBLEMS

Operators need to know the flow and velocity of the wastewater throughout the different plant
processes, for example to feed proper dosages of chemicals to treat wastewaters, to know how
many clarifiers or ponds to use or how much supernatant to recirculate, and for settling pur-
poses, among other uses.

98. What is the velocity in feet per second (ft/s) for water flowing through a channel
that is 7.2 ft wide, 3.3 ft deep, and the flow is 32.5 ft3/s?

Equation: Q (Flow) = (Area)(Velocity)

Substitute parameters.

32.5 ft3/s = (7.2 ft)(3.3 ft)(Velocity), and solve for velocity by rearranging the equation.

32.5 ft 3 /s
Velocity = = 1.368 ft/s, round to 1.4 ft/s
(7.2 ft) (3.3 ft)

99. What is the flow in ft3/s for a pipe that is 8.0 inches in diameter and the velocity
is 1.68 ft/s? Note: the pipe is flowing full.

Write the equation: Q (Flow) = (Area)(Velocity)

First, convert the diameter to feet.

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Know: 12 inches per foot

Diameter, ft = 8.0 in./12 in./ft = 0.667 ft

Next, determine the number of feet for the radius by dividing the diameter by 2.

Radius = 0.667 ft/2 = 0.333 ft

Next, determine the cross-sectional area of the 8-inch diameter pipe.

Area = rr2, where r is the radius and r equals 3.14

Area = (3.14)(0.333 ft)2 = 0.348 ft2

Lastly, determine the flow by substituting known values.

Q (flow) = (0.348 ft2)(1.68 ft/s) = 0.58 ft3/s

100. What is the velocity of flow in feet per second (ft/s) for a 6.0-inch diameter pipe,
if it delivers 204 gpm and is flowing full?

First, convert the diameter from inches to feet.

Number of ft = (6.0 in.)(1 ft/12 in.) = 0.50 ft

Next, convert the number of gpm to ft3/s.

204 gpm
Number of ft3/s = = 0.454 ft3/s
(7.48 gal/ft3) (60 sec / min )

Equation: Flow, ft3/s = (Area, ft2)(Velocity, ft/s) where the Area = (0.785)(D)2 or rr2

0. 454 ft3/s = (0.785)(0.50)(0.50)(Flow, ft/s)

Rearrange and solve for the flow in ft/s.

0.454 ft 3 /s
Flow, ft/s = = 2.31, round to 2.3 ft/s
(0.785) (0.50 ft) (0.50 ft)

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101. Water flowing through a channel is 8.4 ft wide and 3.6 ft deep. If the flow is 20.3
ft3/s, what is the velocity of the water?

Equation: Q (Flow) = (Area)(Velocity)

20.3 ft3/s = (8.4 ft)(3.6 ft)(Velocity, ft/s)

Now, solve for velocity.

20.3 ft 3
Velocity, ft/s = = 0.67 ft/s
(8.4 ft) (3.6 ft)

PUMP DISCHARGE PROBLEMS

Operators need to understand pump discharge calculations, for example to plan treatment pro-
cesses and time, to determine how long a pump will take to discharge a certain amount of
wastewater or chemical to treat the wastewater, and maybe to change the size of a pump to fit
the need better.

102. How long will it take in hours for a pump to discharge 265,000 gallons, if it is
pumping at the rate equal to 450 gal/min?

First, determine the number of minutes it will take.

265, 000 gal

= 588.88 min
450 gal/ min

Then, convert to hours by dividing by 60 minutes/hour.

588.88 min
= 9.8 hours
60 min /hr

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103. A pump’s output is averaging 450 gallons/min. How many gallons will it pump in
one day?

(450 gal/min)(1,440 min/day) = 648,000 gal/day, round to 650,000 gal/day

104. If a pump discharges 40,900 gallons in 3 hours and 5 minutes, how many gallons/
minute is the pump discharging?

First, determine the number of minutes the pump was working.

3 hr(60 min/hr) + 5 min = 180 min + 5 min = 185 min

Then, determine the number of gallons/min by dividing the number of gallons pumped by the
total time the pump worked.

40, 900 gal

= 221 gal/min
185 min

105. Determine a pump’s total output in mgd, if it is pumping 375 gal/min.

(375 gal/min)(1,440 min/day)(1 mil gal/1,000,000) = 0.540 mgd

106. How many gallons will a pump discharge, if it pumps an average of 150 gallons/
min for 3 hours and 12 minutes?

First, calculate the number of minutes for the time interval given.

3 hr(60 min/hr) + 12 min = 180 min + 12 min = 192 min

Then, calculate the number of gallons by multiplying the length of time the pump worked in
minutes times the number of gallons/min.

(192 min)(150 gal/min) = 28,800 gal, round to 29,000 gal

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107. A meter that reads in hundreds of gallons on the discharge side of a pump is
read each morning. If it read 713,436 at 8:15 AM on Tuesday morning and the
next day read 714,852 at 7:30 AM, what is the average gpm that is discharged
from this pump for that time period?

First, determine the number of gallons pumped for this time period.

Number of gal = (714,852 - 713,436)(100 gal) = 141,600 gal

Next, determine the number of minutes between reads.

Since the second read is 45 minutes before the first read it follows:

Number of minutes = 1,440 min - 45 min = 1,395 min

Since there are 1,440 min/day.

Now, calculate the pumping rate in gpm.

141, 600 gal

Pumping rate, gpm = = 101.5 gpm, round to 102 gal
1, 395 min

SOLIDS AND HYDRAULIC LOADING RATE PROBLEMS

Solids and hydraulic loading rate calculations are used to determine the solids or hydraulic loading
on clarifiers, trickling filters, and other processes. These calculations are important to know so
operators, for example, can determine when to discharge sludge from a clarifier or to know the
contact time between organisms in a trickling filter and the food entering that trickling filter.

108. Given the following parameters, calculate the solids loading rate on a second-
ary clarifier:

Clarifier diameter = 90.3 ft

Activated sludge flow = 2.88 mgd
Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) = 3,850 mg/L

First, determine the area of the clarifier.

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Area = rr2 where r = Diameter/2 = 90.3 ft/2 = 45.15 ft

Area = (3.14)(45.15 ft)2 = 6,401 ft2

Next, calculate the solids loading rate.

(MLSS, mg/L) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Solids loading rate =
Area, ft 2
(3, 850 mg/L) (2.88 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Solids loading rate, lb of solids/d/ft2 =
6, 401 ft 2

Solids loading rate, lb of solids/d/ft2 = 14.4 lb of solids/d/ft2

109. What is the hydraulic loading rate on a trickling filter in gallons per day per
square foot (gpd/ft2) given the following data?

Flow = 3.95 mgd

Diameter of tricking filter = 100.2 ft
Clarifier recirculation rate = 0.38 mgd

First, determine the total flow in gallons per day (gpd) through the trickling filter.

Total flow, gal = (3.95 mgd + 0.38 mgd)(1,000,000 gal/mil) = 4,330,000 gpd

Next, determine the surface area in ft2 for the trickling filter.

Area = rr2 where r = Diameter/2 = 100.2 ft/2 = 50.1 ft

Trickling filter surface area, ft2 = (3.14)(50.1 ft)(50.1 ft) = 7,881.43 ft2

Lastly, calculate the hydraulic loading rate.

Total flow, gpd

Hydraulic loading rate =
Surface area, ft 2
4, 330, 000, gpd
Hydraulic loading rate = = 549 gpd/ft2, round to 550 gpd/ft2
7, 881.43 ft 2

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110. A secondary clarifier has a radius of 42.5 ft. If the MLSS is 3,125 mg/L, the sec-
ondary effluent flow is 2.3 mgd, and the return of activated sludge is 0.48 mgd,
what is the solids loading rate?

First, determine the total flow.

Total flow = Primary flow + Return of activated sludge

Total flow = 2.3 mgd + 0.48 mgd = 2.78 mgd

Next, calculate the area of the clarifier.

Area = rr2

Area = (3.14)(42.5 ft)(42.5 ft) = 5,671.625 ft2

Next, calculate the solids loading rate.

(MLSS, mg/L) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Solids loading rate =
Area, ft 2
(3, 125 mg/L) (2.78 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Solids loading rate =
5, 671.625 ft 2

Solids loading rate = 12.77 lb of solids/d/ft2, round to 13 lb of solids/d/ft2

SLUDGE PUMPING PROBLEMS

Sludge pumping calculations are important for operators to determine so they know how much
sludge and solids are being loaded into a digester to prevent underloading or overloading of the
digester. Also, operators need to know how much sludge is being pumped to other sludge pro-
cessing applications such as sludge thickening, filter presses, or land application.

111. A sludge pumps operates for exactly 10 minutes every hour and pumps an aver-
age of 26.2 gpm of sludge from the settling tank to the digester. If the percent
solids in the sludge averages 4.1%, determine the amount of sludge pumped in
pounds per day.

Solids, lb/day = (10 min/hr)(24 hr/day)(26.2 gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(4.1%/100%)

Solids, lb/day = 2,150.12 lb/day, round to 2,200 lb/day

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112. A sludge pump operates for 12 minutes every hour and pumps an average of
30.7 gpm of sludge from the settling tank to the digester. If the percent solids
in the sludge averages 4.9% and the volatiles are 64%, determine the amount of
volatiles pumped in pounds per day.

Volatiles, lb/day = (12 min/hr)(24 hr/day)(30.7 gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(4.9 %/100 %)(64%/100%)

Volatiles, lb/day = 2,312.45 lb/day, round to 2,300 lb/day

BIOSOLIDS PUMPING AND PRODUCTION PROBLEMS

Biosolids pumping calculations provide operators accurate process control data for the sedimen-
tation process. Biosolids are mostly composed of water with the biosolids ranging from only 3 to
7% by volume.

113. Assuming sludge is 8.34 lb/gal, what is the estimated biosolids pumping rate in
gpm for the following wastewater system?

Plant flow = 0.925 mgd

Removed biosolids = 1.14%
Influent total suspended solids (TSS) = 341 mg/L
Effluent TSS = 125 mg/L

Equation: Estimated pumping rate =

(Influent TSS, mg/L - Effluent TSS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
(Percent solids in sludge)(Sludge, lb/gal) (1, 440 min/day)

Substitute values and solve.

(341 TSS mg/L - 125 TSS, mg/L) (0.925 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Estimated pumping rate =
(1.14%/100%) (8.34 lb/gal) (1, 440 min /day)
(216 TSS mg/L) (0.925 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Estimated pumping rate =
(1.14%/100%) (8.34 lb/gal) (1, 440 min /day)

Estimated pumping rate = 12.2 gpm

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114. What is the biosolids production in lb/mil gal, if a wastewater treatment plant
produces 74,300 gallons of biosolids in a 28-day month and the plant treated 1.15
mgd on average?

(Biosolids, gal/day) (8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Biosolids, lb/mil gal =
(Flow, mgd)(Number of days)
(74, 300 gal/day) (8.34 lb/gal)
Biosolids, lb/mil gal =
(1.15 mgd) (28 days)

Biosolids, lb/mil gal = 19,244 lb/mil gal, round to 19,200 lb/mil gal

115. If the plant flow averages 1.38 mgd and production of biosolids averages 13,950
gal/day, what is the biosolids production in wet tons per year? A material in its
natural state, wet state, is measured in wet tons.

(Biosolids, lb/mil gal) (mgd)(365 days/yr)

Equation: Biosolids, wet tons/yr =
2, 000 lb/ton

Substitute values and solve.

(13, 950 lb/mil gal) (1.38 mgd) (365 days/yr)

Biosolids, wet tons/yr =
2, 000 lb/ton

Biosolids, wet tons/yr = 3,513 wet tons/yr, round to 3,510 wet tons/yr

116. What is the estimated biosolids pumping rate for the following system?

Plant flow = 3.16 mgd

Removed biosolids = 1.26%
Influent total suspended solids (TSS) = 294 mg/L
Effluent TSS = 131 mg/L
Biosolids weigh = 8.42 lb/gal

Equation: Estimated pumping rate =

(Influent TSS, mg/L - Effluent TSS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
(Percent solids in sludge)(Sludge, lb/gal) (1, 440 min/day)

Substitute values and solve.

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(294 TSS mg/L - 131 TSS, mg/L) (3.16 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Estimated pumping rate =
(1.26%/100%) (8.42 lb/gal) (1, 440 min /day)
(163 TSS mg/L) (3.16 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Estimated pumping rate =
(1.26%/100%) (8.42 lb/gal) (1, 440 min /day)

Estimated pumping rate = 28.1 gpm

WASTE ACTIVATED SLUDGE PUMPING RATE CALCULATIONS

These calculations are used as a planning tool by the operator. The waste activated sludge
(WAS) suspended solids (SS) are pumped out of the secondary clarifier and wasted or returned
to the aeration tank. It is better to pump continuously rather than intermittently and not to
change the amount by more than 15% from one day to the next.

117. Determine the waste activated sludge (WAS) pumping rate in gpm, if 3,200 lb/
day are to be wasted and the WAS suspended solids concentrations, 3,980 mg/L.

Use the “pounds” equation to solve this problem.

Equation: Number of lb/day WAS = (WAS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L.

Number of lb/day WAS

Number of mgd =
(Number of mg/L WAS ) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

3, 200 lb/day
Number of mgd = = 0.0964 mgd
(3, 980 mg/L WAS) (8.34 lb/gal)

Lastly, convert mgd to gpm.

(0.0964 mgd) (1, 000, 000/mil)

WAS pumping rate, gpm = = 67 gpm
1, 440 min /day

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118. Determine the waste activated sludge (WAS) pumping rate in gpm given the fol-
lowing data:

Amount of WAS to be wasted = 4,800 lb/day

WAS suspended solids concentrations = 4,125 mg/L

Use the “pounds” equation to solve this problem.

Equation: Number of lb/day WAS = (WAS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L.

Number of lb/day WAS

Number of mgd =
(Number of mg/L WAS ) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

4, 800 lb/day
Number of mgd = = 0.1395 mgd
(4, 125 mg/L WAS) (8.34 lb/gal)

Lastly, convert mgd to gpm.

(0.1395 mgd) (1, 000, 000/mil)

WAS pumping rate, gpm = = 97 gpm
1, 440 min /day

TOTAL DYNAMIC HEAD CALCULATIONS

These calculations tell the operator how hard a pump has to work against the static head (the
height above the pump that the liquid is discharged to), as well as head losses caused from
friction from the water and pipe contact, bends in the pipe, and appurtenances (valves or ori-
fices) along the pipeline. For simplicity this book will refer to total dynamic head (TDH in some
literature) as total head.

119. Find the total head in ft for a pump with a total static head of 145 ft and a head
loss of 5.8 ft.

Equation: Total head, ft = Total static head, ft + Head losses, ft

Total head, ft = 145 ft + 5.8 ft = 150.8 ft, round to 150 ft

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120. Water is being pumped from a water source with an elevation of 378 ft to an eleva-
tion of 645 ft. What is the total head, if friction and minor head losses are 17.5 ft?

Equation: Total head, ft = Total static head, ft (difference in elevation) + Head

losses, ft

Total head, ft = (645 ft - 378 ft) + 17.5 ft = 267 + 17.5 ft = 284.5 ft, round to 284 ft

121. Water is being pumped from a water source with an elevation of 845 ft to an eleva-
tion of 1,033 ft. What is the total head, if friction and minor head losses are 13.5 ft?

Equation: Total head, ft = Total static head, ft (difference in elevation) + Head losses, ft

Total head, ft = (1,033 ft - 845 ft) + 13.5 ft = 188 + 13.5 ft = 201.5 ft, round to 202 ft

122. A lift pump at an elevation of 22.4 ft is pumping to a wastewater collection pond

that is at an elevation of 41.7 ft. If minor head losses are 6.2 ft, what is the total
dynamic head (TDH)?

Equation: Total head, ft = Total static head, ft (difference in elevation) + Head

losses, ft

Total head, ft = (41.7 ft - 22.4 ft) + 6.2 ft = 19.3 + 6.2 ft = 25.5 ft

PUMPING HORSEPOWER AND EFFICIENCY CALCULATIONS

These types of calculations can be used for determining pump size, efficiency, and costing.

123. Find the water horsepower (whp), if the brake horsepower (bhp) is 70.7 and the
pump efficiency is 66%.

Equation: Water horsepower = (Brake horsepower)(Pump efficiency)

Water hp = (70.7)(66%/100% Pump efficiency) = 46.662 whp, round to 47 whp

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124. What is the brake horsepower (bhp), if the water horsepower (whp) is 88 and the
pump efficiency is 71%?

Equation: Brake hp = whp/Pump efficiency

88 whp
Brake hp = = 123.9 bhp, round to 120 bhp
71%/100% Pump efficiency

125. What is the motor horsepower (mhp), if 275 horsepower (hp) is required to run
a pump with a motor efficiency (ME) of 88% and a pump efficiency (PE) of 73%?
Note: The 275 hp in this problem is called the water horsepower (whp). The whp
is the actual energy (horsepower) available to pump water.

whp
Equation: Motor horsepower =
(ME) (PE)
275 whp
mhp =
(88%/100% ME) (73%/100% PE)
275 whp
mhp =
(0.88 ME) (0.73 PE)

mhp = 428.08 mhp, round to 430 mhp

126. What is the motor horsepower, if the brake horsepower (bhp) is 81 and the mo-
tor efficiency (ME) is 86%?

Equation: Motor horsepower = Brake horsepower/Motor efficiency

81 bhp
Motor horsepower (mhp) = = 94 mhp
86%/100% ME

127. What is the cost to run a pump in dollars and cents per day, if the horsepower is
149 and the cost per kW-hr is $0.083?

Equation: Cost, $/day = (Motor hp)(24 hr/day)(0.746 kW/hp)(Cost/kW-hr)

Cost, $/day = (149 hp)(24 hr/day)(0.746 kW/hp)($0.083/kW-hr) = $221.42/day

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128. What is the brake horsepower (bhp), if 180 horsepower (hp) is supplied to a
motor with 91% efficiency?

Equation: Brake horsepower = (Horsepower)(Motor efficiency)

Brake hp = (180 hp)(91%/100% Motor efficiency) = 163.8 bhp, round to 160 bhp

129. Find the water horsepower, if the brake horsepower (bhp) is 96 and the pump
efficiency is 78%.

Equation: Water horsepower = (Brake horsepower)(Pump efficiency)

Water horsepower = (96 bhp)(78%/100% Pump efficiency) = 74.88 whp, round to 75 whp

130. What is the motor horsepower (mhp), if 240 horsepower (hp = water horsepower
or whp) is required to run a pump with a motor efficiency (ME) of 92% and a
pump efficiency (PE) of 82%?

whp
Equation: Motor horsepower =
(ME) (PE)
240 whp
mhp =
(92%/100% ME) (82%/100% PE)
240 whp
mhp =
(0.92 ME) (0.82 PE)

mhp = 318.13 mhp, round to 320 mhp

131. Find the water horsepower, if the brake horsepower is 67 and the pump effi-
ciency is 68%.

Equation: Water horsepower = (Brake horsepower)(Pump efficiency)

Water horsepower = (67)(68%/100% Pump efficiency) = 45.56 whp, round to 46 whp

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132. What must have been the pumping efficiency (PE) for a pump given the follow-
ing data?

Water horsepower (whp) = 259

Motor horsepower (mhp) = 365
Motor efficiency (ME) = 89.5%

whp
Equation: Motor horsepower =
(ME) (PE)

Rearrange the equation to solve for pump efficiency. Note: Remember the motor and pump
efficiencies are divided by 100% to convert them to the proper units (see above problems),
thus, the reason for the 100% in the numerator and the denominator.

(whp) (100%)
Pump efficiency =
(mhp) (ME/100%)

Substitute values and solve.

(259) (100%)
Pump efficiency = = 79.28%, round to 79.3% Pump efficiency
(365) (89.5%/100%)

133. What is the pump efficiency for a pump that has a brake horsepower of 180 and
a water horsepower of 140?

Equation: Water horsepower = (Brake horsepower)(Pump efficiency)

Rearrange the equation to solve for pump efficiency.

Pump efficiency = (Water horsepower/brake horsepower)(100%)

Substitute values and solve.

(140) (100%)
Pump efficiency = = 77.77%, round to 78% Pump efficiency
180

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CALCULATIONS OF CHLORINE DOSE, DEMAND, AND RESIDUAL

Usually used by operators to determine chlorine demand because they can calculate the dose
and measure the residual.

134. If the chlorine dose is 12.2 mg/L and the chlorine residual is 0.5 mg/L, what is the
chlorine demand?

Equation: Chlorine dose = Chlorine demand + Chlorine residual

Rearrange and solve for chlorine demand.

Chlorine demand = Chlorine dose - Chlorine residual

Chlorine demand = 12.2 mg/L - 0.5 mg/L = 11.7 mg/L

135. If the chlorine dose is 8.05 mg/L and the chlorine demand is 7.43 mg/L, what is
the chlorine residual?

Equation: Chlorine dose = Chlorine demand + Chlorine residual

Rearrange and solve for chlorine residual.

Chlorine residual = Chlorine dose - Chlorine demand

Chlorine residual = 8.05 mg/L - 7.43 mg/L = 0.62 mg/L

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136. If the chlorine residual is 0.55 mg/L and the chlorine demand is 7.02 mg/L, what
is the chlorine dose?

Equation: Chlorine dose = Chlorine demand + Chlorine residual

Chlorine dose = 7.02 mg/L + 0.55 mg/L = 7.57 mg/L

DOSAGE PROBLEMS
These calculations are used mainly for process control, which requires accurate determination
before the chemical is actually applied to a particular process. By keeping accurate records of
dosages and thus usage, operators can also plan ordering or costing.

137. How many gpd of a 9.5% sodium hypochlorite solution are needed to disinfect a
flow of 635,000 gallons, if the dosage required is 9.75 mg/L? Assume the solution
weighs 8.34 lb/gal.

First, convert gpd to mgd.

635, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 0.635 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, using the “pounds equation,” calculate the lb/day of chlorine needed.

Equation: Chlorine, lb/day = (Dosage, mg/L)(mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Chlorine, lb/day = (9.75 mg/L)(0.635 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal) = 51.635 lb/day

Since the solution is not 100%, divide the percent hypochlorite into the lb/day of chlorine
needed.

51.635 lb/day
Hypochlorite, lb/day = = 543.53 lb/day hypochlorite
9.5%/100%

Lastly, determine the gpd of hypochlorite solution needed.

543.53 lb/day
Hypochlorite, gpd = = 65.17 gpd, round to 65 gpd Sodium hypochlorite
8.34 lb/gal

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138. How many lb/day of chlorine gas is required to treat 3.44 mgd, if the desired dos-
age is 7.0 mg/L?

Equation: Number of lb/day = (Cl2, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day Cl2 = (7.0 mg/L)(3.44 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day Cl2 = 200.82 lb/day, round to 200 lb/day Cl2

139. How much sulfur dioxide in lb/day needs to be applied to dechlorinate a waste-
water, if the flow is 2.11 mgd, the chlorine residual is 1.15 mg/L, and the sulfur
dioxide must be 3.0 mg/L higher than the chlorine residual?

First, determine how many mg/L of sulfur dioxide must be applied. This is the chlorine
residual plus the amount that is required higher than the chlorine residual. This additional
amount of sulfur dioxide above the chlorine residual is applied as a safety factor and is
typically started at 3 mg/L.

SO2, mg/L = 1.15 mg/L + 3.0 mg/L = 4.15 mg/L SO2

Next, determine the number of lb/day of SO2 needed.

Equation: Number of lb/day SO2 = (SO2, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day SO2 = (4.15 mg/L)(2.11 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day SO2 = 73.03 lb/day, round to 73 lb/day SO2

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140. Determine the number of lb/day of SO2 used to treat a wastewater plant’s efflu-
ent given the flowing data:

Average flow per day = 950,000 gallons

Average chlorine residual = 1.42 mg/L
SO2 dosage 3.0 mg/L higher than chlorine residual

First, convert gallons per day to mgd.

Number of mgd = (950,000 gpd) / (1,000,000/mil) = 0.95 mgd

Next, determine the mg/L of SO2 that must be applied.

Number of mg/L SO2 = 1.42 mg/L + 3.0 mg/L = 4.42 mg/L SO2

Lastly, determine the lb/day SO2.

Equation: Number of lb/day SO2 = (SO2, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day SO2 = (4.42 mg/L)(0.95 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal) = 35 lb/day SO2

141. What is the number of lb/day of alum used by a wastewater plant given the fol-
lowing data?

Plant’s treatment flow = 1,225 gpm

Alum dose = 13.85 mg/L
Alum = 48.5% aluminum sulfate

First, convert gpm to mgd.

(1, 225 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 1.764 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, calculate the number of lb/day of alum required.

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(Alum, mg/L) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: lb/day =
Percent purity/100%
(13.85 mg/L) (1.764 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Alum, lb/day = = 420 lb/day of Alum
48.5%/100%

142. A wastewater plant is treating 1.33 mgd at a chlorine dosage of 9.2 mg/L. If the
sodium hypochlorite being used is 14.5% available chlorine, what is the chlorine
usage in lb/day?

(Dosage, mg/L) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Chlorine, lb/day =
Percent available chlorine/100%

Substitute values and solve.

(9.2 mg/L) (1.33 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Chlorine, lb/day =
14.5%/100% Available chlorine

Chlorine, lb/day = 703.78 lb/day, round to 700 lb/day Sodium hypochlorite

CHEMICAL FEED SOLUTION SETTINGS

Again, these calculations are used mainly for process control, which requires accurate deter-
mination before the chemical is actually applied to a particular process. And again, by keeping
accurate records of dosages and thus usage, operators can also plan ordering or costing.

143. If a polymer pump is delivering 12.3 gpd, what is the feed rate in mL/min?

(gpd) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Equation: Feed rate, mL/min =
1, 440 min/day
(12.3 gpd) (3, 785 mL/gal)
Feed rate, mL/min = = 32.3 mL/min
1, 440 min /day

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144. What should the chemical feeder be set on in mL/min, if the desired polymer
dosage is 35.9 gpd?

(Number of gallons used) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Equation: Number of mL/min =
1, 440 min/day

Substitute values and solve.

(35.9 gal) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Polymer, mL/min = = 94.36 mL/min, round to 94 mL/min
1, 440 min /day

145. What should the chemical feeder be set on in mL/min, if the desired polymer
dosage is 27.5 gpd?

(Number of gallons used) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Equation: Number of mL/min =
1, 440 min/day

Substitute values and solve.

(27.5 gal) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Polymer, mL/min = = 72.28 mL/min, round to 72.3 mL/min
1, 440 min /day

146. A wastewater treatment plant uses alum that is 5.37 lb of dry alum per gallon of
solution. If it has been determined that 13.5 mg/L of alum is optimum, what should
the chemical feed pump be set on in gpd, if the plant is treating 1.25 mgd?

First, calculate the number of lb/day of alum required.

Equation: lb/day = (Alum dose, mg/L)(mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Alum, lb/day = (13.5 mg/L)(1.25 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal) = 140.74 lb/day of dry alum

Now, calculate the amount of liquid alum by dividing the amount of dry alum by 5.37 lb/gal.

140.74 lb/day
Alum, gpd = = 26.2 gpd, of Liquid alum solution
5.37 lb/gal

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DRY CHEMICAL FEED SETTINGS

As with liquid dosing, accuracy in dosing dry chemicals is important too. The more accurate the
dosage calculation is, the more probability there will be for an operator to control a treatment
process and the better the records for future referral.

147. Determine the feed rate of dry alum in lb/day, if the drawdown in exactly 5 min-
utes was 126.4 grams (g) and the flow is 1.77 mgd.

First, determine the number of grams used per minute.

Alum, g = 126.4 g/5 min = 25.28 g/min

Know: 454 grams = 1 pound

(Number of g/min) (1, 440 min/day)

Equation: Alum, lb/day =
454 g/lb

Substitute values and solve.

(25.28 g/ min) (1, 440 min /day)

Alum, lb/day = = 80.18 lb/day, round to 80.2 lb/day Alum
454 g/lb

148. What must have been the setting of a gravimetric dry chemical feeder in g/min,
if the number of lb/day was 66.2?

(Number of g/min) (1, 440 min/day)

Equation: Chemical, lb/day =
454 g/lb

Rearrange to solve for the feeder setting in g/min.

(Chemical, lb/day) (454 g/lb)

Number of g/min =
1, 440 min /day

Substitute values and solve.

(66.2 lb/day) (454 g/lb)

Number of g/min = = 20.9 g/min
1, 440 min /day

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149. What is the feed rate of a dry chemical in lb/day, if a sample collection tray col-
lected 93 g in exactly 30 minutes?

First, determine the number of g/min.

Number of grams = 93 g/30 min = 3.1 g/min

(Number of g/min) (1, 440 min/day)

Equation: Chemical, lb/day =
454 g/lb

Substitute values and solve.

(3.1 g/ min) (1, 440 min /day)

Chemical, lb/day = = 9.8 lb/day
454 g/lb

SLUDGE PRODUCTION CALCULATIONS

Sludge production calculations are important for costing and disposal purposes. Plants that use
processes like digestion or heat treatment have smaller sludge production because more of the
sludge is destroyed compared to plants that use chemical addition to treat wastes.

150. Given the following data, determine the amount of primary dry solids produced
in lb/day:

Flow = 2.88 mgd

Influent suspended solids removed = 297 mg/L
Primary effluent suspended solids = 126 mg/L

First, determine the number of mg/L of suspended solids (SS) removed.

SS removed, mg/L = 297 mg/L, influent - 126 mg/L, effluent = 171 mg/L SS removed

SS removed, lb/day = (SS removed, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

SS removed, lb/day = (171 mg/L SS)(2.88 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

SS removed, lb/day = 4,107.28 lb/day, round to 4,110 lb/day

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151. A wastewater plant with an influent flow of 1.79 mgd has primary influent sus-
pended solids of 209 mg/L. If the secondary suspended solids are 101 mg/L, what
is the amount of dry solids produced in lb/day?

First, determine the number of mg/L of suspended solids (SS) removed.

SS removed, mg/L = 209 mg/L, influent - 101 mg/L effluent = 108 mg/L of SS removed

SS removed, lb/day = (SS removed, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

SS removed, lb/day = (108 mg/L SS)(1.79 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

SS removed, lb/day = 1,612.29 lb/day, round to 1,610 lb/day

152. Given the following data, determine the amount of flow the wastewater plant is
treating.

Primary effluent suspended solids = 127 mg/L

Primary effluent suspended solids removed = 2,342 lb/day

Equation: SS removed, lb/day = (SS removed, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange to solve for mg/L of SS removed.

SS removed, lb/day
Number of mgd =
(SS removed, mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal)
2, 342 lb/day
Number of mgd = = 2.21 mgd
(127 mg/L SS) (8.34 lb/gal)

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SLUDGE-AGE (GOULD) CALCULATIONS

Operators need to understand sludge-age calculations because this will help them maintain an
appropriate amount of activated sludge in an aeration tank. The age of the sludge refers to the
average solids retention time (usually in days) that the solids remain in the aeration tank. The
sludge age is controlled by the sludge wasting rate, which affects the sludge yield in the system.
This calculation is similar to detention time. See Figure 8 in Appendix E for one type of waste-
water plant using an oxidation ditch.

153. A wastewater treatment plant adds 408 lb/day of solids to its oxidation ditch
(aeration lagoon). If the solids under aeration are 6,750 lb, what is the sludge
age in days?

Solids under aeration, lb

Equation: Sludge age, days =
Solids added, lb/day
6, 750 lb
Sludge age, days = = 16.54 day, round to 16.5 days
408 lb/day

154. How much solids must be added per day to a wastewater plant’s oxidation ditch,
if the sludge age is 20.4 days and the solids under aeration are 2,460 lb?

Solids under aeration, lb

Equation: Sludge age, days =
Solids added, lb/day

Rearrange the equation to solve for solids added in lb/day.

Solids under aeration, lb

Solids added, lb/day =
Sludge age, days

Substitute values and solve.

2, 460 lb
Solids added, lb/day = = 120.59 lb/day, round to 121 lb/day
20.4 days

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SLUDGE volume index and sludge volume density calculations

The sludge volume index (SVI) and density calculations inform the operator about the floccu-
lation process, the settling characteristics of the activated sludge, and how these settling char-
acteristics affect return sludge rates and mixed liquor suspended solids. Activated sludge plants
that are functioning properly usually have an SVI of around 100 mL/g.

155. A settleability test on MLSS sample in a 1-liter graduated cylinder had a sus-
pended solids result of 248 mL. If the mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) was
2,620 mg/L in the aeration tank, what was the sludge volume index (SVI)? What
does the result tell you?

First, convert MLSS in mg to grams.

MLSS, g = (2,620 mg)(1 g/1,000 mg) = 2.62 g

SS, mL
Equation: SVI =
MLSS, g/L

Substitute values and solve.

SVI = 248 mL = 94.66, round to 94.7 SVI

2.62 g

The result indicates the biosolids are old and effluent turbidity is probably increasing.

156. A 30-minute settleability test on MLSS sample had a settleable solids result of 286
mL in a 1-liter graduated cylinder. If the mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS)
in the aeration tank were 3,025 mg/L, what was the sludge density index (SDI)?

First, convert MLSS in mg to grams.

MLSS, g = (3,025 mg)(1 g/1,000 mg) = 3.025 g, MLSS

(MLSS, g) (100%)
Equation: SDI =
SS, mL

Substitute values and solve.

(3.025 g) (100%)
SDI = = 1.06 SDI
286 mL

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ORGANIC LOADING RATE CALCULATIONS

Organic loading rate calculations tell the operator the amount of food entering the plant. These
calculations are used for wastewater treatment ponds, rotating biological contactors, or trickling
filters. See figures in Appendix E for the types of wastewater plants using these processes.

157. A wastewater treatment pond receives a flow of 485,000 gpd. What is the or-
ganic loading rate in pounds of biological oxygen demand per day per acre (lb
BOD5/d/acre), if the pond has a surface area of 5.92 acre-ft and the influent BOD5
concentration is 205 mg/L?

First, convert gallons per day to mgd.

485, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 0.485 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the pounds of BOD5/d/acre-ft using a modified version of the “pounds”
equation.

(BOD5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/acre-ft =
Surface area of pond, acre - ft
(205 mg/L BOD5) (0.485 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/acre-ft =
5.92 acre - ft

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/acre-ft = 140.07 lb BOD5/d/acre-ft, round to 140 lb BOD5/d/

acre-ft

158. What is the organic loading rate for a trickling filter in lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3, given
the following data?

Trickling filter volume = 31,000 ft3

Primary effluent flow = 4,020,000 gpd
BOD5 = 152 mg/L

First, convert gallons per day to mgd.

4, 020, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 4.02 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

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Next, factor out 1,000 ft3 from the volume = (31)(1,000 ft3)

Next, determine the pounds of BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 using a modified version of the “pounds”
equation.

(BOD 5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 =
Volume of trickling filter, ft 3 /1, 000 ft 3
(152 mg/L BOD5) (4.02 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 =
(31) (1, 000 ft3)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 = 164.39, round to 160 lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3

SUSPENDED SOLIDS LOADING CALCULATIONS

Operators use suspended solids loading for evaluating process control.

159. What is the amount of suspended solids entering a trickling filter in lb/day, if the
influent flow is 2.18 mgd and the amount of suspended solids (SS) is 325 mg/L?

This problem uses the same equation as a dosage problem.

Equation: Number of lb/day SS = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day SS = (325 mg/L SS)(2.18 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day SS = 5,908.89 lb/day, round to 5,910 lb/day SS

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160. Determine the amount of suspended solids entering a trickling filter in mg/L, if
the influent flow is 1.56 mgd and the suspended solids loading is 4,260 lb/day.

Equation: Number of lb/day SS = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L, SS.

Number of lb/day SS
Number of mg/L SS =
(Number of mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

4, 260 lb/day
Number of mg/L SS = = 327.43 mg/L, round to 327 mg/L SS
(1.56 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND LOADING CALCULATIONS

Biochemical oxygen demand is the demand for oxygen made by bacteria as they decompose
organic matter in wastewater or in the natural environment. This calculation sometimes is
helpful in evaluating treatment pond processes. The BOD5 is a 5-day test. See Figures 1 and 6
in Appendix E for two types of wastewater plants using a trickling filter.

161. Calculate the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) loading on a trickling filter
in lb/day, if the influent flow into the trickling filter is 2.07 mgd and the influent
BOD5 is 168 mg/L.

Equation: Number of lb/day BOD5 = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day BOD5 = (168 mg/L BOD5)(2.07 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day BOD5 = 2,900 lb/day BOD5

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162. Calculate the influent flow to a trickling filter in mgd, if the BOD5 loading is
1,880 lb/day and the BOD5 is 205 mg/L.

Equation: Number of lb/day BOD5 = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L.

Number of lb/day BOD 5

Number of mgd =
(Number of mg/L BOD 5) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

1, 880 lb/day
Number of mgd flow = = 1.10 mgd
(205 mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal)

163. What is the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) loading on a trickling filter in
lb/day, if the influent flow into the trickling filter is 1,250 gpm and the influent
BOD5 is 215 mg/L?

First, convert gpm to mgd.

(1, 250 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 1.80 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Number of lb/day BOD5 = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day BOD5 = (215 mg/L BOD5)(1.80 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day BOD5 = 3,227.58 lb/day, round to 3,230 lb/day BOD5

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SOLUBLE AND PARTICULATE BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND CALCULATIONS

BOD5 measures the amount of organic matter that is present in water. Bacteria break down
this organic matter by natural decomposition and in the process utilize oxygen. Thus the more
organic matter present in the wastewater, the more demand for oxygen by the bacteria. Oper-
ators need to know how to do BOD5 calculations because there are strict regulations for the
amount of BOD5 that can be discharged to a natural water body from the treated plant. The K
value in these problems is the portion of suspended solids in the wastewater that are organic
suspended solids. Domestic water usually has about 50 to 70% of the suspended solids as organic
suspended solids, which is usually written in decimal form (0.5 to 0.7).

164. What is the approximate particulate biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) con-
centration for a wastewater, if the suspended solids (SS) are 208 mg/L and the K
value for the plant is usually 0.575?

Equation: Particulate BOD5, mg/L = (SS, mg/L)(K value)

Substitute values and solve.

Particulate BOD5, mg/L = (208 mg/L SS)(0.575 K value)

Particulate BOD5, mg/L = 119.6 mg/L, round to 120 mg/L Particulate BOD5

165. Given the following, calculate the estimated particulate BOD5 in mg/L for the
following wastewater.

Plant flow = 1,160 gpm

SS solids = 236 mg/L
K factor = 0.58

Equation: Particulate BOD5, mg/L = (SS, mg/L)(K factor)

Substitute values and solve.

Particulate BOD5, mg/L = (236 mg/L SS)(0.58 K factor)

Particulate BOD5, mg/L = 136.88 mg/L, round to 140 mg/L Particulate BOD5

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166. What is the soluble BOD5 if the total BOD5 is 248 mg/L, the K factor is 0.55, and
the total suspended solids (SS) are 190 mg/L?

Equation: Soluble BOD5 = Total BOD5 - (K factor)(Total SS)

Substitute values and solve.

Soluble BOD5 = 248 mg/L BOD5 - (0.55 K factor)(190 mg/L SS)

Soluble BOD5 = 248 mg/L - 104.5 mg/L

Soluble BOD5 = 143.5 mg/L, round to 140 mg/L Soluble BOD5

167. What is the soluble BOD5 if the suspended solids are 176 mg/L, the total BOD5 is 208
mg/L, and the K factor is 0.55? Please note: Suspended solids are particulates.

Equation: Total BOD5 = (Particulate BOD5)(K factor) + Soluble BOD5

Rearrange the equation to solve for soluble BOD5.

Soluble BOD5 = Total BOD5 - (Particulate BOD5)(K factor)

Substitute values and solve.

Soluble BOD5 = 208 mg/L BOD5 - (176 mg/L BOD5)(0.55 K factor)

Soluble BOD5 = 208 mg/L BOD5 - 96.8 mg/L BOD5

Soluble BOD5 = 111.2 mg/L, round to 110 mg/L Soluble BOD5

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168. Calculate the particulate BOD5 given the following data:

K factor = 0.63
Total BOD5 = 231 mg/L
Soluble BOD5 = 129 mg/L

Equation: Total BOD5 = (Particulate BOD5)(K factor) + Soluble BOD5

Rearrange the equation to solve for particulate BOD5.

First, subtract soluble BOD5 from both sides of the equation.

(Particulate BOD5)(K factor) = Total BOD5 - Soluble BOD5

Next, divide both sides by the K factor.

Total BOD 5 - Soluble BOD 5

Particulate BOD5 =
K factor

Substitute values and solve.

231 mg/L BOD 5 - 129 mg/L BOD 5

Particulate BOD5 =
0.63 factor

Particulate BOD5 = 161.9 mg/L, round to 160 mg/L Particulate BOD5

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CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND LOADING CALCULATIONS

Chemical oxygen demand is a measure of the capacity of water to consume oxygen, when organic
matter and the oxidation of inorganic matter are decomposed. Because it also measures the
decomposition of inorganic matter such as nitrate and ammonia, it is only an indirect measure
of the organic matter in water.

169. Determine the amount of chemical oxygen demand (COD) entering an aeration
tank in mg/L, if the influent flow is 2.66 mgd and the COD loading is 3,055 lb/day.

Equation: Number of lb/day COD = (COD, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L.

Number of lb/day COD

Number of mg/L COD =
(Number of mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

3, 055 lb/day
Number of mg/L COD = = 137.7 mg/L, round to 138 mg/L COD
(2.66 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

170. What is the influent flow to an aeration tank in mgd, if the COD loading is 3,105
lb/day and the COD is 179 mg/L?

Equation: Number of lb/day COD = (COD, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L.

Number of lb/day COD

Number of mgd =
(Number of mg/L COD) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

3, 105 lb/day
Number of mgd flow = = 2.08 mgd
(179 mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal)

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HYDRAULIC DIGESTION TIME CALCULATIONS

Hydraulic digestion time tells the operator how long the process will take to complete, and is
thus used for planning purposes. See Figures 2, 4, 5, and 6 in Appendix E for four types of waste-
water plants using a digester.

171. What is the hydraulic digestion time for a 49.5-ft diameter digester with a level
of 9.2 ft and sludge flow of 8,230 gallons per day (gpd)?

First, determine the volume of the digester in ft3.

Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Depth, ft)

Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(49.5 ft)(49.5 ft)(9.2 ft) = 17,695.7 ft3

Next, determine the number of gallons in the digester.

Know: 1 ft3 = 7.48 gal/ft3

Number of gal = (17,695.7 ft3)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 132,363.9 gal

Lastly, calculate the digestion time in days.

Number of gallons
Equation: Digestion time, days =
Influent sludge flow, gal/day

Substitute values and solve.

132, 363.9 gal

Digestion time, days = = 16.08 days, round to 16 days
8, 230 gal/day

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172. What is the hydraulic digestion time for a 32.2-ft diameter digester with a level
of 9.5 ft and sludge flow of 5,880 gallons per day (gpd)?
2 3
(0.785) (Diameter) (Depth, ft) (7.48 gal/ft )
Equation: Digestion time, days =
Influent sludge flow, gal/day

Substitute values and solve.

3
(0.785) (32.2 ft) (32.2 ft) (9.5 ft) (7.48 gal/ft )
Digestion time, days =
5, 880 gpd

Digestion time, days = 9.8 days

DIGESTER LOADING RATE CALCULATIONS

Digester loading rate calculations tell the operator how much volatile solids are stabilized per
cubic foot of digester space. It is used for evaluating process control.

173. Calculate the loading rate on a digester in pounds of volatile solids added (VSA)
per day per cubic foot (lb VSA/d/ft3), if the volume of the digester is 28,200 ft3 and
the digester has an influent of 9,350 lb/day of volatile solids.

Equation: Digester loading rate, lb VSA/d/ft3 = lb VSA

Volume of digester, ft3

Digester loading rate, lb VSA/d/ft3 = 9, 350 lb VSA = 0.33 lb VSA/d/ft3

28, 200, ft3

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174. Determine the loading rate on a digester in pounds of volatile solids added (VSA)
per day per cubic foot (lb VSA/d/ft3), if the volume of sludge in the digester is
187,750 gal and the digester has an influent of 7,110 lb/day of volatile solids.

First, convert the volume of the digester from gallons to cubic feet.

187, 750 gal

Number of ft3, digester = = 25,100 ft3
7.48 gal/ft3
Next, using the following equation, determine the loading rate on the digester.

Equation: Digester loading rate, lb VSA/d/ft3 = lb VSA

Volume of digester, ft3
Digester loading rate, lb VSA/d/ft3 = 7, 110 lb VSA = 0.28 lb VSA/d/ft3
25, 100, ft3

MEAN CELL RESIDENCE TIME (SOLIDS RETENTION TIME) CALCULATIONS

The mean cell residence time (MCRT) is the average time the activated-sludge solids are in
an activated biosolids system. The MCRT is an important design and operating parameter for
operators to use in the activated-sludge process and is normally expressed in days. This calcu-
lation is used for operational process control. See Figure 2 in Appendix E for one type of waste-
water plant using the activated sludge process.

175. Given the following data, calculate the mean cell residence time (MCRT) for this
activated sludge system:

Aeration tank plus secondary clarifier volume = 0.465 mil gal

Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) = 3,720 mg/L
Suspended solids (SS) wasted = 1,820 lb/day
Secondary effluent SS = 385 lb/day

(MLSS, mg/L) (mil gal) (8.34 lb/day)

Equation: MCRT, days =
SS wasted, lb/day +SS lb/day

Substitute values and solve.

(3, 720 mg/L) (0.465 mil gal) (8.34 lb/day)

MCRT, days =
1, 820 lb/day SS +385 lb/day SS
(3, 720 mg/L) (0.465 mil gal) (8.34 lb/day)
MCRT, days = = 6.54 days
2, 205 lb/day SS

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176. Given the following data, calculate the mean cell residence time (MCRT) for this
activated sludge system:

Aeration tank volume = 0.62 mil gal

Secondary clarifier volume = 0.15 mil gal
Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) = 3,430 mg/L
Suspended solids (SS) wasted = 2,180 lb/day
Secondary effluent SS = 320 lb/day

First, add the aerator and final clarifier volumes.

Total volume, mil gal = 0.62 mil gal + 0.15 mil gal = 0.77 mil gal

(MLSS, mg/L) (mil gal) (8.34 lb/day)

Equation: MCRT, days =
SS wasted, lb/day +SS lb/day

Substitute values and solve.

(3, 430 mg/L) (0.77 mil gal) (8.34 lb/day)

MCRT, days =
2, 180 lb/day SS +320 lb/day SS
(3, 430 mg/L) (0.77 mil gal) (8.34 lb/day)
MCRT, days = = 8.81 days, round to 8.8 days
2, 500 lb/day SS

DIGESTER VOLATILE SOLIDS LOADING RATIO CALCULATIONS

This calculation compares the volatile solids added to the volatile solids in the digester. It is
used for evaluating process control.

177. If a digester has 24,200 lb of volatile solids (VS) and 2,750 lb/day are pumped into
it, what is the ratio of volatile solids loading on the digester?

Use the following equation to solve for digester volatile solid ratio.

VS added lb/day
Equation: Digester VS ratio =
lb VS in digester
2, 750 lb/day
Digester VS ratio = = 0.114 VS ratio
24, 200 lb

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178. Given the following data, calculate the volatile solids (VS) loading ratio on a
digester:

Sludge weight in digester = 130,500 lb

VS loading = 1,255 lb/day
Total solids (TS) percentage = 4.89%
VS percentage = 66.2%

Use expanded equation with percentages:

VS added lb/day
Digester VS ratio =
(lb VS in digester)(TS %/100%) (VS %/100%)
1, 255 lb/day, VS
Digester VS ratio =
(130, 500 lb VS) (4.89%/100% TS) (66.2%/100% VS)
1, 255 lb/day, VS
Digester VS ratio =
(130, 500 lb VS) (0.0489 TS) (0.662 VS)

Digester VS ratio = 0.297 VS ratio

179. If the ratio of volatile solids (VS) added to volatile solids already in a digester
is 0.08 and the amount of VS already in the digester is 29,500 lb, what is the
amount in lb/day that must have been added?

VS added lb/day
Equation: Digester VS ratio =
lb VS in digester

Rearrange the problem to solve for volatile solids added.

VS added lb/day = (Digester VS ratio)(lb VS in digester)

Substitute values and solve.

VS added lb/day = (0.08 VS ratio)(29,500 lb VS in digester) = 2,360 lb/day VS added

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DIGESTER GAS PRODUCTION PROBLEMS

Operators calculate the amount of gases produced per pound of volatile solids destroyed to
determine the effectiveness of the digestion process. Also, it is important to know the gas pro-
duction because in some cases it is used as a fuel for other plant processes.

180. If a digester produces 8,420 ft3/day of gas and the amount of volatile solids de-
stroyed are 725 lb/day, what is the amount of gas produced in ft3 per lb of vola-
tile solids (VS) destroyed?

Gas production, ft 3 /day

Equation: Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed =
VS destroyed, lb/day
8, 420 ft 3 /day
Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed = = 11.6 ft3/lb of VS destroyed
725 lb/day

181. Given the following data, calculate the gas produced by a digester in ft3 per
pound of volatile solids (VS) destroyed:

Digester gas production = 5,770 ft3/day

Volatile solids destroyed = 435 lb/day

Gas production, ft 3 /day

Equation: Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed =
VS destroyed, lb/day
5, 770 ft 3 /day
Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed = = 13.3 ft3/lb of VS destroyed
435 lb/day

182. What must have been the gas production by a digester in ft3/day, given the fol-
lowing data?

Volatile solids destroyed = 512 lb/day

Gas produced in ft3/lb VS destroyed = 12.6 ft3/lb

Gas production, ft 3 /day

Equation: Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed =
VS destroyed, lb/day

Rearrange to solve for gas production in ft3/day.

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Gas production, ft3/day = (Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed)(VS destroyed, lb/day)

Substitute values and solve.

Gas production, ft3/day = (12.6 ft3/lb)(512 lb/day) = 6,451.2 ft3/day, round to 6,450 ft3/day

VOLATILE ACIDS–TO–ALKALINITY RATIO PROBLEMS

The first phase of anaerobic digestion is acid fermentation, which is dependent on new volatile
solids entering the digester. The second stage is methane fermentation. These two processes need
to be in delicate balance with each other for the anaerobic digestion process to proceed properly.
Different treatment plants have different ratios, but typically the ratio is less than 0.1.

183. Determine the ratio of volatile acids to alkalinity, if the alkalinity in an anaero-
bic digester is 2,054 mg/L and the volatile acid concentration of the sludge is 181
mg/L.

Equation: Ratio = Volatile acids/Alkalinity

Substitute values and solve.

181 mg/L
Ratio = = 0.0881
2, 054 mg/L

184. What must have been the volatile acid concentration in an anaerobic digester, if the
alkalinity was 1,942 mg/L and the ratio of volatile acids to alkalinity was 0.0849?

Equation: Volatile acids = (Alkalinity)(Ratio)

Substitute values and solve.

Volatile acids, mg/L = (1,942 mg/L)(0.0849) = 164.88 mg/L, round to 165 mg/L

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LIME NEUTRALIZATION PROBLEMS

When the sludge in an anaerobic digester becomes acidic it is called a sour digester. A sour
digester occurs when the volatile acid–to–alkalinity ratio increases above 0.8. It is not always
possible to wait for a digester to naturally correct itself because of the digester’s capacity or
time constraints. Under these circumstances, it is necessary to neutralize the acid conditions
in the digester with lime. The following problems show how operators calculate the appropriate
dosage of lime. The lime dosage is based on the amount of volatile acids in the sludge and is in
a 1-to-1 ratio, that is, 1 mg/L of lime will neutralize 1 mg/L of volatile acid.

185. Given the following data, calculate the amount of lime in lb that is needed to
neutralize a sour digester:

Digester volume = 198,500 gallons

Volatile acids = 1,961 mg/L

Know: 1 mg/L of lime will neutralize 1 mg/L of volatile acids

First, convert the digester’s volume from gallons to million gallons.

198, 500 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.1985 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Lime, lb = (Volatile acids, mg/L)(mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Lime, lb = (1,961 mg/L)(0.1985 mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal) = 3,246 lb of Lime

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186. If a sour digester has a volume of 225,000 gallons and a volatile acid
concentration of 2,377 mg/L, how many pounds of lime will it take to
neutralize the volatile acids?

Know: 1 mg/L of lime will neutralize 1 mg/L of volatile acids

First, convert the digester’s volume from gallons to million gallons.

225, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.225 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Lime, lb = (Volatile acids, mg/L)(mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Lime, lb = (2,377 mg/L)(0.225 mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal) = 4,460 lb of Lime

187. What must have been the concentration of volatile acids in mg/L for a sour di-
gester with a volume of 254,000 gallons, if the number of pounds of lime to neu-
tralize the volatile acids was 3,888 lb?

Know: 1 mg/L of lime will neutralize 1 mg/L of volatile acids

First, convert the digester’s volume from gallons to million gallons.

254, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.254 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Number of lb = (Volatile acids, mg/L)(mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for the concentration of volatile acids.

Volatile acids, mg/L = Number of lb,lim e

(mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

3, 888 lb, lim e

Volatile acids, mg/L =
(0.254 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

Volatile acids, mg/L = 1,835.38 mg/L, round to 1,840 mg/L Volatile acids

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POPULATION LOADING CALCULATIONS

These calculations are used for wastewater treatment ponds. They are based on the number of
people per acre of pond, and it is a helpful tool in evaluating process control of ponds.

188. Calculate the population loading in people per acre on three ponds, if the three
ponds have a total area of 12.7 acres and they serve 23,500 people.

Number of people served

Population loading, people/acre =
Area of pond (s), acres

Substitute values and solve.

23, 500 people served

Population loading, people/acre = = 1,850 people/acre
12.7 acres

189. Given the following data, calculate the population loading in people per acre on
two ponds.

Number one pond = 3.75 acres

Number two pond = 6.52 acres
Population served = 11,045 people

First, add the area in acres for each pond to get the total acres.

Total area of ponds, acres = 3.75 acres + 6.52 acres = 10.27 acres

Next, using the following equation determine the population loading.

Number of people served

Population loading, people/acre =
Area of pond (s), acres

Substitute values and solve.

11, 045 people served

Population loading, people/acre =
10.27 acres

Population loading, people/acre = 1,075 people/acre, round to 1,080 people/acre

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POPULATION EQUIVALENT CALCULATIONS

Wastewater discharge from industries or commercial sources usually has a higher organic
content than domestic wastewaters. Operators use population equivalent calculations to
compare domestic wastewater to wastewater from these former sources. This is important in
determining the loading that will be placed on a wastewater system when a new industry wants
to connect to a system. What is needed is the flow from this industry in mgd and the BOD5
concentration in mg/L. Domestic wastewater systems usually contain a range of 0.17 to 0.20
pounds of BOD5 per day, which the wastewater plant should have already determined. Also,
population equivalent calculations are required for designing proper size wastewater treatment
plants, pump stations, and pipe sizes, because the volumetric flow that is expected to be treated
and pumped needs to be estimated.

190. Given the following data, calculate the population equivalent for this particular
wastewater flow.

Wastewater flow = 2.77 mgd

BOD5/person = 0.21 lb/day of BOD5/person
BOD5 concentration in the wastewater = 2,460 mg/L

Use the following equation to solve this problem.

(BOD 5, mg/L) (mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Number of people =
lb/day of BOD 5 /person
(2, 460 mg/L BOD5) (2.77 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Number of people =
0.21 lb/day

Number of people = 270,621 people, round to 270,000 people

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191. A wastewater treatment plant has an average flow of 1,375,000 gallons. If the
BOD5 is 2,050 mg/L and the average BOD5 per person is 0.25 lb/day, what is the
population equivalent that this plant is currently treating?

First, convert the flow in gallons to mgd.

1, 375, 000 gal

Number of mgd = = 1.375 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, use the following equation to solve this problem.

(BOD 5, mg/L) (mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Number of people =
lb/day of BOD 5 /person
(2, 050 mg/L BOD5) (1.375 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Number of people =
0.25 lb/day

Number of people = 94,034 people, round to 94,000 people

SOLIDS UNDER AERATION

Solids under aeration calculations are used by operators for evaluating process control.

192. Calculate the number of pounds of suspended solids contained in an aeration

tank, if the tank contains 263,000 gallons and the concentration of suspended
solids is 1,988 mg/L.

First, convert gallons to million gallons.

263, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.263 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the pounds of suspended solids using the “pounds” equation.

Equation: Number of lb, solids = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb SS = (1,988 mg/L SS)(0.263 mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb SS = 4,360.52 lb, round to 4,360 lb SS

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193. The capacity of an aeration tank is 325,000 gallons. How many pounds of MLSS
are being aerated, if the concentration of MLSS is 2,405 mg/L?

First, determine how many gallons are in the aeration tank.

Next, convert gallons to million gallons.

325, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.325 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the pounds of MLSS under aeration using the “pounds” equation.

Equation: Number of lb = (MLSS, mg/L)(Number of mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb MLSS = (2,405 mg/L MLSS)(0.325 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb MLSS = 6,518.75 lb, round to 6,520 lb MLSS

SUSPENDED SOLIDS REMOVAL

The suspended solids removal calculations are used by operators as a sign for the efficiency of
the treatment process in question. Typically, the suspended solids removed from wastewater
systems ranges from 100 to 350 mg/L.

194. What quantity of suspended solids in lb/day was removed from a primary clarifi-
er that had an influent flow of 4.33 mgd and 92 mg/L of suspended solids (SS)?

Equation: SS removed, lb/day = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day SS removed = (92 mg/L SS)(4.33 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day SS removed = 3,322.32 lb/day, round to 3,300 lb/day SS removed

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195. If a wastewater treatment plant’s clarifier had a flow of 2.77 mgd and a removal
of 2,600 lb/day of suspended solids, what must have been the average influent
concentration of suspended solids in mg/L?

Equation: SS removed, lb/day = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation, then substitute values and solve.

(SS removed, lb/day)

SS removed, mg/L =
(Number of mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
(2, 600 lb/day)
SS removed, mg/L = = 112.54 mg/L, round to 110 mg/L SS
(2.77 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
removed

BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND REMOVAL CALCULATIONS

The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) removal calculations are used to inform operators about
the efficiency of the treatment process for a pond or trickling filter. The BOD5 is an empirical
test that informs the operator on the relative oxygen requirements of a wastewater, and is an
indicator of how much food is in the wastewater. The BOD5 is a 5-day test.

196. Given the following data, determine the amount in lb/day removal of biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD5) from a trickling filter.

Plant influent flow = 2.49 mgd

Influent BOD5 concentration = 342 mg/L
Effluent BOD5 concentration = 196 mg/L

First, determine the amount of BOD5 removed in mg/L by subtracting the influent BOD5 from
the effluent BOD5.

BOD5 removed, mg/L = (Influent BOD5, mg/L - Effluent BOD5, mg/L)

BOD5 removed, mg/L = 342 mg/L - 196 mg/L = 146 mg/L of BOD5 removed

Next, solve the amount of BOD5 removed in lb/day by using the “pounds” equation.

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Equation: BOD5 removed, lb/day = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

BOD5 removed, lb/day = (146 mg/L BOD5)(2.49 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

BOD5 removed, lb/day = 3,031.92 lb/day, round to 3,030 lb/day BOD5 removed

197. What must have been the daily flow to a trickling filter in mgd, if the BOD5 re-
moved was 3,730 lb/day, the influent BOD5 was 290 mg/L, and the effluent BOD5
was 78 mg/L?

First, the amount of BOD5 removed must still be determined by subtracting the influent BOD5
from the effluent BOD5.

BOD5 removed, mg/L = 290 mg/L - 78 mg/L = 212 mg/L of BOD5 removed

Next, solve the amount of BOD5 removed in lb/day by using the “pounds” equation.

Equation: Number of lb/day = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation, then substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day
Number of mgd =
(BOD 5 removed, mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

3, 730 lb/day
Number of mgd = = 2.1 mgd
(212 mg/L BOD 5 removed) (8.34 lb/gal)

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FOOD-TO-MICROORGANISM RATIO CALCULATIONS

A properly operated activated sludge process has a balance between the food entering the
system and the microorganisms in the aeration tank. The best ratio varies because it depends
on the activated sludge process and the characteristics of the wastewater being treated. The cal-
culation is a measure of the pounds of food coming in divided by the pounds of microorganisms
present. The ratio is a process control number because it helps the operator determine the
proper number of microorganisms for the system in question.

198. Given the following data on an aeration tank, calculate the current food-to-
microorganism (F/M) ratio.

Primary effluent flow = 2.85 mgd

Volume of aeration tank = 207,000 gallons
Mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) = 2,450 mg/L
BOD5 = 215 mg/L

First, convert the volume of wastewater in the tank to million gallons.

207, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.207 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil
(BOD 5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)
Next, write the equation: F/M =
(mg/L MLVSS) (Volume in tank, mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

The 8.34 lb/gal cancels, leaving the following equation:

(BOD5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd)

F/M =
(mg/L MLVSS) (Volume of tan k, mil gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(215 mg/L BOD5) (2.85 mgd)

F/M = = 1.21 F/M ratio
(2, 450 mg/L MLVSS) (0.207 mil gal)

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199. What is the food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio for an aeration tank with a vol-
ume of 325,000 gallons, if the primary effluent flow is 4.20 mgd, the MLVSS is
3,015 mg/L, and the BOD5 is 241 mg/L?

First, convert the volume of wastewater in the tank to million gallons.

Number of mil gal = 325,000 gal/1,000,000/mil = 0.325 mil gal

Next, write the equation:

(BOD 5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd)

F/M =
(mg/L MLVSS) (Volume of tank, mil gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(241 mg/L BOD5) (4.20 mgd)

F/M = = 1.03 F/M ratio
(3, 015 mg/L MLVSS) (0.325 mil gal)

SEED SLUDGE PROBLEMS

This calculation is required for determining how much seed sludge in gallons to use for starting
a new digester.

200. A digester has a capacity of 252,000 gallons. If the seed sludge required is 15% of
the digester capacity, how many gallons of seed sludge will be needed?

(Capacity of digester)(Percent seed sludge required)

Equation: Seed sludge, gal =
100%
(252, 000 gallons) (15%)
Seed sludge, gal = = 37,800 gal of seed sludge
100%

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201. Given the following data, determine the seed sludge required in gallons:

Digester has a radius of 27.5 ft

Liquid level in digester is 17.3 ft
Requires 17% seed sludge

First, determine the number of gallons in the digester.

Volume, gal = rr2(Depth, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Volume, gal = (3.14)(27.5 ft)(27.5 ft)(17.3 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 307,286 gal

Next, use the following equation.

(Capacity of digester)(Percent seed sludge required)

Seed sludge, gal =
100%
(307, 286 gallons) (17%)
Seed sludge, gal =
100%

Seed sludge, gal = 52,239 gal, round to 52,000 gal of Seed sludge

GRAVITY THICKENER SOLID LOADING PROBLEMS

Gravity thickeners use large tanks that separate suspended solids and mineral matter from
the liquid by gravity. The gravity thickener concentrates the sludge to reduce the load on pro-
cesses that follow—conditioning, dewatering, and digestion—and produces a clear liquid, which
is decanted. Flocculants are used to speed up the settling process. Operators can calculate the
solids loading in lb/d/ft2 or the hydraulic loading in gal/day/ft2. The hydraulic loading calculation
is used by operators to determine if the process is being overloaded or underloaded. See Figures
4, 5, and 6 in Appendix E for three types of wastewater plants using the thickening process.

202. Given the following data, determine the hydraulic loading on a gravity thick-
ener in gal/d/ft2:

Gravity thickener = 50.3 ft in diameter

Influent flow = 38.4 gpm
Percent solids = 3.1%

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First, determine the area of the gravity thickener.

Know: Area = rr2, where r = 3.14

Radius (r) = Diameter/2 = 50.3 ft/2 = 25.15 ft

Area = (r)(25.15 ft)(25.15 ft) = 3.14(632.5225 ft2) = 1,986.12 ft2

(Flow, gpm)(1, 440 min/day)(Percent solids)

Equation: Hydraulic loading, gal/d/ft2 =
(Gravity thickener area) (100%)

Substitute values and solve.

(38.4 gpm) (1, 440 min /day) (3.1%)

Hydraulic loading, gal/d/ft2 =
(1, 986.12 ft 2) (100%)

Hydraulic loading, gal/d/ft2 = 0.86 gal/d/ft2

203. A gravity thickener with a radius of 32.4 ft receives a flow of 0.0854 mgd. If the
percent solids are 4.40%, what are the solids loading on the gravity thickener in
lb/d/ft2?

First, convert the mgd to gpd.

Number of gpd = (0.0854 mgd)(1,000,000/mil) = 85,400 gpd

Know: Area of gravity thickener = rr2 where r = 3.14

(Flow, gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (Percent solids)

Equation: Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =
(Gravity thickener area) (100%)

Substitute values and solve.

(85, 400 gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (4.40%)

Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =
(3.14) (32.4 ft) (32.4 ft) (100%)

Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 = 9.51 lb/d/ft2

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DISSOLVED AIR FLOTATION: THICKENER SOLIDS LOADING PROBLEMS

The dissolved air flotation technique is used to thicken sludge. These types of calculations are
used for evaluating process control.

204. Given the following data, calculate the solids loading in lb/d/ft2 on a dissolved
air flotation (DAF) thickener unit:

Area of DAF = 1,550 ft2

Waste-activated sludge (WAS) = 9,037 mg/L
Sludge flow = 145 gpm
Sludge weight = 8.84 lb/gal

First, convert gpm to mgd.

(145 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of gpd = = 0.2088 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil
(WAS, mg/L) (mgd) (lb/gal, Sludge)
Equation: Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =
DAF area, ft 2
(9, 037 mg/L, WAS) (0.2088 mgd) (8.84 lb/gal, Sludge)
Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =
1, 550 ft 2 DAF

Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 = 10.76 lb/d/ft2, round to 10.8 lb/d/ft2

205. What is the solids loading for a dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit in lb/hr/ft2 that
is 59.8 ft by 17.5 ft, with a sludge flow of 0.208 mgd, a waste-activated sludge
(WAS) concentration of 7,548 mg/L, and the sludge weighs 8.79 lb/gal?

First, determine the area of the DAF unit in ft2.

DAF area, ft2 = (59.8 ft)(17.5 ft) = 1,046.5 ft2

Next, calculate the solids loading using the following equation.

(WAS, mg/L) (mgd) (lb/gal, Sludge)

Equation: Solids loading, lb/hr/ft2 =
(DAF area, ft 2) (24 hr/day)

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(7, 548 mg/L, WAS) (0.208 mgd) (8.79 lb/gal, Sludge)

Solids loading, lb/hr/ft2 =
(1, 046.5 ft 2 DAF) (24 hr/day)

Solids loading, lb/hr/ft2 = 0.5495 lb/hr/ft2, round to 0.550 lb/hr/ft2

DISSOLVED AIR FLOTATION: AIR-TO-SOLIDS RATIO CALCULATIONS

Air-to-solids ratio calculations are used to determine the efficiency of the process, as the air flotation
thickener and the solids in the system must be in balance. Typically the ratio ranges from 0.01 to 0.1.

206. What is the air-to-solids ratio for a dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit that has an
air flow rate of 7.8 ft3/min, a solids concentration of 0.65%, and a flow of 117 gpm?

Know: Air = 0.0807 lb/ft3 at standard temperature, pressure, and average composition

(Air flow, ft 3 /min) (Air, lb/ft 3)

Equation: Air-to-solids ratio =
(gpm) (Percent solids/100%) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(7.8 ft 3 / min) (100%) (0.0807 lb/ft 3)

Air-to-solids ratio = = 0.10 Air-to-solids ratio
(117 gpm) (0.65%) (8.34 lb/gal)

207. Given the following data, determine the air-to-solids ratio for a DAF unit.

DAF influent flow = 124 gpm

Air flow = 7.2 ft3/min
Solids concentration = 0.67%

Know: Air = 0.0807 lb/ft3 at standard temperature, pressure, and average composition

(Air flow, ft 3 /min) (Air, lb/ft 3)

Equation: Air-to-solids ratio =
(gpm) (Percent solids/100%) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(7.2 ft3 / min ) (100%) (0.0807 lb/ft3)

Air-to-solids ratio = = 0.084 Air-to-solids ratio
(124 gpm) (0.67%) (8.34 lb/gal)

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DISSOLVED AIR FLOTATION: AIR RATE FLOW CALCULATIONS

Operators use air rate flow calculations for evaluating process control.

208. If a DAF unit receives air at an average rate of 9.86 ft3/min, how many lb/day of
air does it receive?

Know: Air = 0.0807 lb/ft3 at standard temperature, pressure, and average composition

Equation: Air, lb/day = (Air flow, ft3/min)(1,440 min/day)(0.0807 lb/ft3, Air)

Substitute values and solve.

Air, lb/day = (9.86 ft3/min)(1,440 min/day)(0.0807 lb/ft3)

Air, lb/day = 1,145.81 lb/day, round to 1,150 lb/day of Air

209. If a DAF unit receives air at an average rate of 7.05 ft3/min, how many lb/hr of
air does it receive?

Know: Air = 0.0807 lb/ft3 at standard temperature, pressure, and average composition

Equation: Air, lb/day = (Air flow, ft3/min)(60 min/hr)(0.0807 lb/ft3, Air)

Substitute values and solve.

Air, lb/day = (7.05 ft3/min)(60 min/hr)(0.0807 lb/ft3)

Air, lb/day = 34.14 lb/hr, round to 34.1 lb/hr of Air

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CENTRIFUGE THICKENING PROBLEMS

Centrifuges are used to dewater sludge usually after applying gravity thickening. They apply
forces that are a thousand times greater than gravity. Polymers may be applied to the influent
of the centrifuge to facilitate solids thickening.

210. What is the hydraulic loading on a unit in gal/day, if the disc centrifuge receives
a waste-activated sludge flow of 29 gpm?

Equation: Hydraulic loading, gal/day = (Sludge flow, gpm)(1,440 min/day)

Number of gal/day = (29 gpm)(1,440 min/day) = 41,760 gal/day, round to 42,000 gal/day

211. Given the following data, determine the removal efficiency of sludge solids on a
disc centrifuge.

Influent sludge solids = 6,385 mg/L

Effluent sludge solids = 525 mg/L

First, determine the amount of sludge solids removed.

Sludge solids removed = 6,385 mg/L - 525 mg/L = 5,860 mg/L

Now, determine the removal efficiency.

(Solids removed, mg/L) (100%)

Percent removal efficiency =
Influent solids, mg/L
(5, 860 mg/L) (100%)
Percent removal efficiency = = 91.778%, round to 91.8%
6, 385 mg/L

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SAND DRYING BED PROBLEMS

By knowing how thick the sludge was when applied and later measuring the thickness of the
dried sludge, an operator can use these calculations to determine the efficiency of the drying
bed process.

212. A drying bed is 312 ft long and 40.5 ft wide. If 6.0 inches of sludge were applied
to the drying bed, how many gallons of sludge were applied?

First, convert 6.0 inches to feet.

Number of feet = 6.0 in./12 in./ft = 0.50 ft

Next, determine the volume in ft3 sent to the drying bed.

Volume, ft3 = (312 ft)(40.5 ft)(0.50 ft) = 6,318 ft3

Lastly, calculate the volume in gallons sent to the sand drying beds.

Number of gal = (6,318 ft3)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 47,258.64 gal, round to 47,000 gal

213. A sand drying bed is 152 ft long and 39 ft wide. If a digester that is 49.5 ft in di-
ameter is drawn down by 3.5 ft, how many cubic feet of sludge will be sent to the
sand drying beds?

Equation: Volume, gal = (0.785)(Diameter, ft)2(Depth, ft)

Volume, gal = (0.785)(49.5 ft)(49.5 ft)(3.5 ft) = 6,732 ft3, round to 6,700 ft3

Note: The size of the sand drying bed is unnecessary information, which you may encounter on
a certification test.

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DEWATERING CALCULATIONS
This section contains several types of dewatering problems. The more water removed from
sludge, the less cost associated with further processing or disposal. The problems are important
to the operator because they are helpful in evaluating process control or in informing the
operator of process efficiency. See Figure 12 in Appendix E for one type of sludge process using
dewatering.

214. A feed sludge sample is collected from a belt filter press dewatering unit for labo-
ratory testing to determine the total nonfilterable residue. If the feed sample con-
tained a total residue of 28,500 mg/L and the filterable residue was 695 mg/L, what
is the estimated total nonfilterable residue (total suspended solids [SS]) in mg/L?

Equation:

Total nonfilterable residue, mg/L = Total residue, mg/L - Total filterable residue, mg/L

Substitute values and solve.

Total nonfilterable residue, mg/L = 28,500 mg/L - 695 mg/L

Total nonfilterable residue, mg/L = 27,805 mg/L, round to 27,800 mg/L Total SS

215. If the maximum feed rate to a belt filter press for an adequate cake is 1,500 lb/
hr, how long in hours will it take to process 33,000 lb of sludge?

33, 000 lb
Number of hours = = 22 hours
1, 500 lb/hr

216. What is the sludge feed rate for a belt filter press to process 11,050 lb/day of
sludge, if it operates only 9.00 hr/day?

11, 050 lb/day

Sludge feed rate, lb/hr = = 1,227.78 lb/hr, round to 1,230 lb/hr
9.00 hr/day

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217. A vacuum filter has a wet cake flow of 3,975 lb/hr and a filter area of 399.8 ft2.
Calculate the filter yield in lb/hr/ft2, if the percent solids are 26%.

(Wet cake flow, lb/hr) (Percent solids/100%)

Equation: Filter yield, lb/hr/ft2 =
Area, ft 2

Substitute values and solve.

(3, 975 lb/hr) (26%/100%)

Filter yield, lb/hr/ft2 = = 2.585 lb/hr/ft2, round to 2.6 lb/hr/ft2
399.8 ft 2

218. Given the following data, calculate the filter loading in lb/day/ft2 on a vacuum
filter that has a surface area of 328.5 ft2.

Digested biosolids flow rate = 55 gpm

Solids concentration = 3.6%

First, convert gpm to gal/day.

Number of gpd = (55 gpm)(1,440 min/day) = 79,200 gpd

Next, solve for filter loading.

(Biosolids, gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (Percent solids)

Equation: Vacuum filter loading, lb/day/ft2 =
Vacuum filter area, ft 2
(79, 200 gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (3.6%/100%)
Vacuum filter loading, lb/day/ft2 =
328.5 ft 2

Vacuum filter loading, lb/day/ft2 = 72.39 lb/day/ft2, round to 72 lb/day/ft2

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219. Calculate the filter loading in lb/hr/ft2 on a vacuum filter that has a surface area
of 285 ft2, a digested biosolids flow rate of 63 gpm, and a solids concentration of
4.12%.

First, convert gpm to gal/hr.

Number of gal/hr = (63 gpm)(60 min/hr) = 3,780 gal/hr

Next, solve for filter loading.

Equation: Vacuum filter loading, lb/hr/ft2 =

(Biosolids, gal/hr) (8.34 lb/gal) (Percent solids)
Vacuum filter area, ft 2
Vacuum filter loading, lb/hr/ft2 = (3, 780 gal/hr) (8.34 lb/gal) (4.12%/100%)
285 ft 2

Vacuum filter loading, lb/hr/ft2 = 4.557 lb/hr/ft2, round to 4.6 lb/hr/ft2

VACUUM FILTER YIELD AND OPERATING TIME CALCULATIONS

The vacuum filter yield calculation is used to measure performance. The operating time is the
time required to process the solids and is used for planning purposes.

220. A vacuum filter with a surface area of 245 ft2 processes an average of 2,950 lb/
day. If the solids recovery averages 93.8% and the vacuum filter yield averages
1.85 lb/hr/ft, how many hours per day will it take the vacuum filter to process
these solids?

(Solids, lb/day) (Percent recovery)

Equation: Filter yield, lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, lb/day)(100%)
Filter area ft 2
Substitute values and solve.

(2, 950 lb/day) (93.8%)

1.85 lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, hr/day) (100%)
245 ft 2
Think of the above equation as:

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1

(2, 950 lb/day) (93.8%)

1.85 lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, hr/day) (100%)
245 ft 2
1
The mathematical rule states you invert and multiply as follows:

(2, 950 lb/day) (93.8%) (1)

1.85 lb/hr/ft2 = #
(Filter operation, hr/day) (100%) 245 ft 2

Simplify:

(2, 950 lb/day) (1) (93.8%)

1.85 lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, hr/day) (245 ft 2) (100%)

Rearrange the equation to solve for the unknown filter operation time.

(2, 950 lb/day) (1) (93.8%)

Filter operation, hr/day = = 6.10 hr/day
(1.85 lb/hr/ft 2) (245 ft 2) (100%)

221. Given the following data, calculate the time in hr/day for a vacuum filter to pro-
cess 3,560 lb/day:

Vacuum filter surface area = 224 ft2

Solids recovery averages 94.2%
Percent yield averages 1.94 lb/hr/ft

(Solids, lb/day) (Percent recovery)

Equation: Filter yield, lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, lb/day)(100%)
Filter area ft 2
Substitute values and solve.

(3, 560 lb/day) (94.2%)

1.94 lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, hr/day) (100%)
224 ft 2
Simplify:

(3, 560 lb/day) (1) (94.2%)

1.94 lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, hr/day) (224 ft 2) (100%)

Rearrange the equation to solve for the unknown, filter operation time.

(3, 560 lb/day) (1) (94.2%)

Filter operation, hr/day = = 7.72 hr/day
(1.94 lb/hr/ft 2) (224 ft 2) (100%)

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BIOSOLIDS VOLUME INDEX AND BIOSOLIDS DENSITY INDEX CALCULATIONS

Both of these calculations help determine the pumping rate of return biosolids and are a measure
of the settling characteristics of the activated biosolids. They also exhibit how well the liquids/
solids separation in the activated biosolids system is performing its role on the biological floc
that has been generated. The goal is to produce a small volume of biosolids and thus reduce the
pumping rate that is required for the solids to stay in circulation.

222. What is the biosolids volume index (BVI), given the following data?

Settleability test after 30 minutes = 283 mL of biosolids in 1-liter graduated

cylinder
Aeration tank, mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) = 2,530 mg/L

(Settled biosolids, mL/L)(1, 000 mg/g)

Equation: BVI =
MLSS, mg/L

Substitute values and solve.

(283 mL/L) (1, 000 mg/g)

BVI = 111.86 mL/g, which equates and rounds to 112 BVI
2, 530 mg/L

223. A settleability test result shows that 268 mL of activated biosolids settled in a
1-liter graduated cylinder. If the concentration of mixed liquor suspended sol-
ids (MLSS) is 2,720 mg/L, what is the biosolids density index (BDI)?

(MLSS, mg/L) (100)

Equation: BDI =
(Settled biosolids, mL/L)(1, 000 mg/g)

Substitute values and solve.

(2, 720 mg/L) (100)

BDI = = 1.01 g/mL, which equates to 1.01 BDI
(268 mL/L) (1, 000 mg/g)

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SETTLEABLE SOLIDS CALCULATIONS

These tests are performed on samples from either the clarifier’s influent or effluent or from a
sedimentation tank. They are used to determine the percent and thus the efficiency of settleable
solids. Calculations based on these tests follow:

224. Exactly 2,000 mL of activated sludge was collected in a graduated cylinder. What
is the percent of settleable solids, if after exactly 30 minutes the sludge solids
that settled totaled 456 mL?

(Settled sludge, mL) (100%)

Equation: Percent settleable solids =
Sample size, mL

Substitute values and solve.

(456 mL) (100%)

Percent settleable solids = = 22.8% Settled solids
2, 000 mL

225. Given the following data, calculate the percent settleable solids:

Activated sludge sample = 2,000 mL

Settling time is exactly = 30 minutes
Sludge solids in graduated cylinder = 308 mL

(Settled sludge, mL) (100%)

Equation: Percent settleable solids =
Sample size, mL

Substitute values and solve.

(308 mL) (100%)

Percent settleable solids = = 15.4% Settled solids
2, 000.0 mL

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CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY PROBLEMS

Operators should have a thorough understanding of many laboratory calculations for they help
in evaluating plant processes and efficiencies. Following are a few examples.

226. If 50.4 grams (g) of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) are dissolved in 1 liter of solution,
how many moles of CaCO3 were used, given that 1 mole equals 100.09 grams?

Grams of chemical
Equation: Moles =
Gram formula weight
50.4 g
Moles = = 0.5035 moles, round to 0.504 moles of CaCO3
100.09 g/mole

227. Given the following data, what is the number of grams (g) in 1 mole of sulfuric
acid (H2SO4)?

Hydrogen (H) = 1.008 g/mole

Sulfur = 32.064 g/mole
Oxygen = 15.999 g/mole

Equation: Grams/mole = 2(H g/mole) + S g/mole + 4(O g/mole)

Grams/mole = 2(1.008 g/mole) + 32.064 g/mole + 4(15.999 g/mole)

Grams/mole = 2.016 g/mole + 32.064 g/mole + 63.996 g/mole = 98.076 g/mole for H2SO4

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228. Calculate the unseeded BOD5 in mg/L, given the following data:

Start of test bottle dissolved oxygen (DO) = 9.0 mg/L

Bottle was incubated for 5 days in the dark at 20°C
After 5 days DO = 3.6 mg/L
Sample size = 100 mL
Total volume = 300 mL

Give answer to three significant figures.

Equation: BOD5 unseeded, mg/L =

(Initial DO, mg/L - Final DO, mg/L) (Total volume, mL)
Sample volume, mL

(9.0 mg/L - 3.6 mg/L) (300 mL)

BOD5 unseeded, mg/L = = 16.2 mg/L unseeded BOD5
100 mL

229. Calculate the seeded BOD5 in mg/L, given the following data:

Sample size = 125 mL

Initial DO = 8.6 mg/L
Final DO = 3.2 mg/L
BOD5 of seed stock = 95 mg/L
Seed stock = 5.0 mL
Total volume = 300 mL

First, calculate the seed correction in mg/L.

(BOD 5 of seed stock, mg/L) (Seed stock, mg/L)

Equation: Seed correction, mg/L =
Total volume, mL
(95 mg/L) (5.0 mg/L)
Seed correction, mg/L = = 1.58 mg/L
300 mL

Next, calculate the BOD5 seeded in mg/L.

Equation: BOD5 seeded, mg/L =

(Initial DO, mg/L - Final DO, mg/L - Seed correction, mg/L) (Total volume, mL)
Sample volume, mL

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(8.6 mg/L - 3.2 mg/L - 1.58 mg/L) (300 mL)

BOD5 seeded, mg/L =
125 mL
(3.82 mg/L) (300 mL)
BOD5 seeded, mg/ = = 9.168 mg/L, round to 9.2 mg/L Seeded BOD5
125 mL

BASIC ELECTRICITY PROBLEMS

Operators should have a basic understanding of electrical calculations, and they must always
exercise safety in dealing with electricity at wastewater treatment plants or anywhere.

230. What is the voltage (E) on a circuit, if the current is 7 amperes (I) and the re-
sistance (R) is 17 ohms? Give answer to three significant figures.

Equation: Voltage = (Amps)(Resistance, ohms)

Substitute values and solve.

Voltage = (7 amps)(17 ohms) = 119 volts

231. What is the resistance on a circuit if the voltage is 120 and the amperes are 19?

Equation: Resistance, ohms = Voltage/Amps

Substitute values and solve.

Resistance, ohms = 120 Volts/19 Amps = 6.3 ohms

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 WasteWater Treatment
Grade 1 Test
.

1. If 98.5 lb of magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2] is dissolved in 248 gallons of water,

what is the percent strength of the Mg(OH)2 solution?

2. If the percent total solids are 5.38% and the dried sample (total solids) weighed 4.01
grams, what must have been the weight of the sludge sample before it was dried?

3. Calculate the volume in cubic feet for a pipeline that is 14.0 inches in diameter
and 1,840 ft long.

4. A chemical tank is conical at the bottom and cylindrical at the top. If the diam-
eter of the cylinder is 27.8 ft with a depth of 39.9 ft, and the cone depth is 12.6 ft,
what is the volume of the tank in cubic feet and gallons?

5. Given the following parameters, calculate the solids loading rate on a secondary
clarifier:

Clarifier diameter = 80.6 ft

Activated sludge flow = 2.36 mgd
Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) = 3,560 mg/L

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6. If the plant flow averages 1.76 mgd and production of biosolids averages 12,200
gal/day, what is the biosolids production in wet tons per year?

7. Determine the waste activated sludge (WAS) pumping rate in gpm given the fol-
lowing data:

Amount of WAS to be wasted = 4,225 lb/day

WAS suspended solids concentrations = 4,310 mg/L

8. How much sulfur dioxide in lb/day needs to be applied to dechlorinate a waste-

water, if the flow is 3.09 mgd, the chlorine residual is 1.75 mg/L, and the sulfur
dioxide must be 3.5 mg/L higher than the chlorine residual?

9. What is the number of lb/day of alum used by a wastewater plant given the fol-
lowing data?

Plant’s treatment flow = 1,570 gpm

Alum dose = 9.38 mg/L
Alum = 48.5% aluminum sulfate

10. How many gpd of a 12.5% sodium hypochlorite solution are needed to disinfect a
flow of 1,750,000 gallons, if the dosage required is 10.5 mg/L? Assume the solution
weighs 8.34 lb/gal.

11. What should the chemical feeder be set on in mL/min, if the desired polymer dos-
age is 26.8 gpd?

12. Determine the feed rate of dry alum in lb/day, if the drawdown in exactly 5 min-
utes was 103.56 grams (g) and the flow is 1.20 mgd.

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 WastewaterWastewater Treatment—Grade
Treatment—Grade 1 test
1 test solutions

13. A wastewater plant with an influent flow of 2.37 mgd has primary influent sus-
pended solids of 211 mg/L. If the secondary suspended solids are 156 mg/L, what
is the amount of dry solids produced in lb/day?

14. A wastewater treatment pond receives a flow of 418,000 gpd. What is the organ-
ic loading rate in pounds of biochemical oxygen demand per day per acre (lb
BOD5/d/acre), if the pond has a surface area of 6.76 acre-ft and the influent BOD5
concentration is 212 mg/L?

15. What is the soluble BOD5 if the suspended solids are 139 mg/L, the total BOD5 is
192 mg/L, and the K factor is 0.55?

16. Determine the amount of chemical oxygen demand (COD) entering an aeration
tank in mg/L, if the influent flow is 1.84 mgd and the COD loading is 2,495 lb/day.

17. What is the hydraulic digestion time for a 58.7-ft diameter digester with a level
of 19.4 ft and sludge flow of 20,850 gallons per day (gpd)?

18. What must have been the gas production by a digester in ft3/day given the follow-
ing data?

Volatile solids destroyed = 750 lb/day

Gas produced in ft3/lb VS destroyed = 11.5 ft3/lb

19. Given the following data, calculate the mean cell residence time (MCRT) for this
activated sludge system:

Aeration tank volume = 0.76 mil gal

Final clarifier volume = 0.20 mil gal
Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) = 3,675 mg/L
Suspended solids (SS) wasted = 2,420 lb/day
Secondary effluent SS = 394 lb/day

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20. What must have been the concentration of volatile acids in mg/L for a sour di-
gester with a volume of 301,000 gallons, if the number of pounds of lime to neu-
tralize the volatile acids was 4.580 lb?

21. Given the following data, determine the amount in lb/day removal of biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD5) from a trickling filter.

Plant influent flow = 2.05 mgd

Influent BOD5 concentration = 313 mg/L
Effluent BOD5 concentration = 174 mg/L

22. Given the following data on an aeration tank, calculate the current food-to-
microorganism (F/M) ratio.

Primary effluent flow = 2.89 mgd

Volume of aeration tank = 239,000 gallons
MLVSS = 2,270 mg/L
BOD5 = 203 mg/L

23. What is the solids loading for a dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit in lb/hr/ft2 that
is 62.8 ft by 19.9 ft, with a sludge flow of 0.225 mgd, a waste-activated sludge
(WAS) concentration of 6,650 mg/L, and the sludge weighs 8.61 lb/gal?

24. If a DAF unit receives air at an average rate of 7.73 ft3/min, how many lb/hr of air
does it receive?

25. A drying bed is 295 feet long and 38.8 feet wide. If 5.75 inches of sludge were ap-
plied to the drying bed, how many gallons of sludge were applied?

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 WasteWater Treatment
Grade 1 Test Solutions
.

1. If 98.5 lb of magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2] is dissolved in 248 gallons of water,

what is the percent strength of the Mg(OH)2 solution?

First, convert the number of gallons of water to pounds.

Number of lb = (248 gallons)(8.34 lb/gal) = 2,068.32 lb of water

Next, find the percent strength of the solution.

(Number of lb of chemical) (100%)

Equation: Percent strength =
Number of lb, Water + lb chemical

Substitute values and solve.

[98.5 lb Mg (OH) 2] (100%)

Percent strength =
2, 068.32 lb, Water + 98.5 lb Mg (OH) 2
[98.5 lb Mg (OH) 2] (100%)
Percent strength = = 4.55% Mg(OH)2 Solution
2, 166.82 lb

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2. If the percent total solids are 5.38% and the dried sample (total solids) weighed 4.01
grams, what must have been the weight of the sludge sample before it was dried?

(Dry sample in grams) (100%)

Equation: Percent total solids =
Sludge sample in grams

Rearrange the equation.

(Dry sample in grams) (100%)

Sludge sample, grams =
Percent total solids

Substitute values and solve.

(4.01 grams) (100%)

Sludge sample, grams = = 74.54 grams, round to 74.5 grams
5.38%

3. Calculate the volume in cubic feet for a pipeline that is 14.0 inches in diameter
and 1,840 ft long.

First, convert the diameter to feet:

(1 ft)
(14.0 inches) = 1.1667 ft (Diameter)
12 in.

Then, convert the diameter to the radius:

Radius = Diameter /2 = 1.1667 ft/2 = 0.583 ft (radius)

Formula for the volume of a pipe in cubic feet is:

rr2(Length) or (0.785)(Diameter)2(Length):

Using the first equation, the Volume, ft3 = (3.14)(0.583 ft)(0.583 ft)(1,840 ft)

Volume, ft3 = 1,963.74 ft3, round to 1,960 ft3

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1 test solutions

4. A chemical tank is conical at the bottom and cylindrical at the top. If the diam-
eter of the cylinder is 27.8 ft, with a depth of 39.9 ft, and the cone depth is 12.6 ft,
what is the volume of the tank in cubic feet and gallons?

First, find the volume of the cone in cubic feet.

Volume, ft3 = 1/3rr2(Depth):

Where the radius = Diameter/2 = 27.8 ft/2 = 13.9 ft

Volume, ft3 = 1/3(3.14)(13.9 ft)(13.9 ft)(12.6 ft) = 2,548.05 ft3

Next, find the volume of the cylindrical part of the tank.

Volume, ft3 = rr2(Depth) = (3.14)(13.9 ft)(13.9 ft)(39.9 ft) = 24,206.51 ft3

Then, add the two volumes for the answer.

Total volume, ft3 = 2,548.05 ft3 + 24,206.51 ft3 = 26,754.56 ft3, round to 26,800 ft3

To find the number of gallons, multiply the total number of cubic feet by 7.48 gal/ft3.

Number of gallons = (26,754.56 ft3)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 200,124.1 gal, round to 200,000 gal

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5. Given the following parameters, calculate the solids loading rate on a secondary
clarifier:

Clarifier diameter = 80.6 ft

Activated sludge flow = 2.36 mgd
Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) = 3,560 mg/L

First, determine the area of the clarifier.

Area = rr2 where r = Diameter/2 = 80.6 ft/2 = 40.3 ft

Area = (3.14)(40.3 ft)2 = 5,099.64 ft2

Next, calculate the solids loading rate.

(MLSS, mg/L) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Solids loading rate =
Area, ft 2
(3, 560 mg/L) (2.36 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Solids loading rate =
5, 099.64 ft 2

Solids loading rate = 13.74 lb, round to 13.7 lb of solids/d/ft2

6. If the plant flow averages 1.76 mgd and production of biosolids averages 12,200
gal/day, what is the biosolids production in wet tons per year?

(Biosolids, lb/mil gal) (mgd)(365 days/yr)

Equation: Biosolids, wet tons/yr =
2, 000 lb/ton

Substitute values and solve.

(12, 200 lb/mil gal) (1.76 mgd) (365 days/yr)

Biosolids, wet tons/yr =
2, 000 lb/ton

Biosolids, wet tons/yr = 3,918.64 wet tons/yr, round to 3,920 wet tons/yr

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1 test solutions

7. Determine the waste activated sludge (WAS) pumping rate in gpm given the fol-
lowing data:

Amount of WAS to be wasted = 4,225 lb/day

WAS suspended solids concentrations = 4,310 mg/L

Use the “pounds” equation to solve this problem.

Equation: Number of lb/day WAS = (WAS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L.

Number of lb/day WAS

Number of mgd =
(Number of mg/L WAS ) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

4, 225 lb/day
Number of mgd = = 0.1175 mgd
(4, 310 mg/L WAS) (8.34 lb/gal)

Lastly, convert mgd to gpm.

(0.1175 mgd) (1, 000, 000/M)

WAS pumping rate, gpm = = 81.6 gpm
1, 440 min /day

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8. How much sulfur dioxide in lb/day needs to be applied to dechlorinate a waste-

water, if the flow is 3.09 mgd, the chlorine residual is 1.75 mg/L, and the sulfur
dioxide must be 3.5 mg/L higher than the chlorine residual?

First, determine how many mg/L of sulfur dioxide must be applied. This is the chlorine
residual plus the amount that is required higher than the chlorine residual.

SO2, mg/L = 1.75 mg/L + 3.5 mg/L = 5.25 mg/L SO2

Next, determine the number of lb/day of SO2 needed.

Equation: Number of lb/day SO2 = (SO2, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day SO2 = (5.25 mg/L)(3.09 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day SO2 = 135.3 lb/day, round to 135 lb/day SO2

9. What is the number of lb/day of alum used by a wastewater plant, given the
following data?

Plant’s treatment flow = 1,570 gpm

Alum dose = 9.38 mg/L
Alum = 48.5% aluminum sulfate

First, convert gpm to mgd.

(1, 570 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 2.2608 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, calculate the number of lb/day of alum required.

(Alum, mg/L) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: lb/day =
Percent purity/100%
(9.38 mg/L) (2.2608 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Alum, lb/day = = 365 lb/day of Alum
48.5%/100%

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1 test solutions

10. How many gpd of a 12.5% sodium hypochlorite solution are needed to disinfect a
flow of 1,750,000 gallons, if the dosage required is 10.5 mg/L? Assume the solution
weighs 8.34 lb/gal.

First, convert gpd to mgd.

1, 750, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 1.75 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, using the “pounds equation,” calculate the lb day of chlorine needed.

Equation: Chlorine, lb/day = (Dosage, mg/L)(mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Chlorine, lb/day = (10.5 mg/L)(1.75 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal) = 153.25 lb/day

Because the solution is not 100%, divide the percent hypochlorite into the lb/day of chlorine
needed.

153.25 lb/day
Hypochlorite, lb/day = = 1,226 lb/day hypochlorite
12.5%/100%

Lastly, determine the gpd of hypochlorite solution needed.

1, 226 lb/day
Hypochlorite, gpd = = 147 gpd of Sodium hypochlorite
8.34 lb/gal

11. What should the chemical feeder be set on in mL/min, if the desired polymer dos-
age is 26.8 gpd?

(Number of gallons used) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Equation: Number of mL/min =
1, 440 min/day

Substitute values and solve.

(26.8 gal) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Polymer, mL/min = = 70.44 mL/min, round to 70.4 mL/min
1, 440 min /day

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12. Determine the feed rate of dry alum in lb/day, if the drawdown in exactly 5 min-
utes was 103.56 grams (g) and the flow is 1.20 mgd.

First, determine the number of grams used per minute.

Alum, g = 103.56 g/5 min = 20.712 g/min

Know: 454 grams = 1 pound

(Number of g/min) (1, 440 min/day)

Equation: Alum, lb/day =
454 g/lb

Substitute values and solve.

(20.712 g/ min) (1, 440 min /day)

Alum, lb/day = = 65.69 lb/day, round to 65.7 lb/day Alum
454 g/lb

13. A wastewater plant with an influent flow of 2.37 mgd has primary influent sus-
pended solids of 211 mg/L. If the secondary suspended solids are 156 mg/L, what
is the amount of dry solids produced in lb/day?

First, determine the number of mg/L of suspended solids (SS) removed.

SS removed, mg/L = 211 mg/L, influent - 156 mg/L effluent = 55 mg/L SS removed

SS removed, lb/day = (mg/L SS removed)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

SS removed, lb/day = (55 mg/L SS)(2.37 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

SS removed, lb/day = 1,087.12 lb/day, round to 1,090 lb/day of SS removed

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14. A wastewater treatment pond receives a flow of 418,000 gpd. What is the organ-
ic loading rate in pounds of biochemical oxygen demand per day per acre (lb
BOD5/d/acre), if the pond has a surface area of 6.76 acre-ft and the influent BOD5
concentration is 212 mg/L?

First, convert gallons per day to mgd.

418, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 0.418 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the pounds of BOD5/d/acre using a modified version of the “pounds” equation.

(BOD5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/acre =
Surface area of pond, acre - ft
(212 mg/L BOD5) (0.418 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/acre =
6.76 acre - ft

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/acre = 109.33 lb BOD5/d/acre, round to 109 lb BOD5/d/acre

15. What is the soluble BOD5 if the suspended solids are 139 mg/L, the total BOD5 is
192 mg/L, and the K factor is 0.55?

Equation: Total BOD5 = (Particulate BOD5)(K factor) + Soluble BOD5

Rearrange the equation to solve for soluble BOD5.

Soluble BOD5 = Total BOD5 - (Particulate BOD5)(K factor)

Substitute values and solve.

Soluble BOD5 = 192 mg/L BOD5 - (139 mg/L BOD5)(0.55 K factor)

Soluble BOD5 = 192 mg/L BOD5 - 76.45 mg/L BOD5

Soluble BOD5 = 115.55 mg/L, round to 120 mg/L Soluble BOD5

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16. Determine the amount of chemical oxygen demand (COD) entering an aeration
tank in mg/L, if the influent flow is 1.84 mgd and the COD loading is 2,495 lb/day.

Equation: Number of lb/day COD = (COD, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L.

Number of lb/day COD

Number of mg/L, COD =
(Number of mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

2, 495 lb/day
Number of mg/L, COD = = 162.59 mg/L, round to 163 mg/L COD
(1.84 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

17. What is the hydraulic digestion time for a 58.7-ft diameter digester with a level
of 19.4 ft and sludge flow of 20,850 gallons per day (gpd)?

First, determine the volume of the digester in ft3.

Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Depth, ft)

Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(58.7 ft)(58.7 ft)(19.4 ft) = 52,474.4 ft3

Next, determine the number of gallons in the digester.

Know: 1 ft3 = 7.48 gal/ft3

Number of gal = (52,474.4 ft3)( 7.48 gal/ft3) = 392,508.5 gal

Lastly, calculate the digestion time in days.

Number of gallons
Equation: Digestion time, days =
Influent sludge flow, gal/day

Substitute values and solve.

392, 508.5 gal

Digestion time, days = = 18.825 days, round to 18.8 days
20, 850 gal/day

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1 test solutions

18. What must have been the gas production by a digester in ft3/day given the follow-
ing data?

Volatile solids (VS) destroyed = 750 lb/day

Gas produced in ft3/lb VS destroyed = 11.5 ft3/lb

Gas production, ft 3 /day

Equation: Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed =
VS destroyed, lb/day

Rearrange to solve for gas production in ft3/day.

Gas production, ft3/day = (Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed)(VS destroyed, lb/day)

Substitute values and solve.

Gas production, ft3/day = (11.5 ft3/lb)(750 lb/day) = 8,625 ft3/day, round to 8,620 ft3/day

19. Given the following data, calculate the mean cell residence time (MCRT) for this
activated sludge system:

Aeration tank volume = 0.76 mil gal

Final clarifier volume = 0.20 mil gal
Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) = 3,675 mg/L
Suspended solids (SS) wasted = 2,420 lb/day
Secondary effluent SS = 394 lb/day

First, add the aerator and final clarifier volumes.

Total volume, mil gal = 0.76 mil gal + 0.20 mil gal = 0.96 mil gal

(MLSS, mg/L) (mil gal) (8.34 lb/day)

Equation: MCRT, days =
SS wasted, lb/day + SS lb/day

Substitute values and solve.

(3, 675 mg/L) (0.96 mil gal) (8.34 lb/day)

MCRT, days =
2, 420 lb/day SS + 394 lb/day SS
(3, 675 mg/L) (0.96 mil gal) (8.34 lb/day)
MCRT, days = = 10.46 days, round to 10 days
2, 814 lb/day SS

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20. What must have been the concentration of volatile acids in mg/L for a sour di-
gester with a volume of 301,000 gallons, if the number of pounds of lime to neu-
tralize the volatile acids was 4.580 lb?

Know: 1 mg/L of lime will neutralize 1 mg/L of volatile acids

First, convert the digester’s volume from gallons to mil gal.

301, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.301 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Number of lb Volatile acids = (Volatile acids, mg/L)(mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for the concentration of volatile acids.

Number of lb, lim e

Volatile acids, mg/L =
(mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

4, 580 lb, lim e

Volatile acids, mg/L =
(0.301 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

Volatile acids, mg/L = 1,824.45 mg/L, round to 1,820 mg/L Volatile acids

21. Given the following data, determine the amount in lb/day removal of biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD5) from a trickling filter.

Plant influent flow = 2.05 mgd

Influent BOD5 concentration = 313 mg/L
Effluent BOD5 concentration = 174 mg/L

First, determine the amount of BOD5 removed in mg/L by subtracting the influent BOD5 from
the effluent BOD5.

BOD5 removed, mg/L = (Influent BOD5, mg/L - Effluent BOD5, mg/L)

BOD5 removed, mg/L = 313 mg/L - 174 mg/L = 139 mg/L BOD5 removed

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Next, solve the amount of BOD5 removed in lb/day by using the “pounds” formula.

Equation: Number of lb/day BOD5 = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day BOD5 removed = (139 mg/L BOD5)(2.05 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day BOD5 removed = 2,376.48 lb/day, round to 2,380 lb/day BOD5 removed

22. Given the following data on an aeration tank, calculate the current food-to-
microorganism (F/M) ratio.

Primary effluent flow = 2.89 mgd

Volume of aeration tank = 239,000 gallons
MLVSS = 2,270 mg/L
BOD5 = 203 mg/L

First, convert the volume of wastewater in the tank to mil gal.

239, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.239 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil
(BOD 5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)
Next, write the equation: F/M =
(mg/L MLVSS) (Volume in tank, mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

The 8.34 lb/gal cancels, leaving the following equation:

(BOD5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd)

F/M =
(mg/L MLVSS) (Volume of tan k, mil gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(203 mg/L BOD 5) (2.89 mgd)

F/M = = 1.08 F/M ratio
(2, 270 mg/L MLVSS) (0.239 mil gal)

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23. What is the solids loading for a dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit in lb/hr/ft2 that
is 62.8 ft by 19.9 ft, with a sludge flow of 0.225 mgd, a waste-activated sludge
(WAS) concentration of 6,650 mg/L, and the sludge weighs 8.61 lb/gal?

First, determine the area of the DAF unit in ft2.

DAF area, ft2 = (62.8 ft)(19.9 ft) = 1,249.72 ft2

Next, calculate the solids loading using the following equation.

(WAS, mg/L) (mgd) (lb/gal, Sludge)

Equation: Solids loading, lb/hr/ft2 =
(DAF area, ft 2) (24 hr/day)
(6, 650 mg/L, WAS) (0.225 mgd) (8.61 lb/gal, Sludge)
Solids loading, lb/hr/ft2 =
(1, 249.72 ft 2 DAF) (24 hr/day)

Solids loading, lb/hr/ft2 = 0.4295 lb/d/ft2, round to 0.430 lb/hr/ft2

24. If a DAF unit receives air at an average rate of 7.73 ft3/min, how many lb/hr of air
does it receive?

Know: Air = 0.0807 lb/ft3 at standard temperature, pressure, and average composition

Equation: Air, lb/day = (Number of ft3/min)(60 min/hr)(0.0807 lb/ft3)

Substitute values and solve.

Air, lb/day = (7.73 ft3/min)(60 min/hr)(0.0807 lb/ft3)

Air, lb/day = 37.43 lb/hr, round to 37.4 lb/hr of air

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 1 test solutions

25. A drying bed is 295 ft long and 38.8 ft wide. If 5.75 inches of sludge were applied
to the drying bed, how many gallons of sludge were applied?

First, convert 5.75 inches to feet.

Number of feet = 5.75 in./12 in./ft = 0.479 ft

Next, determine the volume in ft3 sent to the drying bed.

Volume, ft3 = (295 ft)(38.8 ft)(0.479 ft) = 5,482.63 ft3

Lastly, calculate the volume in gallons sent to the sand drying beds.

Number of gal = (5,482.63 ft3)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 41,010 gal, round to 41,000 gal

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 Chapter

2 WasteWater Treatment
Grade 2
Students preparing for the Grade 3 and Grade 4 wastewater
treatment certification tests should also understand these problems.

COMMON MISCELLANEOUS CONVERSION PROBLEMS

These problems are a good refresher for the student or operator. They are essential to know for
they are used constantly in wastewater calculations.

1. Convert 20.8 million gallons per day (mgd) into cubic feet per second (ft3/s).

(mgd) (1, 000, 000 gal) (1 ft 3) (1 day) (1 min)

Equation: Number of ft3/s =
(1 mil gal) (7.48 gal) (1, 440 min) (60 sec)
(20.8 mgd) (1, 000, 000 gal) (1 ft 3) (1 day) (1 min)
= 32.2 ft3/s
(1 mil gal) (7.48 gal) (1, 440 min) (60 sec)

2. How many mil gal are there in 2,067 acre-ft?

(2,067 acre-ft)(43,560 ft3/acre-ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)(1 mil/1,000,000) = 673 mil gal

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3. Convert 52.4 ft3/s to mgd.

(Number of ft 3) (60 sec) (1, 440 min) (7.48 gal) (1 mil gal)
Equation: Number of mgd =
(sec) (min) (day) (ft 3) (1, 000, 000 gal)
(52.4 ft 3) (60 sec) (1, 440 min) (7.48 gal) (1 mil gal)
Number of mgd = = 33.9 mgd
(sec) (min) (day) (ft 3) (1, 000, 000 gal)

4. How many gallons are there in 303 acre-ft?

First, convert acre-ft into cubic feet.

(303 acre-ft)(43,560 ft3/acre-ft) = 13,198,680 ft3

Substitute values and solve.

(13,198,680 ft3)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 98,726,126 gal, round to 98,700,000 gal

5. Convert 2,880 gpm to ft3/s.

Number of gpm
Equation: Number of ft3/s =
(60 sec/min) (7.48 gal/ft 3)
2, 880 gpm
Number of ft3/s = = 6.42 ft3/s
(60 sec / min) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

6. Convert 7.55 ft3/s to gallons per day (gpd).

Equation: Number of gpd = (Number of ft3/s)(86,400 s/day)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Number of gpd = (7.55 ft3/s)(86,400 s/day)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Number of gpd = 4,879,354 gpd, round to 4,880,000 gpd

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7. Convert 102 lb/mil gal to mg/L.

First, convert lb/mil gal concentration to lb, gal/mil gal, lb by dividing by 8.34 lb/gal.

(102 lb) (1 gal) 102 lb, gal

lb/mil lb = =
(1 mil gal) (8.34 lb) 8.34 lb, mil gal

The units of lb and gal cancel each other out leaving:

12.23
= 12.23 mg/L, round to 12.2 mg/L
mil

8. Convert 10.8 ppm to lb/mil gal. Assume specific gravity equals 8.34 lb/gal.

10.8 lb
10.8 ppm is the same as
1 mil lb

Now, convert lb/mil lb to lb/mil gal by multiplying by 8.34 lb/gal.

(10.8 lb) (8.34 lb/gal)

= 90.072 lb/mil gal, round to 90.1 lb/mil gal
1 mil lb

TEMPERATURE CONVERSION PROBLEMS

These problems are a good refresher for the student or operator. Temperature is important in
many plant processes. In sedimentation, the higher the temperature of the water the faster the
suspended particles, floc, and other fine materials will settle. Cold temperature water is denser
than warmer water and thus particles take longer to settle. Microorganisms grow faster in warmer
water than cold water, which affects processes, such as oxidation ditches, ponds, and digesters.

9. Convert 12.4 degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit.

Equation for Fahrenheit: °F = 9°F/5°C(°C) + 32°F or °F = 1.8(°C) + 32°F

°F = 9°F/5°C(12.4°C) + 32°F = 54.32°F, round to 54.3°F

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10. Convert 72 degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius.

Equation for Celsius: °C = 5°C/9°F(°F - 32°F)

°C = 5°C/9°F(72°F - 32°F) = 5/9(40) = 22°C

11. Convert -12 degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit.

Equation: °F = 9°F/5°C(°C) + 32°F

°F = 9°F/5°C(-12 °C) + 32°F = -10.4°F, round to -10.4°F

12. Convert 38 degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit.

Equation: °F = 9°F/5°C(°C) + 32°F

°F = 9°F/5°C(38°C) + 32°F = 100.4°F, round to 100°F

RATIO CALCULATIONS
Ratios are a quick and easy way to solve simple problems when a particular relationship of two
variables is known and one of those variables is changed to a known value. The question now is
what happens to the variable that was not changed? The final result for this unknown variable
can be calculated by setting up a ratio, that is, a “relationship” between the known variables can
be set to equal the new “relationship” with the unknown. Then, using simple algebra, solve for
the unknown. The following problems are examples of ratio problems that wastewater operators
may find useful in their work.

13. A wastewater treatment plant’s digester unit produces 1,945 lb/day of solids at
a flow of 15.4 gpm. If the flow increases to 18.5 gpm and all other parameters
remain the same, what should be the number of lb/day of solids produced?

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2

Set up a ratio:

Digester solids1, lb/day Digester solids2, lb/day

=
Flow1, gpm Flow2, gpm

Rearrange the ratio to solve for digester solids2.

(Digester solids1, lb/day) (Flow2, gpm)

Digester solids2, lb/day =
Flow1, gpm

Substitute values and solve.

(1, 945 lb/day) (18.5 gpm)

Digester solids2, lb/day =
15.4 gpm

Digester solids2, lb/day = 2,336.53 lb/day, round to 2,340 lb/day Solids

14. A chemical pump discharges 128 mL of alum at a speed setting of 48% and a
stroke setting of 30%. If the alum pump’s speed is increased to 62% and the stroke
setting remains the same, what should be the mL output from the pump? Assume
pump has a linear output.

This problem can be solved using a ratio as follows:

Alum dosage1, mL Alum dosage 2, mL

=
Speed setting1, % Speed setting2, %

Substitute values and solve.

128 mL x mL
=
48% 62%
(62%) (128 mL)
x mL = = 165.33 mL, round to 170 mL Alum
48%

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PERCENT AND PPM CONVERSION PROBLEMS

These problems are a good refresher for the student or operator. They are important because
they are used in some dosage and mixture problems.

15. Convert a solution that has 305,000 ppm to percent.

A 1% solution = 10,000 ppm

305, 000 ppm

= 30.5% Solution
10, 000 ppm/1%

16. A solution was found to be 0.48% alum. What is the ppm alum in the solution?

If a 1% solution has 10,000 ppm then a 0.48% will have:

(0.48%)(10,000 ppm/1%) = 4,800 ppm Alum

17. Convert a solution that has 259,000 ppm to percent.

A 1% solution = 10,000 ppm

259, 000 ppm

= 25.9% Solution
10, 000ppm/1%

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2

PERCENT CALCULATIONS
Percent calculations are used throughout this book and are thus essential to understand. They
may also be a good refresher for the student or operator.

18. What is the percent BOD5 removal across a series of wastewater treatment ponds,
if the influent BOD5 to the first pond is 366 mg/L and the effluent BOD5 from the
last pond is 77 mg/L?

(In - Out) (100%)

Equation: Percent BOD5 removal =
In
(366 mg/L - 77 mg/L) (100%) (289 mg/L) (100%)
Percent BOD5 removal = =
366 mg/L 366 mg/L

Percent BOD5 removal = (0.7896)(100%) = 78.96 %, round to 79% BOD5 removal

19. Ten pounds of lime are mixed in a 55-gallon drum that contains 50 gallons of wa-
ter. What is the percent by weight of lime in the slurry?

Percent lime =

(10 lb) (100%) (10 lb) (100%) (10 lb) (100%)

= = = 2% Slurry by weight
10 lb +(8.34 lb/gal) (50 gal) 10 lb + 417 lb 427 lb

20. The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) entering a trickling filter plant is 275 mg/L.
What is the percent removal, if the final effluent water contains 27 mg/L BOD5?

(In - Out) (100%)

Equation: Percent BOD5 removal =
In
(275 mg/L - 27) (100%)
Percent BOD5 removal = = 90% BOD5 removal efficiency
275 mg/L

PERCENT STRENGTH BY WEIGHT SOLUTION PROBLEMS

The strength of solution calculations are important to determine so that operators can properly
mix chemicals in the percentages they need for dosing a particular wastewater process or other
application.

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21. If 50.0 lb of lime is dissolved in 100.0 gal of water, what is the percent strength by
weight of the lime solution?

First, convert the number of gallons of water to pounds.

Number of lb = (100.0 gal)(8.34 lb/gal) = 834 lb of water

Next, find the percent strength of the solution.

(Number of lb of chemical) (100%)

Equation: Percent strength =
Number of lb, Water + lb, Chemical
(50.0 lb Lime) (100%)
Percent strength =
834 lb, Water +50.0 lb Lime
(50.0 lb Lime) (100%)
Percent strength = = 5.66% Lime solution by weight
884 lb

22. If 501.2 grams (g) of magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2] are dissolved 10.0 liters (L)
of water, what is the percent strength by weight of the solution?

(Number of lb of chemical) (100%)

Equation: Percent strength =
Number of lb, Water + lb Chemical

Substitute values and solve.

[501.2 g Mg (OH)2] (100%)

Percent strength =
(10.0 L) (1, 000 g/L)+ 501.2 g Mg (OH)2
[501.2 g Mg (OH)2] (100%)
Percent strength = = 4.77% Mg(OH)2 solution by weight
10, 501.2 g

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2

23. If 501.2 lb of magnesium hydroxide are dissolved 10.0 gallons of water, what is
the percent strength by weight of the solution?

(Number of lb, chemical) (100%)

Equation: Percent strength =
(Number of gal) (8.34 lb/gal)+ Number of lb, Chemical

Substitute values and solve.

(501.2 lb) (100%) 50, 120 lb %

Percent strength = =
(10.0 gal) (8.34 lb/gal)+501.2 lb 83.4 lb +501.2 lb
50, 120 lb %
Percent strength = = 85.73%, round to 85.7% Mg(OH)2 solution by weight
584.6 lb

PERCENT SOLIDS BY WEIGHT CALCULATIONS

Operators use percent solids calculations to determine efficiency of different unit processes, as
well as determining how much waste will require disposal.

24. What is the percent by weight of total inorganic solids in a sludge sample given
the following data?

Sludge sample wet weight = 354 g

Total solids dry weight = 27.3 g
Inorganic dry weight = 3.62 g

(Dry sample in grams) (100%)

Equation: Percent inorganic solids =
Sludge sample in grams
(3.62 g) (100%)
Percent total solids = = 1.02% Total inorganic solids by weight
354 g

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25. A wastewater treatment plant pumps an average of 30,250 gal/day of sludge. If

the percent by weight of solids in the sludge averages 2.17%, what is the lb/day of
solids pumped?

First, calculate the number of lb/day of sludge pumped.

Sludge, lb/day = (30,250 gal/day)(8.34 lb/gal) = 252,285 lb/day

Next, calculate the lb/day of solids pumped.

(Sludge, lb/day) (Percent solids)

Equation: Solids, lb/day =
100%
(252, 285 lb/day) (2.17%)
Solids, lb/day = = 5,474.58 lb/day, round to 5,470 lb/day
100%

PERCENT VOLATILE SOLIDS REDUCTION

The percent volatile solids reduction calculations indicate the effectiveness of the digested
sludge process when compared to the volatile solids in the influent. The higher the percent
volatile solids reduced or destroyed, the more stable the organic matter in the digester becomes
and the more gas that is produced.

26. If the sludge entering a digester has a volatile solids (VS) content of 58.1% by
weight and the digester effluent sludge has a VS content of 41.5% by weight, cal-
culate the percent VS reduction.

First, convert percentage to decimal form by dividing by 100%.

58.1%/100% = 0.581 and 41.5%/100% = 0.415

Equation: Percent VS reduction =

(Percent influent VS - Percent effluent VS) (100%)
[Percent influent VS - (Percent influent VS) (Percent effluent VS)]

(0.581 - 0.415) (100%) 0.166 (100%)

Percent VS reduction = =
0.581 - (0.581) (0.415) 0.581 - 0.241115
16.6%
Percent VS reduction = = 48.84%, round to 48.8% VS reduction by weight
0.339885

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27. Calculate the percent volatile solids (VS) reduction, if the digester influent
sludge has a VS content of 60.1% by weight and the digester effluent sludge has a
VS content of 39.9% by weight.

First, convert percentage to decimal form by dividing by 100%.

60.1%/100% = 0.601 and 39.9%/100% = 0.399

(Influent - Effluent) (100%)

Equation condensed: Percent VS reduction =
Effluent - (Effluent) (Influent)
(0.601 - 0.399) (100%) 0.202 (100%)
Percent VS reduction = =
0.601 - (0.601) (0.399) 0.601 - 0.239799
20.2%
Percent VS reduction = = 55.92%, round to 55.9% VS reduction by weight
0.361201

28. What is the percent volatile matter (VM) reduction for a digester, if the raw bio-
solids VM is 68.9% by weight and the VM digested biosolids is 49.6% by weight?

Percent VM reduction =

(Percent influent VM - Percent effluent VM) (100%)

[Percent influent VM - (Percent influent VM) (Percent effluent VM)]

First, convert percentages to decimal form for easier substitution.

Raw biosolids = 68.9%/100% = 0.689

Digested VM = 49.6%/100% = 0.496

Substitute values and solve.

(0.689 - 0.496) (100%)

Percent reduction =
[0.689 - (0.689) (0.496)]

Simplify:

(0.193) (100%)
Percent reduction =
(0.689 - 0.341744)
(0.193) (100%)
Percent reduction = = 55.6% VM reduction by weight
0.347256

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PERCENT MOISTURE REDUCTION PROBLEMS

This calculation will tell the operator the efficiency of the moisture reduction process.

29. What is the percent moisture reduction for a digester, if the raw biosolids is 7.4%
solids by weight and the digested biosolids solids is 14.2% by weight?

Equation: Percent moisture reduction =

(Percent influent moisture - Percent moisture, after digestion) (100%)

[Percent influent moisture - (Percent influent moisture) (Percent moisture, after digestion)]

First, convert the percentages for solids to moisture percent then to decimal form for easier
substitution.

Raw biosolids = 100% - 7.4% = 92.6%/100% = 0.926

Digested biosolids = 100% - 14.2% = 85.8%/100% = 0.858

Substitute values and solve.

(0.926 - 0.858) (100%)

Percent moisture reduction =
[0.926 - (0.926) (0.858)]

Simplify:

(0.068) (100%)
Percent moisture reduction =
(0.926 - 0.794508)
(0.068) (100%)
Percent moisture reduction = = 52% Moisture reduction by weight
0.131492

30. What is the percent moisture reduction for a digester, if the raw biosolids is 8.6%
solids by weight and the digested biosolids solids is 16.5% by weight?

Equation: Percent moisture reduction =

(Percent influent moisture - Percent moisture, after digestion) (100%)

[Percent influent moisture - (Percent influent moisture) (Percent moisture, after digestion)]

First, convert the percentages for solids to moisture percent then to decimal form for easier
substitution.

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Raw biosolids = 100% - 8.6% = 91.4%/100% = 0.914

Digested biosolids = 100% - 16.5% = 83.5%/100% = 0.835

Substitute values and solve.

(0.914 - 0.835) (100%)

Percent moisture reduction =
[0.914 - (0.914) (0.835)]

Simplify:

(0.079) (100%)
Percent moisture reduction =
(0.914 - 0.76319)
(0.079) (100%)
Percent moisture reduction = = 52% Moisture reduction by weight
0.15081

VOLATILE SOLIDS PUMPING CALCULATIONS

These calculations are used as a planning tool by the operator. By knowing the pumping rate
of volatile solids into a digester, an operator can make sure it is not overloaded, which would
adversely affect the digester’s operation and performance. See Figures 2, 4, 5, and 6 in Appendix E
for four types of wastewater plants using a digester.

31. Given the following data, how many lb/day of volatile solids (VS) are pumped to
a digester?

Pumping rate = 4,890 gpd

Solids content = 5.83%
Volatile solids = 62.1%
Specific gravity of sludge = 1.07

First, determine the lb/gal for the sludge.

Sludge, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.07) = 8.92 lb/gal

(Number of gpd to digester) (Percent solids) (Percent VS) (8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: VS, lb/day =
(100%) (100%)
(4, 890 gpd Solids) (5.83%) (62.1% VS) (8.92 lb/gal)
VS, lb/day =
(100%) (100%)

VS, lb/day = 1,579.19 lb/day, round to 1,580 lb/day VS

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32. Given the following data, how many lb/day of volatile solids (VS) are pumped to
a digester?

Pumping rate = 5.1 gpm

Solids content = 4.12%
Volatile solids = 57.5%
Specific gravity of sludge = 1.06

First, determine the lb/gal for the sludge.

Sludge, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.06) = 8.84 lb/gal

Next, convert gpm to gpd.

Number of gpd = (5.1 gpm)(1,440 min/day) = 7,344 gpd

Equation: VS, lb/day =

(Number of gpd to digester) (Percent solids) (Percent VS) (8.34 lb/gal)
(100%) (100%)

(7, 344 gpd Solids) (4.12%) (57.5% VS) (8.84 lb/gal)

VS, lb/day =
(100%) (100%)

VS, lb/day = 1,537.98 lb/day, round to 1,500 lb/day VS

SOLUTION MIXTURE CALCULATIONS

These calculations are used when mixing two of the same solutions that have different strengths
given a volume target. They are important for the operator to understand because there most
probably will be times when solutions will require mixing.

33. How many gallons of a 12.5% solution must be mixed with a 4.8% solution to make
exactly 500 gallons of a 10.0% solution? Give answers to nearest gallon.
There are two ways to solve dilution problems. The dilution triangle is perhaps the easiest,
and is shown below for the next two problems.

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How to solve the problem using the dilution triangle: The two numbers on the left are the
existing concentrations of 12.5% and 4.8%. The number in the center, 10.0%, is the desired
concentration. The numbers on the right are determined by subtracting diagonally the
existing concentrations from the desired concentration.

12.5% 5.2*1 5.2 parts of the 12.5% solution are required for every 7.7 parts.
10.0%
4.8% 2.5*2 2.5 parts of the 4.8% solution are required for every 7.7 parts.
7.7 total parts

*1 5.2 is determined by subtracting diagonally 4.8% from 10.0%.

*2 2.5 is determined by subtracting diagonally 12.5% from 10.0%. The negative sign is
dropped.

5.2 parts (500 gal)

= 337.66 gallons, round to 338 gallons of the 12.5% solution.
7.7 parts
2.5 parts (500 gal)
= 162.34 gallons, round to 162 gallons of the 4.8% solution.
7.7 parts
500 gallons added to cross check math.
To make the 500 gallons of the 10.0% solution, mix 338 gallons of the 12.5% solution with 162
gallons of the 4.8% solution.

34. A solution containing 325 gallons of 6.5% hypochlorite is required. How many
gallons of a 9.8% solution must be mixed with a 2.5% solution to make the re-
quired solution? Assume three significant figures for gallons to be mixed.

Solve the problem using the dilution triangle.

9.8% 4.0 4.0 parts of the 9.8% solution are required for every 7.3 parts.
6.5%
2.5% 3.3 3.3 parts of the 2.5% solution are required for every 7.3 parts.
7.3 total parts

4.0 parts (325 gal)

= 178 gallons of the 9.8% solution
7.3 parts
3.3 parts (325 gal)
= 147 gallons of the 2.5% solution
7.3 parts
325 gallons

To make the 325 gallons of the 6.5% solution, mix 178 gallons of the 9.8% solution with 147
gallons of the 2.5% solution.

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CALCULATIONS FOR ARITHMETIC MEAN,

MEDIAN, RANGE, MODE, AND GEOMETRIC MEAN
These calculations are good tools for planning and evaluating plant processes.

35. What is the average number of pounds of lime used per day given the following
data?

Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.

254 241 261 250 236 240 262

Sum of lime used each day, lb

Equation: Average lime used, lb/day =
Total time, days

Substituting:

254 +241+261+250+236+240+262
Avg. lime used, lb/day = = 249 lb/day Lime
7 days

36. What is the average mgd production for a treatment plant given the following
data?

Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.

3.8 3.5 3.1 3.0 3.2 3.2 3.5

Sum of mgd used each day

Equation: Average mgd produced =
Total time, days
3.8+3.5+3.1+3.0 +3.2+3.2+3.5
Avg. mgd produced = = 3.33 mgd, round to 3.3 mgd
7 days

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37. Calculate the moving (running) average for influent flow to a wastewater plant
during days 12, 13, and 14 given the following data:

1—1.09 mgd 9—0.998 mgd

2—1.22 mgd 10—0.999 mgd
3—1.02 mgd 11—1.09 mgd
4—0.992 mgd 12—1.09 mgd
5—0.988 mgd 13—1.16 mgd
6—0.982 mgd 14—1.13 mgd
7—0.976 mgd 15—1.04 mgd
8—0.983 mgd 16—0.993 mgd

Day 12 7-day moving average:

Add day 12 mgd to the previous 6 days.

0.982+0.976+0.983+ 0.998+ 0.999+1.09+1.09

7-day average = = 1.02 mgd
7 days

Day 13 7-day moving average:

Add day 13 mgd to the previous 6 days.

0.976+0.983+0.998+ 0.999+1.09+1.09+1.16
7-day average = = 1.04 mgd
7 days

Day 14 7-day moving average:

Add day 14 mgd to the previous 6 days.

0.983+0.998+0.999+1.09+1.09+1.16+1.13
7-day average = = 1.06 mgd
7 days

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38. Given the following data, calculate the unknowns.

Note: A scientific calculator is required for determining the geometric mean.

Day Effluent BOD5, mg/L Unknown

Monday 25 a. Arithmetic mean, mg/L
Tuesday 27 b. Median, mg/L
Wednesday 21 c. Range, mg/L
Thursday 20 d. Mode, mg/L
Friday 19 e. Geometric Mean, mg/L
Saturday 19
Sunday 17

Assume all measurements are to two significant figures.

a. Calculate the arithmetic mean of BOD5 in mg/L to three significant figures.

Sum of all measurements

Equation: Arithmetic mean =
Number of measurements
25+27+21+20 +19+19+17
Arithmetic Mean = = 21.1 mg/L BOD5
7

b. Determine the median of BOD5 mg/L.

To determine the median, put the chlorine dosages in ascending order and choose the middle value.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
17 19 19 20 21 25 27

In this case, the middle value is 20 mg/L BOD5.

c. Determine the range of BOD5 mg/L.

Equation: Range = Largest value - Smallest value

Range, mg/L = 27 mg/L - 17 mg/L = 10 mg/L BOD5

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d. Determine the mode of BOD5 mg/L.

Mode is the measurement that occurs most frequently.

In this case, it is 19 mg/L BOD5.

e. Calculate the geometric mean of BOD5 to three significant figures.

Equation: Geometric mean = [(x1)(x2)(x3)(x4)…..(xn)]1/n

Geometric mean, mg/L = [(17)(19)(19)(20)(21)(25)(27)]1/7

Geometric mean, mg/L = (1739839500)1/7

Geometric mean, mg/L = 20.9 mg/L BOD5

AREA PROBLEMS
Areas are important to determine for a number of reasons including knowing the “footprint” of
a tank or pond or the area of a particular process to make further calculations in other waste-
water problems.

39. What is the area of a drying bed that is 250 ft long and 45 ft wide?

Equation: Area = (Length)(Width)

Area = (250 ft)(45 ft) = 11,250 ft2, round to 11,000 ft2

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40. What is the area a tank occupies, if it has a diameter of 48.0 ft?

Equation: Area = rr2

Where r is the radius or Area = (0.785)(Diameter)2

Note: Both equations will be used throughout this book.

Area of tank = (0.785)(48.0 ft)(48.0 ft) = 1,809 ft2, round to 1,810 ft2

41. If the surface area of a rectangular drying bed is 22,500 sq ft and one side is 50 ft,
what is the length of the other side? Assume 50 ft is measured to the nearest foot.

First, write the equation for finding the area of a rectangle.

Area = (Length)(Width)

Since the area is 22,500 ft and one side is 50 ft, assume that the 50 ft is the width (remember,
by convention the width is the shorter of the two measurements). Then, solve for the length by
rearranging the equation as follows:

Area of 22, 500 ft 2

Length, ft = = 450 ft
(50 ft)

42. What is the diameter of a tank, if the surface area is 4,542 ft2?

Write the equation for finding the area of a circular tank.

Area = (0.785)(Diameter)2 or A = r2r or A = D2r/4

Solve for the diameter by rearranging the equation as shown:

Area 4, 542 ft 2
D2 = = = 5,786 ft2
0.785 0.785

Then, take the square root of 5,786 ft2

Then: Diameter = 76.1 ft

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43. What is the surface area of a pond that averages 302 ft in length and 179 ft wide?

Area, ft2 = (Length)(Width) = (302 ft)(179 ft) = 54,058 ft2, round to 54,100 ft2

CIRCUMFERENCE PROBLEMS
The circumference is important to know for calculating the area of a circular tank or the area of
a particular process to make further calculations in a problem. For example, an operator needs
to calculate the weir overflow rate on a circular clarifier: given the diameter, the circumference
or length of the weir can be calculated, and thus the weir overflow rate can be determined from
this.

44. What is the circumference in feet of a tank that is 48 ft in diameter?

Equation: Circumference = r(Diameter)

Circumference = (3.14)(48 ft) = 150.72 ft, round to 150 ft

45. If the circumference of a tank is 210 ft, what is the radius?

Circumference = r(Diameter) or Circumference = 2rr

210 ft = (3.14)(Diameter) or Diameter = 210 ft./3.14 = 66.9 ft

The radius is equal to the Diameter/2 or radius = 66.9/2 = 33.45 ft, round to 33 ft

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VOLUME PROBLEMS
Volumes are very important to determine because many problems in the wastewater field
require the volume to be known before the rest of the calculations can be made. Knowing the
volume of a particular process can also help the operator plan and make proper decisions in the
treatment of wastewater.

46. A circular tank has a radius of 24 ft and is 30.0 ft high. What is the capacity of the
tank in cubic feet?

The volume equation for a circular tank is Volume = rr2(Height), where r is the radius.

Volume of tank in ft3 = (3.14)(24 ft)(24 ft)(30.0 ft) = 54,259.2 ft3, round to 54,000 ft3

47. What is the volume in cubic feet of two basins with the following dimensions: 200
ft by 30 ft by 6 ft and 180 ft by 26 ft by 6 ft?

Always write the equation: Volume = (Length)(Width)(Depth) or V = (L)(W)(D).

Solve each basin separately and then add their results.

Basin 1, ft3 = (200 ft)(30 ft)(6 ft) = 36,000 ft3

Basin 2, ft3 = (180 ft)(26 ft)(6 ft) = 28,080 ft3

36,000 ft3 + 28,080 ft3 = 64080 ft3, round to 60,000 ft3

48. A soda ash tank is conical at the bottom and cylindrical at the top. If the diam-
eter of the cylinder is 18 ft with a depth of 32 ft and the cone depth is 15 ft, what
is the volume of the tank in ft3?

First, find the volume of the cone in ft3.

Volume, ft3 = 1/3(0.785)(Diameter)2(Depth)

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Volume, ft3 = 1/3(0.785)(18 ft)(18 ft)(15 ft) = 1,272 ft3

Next, find the volume of the cylindrical part of the tank.

Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Depth) = (0.785)(18 ft)(18 ft)(32 ft) = 8,139 ft3

Lastly, add the two volumes for the answer.

Total volume, ft3 = 1,272 ft3 + 8,139 ft3 = 9,411 ft3, round to 9,400 ft3

49. Determine the volume in cubic feet for a pipe with a diameter of 3.0 ft and a
length of 14.3 miles.

First, determine the number of feet in 14.3 miles.

(5,280 ft/mile)(14.3 miles) = 75,504 ft

Equation: Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Length)

Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(3.0 ft)(3.0 ft)(75,504 ft) = 533,436 ft3, round to 530,000 ft3

50. What is the volume of a conical tank in cubic feet that is 12 ft in diameter and 11
ft in height?

Equation for a cone is Volume = 1/3rr2(Height or Depth)

First, find the radius: radius = Diameter/2 or D/2: radius = 12 ft/2 = 6 ft.

Using equation, substitute the known quantities.

Volume, ft3 = 1/3(3.14)(6 ft)(6 ft)(11 ft) = 414.48 ft3, round to 410 ft3

Note: Because measurements are to two significant figures, then the answer must also be two
significant figures.

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51. A lime tank is conical at the bottom and cylindrical at the top. If the diameter of
the cylinder is 14 ft, has a depth of 24 ft, and the cone depth is 12 ft, what is the
volume of the tank in ft3?

First, find the volume of the cone in cubic feet.

Volume, ft3 = 1/3rr2(Depth)

Where the radius = Diameter/2 = 14 ft/2 = 7 ft

Volume, ft3 = 1/3(3.14)(7 ft)(7 ft)(12 ft) = 615 ft3

Next, find the volume of the cylindrical part of the tank.

Volume, ft3 = rr2(Depth) = (3.14)(7 ft)(7 ft)(24 ft) = 3,693 ft3

Lastly, add the two volumes for the answer.

Total volume, ft3 = 615 ft3 + 3,693 ft3 = 4,308 ft3, round to 4,300 ft3

52. Find the volume in gallons for two wastewater ponds that are 302 ft by 148 ft and
two smaller waste ponds that are 198 ft by 95 ft. The depth of water in the two
largest ponds averages 6.85 ft and for the two smaller ponds 5.75 ft.

First, find the volume in gallons for the 2 largest ponds.

Volume, gal = (Length)(Width)(Depth)(7.48 gal/ft3)(Number of waste ponds)

Volume, gal = (302 ft)(148 ft)(6.85 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)(2 ponds) = 4,580,267 gal

Next, find the volume in gallons for the 2 smallest ponds.

Then, add both volumes.

Volume, gal = (198 ft)(95 ft)(5.75 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)(2 ponds) = 1,618,036 gal

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Total Volume, gal = 6,198,303 gal

Round the above total volume to 6,200,000 gal

DENSITY CALCULATIONS
The density of a substance is the amount of mass for a given volume. It is usually expressed as
lb/gal or lb/ft3 in the English system or as g/cm3, kg/L, or kg/dm3 in the metric system. Mass is
defined as the quantity of matter as determined from Newton’s second law of motion or by its
weight. Weight is defined as the force that gravitation exerts upon a body and is equal to the
mass of the body times the local acceleration of gravity.

53. What is the density in lb/gal of a 2.000-liter solution that weighs 1.45 lb?

First, convert mL to gallons: (2.000 liters)(1 gal/3.785 liters) = 0.5284.

Equation: Density = Mass/Volume

Density of solution = 1.45 lb/0.5284 gal = 2.74 lb/gal

54. The density of an unknown substance is 2.96 grams/cm3. How much space would
this substance occupy in cm3, if it weighed 3.88 lb?

First, convert the number of lb to grams (g).

Number of g = (Number of lb)(454 g/1 lb)

Substitution: Number of g = (3.88 lb)(454 g/1 lb) = 1,761.52 g

We know that 2.96 grams of the substance occupies 1 cm3 by knowing its density. To get the
space 1,761.52 grams occupies we only need to divide by the density.

1, 761.52 g
Space occupied by substance = = 595 cm3
2.96 g/cm 3

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55. Find the number of gal/ft3 of a solution, if it weighs 99.2 lb/ft3.

Divide the weight of the substance by 8.34 lb/gal to compare the substance to water.

99.2 lb/ft 3
Density = = 11.89 gal/ft3, round to 11.9 gal/ft3
8.34 lb/gal

56. A substance weighs 1,825 grams (g) and occupies a space of 705 cubic centimeters
(cm3). What is its density in g/cm3?

Equation: Density = Mass/Volume

Density = 1,825 g/705 cm3 = 2.59 g/cm3

57. The specific gravity of a solution is 1.33. How many lb will 1 ft3 weigh?

Rearranging the above equation: lb/ft3 = (sp gr)(62.4 lb/ft3)

Solution, lb/gal = (1.33)(62.4 lb/ft3) = 83.0 lb/ft3 Solution

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF LIQUIDS

Specific gravity compares the density of one substance to another. Water is the standard for
liquids and is equal to 1.

58. The density of an unknown liquid is 65.3 lb/ft3. What is its specific gravity (sp gr)?

Know that water has a density of 62.4 lb/ft3. Divide the density of the unknown by the density
of water.

Equation: Specific gravity (sp gr) = Density of substance/Density of water

65.3 lb/ft 3
Sp gr of Unknown Substance = = 1.05 sp gr
62.4 lb/ft 3

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59. What is the specific gravity (sp gr) for a solution that weighs 12.04 lb/gal?

Know that the density of water can also be expressed as lb/gal, or 8.34 lb/gal.

12.04 lb/gal
Sp gr = = 1.44 sp gr
8.34 lb/gal

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SOLIDS

Specific gravity compares the density of one substance to another. Water is the standard for
solids and is equal to 1.

60. A piece of metal that weighs 7.6125 grams (g) in air is weighed in water and
found to be 7.2181 grams. What is the specific gravity (sp gr) of this metal?

First, subtract the weight in air from the weight in water to determine the loss of weight in water.

Number of grams = 7.6125 g - 7.2181 g = 0.3944 g is weight loss in water

Next, find the specific gravity by dividing the weight of the metal in air by the weight loss in water.

Sp gr = 7.6125 g/0.3944 g = 19.301 sp gr

What is this metal?

61. What is the specific gravity (sp gr) of a metal if it weighs 354 grams in air and
weighs 265 grams in water?

First, subtract the weight in air from the weight in water to determine the loss of weight in water.

Number of kilograms = 354 g - 265 g = 89 g is weight loss in water

Next, find the specific gravity by dividing the weight of the metal in air by the weight loss in water.

Sp gr = 354 g/89 g = 3.9775, round to 3.98 sp gr

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PRESSURE PROBLEMS
Pressure is the measure of force against a surface and is usually expressed as force per unit
area. In the English system the units are usually in lb/in.2 or lb/ft2. Scientists and engineers
usually use the metric system, where pressure is measured in Pascals (Pa). One Pascal is equal
to a force of 1 Newton per square meter. A Newton is equal to the force required to accelerate 1
kilogram 1 meter per second per second (1 kg.m/s2). You can also have kilopascals (kPa), mega-
pascals (mPa), and gigapascals (gPa). Also: 1 Pascal = 10 dyne/cm2 = 0.01 mbar. 1 atm =
101,325 Pascals = 760 mm Hg = 760 torr (Torricelli barometer) = 14.7 psi. Note: psi = pounds
per square inch.

62. What is the psi at the bottom of a clarifier, if the water level is 11.11 ft deep?

Depth, ft
Equation: psi =
2.31 ft/psi
11.11 ft
psi = = 4.8095 psi, round to 4.81 psi
2.31 ft/psi

63. A wastewater pond at its deepest point is 15.8 ft deep. What is the psi on the bottom?

Another number to commit to memory is 0.433 psi/ft, which is 1 psi/2.31 ft.

The equation would then be: psi = (Depth, ft)(0.433 psi/ft)

psi = (15.8 ft)(0.433 psi/ft) = 6.84 psi

HYDRAULIC PRESS CALCULATIONS

Hydraulic press calculations have two fundamental principles: total force equals pressure
applied times area the pressure is applied to, and that the force applied to a liquid will be
equally distributed within that liquid.

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64. A force of 325 pounds is applied to a small cylinder on a hydraulic jack. The
diameter of the small cylinder is 12.0 inches. If the diameter of the large
cylinder is 4.50 ft, what is the total lifting force?

Total force, lb
Equation: Pressure = for pressure on the small cylinder.
Area, ft 2

First, convert 12.0 inches to feet: (12.0 in.)(1 ft/12 in.) = 1.00 ft.

325 lb
Pressure = = 414.013 lb/ft2
(0.785) (1.00 ft) (1.00 ft)

Next, calculate the total force on the large cylinder.

Equation: Total force = (Pressure)(Area)

Total Force = (414.013 lb/ft2)(0.785)(4.50 ft)(4.50 ft) = 6,581.25 lb, round to 6,580 lb

65. A force of 25 pounds is applied to a small cylinder on a hydraulic jack. The

diameter of the small cylinder is 6.0 inches. If the diameter of the large cylin-
der is 3.0 ft, what is the total lifting force?

Total force, lb
Equation: Pressure = for pressure on the small cylinder.
Area, ft 2

First, convert 6.0 inches to feet: (6.0 in.)(1 ft/12 in.) = 0.50 ft.

25 lb
Pressure = = 127.39 lb/ft2
(0.785) (0.50 ft) (0.50 ft)

Next, calculate the total force on the large cylinder.

Equation: Total force = (Pressure)(Area)

Total force = (127.389 lb/ft2)(0.785)(3.0 ft)(3.0 ft) = 900 lb

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SCREENING MATERIAL REMOVAL CALCULATIONS

The amount of screening debris should be calculated by operators so that they can plan and
properly dispose of the material. A record should be kept each time for the amount of material
removed from the screening pits. Screenings are usually disposed of by landfill, incinerated, or
ground and returned to the wastewater process. They are very odorous and will attract flies. See
the figures in appendix E for placement of wastewater screens.

66. What is the number of ft3/mil gal of screening material removed at a wastewater
treatment plant, if the plant’s screenings totaled 107 gallons while processing
3,860,000 gallons?

First, determine the amount of cubic feet in 107 gallons.

107 gal
Number of ft3 = = 14.3 ft3
7.48 gal/ft 3

Next, convert gallons to mil gal.

3, 860, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 3.86 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the screenings removed in ft3/mil gal.

Number of ft 3
Equation: Screenings, ft3/mil gal =
Number of mil gal
14.3 ft 3
Screenings, ft3/mil gal = = 3.70 ft3/mil gal
3.86 mgd

67. How many gallons of screenings were removed from a wastewater plant, if the
plant processed 2,110,000 gallons and the screenings removed per million gallons
was 4.07 ft3/mil gal?

First, convert gallons to mil gal.

2, 110, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 2.11 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, calculate the number of ft3 of screenings removed by rearranging the following equation:

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Number of ft 3
Equation: Screenings, ft3/mil gal =
Number of mil gal

Rearrange the equation.

Number of ft3 = (Screenings, ft3/mil gal)( Number of mil gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of ft3 = (4.07 ft3/mil gal)(2.11 mil gal) = 8.5877 ft3

Lastly, convert the ft3 of screenings removed to gallons of screenings removed.

Screenings removed, gal = (8.5877 ft3)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 64.24 gal, round to 64.2 gal

SCREENING PIT CAPACITY CALCULATIONS

The operator needs to know the capacity of a screening pit so he or she knows when it should be
cleaned based on past records of material removed (above calculations).

68. How many days will it take to fill a screening pit, if the pit is 5.0 ft by 12 ft and 4.4 ft
deep and the average screenings each day total 2.37 ft3?

First, determine the volume of the pit in ft3.

Pit volume, ft3 = (5.0 ft)(12 ft)(4.4 ft) = 264 ft3

Pit volume, ft 3
Equation: Number of days to fill =
Screenings removed, ft 3 /day

Substitute values and solve.

264 ft 3
Number of days to fill = = 111.39 days, round to 110 days
2.37 ft 3 /days

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69. How many cubic feet is a screening pit, if it would fill in 81.7 days and the average
screenings each day are 2.91 ft3?

Pit volume, ft 3
Equation: Number of days to fill =
Screenings removed, ft 3 /day

Rearrange the equation to solve for pit volume.

Pit volume, ft3 = (Number of days to fill)(Screenings removed, ft3/day)

Substitute values and solve.

Pit volume, ft3 = (81.7 days)(2.91 ft3/day) = 237.747 ft3, round to 238 ft3

GRIT REMOVAL CALCULATIONS

Grit removal is important for the same reason as screening removal—planning for proper dis-
posal. Grit channels are important in wastewater treatment because by removing the grit from
the waste it prevents wear on pumps and deposition in pipelines or channels. It also prevents
grit from accumulating in other processes such as digesters or biological contactors. Not all
wastewater treatment plants have grit channels and they are not always placed after screens
or comminutors. See the figures in Appendix E for where grit channels are commonly placed in
different treatment plants.

70. A wastewater plant removes 64 gallons of grit during the processing of 2.65 mil
gal. What is the ft3/mil gal removal rate during this interval?

Number of gallons removed

Equation: Grit removal, ft3/mil gal =
(7.48 gal/ft 3) (mil gal treated)
64 gal
Grit removal, ft3/mil gal = = 3.23 ft3/mil gal
(7.48 gal/ft 3) (2.65 mil gal)

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71. How many mil gal of waste was treated by a plant, if the number of gallons of grit
removed was 42.5 gallons and the grit removal rate was 1.96 ft3/mil gal?

Number of gallons removed

Equation: Grit removal, ft3/mil gal =
(mil gal treated) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

Rearrange to solve for mil gal treated.

Number of gallons removed

Mil gal treated =
(Grit removal, ft 3 /mil gal) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

Substitute values and solve.

42.5 gal
Mil gal treated = = 2.8989 mil gal, round to 2.90 mil gal
(1.96 ft 3 /mil gal) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

RECIRCULATION RATIO PROBLEMS

The recirculation ratio calculation is used to help operators keep flow variations to a trickling
filter to a minimum. This ratio can also help solve process problems such as increasing the rate
of hydraulic loading when needed, reducing odors and filter flies, or preventing the trickling
filter from drying out during low flows. Recirculation is from the secondary clarifier or trickling
filter effluent. The ratio usually ranges from 1:1 to 2:1.

72. Given the following data, determine the recirculation ratio:

Influent flow = 1,330,000 gpd

Effluent flow = 1.74 mgd

First, convert gpd to mgd.

Note: The problem can also be solved by converting mgd to gpd since all that is asked for is a ratio.

Number of mgd = (1,330,000 gpd) / (1,000,000 gal/mil) = 1.33 mgd

Recirculated flow
Equation: Ratio =
Plant influent flow

Ratio = 1.74 mgd/1.33 mgd = 1.308, round to 1.31

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73. What must have been the trickling filter’s effluent flow in mgd, if the influent flow
to the wastewater plant was 950,000 gpd and the recirculation ratio was 1.46?

First, convert gpd to mgd.

Number of mgd = (950,000 gpd) / (1,000,000 gal/mil) = 0.95 mgd

Recirculated flow
Equation: Ratio =
Plant influent flow

Rearrange the equation to solve for the recirculation flow (return of the trickling filter’s effluent).

Recirculated flow = (Ratio)(Plant influent flow)

Substitute values and solve.

Recirculated flow = (1.46)(0.95) = 1.387 mgd, round to 1.4 mgd

DETENTION TIME CALCULATIONS

Detention time is simply the time period that starts when wastewater flows into a basin or tank
and ends when it flows out of the basin or tank. Detention time is usually calculated for waste-
water ponds, oxidation (aerobic) ditches, and clarifiers. Detention times are theoretical, because
basins begin to fill with settled sludge and other debris. This causes the true detention time to
constantly change (decrease). While it is true that sludge removals will cause the detention time
to increase, the true detention time will always be less than theoretical. Also, flows through a
basin are never perfectly laminar and thus cause a further decrease in the true detention time.
See Figures 5 and 6 in Appendix E for two types of wastewater plants using ponds or Figure 8
in Appendix E for a wastewater plant using an oxidation ditch.

74. What is the detention time, in hours, if an oxidation ditch has an influent flow of
0.232 mgd and the volume of the oxidation ditch is 28,100 ft3?

First, convert mgd to gpd.

Number of gpd = (0.232 mgd)(1,000,000 gal/mil) = 232,000 gpd

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Next, convert the volume of the oxidation ditch from ft3 to gallons.

Oxidation ditch volume, gal = (28,100 ft3)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 210,188 gal

Lastly, calculate the detention time in hours.

(Volume, gal) (24 hr/day)

Equation: Detention time, hr =
Flow, gpd
(210, 188 gal) (24 hr/day)
Detention time, hr = = 21.74 hr, round to 21.7 hr
232, 000 gpd

75. What is the detention time in days for a wastewater treatment pond given the
following data?

Pond = averages 365 ft by 171 ft by 7.25 ft

Flow = 43,500 gpd

First, calculate the volume of the waste pond in gallons.

Volume, gal = (365 ft)(171 ft)(7.25 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 3,384,765 gal

(Volume, gal)
Equation: Detention time, days =
Flow, gpd
(3, 384, 765 gal)
Detention time, days = = 77.81 days, round to 77.8 days
43, 500 gpd

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76. What is the detention time in days for a wastewater treatment pond given the
following data?

Pond = averages 315 ft by 122 ft by 7.45 ft

Flow = 4.25 ft3/min

First, convert ft3/s to gpd.

Number of gpd = (4.25 ft3/min)(1,440 min/day)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 45,778 gpd

Next, calculate the volume of the waste pond in gallons.

Volume, gal = (315 ft)(122 ft)(7.45 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 2,141,550 gal

Volume, gal
Equation: Detention time, days =
Flow, gpd
2, 141, 550 gal
Detention time, days = = 46.78 days, round to 46.8 days
45, 778 gpd

WEIR OVERFLOW RATE PROBLEMS

A weir is like a small dam, gate, notch, or other barrier placed across a basin to help regulate
water out of the basin. The weir overflow rate is used to determine the velocity of wastewater
over the weir. The velocity informs the operator about the efficiency of the sedimentation process.
At constant wastewater flow, the shorter the length of the weir, the faster the water velocity will
be out of the basin. Conversely, the longer the weir length, the slower the velocity will be out of
the basin. See Figures 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 in Appendix E for five types of wastewater plants using
a clarifier.

77. A circular clarifier is 69.8 ft in diameter. If flow to the clarifier averages 1.36 mgd,
what is the weir overflow rate in gpd/ft?

First, convert mgd to gpd.

Number of gpd = (1.36 mgd)(1,000,000 gal/mil) = 1,360,000 gpd

Next, calculate the length of the weir.

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Weir length, ft = r(Diameter, ft)

Weir length, ft = Circumference = (3.14)(69.8 ft) = 219.172 ft

Next, solve for the weir overflow rate.

Flow, gpd
Equation: Weir overflow rate, gpd/ft =
Weir length, ft
1, 360, 000 gpd
Weir overflow rate, gpd/ft = = 6205.17 gpd/ft, round to 6,210 gpd/ft
219.172 ft

78. What is the weir overflow rate in gpd/ft, if the flow is 0.475 mgd and the radius of
the clarifier is 29.75 ft?

First, calculate the length of the weir.

Weir length, ft = 2r(radius, ft)

Weir length, ft = 2(3.14)(29.75 ft) = 186.83 ft

Next, convert mgd to gpd.

Number of gpd = (0.475 mgd)(1,000,000 gal/mil) = 475,000 gpd

Next, solve for the weir overflow rate.

Flow, gpd
Equation: Weir overflow rate, gpd/ft =
Weir length, ft
475, 000 gpd
Weir overflow rate, gpd/ft = = 2,542.42 gpd/ft, round to 2,540 gpd/ft
186.83 ft

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SURFACE OVERFLOW RATE CALCULATIONS

Surface overflow rate determinations are used to determine the loading on clarifiers. The flow
amount used in these calculations only counts plant flow, not recirculation.

79. What is the surface overflow rate in gpd/ft2, if the clarifier is 30.2 ft in radius and
the flow into the basin is 485 gpm?

First, determine the area of the clarifier.

Area = rr2 where r = 3.14

Area = (3.14)(30.2 ft)(30.2 ft) = 2,863.81 ft2

Next, convert gpm to gpd.

Number of gpd = (485 gpm)(1,440 min/day) = 698,400

Lastly, calculate the surface overflow rate.

Flow, gpd
Equation: Surface overflow rate =
Area, ft 2
698, 400 gpd
Surface overflow rate = = 243.87 gpd/ft2, round to 244 gpd/ft2
2, 863.81 ft 2

80. Calculate the surface overflow rate in gpd/ft2 for a clarifier that has a diameter
of 48.5 ft and the flow is 0.730 mgd.

First, determine the area of the clarifier.

Area = rr2 where r = Diameter/2 = 48.5 ft/2 = 24.25 ft

Area = (3.14)(24.25 ft)(24.25 ft) = 1,846.52 ft2

Next, convert mgd to gpd/ft2.

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Number of gpd/ft2 = (0.730 mgd)(1,000,000 gal/mil) = 730,000 gal

Now, calculate the surface overflow rate.

Flow, gpd
Equation: Surface overflow rate =
Area, ft 2
730, 000 gpd
Surface overflow rate = = 395.34 gpd/ft2, round to 395 gpd/ft2
1, 846.52 ft 2

FLOW AND VELOCITY CALCULATIONS

Operators need to know the flow and velocity of the wastewater throughout the different plant
processes, for example to feed proper dosages of chemicals to treat wastewaters, to know how
many clarifiers or ponds to use or how much supernatant to recirculate, and for settling pur-
poses, among other uses.

81. What is the flow in a rectangular channel in feet per second (ft/s), given the fol-
lowing data?

Channel = 5.75 ft wide

Depth of wastewater flow = 3.42 ft
Flow = 1,892 gpm

Flow, gpm
Equation: Velocity, ft/s =
(Width, ft) (Depth, ft) (60 sec/min) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

Substitute values and solve.

1, 892 gpm
Velocity, ft/s = = 0.214 ft/s
(5.75 ft) (3.42 ft) (60 sec / min) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

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82. If a 3.00-ft diameter chemical tank drops 4.20 inches in exactly 2 hours, what is
the pumping rate for the chemical in gpm?

First, determine the amount in feet the tank level dropped.

Drop, ft = (4.20 in.)(1 ft/12 in.) = 0.350 ft

Then, determine the volume in gallons for the drop in level of the tank.

Equation: Volume, gal = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Drop, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Substitute values and solve.

Volume, gal = (0.785)(3.00 ft)(3.00 ft)(0.350 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 18.496 gal

Next, convert 2 hours to minutes.

Number of minutes = (2 hr)(60 min/hr) = 120 min

Now, calculate the pumping rate in gpm.

Equation: Pumping rate = Flow, gal/Time, min

Pumping rate = 18.496 gal/120 min = 0.154 gpm

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83. A 10.0-inch pipeline is flowing full and at 555 gpm. What is the velocity in ft/s?

First, convert the diameter of the pipe in inches to feet.

Number of ft = (10.0 in.)(1 ft/12 in.) = 0.833 ft

Next, determine the cross-sectional area of the pipe, which is defined with the following
equation.

Equation: Area, ft2 = rr2, where radius = Diameter/2, thus 0.8333 ft/2 = radius = 0.4167 ft

Area, ft2 = (3.14)(0.4167 ft)(0.4167 ft) = 0.545 ft2

Next, calculate the velocity in ft/s using the following equation.

Flow, gpm
Equation: Velocity, ft/s =
(Area, ft ) (60 sec/min) (7.48 gal/ft 3)
2

Substitute values and solve.

555 gpm
Velocity, ft/s = = 0.2269 ft/s, round to 0.227 ft/s
(5.45 ft 2) (60 sec / min) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

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84. If a 25.0-ft diameter clarifier drops 18.87 inches in exactly 6 hours, what is the
pumping rate out of the tank in gpm?

First, determine the amount in feet the tank level dropped.

Drop, ft = (18.87 in.)(1 ft/12 in.) = 1.5725 ft

Then, determine the volume in gallons for the drop in level of the tank.

Equation: Volume, gal = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Drop, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Substitute values and solve.

Volume, gal = (0.785)(25.0 ft)(25.0 ft)(1.5725 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 5,770.88 gal

Next, convert 6 hours to minutes.

Number of minutes = (6 hr)(60 min/hr) = 360 min

Now, calculate the pumping rate in gpm.

Equation: Pumping rate = Flow, gal/Time, min

Pumping rate = 5,770.88 gal/360 min = 16.03 gpm, round to 16.0 gpm

The following two problems involve flow through a pipeline that is not flowing full. The
calculations are almost the same as determining flow in a full pipeline, except the multiplication
factor of 0.785 is not used. A new factor is used and is based on the liquid level in the pipe divided
by the pipe’s diameter. These factors are presented in the depth/Diameter table in Appendix D.

Note: Answers are only approximate.

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85. A 24-inch sewage pipeline is flowing at a velocity of 1.45 ft/s and the depth of the
sewage averages 9.3 inches. Determine the flow in the pipeline in ft3/s.

First, divide the depth of sewage flow by the diameter of the pipe. Converting inches to feet is
not necessary.

Ratio = depth/Diameter = 9.3 in./24 in. = 0.3875, round to 0.39

Note: Extrapolation can also be used if more accuracy is required.

Next, determine the factor that needs to be used.

In Appendix D look up 0.39 under the column d/D. The number immediately to the right will be
the factor that needs to be used. In this case it is 0.2836. This will be the number used rather
than 0.785.

Next, convert the pipe’s diameter from inches to feet.

24 in.
Number of feet = = 2.0
12 in./ft

Equation: Flow, ft3/sec = (Area, ft2)(Velocity, ft/s)

Where the area = (Factor)(Diameter)2

Substitute values and solve.

Flow, ft3/s = (0.2836)(2.0 ft)(2.0 ft)(1.45 ft/s) = 1.645 ft3/s, round to 1.6 ft3/s

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86. A 36-inch sewage pipeline is flowing at a velocity of 1.18 ft/s and the depth of the
sewage averages 10.4 inches. Determine the flow in the pipeline in gpm.

First, divide the depth of sewage flow by the diameter of the pipe. Converting inches to feet is
not necessary.

Ratio = depth/Diameter = 10.4 in./36 in. = 0.2889, round to 0.29

Note: Again, extrapolation can also be used if more accuracy is required.

Next, determine the factor that needs to be used.

In Appendix D, look up 0.29 under the column d/D. The number immediately to the right will be
the factor that needs to be used. In this case it is 0.1890. This will be the number used rather
than 0.785.

Next, convert the pipe’s diameter from inches to feet.

36 in.
Number of feet = = 3.0
12 in./ft

Equation: Flow, ft3/sec = (Area, ft2)(Velocity, ft/s)

Where the area = (Factor)(Diameter)2

Substitute values and solve.

Flow, ft3/s = (0.1890)(3.0 ft)(3.0 ft)(1.18 ft/s) = 2.007 ft3/s

Now, convert ft3/s to gpm.

Flow, gpm = (2.007 ft3/s)(60 s/min)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 900.74 gpm, round to 900 gpm

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PUMP DISCHARGE PROBLEMS

Operators need to understand pump discharge calculations, for example to plan treatment pro-
cesses and time, to determine how long a pump will take to discharge a certain amount of
wastewater or chemical to treat the wastewater, and maybe to change the size of a pump to fit
the need better.

87. Given the following data, determine the rate a pump discharges into a tank in
gpm:

Duration pump operates = 29 hr and 33 min

Tank diameter = 30.1 ft
Wastewater level at beginning of pumping = 2.85 ft
Wastewater level at end of pumping = 13.44 ft

First, find the number of minutes the pump worked.

Number of min = (29 hr)(60 min/hr) + 33 min = 1,773 min

Next, calculate the change in level during pumping.

Level change, ft = 13.44 ft - 2.85 ft = 10.59 ft

Next, calculate the volume in gallons added to the tank by the pump.

Equation: Volume, gal = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Level change, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Volume, gal = (0.785)(30.1 ft)(30.1 ft)(10.59 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 56,337.84 gal

Now, calculate the pump’s discharge rate in gpm.

Discharge, gal
Equation: Pump’s discharge rate, gpm =
Time, min

Substitute values and solve.

56, 337.84 gal

Pump’s discharge rate, gpm = = 31.775 gpm, round to 32 gpm
1, 773 min

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88. How long will it take in hours and minutes to empty a tanker truck with alumi-
num sulfate (alum), if the truck’s pump unloads the alum at 65 gpm and a total
of 17,050 liters needs to be unloaded? The tank’s capacity is 10,000 gallons and it
already has about 2,000 gallons of alum.

First, determine the number of gallons in 17,050 liters.

17, 050 liters

Number of gal = = 4,504.62 gal
3.785 liters/gal

Then, divide the number of gallons by the pumping rate.

Time to pump = 4,504.62 gal/65 gpm = 69.3 min

Divide by 60 min/hr.

69.3 min/60 min/hr = 1.155 hr

Next, find how many minutes are in 0.155 hr by multiplying by 60 min/hr.

(0.155 hr)(60 min/hr) = 9.3 min, round to 9 min.

The unloading time = 1 hr and 9 min

89. How long will it take in hours and minutes for a pump to fill an empty 12.5-ft
radius tank to the 12.5-ft level, if the pumping rate is 75 gpm?

First, calculate the volume in gallons of the tank to the 12.5-ft level.

Equation: Volume, gal = r(radius)2(Depth, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Volume, gal = 3.14(12.5 ft)(12.5 ft)(12.5 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 45,873.44 gal

Next, calculate the pump’s discharge rate in gpm.

Discharge, gal
Equation: Pumping time, min =
Pump rate, gpm

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Substitute values and solve.

45, 873.44 gal

Pump’s discharge rate, gal = = 611.6459 min
75 gpm

Next, divide by 60 (60 min/hr) to determine the number of hours.

Number of hours = (611.6459)/60 min/hr) = 10.1941 hr

Now, determine the number of minutes in 0.1941 hours by multiplying by 60 (60 min/hr).

Number of minutes = (0.1941 hr)(60 min/hr) = 11.646 min, round to 12 min

Thus the tank will be filled to the 12.5-ft level in 10 hours and 12 minutes.

SOLIDS AND HYDRAULIC LOADING RATE CALCULATIONS

Solids and hydraulic loading rate calculations are used to determine the solids or hydraulic
loading on clarifiers, trickling filters, and other processes. These calculations are important
to know so operators for example can determine when to discharge sludge from a clarifier, or
to know the contact time between organisms in a trickling filter and the food entering that
trickling filter.

90. A trickling filter has a diameter of 109.5 ft. If the flow through the filter is 2.71
mgd and the recirculation rate is 25% of the flow rate, what is the hydraulic load-
ing rate on a trickling filter in gallons per day per square foot (gpd/ft2)?

First, determine the total flow in gallons per day (gpd) through the trickling filter.

Total flow, gal = [2.71 mgd + 2.71 mgd(25%/100%)](1,000,000/mil)

Total flow, gal = [2.71 mgd + 0.6775 mgd](1,000,000/mil) = 3,387,500 gpd

Next, determine the surface area in ft2 for the clarifier.

Area = rr2 where r = Diameter/2 = 109.5 ft/2 = 54.75 ft

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Clarifier surface area, ft2 = (3.14)(54.75 ft)(54.75 ft) = 9,412.35 ft2

Lastly, calculate the hydraulic loading rate.

Total flow, gpd

Hydraulic loading rate =
Surface area, ft 2
3, 387, 500 gpd
Hydraulic loading rate = = 359.899 gpd/ft2, round to 360 gpd/ft2
9, 412.35 ft 2

91. Calculate the solids loading rate on a secondary clarifier with a diameter of 68.5
ft, flow rate of 1,350,000 gpd, and a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) of 3,425
mg/L.

First, determine the area of the clarifier.

Area = rr2 where r = Diameter/2 = 68.5 ft/2 = 34.25 ft

Area = (3.14)(34.25 ft)2 = 3,683.42 ft2

Next, convert gpd to mgd.

Number of mgd = (1,350,000 gpd) / (1,000,000 gal/mil) = 1.35 mgd

Finally, calculate the solids loading rate.

(MLSS, mg/L) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Solids loading rate =
Area, ft 2
(3, 425 mg/L) (1.35 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Solids loading rate =
3, 683.42 ft 2

Solids loading rate = 10.469 lb of solids/d/ft2, round to 10.5 lb of solids/d/ft2

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92. What is the solids loading rate in lb of solids/d/ft2, given the following data?

Secondary clarifier radius = 34.95 ft

Primary effluent flow = 1.22 mgd
Return of activated sludge is 0.65 mgd
Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) = 3,060 mg/L
Specific gravity (sp gr) of the solids is 1.03

First, determine the total flow.

Total flow = Primary flow + Return of activated sludge

Total flow = 1.22 mgd + 0.65 mgd = 1.87 mgd

Next, calculate the area of the clarifier.

Area = rr2

Area = (3.14)(34.95 ft)2 = 3,835.518 ft2

Next, determine the lb/gal of solids.

Solids, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.03 sp gr) = 8.59

Next, calculate the solids loading rate.

(MLSS, mg/L) (mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Solids loading rate =
Area, ft 2
(3, 060 mg/L) (1.87 mgd) (8.59 lb/gal)
Solids loading rate =
3, 835.518 ft 2

Solids loading rate = 12.815 lb of solids/d/ft2, round to 13 lb of solids/d/ft2

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93. What is the hydraulic loading rate for a pond that is 17.3 acre-ft in gallons per
day per ft2 (gpd/ft2), if the flow into the pond is 4.06 mgd?

Since the problem asks for gpd, first convert the volume of the pond in acre-ft to gallons.

Know from appendix A: 1 acre-ft = 43,560 ft2

Area of pond, ft2 = (17.3 acre-ft)( 43,560 ft2/acre-ft) = 753,588 ft2

Next, convert mgd to gallons.

Flow into pond, gal = (4.06 mgd)(1,000,000/mil) = 4,060,000 gpd

Lastly, divide the flow.

Total flow, gpd

Equation: Hydraulic loading rate =
Surface area, ft 2
4, 060, 000 gpd
Hydraulic loading rate = = 5.388 gpd/ft2, round to 5.39 gpd/ft2
753, 588, ft 2

94. If a 60.3-ft diameter gravity thickener has 29,500 gpd of biosolids added to it and
the biosolids contain 1.95% solids, what is the solids loading rate in lb/d/ft2?

First, determine the surface area of the gravity thickener.

Surface area of gravity thickener, ft2 = (0.785)(60.3 ft)(60.3 ft) = 2,854.33 ft2

Now, calculate the solids loading rate.

(Percent solids) (Biosolids added, gpd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Solids loading rate, lb/d/ft2 =
(Surface area, ft 2)
(1.95%/100%) (29, 500 gpd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Solids loading rate, lb/d/ft2 =
(2, 854.33 ft 2)

Substitute values and solve.

Solids loading rate, lb/d/ft2 = 1.68 lb/d/ft2

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95. What is the solids loading rate for a secondary clarifier given the following
information:

Radius of clarifier = 70.5 ft

Primary effluent flow = 4,225,000 gpd
Return sludge flow = 1,025,000 gpd
Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) = 2,080 mg/L

First, determine the surface area of the clarifier.

Know: Area = rr2 where r equals the radius

Clarifier surface area, ft2 = (3.14)(70.5 ft)(70.5 ft) = 15,606.585 ft2

Next, determine the total flow in mgd.

4, 225, 000 gpd +1, 025, 000 gpd

Total clarifier flow = = 5.25 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Lastly, determine the solids loading rate of MLSS.

(MLSS, mg/L) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Solids loading rate, lb MLSS/d/ft2 =
Surface area, ft 2
(2, 080 mg/L, MLSS) (5.25 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Solids loading rate, lb MLSS/d/ft2 =
15, 606.585 ft 2

Solids loading rate, lb MLSS/d/ft2 = 5.84 lb MLSS/d/ft2

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SLUDGE PUMPING PROBLEMS

Sludge pumping calculations are important for operators to determine so they know how much
sludge and solids are being loaded into a digester to prevent underloading or overloading of the
digester. Also, operators need to know how much sludge is being pumped to other sludge pro-
cessing applications such as sludge thickening, filter presses, or land application.

96. Given the following data, calculate the lb/day of sludge pumped from a clarifier
to a sludge thickener:

Pump operates exactly 15 minutes every 2.00 hours

Pump rate = 18.5 gpm
Solids content = 4.87%
Specific gravity (sp gr) = 1.04

Equation: Sludge, lb/day = (Pumping, min/day)(24 hr/day)(Pump rate, gpm)(8.34 lb/

gal)(sp gr of sludge)

Sludge, lb/day = (15 min/2.0 hr)(24 hr/day)(18.5 gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(1.04 sp gr)

Sludge, lb/day = 28,883.088 lb/day, round to 28,900 lb/day of Sludge

97. Given the following data calculate the lb/day of solids pumped to a sludge thick-
ener:

Sludge sample = 2,011.230 grams (g)

Solids content after drying = 79.106 g
Pump operates exactly 10 minutes every 1.00 hours
Pump rate = 16.5 gpm
Specific gravity (sp gr) = 1.04
Clarifier effluent flow = 1.48 mgd

First, determine the percent solids in the sludge.

Equation: Percent solids = (Dry solids, g)(100%)/Sludge sample, g

Percent Solids = (79.106 g)(100%)/2,011.230 g = 3.933% solids

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Now, calculate the solids pumped in lb/day.

Equation: Solids, lb/day = (Pumping, min/day)(24 hr/day)(Pump rate, gpm)

(Percent solids)(8.34 lb/gal)(sp gr, sludge)

Solids, lb/day = (10 min/hr)(24 hr/day)(16.5 gpm)(3.933%/100 %)(8.34 lb/gal)(1.04 sp gr)

Solids, lb/day = 1,350.89 lb/day, round to 1,350 lb/day of Solids

98. How many lb/day of solids were pumped to a digester, if a sludge pump operates
exactly 10 minutes every hour at a rate of 24.5 gpm, the percent solids in the
sludge was 4.83%, and the specific gravity of the sludge was 1.06?

Solids, lb/day = (Pumping, min/day)(24 hr/day)(Pump rate, gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)

(sp gr, sludge)

Solids, lb/day = (10 min/hr)(24 hr/day)(24.5 gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(1.06 sp gr)(4.83%/100 %)

Solids, lb/day = 2,510.71 lb/day, round to 2,510 lb/day of Solids

BIOSOLIDS PUMPING AND PRODUCTION PROBLEMS

Biosolids pumping calculations provide operators accurate process control data for the sedimen-
tation process. Biosolids are mostly composed of water with the biosolids ranging from only 3
to 7% by volume.

99. What is the biosolids production in lb/mil gal, if a wastewater treatment plant
produces 174,000 gallons of biosolids in a 30-day month and the plant treated 2.07
mgd on average?

(Biosolids, gal/day) (8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Biosolids, lb/mil gal =
(Flow, mgd)(Number of days)
(174, 000 gal/day) (8.34 lb/gal)
Biosolids, lb/mil gal =
(2.07 mgd) (30 days)

Biosolids, lb/mil gal = 23,368 lb/mil gal, round to 23,400 lb/mil gal Biosolids

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100. If the plant flow averages 3.77 mgd and production of biosolids averages 16,880
gal/day, what is the biosolids production in wet tons per year?

(Biosolids, lb/mil gal) (mgd) (365 days/yr)

Equation: Biosolids, wet tons/yr =
2, 000 lb/wet ton

Substitute values and solve.

(16, 880 lb/mil gal) (3.77 mgd) (365 days/yr)

Biosolids, wet tons/yr =
2, 000 lb/wet ton

Biosolids, wet tons/yr = 11,614 wet tons/yr, round to 11,600 Wet tons/yr Biosolids

101. What is the estimated biosolids pumping rate for the following system?

Plant flow = 4.92 mgd

Removed biosolids = 1.11%
Influent total suspended solids (TSS) = 282 mg/L
Effluent TSS = 118 mg/L

Equation: Estimated pumping rate =

(Influent TSS, mg/L - Effluent TSS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
(Percent solids in sludge)(Sludge, lb/gal) (1, 440 min/day)

Substitute values and solve.

(282 TSS mg/L - 118 TSS, mg/L) (4.92 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Estimated pumping rate =
(1.11%/100%) (8.34 lb/gal) (1, 440 min /day)
(164 TSS mg/L) (4.92 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Estimated pumping rate =
(1.11%/100%) (8.34 lb/gal) (1, 440 min /day)

Estimated pumping rate = 50.5 gpm

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102. What is the estimated biosolids pumping rate for the following system?

Plant flow = 2.28 mgd

Removed biosolids = 1.41%
Influent total suspended solids (TSS) = 278 mg/L
Effluent TSS = 109 mg/L
Biosolids weight = 8.45 lb/gal

Equation: Estimated pumping rate =

(Influent TSS, mg/L - Effluent TSS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
(Percent solids in sludge)(Sludge, lb/gal) (1, 440 min/day)

Substitute values and solve.

(278 TSS mg/L - 109 TSS, mg/L) (2.28 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Estimated pumping rate = (1.41%/100%) (8.45 lb/gal) (1, 440 min /day)

Estimated pumping rate = (169 TSS mg/L)(2.28 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

(1.41%/100%)(8.45 lb/gal)(1,440 min/day)

Estimated pumping rate = 18.7 gpm

103. Given the following data, calculate the amount of solids and volatile solids
removed in lb/day:

Pumping rate = 185 gpm

Pump frequency = 12 times/day
Pumping cycle = 15 minutes exactly per cycle
Solids = 3.03%
Volatile solids (VS) = 59.4%

First, determine the solids removal in lb/day.

Equation: Solids, lb/day =

(Time, min/cycle)(cycles/day)(Pump rate, gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(Percent solids)

Substitute values and solve.

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Solids, lb/day = (15 min/cycle)(12 cycles/day)(185 gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(3.03%/100%)

Solids, lb/day = 8,414.98 lb/day, round to 8,410 lb/day Solids

Next, calculate the amount of volatile solids removed in lb/day.

Equation: VS, lb/day =

(Time, min/cycle)(cycles/day)(Pump rate, gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(Percent, solids)(Percent VS)

Substitute values and solve.

VS, lb/day = (15 min/cycle)(12 cycles/day)(185 gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(3.03%/100%)(59.4%/100%)

VS, lb/day = 4,998.496 lb/day, round to 5,000 lb/day VS

104. What is the concentration factor (CF) of biosolids, if the influent biosolids to a
gravity thickener is 1.85% and the effluent biosolids is 5.15%?

Percent thickened biosolids

Equation: CF =
Percent influent biosolids

Substitute values and solve.

5.15%
CF = = 2.78
1.85%

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WASTE ACTIVATED SLUDGE PUMPING RATE CALCULATIONS

These calculations are used as a planning tool by the operator. The waste activated sludge
(WAS) suspended solids (SS) are pumped out of the secondary clarifier and wasted or returned
to the aeration tank. It is better to pump continuously rather than intermittently and not to
change the amount by more than 15% from one day to the next.

105. Determine the waste activated sludge (WAS) pumping rate in gpm, if 3,380 lb/
day are to be wasted and the WAS suspended solids concentrations 3,210 mg/L.

First, use the “pounds” equation to solve for the number of mgd.

Equation: WAS, lb/day = (WAS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L.

(WAS, lb/day)
Number of mgd =
(Number of mg/L WAS ) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(3, 380 lb/day)

Number of mgd = = 0.12625 mgd
(3, 210 mg/L WAS) (8.34 lb/gal)

Now, convert mgd to gpm.

(0.12625 mgd) (1, 000, 000/mil)

Number of gpm = = 87.7 gpm
(1, 440 min /day)

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106. Determine the waste activated sludge (WAS) pumping rate in gpm given the fol-
lowing data:

Amount of WAS to be wasted = 4,090 lb/day

WAS suspended solids concentrations = 3,475 mg/L

First, use the “pounds” equation to solve for the number of mgd.

Equation: WAS, lb/day = (WAS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L.

(WAS, lb/day)
Number of mgd =
(Number of mg/L WAS ) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(4, 090 lb/day)

Number of mgd = = 0.1411 mgd
(3, 475 mg/L WAS) (8.34 lb/gal)

Now, convert mgd to gpm.

(0.1411 mgd) (1, 000, 000/mil)

Number of gpm = = 98.0 gpm
(1, 440 min /day)

TOTAL HEAD, TOTAL STATIC HEAD, AND HEAD LOSS CALCULATIONS

These calculations tell the operator how hard a pump has to work against the static head (the
height above the pump that the liquid is discharged to), as well as head losses caused from
friction from the water and pipe contact, bends in the pipe, and appurtenances (valves or ori-
fices) along the pipeline. For simplicity, this book will refer to total dynamic head (TDH in some
literature) as total head.

107. Water is being pumped from a water source with an elevation of 3,895 ft to an
elevation of 4,140 ft. What is the total head, if friction and minor head losses are
21.8 ft?

Equation: Total head, ft = Total static head, ft (difference in elevation) + Head

losses, ft

Total head, ft = (4,140 ft - 3,895 ft) + 21.8 ft = 245 + 21.8 ft = 266.8 ft, round to 267 ft

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108. If water is being pumped from a water source with an elevation of 68 ft to an

elevation of 141 ft and the total dynamic head was 84.5, what must have been
the amount of friction and minor head losses?

Equation: Total head, ft = Total static head, ft (difference in elevation) + Head

losses, ft

Rearrange the equation to solve for head losses.

Head losses, ft = Total head, ft - Total static head, ft (difference in elevation)

Head losses, ft = 84.5 ft - (141 ft - 68 ft) = 84.5 ft - 73 ft = 11.5 ft

109. Given the following data, determine the elevation of a pump and its source:

Friction loss and minor head losses = 15.8 ft

Total dynamic head (TDH) = 467 ft?
Water destination = 3,544 ft

Equation slightly modified for clarity (showing that the destination elevation minus the
source elevation is the total static head):

Total head, ft = (Destination elevation, ft - Source elevation, ft) + Head losses, ft

Rearrange the equation to solve for the source elevation.

Source elevation, ft = Destination elevation, ft + Head losses, ft - Total head, ft

Substitute values and solve.

Source elevation, ft = 3,544 ft + 15.8 ft - 467 ft = 3,092.8 ft, round to 3,090 ft

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PUMPING HORSEPOWER, EFFICIENCY, AND COSTING CALCULATIONS

These types of calculations can be used for determining pump size, efficiency, and costing.

110. Find the motor horsepower (mhp) for a pump with the following parameters:

Motor efficiency (ME): 91.5%

Total Head (TH): 306 ft
Pump efficiency (PE): 78.2%
Flow: 7.85 mgd

First, convert mgd to gpm.

Gpm = (7.85 mgd)(1,000,000/mil)(1 day/1,440 min) = 5,451.4 gpm

The equation for determining the mhp with the given data is different then the problem
above.

(Flow, gpm)(TH, ft)

Equation: mhp =
(3, 960) (ME) (PE)

Substitute values and solve.

(5, 451.4 gpm) (306 ft)

mhp =
(3, 960) (91.5%/100% ME) (78.2%/100% PE)

mhp = 588.7 mhp, round to 589 mhp

111. What is the water horsepower (whp) for a pump that has a motor efficiency
(ME) of 92.5%, pump efficiency (PE) of 81%, and a motor horsepower (mhp) of
250?

Equation: Water horsepower = (mhp)(ME)(PE)

Water horsepower = (250 mhp)(92.5%/100% ME)(81%/100% PE)

Water horsepower = 187 whp, round to 190 whp

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112. What is the brake horsepower (bhp) for a pump, if the water horsepower (whp)
is 120 and the pump efficiency (PE) is 79%?

Equation: Brake horsepower = whp/PE

120 whp
Brake hp = = 151.9 bhp, round to 150 bhp
79%/100% PE

113. What is the motor horsepower (mhp), if the bhp is 88 and the motor efficiency is
89%?

Equation: Motor hp = bhp/ME

88 bhp
Motor horsepower = = 98.88 mhp, round to 99 mhp
89%/100% ME

114. Find the whp for the following system: Motor efficiency is 90.5%; pump efficiency
is 76%; and mhp is 220.

Equation: Water horsepower = (mhp)(ME)(PE)

Water horsepower = (220 mhp)(90.5%/100% ME)(76%/100 PE)

Water horsepower = 151.316 whp, round to 150 whp

115. Find the whp, if the bhp is 41 and the pump efficiency is 81%.

Equation: Water hp = (bhp)(PE)

Water hp = (41 bhp)(81%/100% PE) = 33.21 whp, round to 33 whp

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116. What is the motor horsepower (mhp), if 110 horsepower (hp) is required to run
a pump with a motor efficiency (ME) of 88% and a pump efficiency (PE) of 76%?
Note: The 110 hp in this problem is called the water horsepower (whp). The whp
is the actual energy (horsepower) available to pump water.

whp
Equation: Motor horsepower =
(ME) (PE)
110 whp
mhp =
(88%/100% ME) (76%/100% PE)
110 whp
mhp =
(0.88 ME) (0.76 PE)

mhp = 164.47 mhp, round to 160 mhp

117. Calculate the cost to run a pump in dollars and cents per day, if the horsepower
is 88.5 and the cost per kW-hr is $0.079.

Equation: Cost, $/day = (mhp)(24 hr/day)(0.746 kW/hp)(Cost/kW-hr)

Cost, $/day = (88.5 hp)(24 hr/day)(0.746 kW/hp)(0.079/kW-hr) = $125.18/day

DOSAGE PROBLEMS
These calculations are used mainly for process control, which requires accurate determination
before the chemical is actually applied to a particular process. By keeping accurate records of
dosages and thus usage, operators can also plan ordering or costing.

118. How many lb/day of chlorine gas are required to treat 1,825,000 gpd given the
following data?

Chlorine demand = 8.5 mg/L

Chlorine residual = 1.25 mg/L

First, determine the total chlorine dose in mg/L.

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Equation: Chlorine dose = Chlorine demand + Chlorine residual

Chlorine dose = 8.5 mg/L + 1.25 mg/L = 9.75 mg/L

Next, convert gpd to mgd.

Number of mgd = (1,825,000 gpd) / (1,000,000/mil) = 1.825 mgd

Lastly, calculate the lb/day of chlorine required.

Equation: Number of lb/day = (Cl2, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day Cl2 = (9.75 mg/L)(1.825 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day Cl2 = 148.4 lb/day, round to 150 lb/day Cl2

119. What is the chlorine dosage in mg/L for a wastewater plant, if the chlorinator
setting is 93 lb/day and it treats 2,100,000 gpd?

First, convert gpd to mgd.

Number of mgd = (2,100,000 gpd) / (1,000,000/mil) = 2.1 mgd

Equation: Number of lb/day = (Dose, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for the chlorine dosage in mg/L.

Number of lb/day
Chlorine dosage, mg/L =
(Number of mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
93 lb/day
Chlorine dosage, mg/L = = 5.31 mg/L, round to 5.3 mg/L
(2.1 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

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120. How many gpd of a 12.4% sodium hypochlorite solution are needed to disinfect
a flow of 1,120,000 gallons, if the dosage required is 10.2 mg/L and the specific
gravity of the hypochlorite is 1.04?

First, convert gpd to mgd.

1, 120, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 1.12 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the lb/gal for the hypochlorite solution.

Hypochlorite, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.04 sp gr) = 8.6736

Next, using the “pounds equation,” calculate the lb day of chlorine needed.

Equation: Chlorine, lb/day = (Dosage, mg/L)(mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Chlorine, lb/day = (10.2 mg/L)(1.12 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal) = 95.276 lb/day

Since the solution is not 100%, divide the percent hypochlorite into the lb/day of chlorine
needed.

95.276 lb/day
Hypochlorite, lb/day = = 768.355 lb/day hypochlorite
12.4%/100%

Lastly, determine the gpd of hypochlorite solution needed.

768.355 lb/day
Hypochlorite, gpd = = 88.58 gpd, round to 88.6 gpd Sodium hypochlorite
8.6736 lb/gal

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121. How much sulfur dioxide in lb/day needs to be applied to dechlorinate a waste-
water, if the flow is 1,110,000 gpd, the average chlorine residual is 1.28 mg/L, the
average chlorine demand is 5.88, and the sulfur dioxide must be 3.0 mg/L higher
than the chlorine residual?

First, determine how many mg/L of sulfur dioxide (SO2) must be applied. This is the chlorine
residual plus the amount that is required higher than the chlorine residual. This additional
amount of sulfur dioxide above the chlorine residual is applied as a safety factor and is typically
started at 3 mg/L.

SO2, mg/L = 1.28 mg/L + 5.88 mg/L + 3.0 mg/L = 10.16 mg/L SO2

Next, convert gpd to mgd.

Number of mgd = (1,110,000 gpd) / (1,000,000/mil) = 1.11 mgd

Next, determine the number of lb/day of SO2 needed.

Equation: Number of lb/day SO2 = (SO2, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day SO2 = (10.16 mg/L)(1.11 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day SO2 = 94.05 lb/day, round to 94 lb/day SO2

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122. Determine the number of lb of sulfur dioxide (SO2) used to treat a wastewater
plant’s effluent given the flowing data:

Average flow per day = 2,450,000 gallons

Average chlorine residual = 1.08 mg/L
Average chlorine demand = 6.33 mg/L
SO2 dosage 3.0 mg/L higher than chlorine residual

First, convert gallons per day to mgd.

Number of mgd = (2,450,000 gpd) / (1,000,000/mil) = 2.45 mgd

Next, determine the mg/L of SO2 that must be applied.

Number of mg/L SO2 = 1.08 mg/L + 6.33 mg/L + 3.0 mg/L = 10.41 mg/L SO2

Lastly, determine the lb/day SO2.

Equation: Number of lb/day = (SO2, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day SO2 = (10.41 mg/L)(2.45 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal) = 212.7 lb SO2, round to 210 lb SO2

123. What is the chlorine dosage in lb/day for a wastewater plant, if the dosage
required is 7.8 mg/L, the flow is 489,000 gallons, and the calcium hypochlorite
solution is 65% available chlorine?

First, convert gallons per day to mgd.

Number of mgd = (489,000 gpd) / (1,000,000/mil) = 0.489 mgd

(mg/L) (Number of mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Number of lb/day =
Percent purity/100%

Substitute values and solve.

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(7.8 mg/L) (0.489 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day =
65%/100%

Number of lb/day = 48.94 lb/day, round to 49 lb/day Calcium hypochlorite

124. A wastewater treatment plant is treating 875 gpm with a polymer solution that
has a specific gravity (sp gr) of 1.22. If the chemical pump delivers 163 mL in
exactly 5 minutes, what is the polymer dosage in mg/L?

First, determine the number of mL/min the pump is feeding.

Polymer feed, mg/L = 163 mL/5 min = 32.6 mL/min

Next, determine the lb/gal for the polymer.

Polymer, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.22 sp gr) = 10.1748 lb/gal

Next, convert gpm to mgd.

(875 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 1.26 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Now, calculate the dosage using the following equation:

(mL/min) (1, 440 min/day) (Polymer, lb/gal)

Polymer dosage, mg/L =
(3, 785 mL/gal) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(32.6 mL/ min) (1, 440 min /day) (10.1748 lb/gal)

Polymer dosage, mg/L =
(3, 785 mL/gal) (1.26 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Polymer dosage, mg/L = 12.0 mg/L of Polymer

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125. What is the number of lb/day of alum used by a wastewater plant, if the plant is
treating 1,850 gpm with an alum dose of 13.5 mg/L? The alum is 49.2% aluminum
sulfate.

First, convert gpm to mgd.

(1, 850 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 2.664 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, calculate the number of lb/day of alum required.

(Alum dose, mg/L) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: lb/day =
Percent alum purity/100%
(13.5 mg/L) (2.664 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Alum, lb/day = = 610 lb/day of Alum
49.2%/100%

CHEMICAL FEED SOLUTION SETTINGS

As above, these calculations are used mainly for process control, which requires accurate deter-
mination before the chemical is actually applied to a particular process. Also as above, by keeping
accurate records of dosages and thus usage, operators can plan ordering or costing.

126. What should the chemical feeder be set on in mL/min, if the desired polymer
dosage is 136 gpd?

(Number of gallons used) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Equation: Number of mL/min =
1, 440 min/day

Substitute values and solve.

(136 gal) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Polymer, mL/min = = 357.47 mL/min, round to 357 mL/min
1, 440 min /day

127. What should the chemical feeder be set on in mL/min, if the desired polymer
dosage is 81.8 gpd?

(Number of gallons used) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Equation: Number of mL/min =
1, 440 min/day

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Substitute values and solve.

(81.8 gal) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Polymer, mL/min = = 215 mL/min
1, 440 min /day

128. Given the following data, calculate the feed rate of a polymer solution in mL/
min:

Influent flow = 1,330 gpm

Polymer dose = 7.35 mg/L
Polymer solution specific gravity = 1.35
Polymer percent purity = 39.7%

First, convert gpm to mgd.

(1, 330 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 1.9152 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the lb/gal for the polymer.

Polymer, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.35 sp gr) = 11.259 lb/gal

Now, calculate the dosage using the following equation:

(mL/min) (1, 440 min/day) (Polymer, lb/gal)

Polymer dosage, mg/L =
(3, 785 mL/gal) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal) (Percent Polymer)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mL/min.

Polymer feed, mL/min =

(Polymer dosage, mg/L) (3, 785 mL/gal) (mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) (Percent Polymer)
(1, 440 min /day) (Polymer, lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(7.35 mg/L) (3, 785 mL/gal) (1.9152 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) (39.7%/100%)
Polymer feed mL/min =
(1, 440 min /day) (11.259 lb/gal)

Polymer feed mL/min = 10.88 mL/min, round to 10.9 mL/min Polymer

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DRY CHEMICAL FEED SETTINGS

As with liquid dosing, accuracy in dosing dry chemicals is important, too. The more accurate the
dosage calculation is, the more probability there will be for an operator to control a treatment
process and the better the records for future referral.

129. What is the feed rate of a dry chemical in lb/day, if a sample collection bowl
collected 248.5 grams (g) in 30.0 minutes?

Know: 454 grams = 1 pound

First, determine the number of g/min.

Number of grams = 248.5 g/30.0 min = 8.28 g/min

(Number of g/min) (1, 440 min/day)

Equation: Chemical, lb/day =
454 g/lb

Substitute values and solve.

(8.28 g/ min) (1, 440 min /day)

Chemical, lb/day = = 26.3 lb/day
454 g/lb

130. What must have been the setting of a dry chemical feeder in grams/min, if the
number of lb/day was 107.4?

(Number of g/min) (1, 440 min/day)

Equation: Chemical, lb/day =
454 g/lb

Rearrange to solve for the feeder setting in g/min.

(Chemical, lb/day) (454 g/lb)

Number of g/min =
1, 440 min /day

Substitute values and solve.

(107.4 lb/day) (454 g/lb)

Number of g/min = = 33.86 g/min, round to 33.9 g/min
1, 440 min /day

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131. Determine the feed rate of dry alum in lb/day, if the drawdown in exactly 10
minutes was 106.8 grams (g) and the flow is 1,090,000 gpd.

First, determine the number of grams used per minute.

Alum, g = 106.8 g/10 min = 10.68 g/min

Equation:

(Number of g/min) (1, 440 min/day)

Alum, lb/day =
454 g/lb

Substitute values and solve.

(10.68 g/ min) (1, 440 min /day)

Alum, lb/day = = 33.87 lb/day, round to 33.9 lb/day Alum
454 g/lb

132. What is the feed rate of a dry chemical in g/min, if the feed rate is 178 lb/day?

(Number of g/min) (1, 440 min/day)

Equation: Chemical, lb/day =
454 g/lb

Rearrange the equation to solve for g/min.

(Chemical, lb/day) (454 g/lb)

Number of g/min =
1, 440 min /day

Substitute values and solve.

(178 lb/day) (454 g/lb)

Number of g/min = = 56.12 g/min, round to 56.1 g/min
1, 440 min /day

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SLUDGE PRODUCTION CALCULATIONS

Sludge production calculations are important for costing and disposal purposes. Plants that use
processes like digestion or heat treatment have smaller sludge production because more of the
sludge is destroyed compared to plants that use chemical addition to treat wastes.

133. A wastewater plant with an influent flow of 2,610,000 gpd has primary influent
suspended solids of 187 mg/L. If the secondary suspended solids are 94 mg/L,
what is the amount of dry solids produced in lb/day?

First, determine the number of mg/L of suspended solids (SS) removed.

SS removed, mg/L = 187 mg/L, influent - 94 mg/L, effluent = 93 mg/L SS removed

Next, convert gpd to mgd.

2, 610, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 2.61 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

SS removed, lb/day = (SS removed, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

SS removed, lb/day = (93 mg/L SS)(2.61 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

SS removed, lb/day = 2,024.37 lb/day, round to 2,000 lb/day

134. Given the following data, determine the amount of dry solids produced in lb/day:

Flow = 3,080,000 gpd

Influent suspended solids = 268 mg/L
Primary effluent suspended solids = 98 mg/L

First, determine the number of mg/L of suspended solids (SS) removed.

SS removed, mg/L = 268 mg/L, influent - 98 mg/L effluent = 170 mg/L SS removed

Next, convert gpd to mgd.

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3, 080, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 3.08 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

SS removed, lb/day = (SS removed, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

SS removed, lb/day = (170 mg/L SS)(3.08 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

SS removed, lb/day = 4,366.82 lb/day, round to 4,400 lb/day

135. Given the following data, determine the amount of flow the wastewater plant is
treating in gpm.

Primary effluent suspended solids (ss)= 141 mg/L

Primary effluent ss removed = 2,918 lb/day

Equation: SS removed, lb/day = (SS removed, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange to solve for mg/L SS removed.

SS, lb/day removed

Number of mgd =
(SS removed, mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal)
2, 918 lb/day removed
Number of mgd = = 2.48 mgd
(141 mg/L SS) (8.34 lb/gal)

Next, convert mgd to gpm.

(2.48 mgd) (1, 000, 000/mil)

Number of gpm = = 1,722 gpm, round to 1,720 gpm
(1, 440 min /day)

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136. Given the following data, determine the amount of dry solids produce in lb/day:

Flow = 3,180,000 gpd

Influent suspended solids (ss) = 385 mg/L
Primary effluent ss = 154 mg/L
Specific gravity (sp gr) of ss = 1.02

First, determine the number of mg/L of suspended solids removed.

SS removed, mg/L = 385 mg/L, influent - 154 mg/L, effluent = 231 mg/L SS removed

Next, convert the gpd to mgd.

3, 180, 000 gpd

Number of gpd = = 3.18 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

SS removed, lb/day = (SS removed, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)(SS, sp gr)

SS removed, lb/day = (231 mg/L SS)(3.18 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)(1.02 sp gr)

SS removed, lb/day = 6,248.925 lb/day, round to 6,250 lb/day

137. A wastewater plant with an influent flow of 2,680,000 gpd has primary influent
suspended solids of 372 mg/L. If the secondary suspended solids are 155 mg/L,
and the specific gravity of the removed suspended solids is 1.01, what is the
amount of dry solids produced in lb/day?

First, determine the number of mg/L of suspended solids (SS) removed.

SS removed, mg/L = 372 mg/L, influent - 155 mg/L, effluent = 217 mg/L SS removed

Next, convert the gpd to mgd.

2, 680, 000 gpd

Number of gpd = = 2.68 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

SS removed, lb/day = (mg/L SS removed)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)(SS, sp gr)

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SS removed, lb/day = (217 mg/L SS)(2.68 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)(1.01 sp gr)

SS removed, lb/day = 4,898.71 lb/day, round to 4,900 lb/day

SLUDGE AGE (GOULD) CALCULATIONS

Operators need to understand sludge age calculations because this will help them maintain an
appropriate amount of activated sludge in an aeration tank. The age of the sludge refers to the
average solids retention time (usually in days) that the solids remain in the aeration tank. The
sludge age is controlled by the sludge wasting rate, which affects the sludge yield in the system.
This calculation is similar to detention time. See Figure 2 in Appendix E for one type of waste-
water plant using an aeration tank.

138. Determine the age of the sludge in an aeration tank given the following data:

Primary effluent flow = 2.13 mgd

Volume of aeration tank = 495,000 gallons
Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) = 1,930 mg/L
Suspended solids = 68 mg/L

First, convert the volume of the aeration tank to mil gal.

495, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.495 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil
(MLSS, mg/L) (Volume of aeration tank) (8.34 lb/gal)
Equation: Sludge age, days =
(SS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal
(1, 930 mg/L) (0.495 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
Sludge age, days = = 6.6 days
(68 mg/L) (2.13 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

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139. Calculate the number of pounds of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) that
an aeration tank must maintain in order to keep the desired sludge age at 7.0
days. The amount of suspended solids in the primary effluent entering the aera-
tion tank is 1,445 mg/L.

Equation: Number of lb MLSS = (Sludge age, days)(Suspended solids, lb/day)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb MLSS = (7.0 days)(1,445 mg/L SS) =10,115 lb MLSS, round to 10,000 lb MLSS

SLUDGE VOLUME INDEX AND SLUDGE VOLUME DENSITY CALCULATIONS

The sludge volume index (SVI) and density calculations inform the operator about the floccu-
lation process, the settling characteristics of the activated sludge, and how these settling char-
acteristics affect return sludge rates and mixed liquor suspended solids. Activated sludge plants
that are functioning properly usually have an SVI of around 100 mL/g.

140. Given the following data, determine the sludge volume index (SVI):

MLSS = 2,850 mg/L

SS = 688 mL
Sample size = 2,000 mL ± 1 mL

First, divide the SS result by 2 since the sample size is 2 liters and we need the SS value per liter.

SS, 1 liter = 688 mL/2 = 344 mL

Next, convert MLSS in mg to grams.

MLSS, g = (2,850 mg)(1 g/1,000 mg) = 2.85 g

(SS, mL)
Equation: SVI =
MLSS, g/L

Substitute values and solve.

(344 mL)
SVI = = 120.7, round to 121 SVI
2.85 g

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141. A 30-minute settleability test had a settleable solids result of 241 mL in a 1-liter
graduated cylinder. If the mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) in the aeration
tank were 2,945 mg/L, what was the sludge density index (SDI)?

First, convert MLSS in mg to grams.

MLSS, g = (2,945 mg)(1 g/1,000 mg) = 2.945 g

(MLSS, g) (100%)
Equation: SDI =
SS, mL

Substitute values and solve.

(2.945 g) (100%)
SDI = = 1.22 SDI
241 mL

ORGANIC LOADING RATE CALCULATIONS

Organic loading rate calculations tell the operator the amount of food entering the plant. These
calculations are used for wastewater treatment ponds, rotating biological contactors, or trickling
filters. See figures in Appendix E for the types of wastewater plants using these processes.

142. What is the organic loading rate for a trickling filter that is 75.5 ft in diameter
and 5.2 ft deep in lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3, if the primary effluent flow is 3.46 mgd and
the BOD5 is 168 mg/L?

First, determine the volume of the tricking filter in ft3.

Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Depth, ft)

Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(75.5 ft)(75.5 ft)(5.2 ft) = 23,268.42 ft3

Next, factor out 1,000 ft3 from the volume = (23.26842)(1,000 ft3)

Next, determine the pounds of BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 using a modified version of the “pounds”
equation.

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(BOD5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 =
Volume of trickling filter, ft3 /1, 000 ft3
(168 mg/L BOD 5) (3.46 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 =
(23.26842) (1, 000 ft 3)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 = 208.346 lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft, round to

210 lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3

143. Given the following data on a wastewater treatment pond, calculate the organic
loading rate in lb BOD5/d/acre-ft:

Influent flow = 278,000 gpd

Surface area of pond = 3.49 acre-ft
Influent BOD5 concentration = 287 mg/L

First, convert gallons per day to mgd.

278, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 0.278 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the pounds of BOD5/d/acre-ft using a modified version of the “pounds”
equation.

(BOD5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/acre-ft =
Surface area of pond, acre - ft
(287 mg/L BOD5) (0.278 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/acre-ft =
3.49 acre - ft

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/acre-ft = 190.66 lb BOD5/d/acre-ft, round to

191 lb BOD5/d/acre-ft

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144. What is the organic loading rate for a trickling filter in pounds biochemical oxy-
gen demand per day per 1,000 cubic feet (lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3) given the following
data?

Trickling filter radius = 37.6 ft

Trickling filter depth = 6.3 ft
BOD5 = 173 mg/L
Primary effluent flow = 3,275,000 gpd

First, convert gallons per day to mgd.

3, 275, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 3.275 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, calculate the volume of the trickling filter.

Know: Volume, ft3 = rr2(Depth) where r equals the radius

Volume, ft3 = (3.14)(37.6 ft)(37.6 ft)(6.3 ft) = 27,967 ft3

Next, factor out 1,000 ft3 from the volume = (27.967)(1,000 ft3)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 =

(173 mg/L BOD5) (3.275 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 =
(27.967) (1, 000 ft3)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 = 168.96 lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3, round to 170 lb
BOD5/d/1,000 ft3

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145. What is the organic loading rate for a rotating biological contactor (RBC) in lb
BOD5/d/1,000 ft2 given the following data?

Surface area of RBC = 760,000 ft2

BOD5 = 109 mg/L
Flow = 4,805,000 gpd

First, convert gallons per day to mgd.

4, 805, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 4.805 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, factor out 1,000 ft2 from the surface area = (760)(1,000 ft2)

(BOD5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft2 =
(Surface area of RBC) (1, 000 ft 2)
(109 mg/L BOD5) (4.805 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft2 =
(760) (1, 000 ft 2)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft2 = 5.75 lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft2, round to

5.8 lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft2

SUSPENDED SOLIDS LOADING CALCULATIONS

Operators use suspended solids loading for evaluating process control.

146. Calculate the amount of suspended solids entering a trickling filter in lb/day, if
the influent flow is 875 gallons per minute (gpm) and the amount of suspended
solids (SS) is 255 mg/L?

First, determine the number of mgd.

(875 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 1.26 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

This problem uses the same equation as a dosage problem.

Equation: Number of lb/day SS = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

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Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day SS = (255 mg/L SS)(1.26 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day SS = 2,679.64 lb/day, round to 2,680 lb/day SS

147. If the influent flow to a trickling filter is 995 gpm and the suspended solids load-
ing is 2,850 lb/day, what is the suspended solids (SS) entering a trickling filter in
mg/L?

First, determine the number of mgd.

(995 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 1.4328 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Number of lb/day = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L, SS.

Number of lb/day
Number of mg/L SS =
(Number of mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

2, 850 lb/day
Number of mg/L SS = = 238.5 mg/L, round to 238 mg/L SS
(1.4328 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

148. What is the amount of suspended solids entering a trickling filter in lb/day, if the
influent flow is 650 gpm and the amount of suspended solids (SS) is 343 mg/L?

First, convert gallons per day to mgd.

(650 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 0.936 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Then, calculate the lb/day of suspended solids.

Equation: Number of lb/day = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

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Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day SS = (343 mg/L SS)(0.936 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day SS = 2,677.54 lb/day, round to 2,700 lb/day SS

149. If the influent flow entering a trickling filter is 1,350 gpm and the suspended
solids loading is 3,888 lb/day, calculate the amount of suspended solids (SS)
entering a trickling filter in mg/L.

First, convert gallons per day to mgd.

(1, 350 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 1.944 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Number of lb/day = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L, SS.

Number of lb/day
Number of mg/L SS =
(Number of mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

3, 888 lb/day
Number of mg/L SS = = 239.8 mg/L, round to 240 mg/L SS
(1.944 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

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BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND LOADING CALCULATIONS

Biochemical oxygen demand is the demand for oxygen made by bacteria as they decompose
organic matter in wastewater or in the natural environment. This calculation sometimes is
helpful in evaluating treatment pond processes. The BOD5 is a 5-day test. See Figures 1 and 6
in Appendix E for two types of wastewater plants using a trickling filter.

150. What is the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) loading on a trickling filter in
lb/day, if the influent flow into the trickling filter is 1,250 gpm and the influent
BOD5 is 263 mg/L?

First, determine the number of mgd.

(1, 250 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 1.80 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Number of lb/day BOD5 = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day BOD5 = (263 mg/L BOD5)(1.80 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day BOD5 = 3,948.156 lb/day BOD5, round to 3,950 lb/day BOD5

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151. What is the influent flow to a trickling filter in gpm, if the BOD5 loading is 3,045
lb/day and the BOD5 is 279 mg/L?

Equation: Number of lb/day BOD5 = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mgd.

Number of lb/day BOD 5

Number of mgd =
(Number of mg/L BOD 5) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

3, 045 lb/day
Number of mgd flow = = 1.3086 mgd
(279 mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal)

Lastly, convert mgd to gpm.

(1.3086 mgd) (1, 000, 000/mil)

Number of gpm = = 909 gpm
1, 440 min /day

152. Given the following data, calculate the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5)
loading on a trickling filter in lb/day:

Influent flow = 3,440,000 gallons per day (gpd)

Influent BOD5 = 361 mg/L
Effluent BOD5 = 99 mg/L

First, convert gallons to mgd.

3, 440, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 3.44 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Then, calculate the BOD5 loading in lb/day.

Equation: Number of lb/day BOD5 = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day BOD5 = (361 mg/L BOD5)(3.44 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day BOD5 = 10,356.946 lb/day, round to 10,000 lb/day BOD5

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153. Calculate the influent flow to a trickling filter in gpm, if the BOD5 loading is
3,885 lb/day and the BOD5 is 371 mg/L.

First, solve for number of mgd by using the “pounds” equation.

Equation: Number of lb/day BOD5 = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mgd.

Number of lb/day BOD 5

Number of mgd =
(Number of mg/L BOD 5) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

3, 885 lb/day
Number of mgd flow = = 1.256 mgd
(371 mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal)

Then, convert mgd to gpm.

(1.256 mgd) (1, 000, 000/mil)

Number of gpm = = 872.22 gpm, round to 872 gpm
1, 440 min /day

Another way to solve this problem is to write all the values at once.

(3, 885 lb/day) (1, 000, 000/mil)

Number of gpm = = 871.94 gpm, round to 872 gpm
(371 mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal) (1, 440 min /day)

Note: The multiple-step approach may be easier for novices, but the later method is faster. The
key is always to make sure all units cancel except those sought after.

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SOLUBLE AND PARTICULATE BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND CALCULATIONS

BOD5 measures the amount of organic matter that is present in water. Bacteria break down
this organic matter by natural decomposition and in the process utilize oxygen. Thus the more
organic matter present in the wastewater, the more demand for oxygen by the bacteria. Oper-
ators need to know how to do BOD5 calculations because there are strict regulations for the
amount of BOD5 that can be discharged to a natural water body from the treated plant. The K
value in these problems is the portion of suspended solids in the wastewater that are organic
suspended solids. Domestic water usually has about 50 to 70% of the suspended solids as organic
suspended solids, which is usually written in decimal form (0.5 to 0.7).

154. Given the following, calculate the estimated particulate BOD5 in mg/L for the
following wastewater.

Plant Flow = 1,775 gpm

SS solids = 265 mg/L
K factor = 0.63

Equation: Particulate BOD5, mg/L = (SS, mg/L)(K factor)

Substitute values and solve.

Particulate BOD5, mg/L = (265 mg/L SS)(0.63 K value)

Particulate BOD5, mg/L = 166.95 mg/L, round to 170 mg/L Particulate BOD5

155. What is the soluble BOD5, if the suspended solids are 153 mg/L, the total BOD5 is
189 mg/L, and the K factor is 0.67?

Equation: Total BOD5 = (Particulate BOD5)(K factor) + Soluble BOD5

Rearrange the equation to solve for soluble BOD5.

Soluble BOD5 = Total BOD5 - (Particulate BOD5)(K factor)

Substitute values and solve.

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Soluble BOD5 = 189 mg/L BOD5 - (153 mg/L BOD5)(0.67 K factor)

Soluble BOD5 = 189 mg/L BOD5 - 102.51 mg/L BOD5

Soluble BOD5 = 86.49 mg/L, round to 86 mg/L Soluble BOD5

156. What is the particulate BOD5, if the total BOD5 is 189 mg/L, the soluble BOD5 is
106 mg/L, and the K factor is 0.61?

Equation: Total BOD5 = (Particulate BOD5)(K factor) + Soluble BOD5

Rearrange the equation to solve for particulate BOD5, by first subtracting soluble BOD5 from
both sides of the equation.

(Particulate BOD5)(K factor) = Total BOD5 - Soluble BOD5

Then, divide both sides by the K factor.

Total BOD5- Soluble BOD5

Particulate BOD5 =
K factor

Substitute values and solve.

189 mg/L BOD5- 106 mg/L BOD5

Particulate BOD5 =
0.61 factor

Particulate BOD5 = 136.07 mg/L, round to 140 mg/L Particulate BOD5

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157. How many lb/day of soluble BOD5 enters a rotating biological contactor (RBC)
each day, if the flow is 1.02 mgd, total BOD5 is 217 mg/L, the particulate BOD5 is
131 mg/L, and the K factor is 0.59?

Equation: Total BOD5 = (Particulate BOD5)(K factor) + Soluble BOD5

Rearrange the equation to solve for soluble BOD5 by subtracting (Particulate BOD5)(K factor)
from each side.

Soluble BOD5 = Total BOD5 - (Particulate BOD5)(K factor)

Substitute values and solve.

Soluble BOD5 = 217 mg/L BOD5 - (131 mg/L BOD5)(0.59 K factor)

Soluble BOD5 = 217 mg/L BOD5 - 77.29 mg/L BOD5

Soluble BOD5 = 139.71 mg/L Soluble BOD5

Next, determine the Soluble BOD5 in lb/day.

Equation: Soluble BOD5, lb/day = (Soluble BOD5, mg/L)(mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Soluble BOD5, lb/day = (139.71 mg/L)(1.02 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Soluble BOD5, lb/day = 1,188.48 lb/day BOD5, round to 1,200 lb/day BOD5

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2

CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND LOADING CALCULATIONS

Chemical oxygen demand is a measure of the capacity of water to consume oxygen, when organic
matter and the oxidation of inorganic matter are decomposed. Because it also measures the
decomposition of inorganic matter such as nitrate and ammonia, it is only an indirect measure
of the organic matter in water.

158. Calculate the chemical oxygen demand (COD) in lb/day that is applied to an
aeration tank, if the flow is 2,500,000 gallons and the COD concentration is 120
mg/L.

First, convert the gpd to mgd.

2, 500, 000 gpd

Number of gpd = = 2.5 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Number of lb/day COD = (COD, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day = (120 mg/L)(2.5 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day = 2,502 lb/day, round to 2,500 lb/day

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159. If the influent flow to an aeration tank is 1,390,000 gpd and the chemical oxygen
demand (COD) loading is 2,565 lb/day, what is the amount of COD entering an
aeration tank in mg/L?

First, convert gpd to mgd.

1, 390, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 1.39 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, using the following equation calculate the COD, mg/L.

Equation: Number of lb/day COD = (COD, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L.

Number of lb/day COD

Number of mg/L COD =
(Number of mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

2, 565 lb/day
Number of mg/L COD = = 221.26 mg/L, round to 221 mg/L COD
(1.39 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

160. If the COD loading to an aeration tank is 2,890 lb/day and the COD is 145 mg/L,
what is the influent flow to the aeration tank in mgd?

Equation: Number of lb/day COD = (COD, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mgd.

Number of lb/day COD

(Number of mgd) =
(Number of mg/L COD) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

2, 890 lb/day
Number of mgd flow = = 2.39 mgd
(145 mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal)

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2

161. What is the chemical oxygen demand (COD) entering an aeration tank in mg/L,
if the influent flow is 0.645 mgd and the COD loading is 1,020 lb/day?

Equation: Number of lb/day COD = (COD, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mg/L.

Number of lb/day COD

Number of mg/L COD =
(Number of mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

1, 020 lb/day
Number of mg/L COD = = 189.62 mg/L, round to 190 mg/L COD
(0.645 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

162. What is the influent flow to an aeration tank in gpm, if the COD loading is 2,515
lb/day and the COD is 211 mg/L?

First, determine the number of mgd.

Equation: Number of lb/day COD = (COD, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for mgd.

Number of lb/day COD

Number of mgd =
(Number of mg/L COD) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

2, 515 lb/day
Number of mgd flow = = 1.4292 mgd
(211 mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal)

Then, convert mgd to gpm.

(1.4292 mgd) (1, 000, 000/mil)

Number of gpm = = 992.5 gpm, round to 992 gpm
1, 440 min /day

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

HYDRAULIC DIGESTION TIME CALCULATIONS

Hydraulic digestion time tells the operator how long the process will take to complete and is
thus used for planning purposes. See Figures 2, 4, 5, and 6 in Appendix E for four types of waste-
water plants using a digester.

163. What is the hydraulic digestion time for a digester that is 24.5 ft in radius, has a
level of 10.4 ft, and has sludge flow of 7,690 gallons per day (gpd)?

First, determine the volume of the digester in gallons.

Volume, gal = rr2(Depth, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Volume, gal = (3.14)(24.5 ft)(24.5 ft)(10.4 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 146,621.19 gal

Next, calculate the digestion time in days.

Equation: Digestion time, days =

Number of gallons
Influent sludge flow, gpd

Substitute values and solve.

146, 621.19 gal

Digestion time, days = = 19.07 days, round to 19.1 days
7, 690 gpd

164. What is the hydraulic digestion time for a 49.85-ft diameter digester with a level
of 11.8 ft and sludge flow of 11,105 gallons per day (gpd)?

(0.785)( Diameter) 2 (Depth, ft)( 7.48 gal/ft3)

Equation: Digestion time, days =
Influent sludge flow, gpd

Substitute values and solve.

(0.785) (49.85 ft) (49.85 ft) (11.8 ft) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

Digestion time, days =
11, 105 gpd

Digestion time, days = 15.5 days

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2

DIGESTER LOADING RATE CALCULATIONS

Digester loading rate calculations tell the operator how much volatile solids are stabilized per
cubic foot of digester space. It is used for evaluating process control.

165. What is the loading on a digester in lb volatile solids (VS)/day/ft3, if the sludge
flow into the digester is 22,500 gpd, the digester is 50.5 ft in diameter, the sludge
level is 21.5 ft, and the sludge is 5.15% solids with a specific gravity of 1.04 and
71.4% volatile solids?

Equation: Digester loading, lb VS/day/ft3 =

(Flow, gpd)(8.34 lb/gal) (sp gr) (Percent sludge) (Percent volatile solids)
(0.785) (Diameter) 2 (Sludge level)

Substitute values and solve.

(22, 500 gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (1.04) (5.15%/100%) (71.4%/100%)

Digester loading, lb VS/day/ft3 =
(0.785) (50.5 ft) (50.5 ft) (21.5 ft)
7, 176.08 lb VS/day
Digester loading, lb VS/day/ft3 =
43, 041.84 ft 3

Digester loading, lb VS/day/ft3 = 0.167 lb VS/day/ft3

166. Given the following data, calculate the digester loading in lb volatile solids (VS)/
day/1,000 ft3.

Digester diameter = 49.5 ft

Sludge level = 16.3 ft
Influent sludge flow = 17,450 gpd
Percent sludge solids = 4.95%
Percent volatile solids = 74.25%
Specific gravity of sludge = 1.05

Equation: Digester loading, lb VS/day/1,000 ft3 =

(Flow, gpd)(8.34 lb/gal) (sp gr) (Percent sludge) (Percent volatile solids)
(0.785) (Diameter) 2 (Sludge level)

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Substitute values and solve.

Digester loading, lb VS/day/1,000 ft3 =

(17, 450 gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (1.05 sp gr) (4.95%/100%) (74.25%/100%)

(0.785) (49.5 ft) (49.5 ft) (16.3 ft)

Digester loading, lb VS/day/1,000 ft3 = 5,616.33 lb VS/day

31,352.17 ft3

Factor out 1,000 ft3 from the denominator and do not divide by 1,000 ft3, as it will become part
of the units and not part of the calculation.

5, 616.33 lb VS/day
Digester loading, lb VS/day/1,000 ft3 =
(31.35217) (1, 000 ft 3)
179.14 lb VS/day
Digester loading, lb VS/day/1,000 ft3 = , round to 179 lb VS/day/1,000 ft3
1, 000 ft 3

167. Given the following data, calculate the digester loading in lb VS/day/1,000 ft3.

Digester diameter = 50.2 ft

Sludge level = 18.7 ft
Influent sludge flow = 19,800 gpd
Percent sludge solids = 4.85%
Percent volatile solids = 70.5%
Specific gravity of sludge = 1.05

Equation: Digester loading, lb VS/day/1,000 ft3 =

(Flow, gpd)(8.34 lb/gal) (sp gr) (Percent sludge) (Percent volatile solids)
(0.785) (Diameter) 2 (Sludge level)

Substitute values and solve.

Digester loading, lb VS/day/1,000 ft3 =

(19, 800 gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (1.05 sp gr) (4.85%/100%) (70.5%/100%)

(0.785) (50.2 ft) (50.2 ft) (18.7 ft)
5, 928.59 lb VS/day
Digester loading, lb VS/day =
36, 992.93 ft 3

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2

Factor out 1,000 ft3 from the denominator, as shown in the above problem.

5, 928.59 lb VS/day
Digester loading, lb VS/day =
(36.99293) (1, 000 ft 3)
160.26 lb VS/day
Digester loading, lb VS/day/1,000 ft3 = , round to 160 lb VS/day/1,000 ft3
1, 000 ft 3

MEAN CELL RESIDENCE TIME (SOLIDS RETENTION TIME) CALCULATIONS

The mean cell residence time (MCRT) is the average time the activated-sludge solids are in
an activated biosolids system. The MCRT is an important design and operating parameter for
operators to use in the activated-sludge process and is normally expressed in days. This calcu-
lation is used for operational process control. See Figure 2 in Appendix E for one type of waste-
water plant using the activated sludge process.

168. What is the mean cell residence time (MCRT) for the following activated sludge
system:

Aeration tank and final clarifier volume = 0.756 mil gal

Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) = 3,180 mg/L
Suspended solids (SS) wasted = 1,750 lb/day
Secondary effluent SS = 416 lb/day

(MLSS, mg/L) (mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: MCRT, days =
SS wasted, lb/day + SS lb/day

Substitute values and solve.

(3, 180 mg/L) (0.756 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

MCRT, days =
1, 750 lb/day SS + 416 lb/day SS
(3, 180 mg/L) (0.756 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
MCRT, days = = 9.26 days
2, 166 lb/day SS

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169. Given the following data, calculate the mean cell residence time (MCRT):

Flow = 2.72 mgd

Aeration tank volume = 603,000 gallons
Clarifier tank volume = 305,000 gallons
MLSS = 2,990 mg/L
Waste rate = 23,700 gpd
Waste activated sludge (WAS) = 7,175 mg/L
Effluent total suspended solids (TSS) = 15.0 mg/L

First, convert the volumes for the tanks to mil gal.

603, 000 gal

Aeration tank, mgd = = 0.603 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil
305, 000 gal
Clarifier tank, mgd = = 0.305 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, convert the waste rate from gpd to mgd.

23, 700 gal

Waste rate, mgd = = 0.0237 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, calculate the MCRT in days.

Equation: MCRT, days =

(MLSS, mg/L) (Aeration tank mil gal + Clarifier tank mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
(WAS, mg/L) (Waste rate, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) + (TSS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

MCRT, days =
(2, 990 mg/L MLSS) (0.603 mil gal + 0.305 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
(7, 175 mg/L) (0.0237 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) + (15.0 mg/L TSS) (2.72 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
(2, 990 mg/L MLSS) (0.908 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
MCRT, days =
1, 418.196 lb/day + 340.272 lb/day
22, 642.4328 lb
MCRT, days = = 12.876 days, round to 12.9 days
1, 758.468 lb/day

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2

170. If the MCRT desired was 8.20 days, what would the waste rate be for the follow-
ing system in lb/day?

Flow = 1.34 mgd

Aeration tank (AT) volume = 0.485 mil gal
Clarifier tank (CT) volume = 0.309 mil gal
MLSS = 2,825 mg/L
Effluent TSS = 16.5 mg/L

Equation: Waste rate, lb/day =

MLSS, mg/L [AT, mil gal + CT, mil gal] (8.34 lb/gal)
– (TSS, mg/L)(Flow, mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)
Desired MCRT

Waste rate, lb/day =

(2, 825 mg/L) [0.485 mil gal + 0.309 mil gal] (8.34 lb/gal)
– (16.5 mg/L TSS)(1.34 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)
8.20 days, Desired MCRT

Waste rate, lb/day =

(2, 825 mg/L) (0.794 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

– (16.5 mg/L TSS)(1.34 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)
8.20 days, Desired MCRT

Waste rate, lb/day = 2,281.346 lb/day - 184.3974 lb/day = 2,100 lb/day

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171. What is the mean cell residence time (MCRT), given the following data?

Flow = 2.67 mgd

Aeration tank volume = 675,000 gallons
Clarifier tank volume = 322,000 gallons
MLSS = 2,840 mg/L
Waste rate = 25,700 gpd
Waste activated sludge (WAS) = 6,825 mg/L
Effluent TSS = 18.0 mg/L

First, convert the volumes for the tanks to mil gal.

675, 000 gal

Aeration tank, mgd = = 0.675 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil
322, 000 gal
Clarifier tank, mgd = = 0.322 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, convert the waste rate from gpd to mgd.

25, 700 gal

Waste rate, mgd = = 0.0257 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, calculate the MCRT.

Equation: MCRT, days =

(MLSS, mg/L) (Aeration tank mil gal + Clarifier tank mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
(WAS, mg/L) (Waste rate, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) + (TSS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

MCRT, days =
(2, 840 mg/L MLSS) (0.675 mil gal + 0.322 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
(6, 825 mg/L) (0.0257 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) + (18.0 mg/L TSS) (2.67 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
(2, 840 mg/L MLSS) (0.997 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
MCRT, days =
1, 462.857 lb/day + 400.8204 lb/day
23, 614.5432 lb
MCRT, days = = 12.67 days, round to 12.7 days
1, 863.6774 lb/day

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2

DIGESTER VOLATILE SOLIDS LOADING RATIO CALCULATIONS

This calculation compares the volatile solids added to the volatile solids in the digester. It is
used for evaluating process control.

172. What is the ratio of volatile solids loading on a digester, if the digester has 63,750
kg of volatile solids (VS), 1,420 lb/day are pumped into it, percentage total solids
(TS) are 5.04%, and percentage volatile solids (VS) are 70.1%?

First, convert the number of kg to lb.

Know: 1 kg = 2.205 lb

Number of lb = (63,750 kg)(2.205 lb/kg) = 140,568.75 lb

Use the following expanded equation with percentages to solve for digester volatile solid ratio.

VS added lb/day
Equation: Digester VS ratio =
(lb VS in digester)(TS %/100%) (VS %/100%)

Substitute values and solve.

1, 420 lb/day
Digester VS ratio =
(140, 568.75 lb) (5.04%/100% TS) (70.1%/100% VS)
1, 420 lb/day
Digester VS ratio = = 0.286 VS ratio
(140, 568.75 lb) (0.0504 TS) (0.701 VS)

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173. Given the following data, calculate the volatile solids (VS) loading ratio on a
digester:

Sludge weight in digester = 118,375 lb

VS loading = 1,345 lb/day
Total solids (TS) percentage = 5.27%
VS percentage = 69.8%

Use expanded equation with percentages:

VS added lb/day
Digester VS ratio =
(lb VS in digester)(TS %/100%) (VS %/100%)

Substitute values and solve.

1, 345 lb/day, VS
Digester VS ratio =
(118, 375 lb VS) (5.27%/100% TS) (69.8%/100% VS)
1, 345 lb/day, VS
Digester VS ratio =
(118, 375 lb VS) (0.0527 TS) (0.698 VS)

Digester VS ratio = 0.309 VS ratio

DIGESTER GAS PRODUCTION PROBLEMS

Operators calculate the amount of gases produced per pound of volatile solids destroyed to
determine the effectiveness of the digestion process. Also, it is important to know the gas pro-
duction because in some cases it is used as a fuel for other plant processes.

174. If a digester produces 5,475 ft3/day of gas and the amount of volatile solids
destroyed are 495 lb/day, what is the amount of gas produced in ft3 per lb of
volatile solids (VS) destroyed?

Gas production, ft 3 /day

Equation: Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed =
VS destroyed, lb/day
5, 475 ft 3 /day
Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed = = 11.1 ft3/lb of VS destroyed
495 lb/day

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2

175. What must have been the gas production by a digester in ft3/day given the fol-
lowing data?

Volatile solids (VS) destroyed = 435 lb/day

Gas produced in ft3/lb VS destroyed = 10.9 ft3/lb

Gas production, ft 3 /day

Equation: Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed =
VS destroyed, lb/day

Rearrange to solve for gas production in ft3/day.

Gas production, ft3/day = (Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed)( VS destroyed, lb/day)

Substitute values and solve.

Gas production, ft3/day = (10.9 ft3/lb)(435 lb/day) = 4,741.5 ft3/day, round to 4,740 ft3/day

176. Given the following data, calculate the gas produced by a digester in cubic me-
ters (m3) per pound of volatile solids (VS) destroyed:

Digester gas production = 6,145 ft3/day

Volatile solids destroyed = 515 lb/day
1 cubic meter = 35.3 cubic ft

(Gas production, ft 3 /day)

Equation: Gas produced, m3/lb VS destroyed =
(VS destroyed, lb/day) (35.3 m 3 /ft 3)
(6, 145 ft 3 /day)
Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed = = 0.338 m3/lb of VS
(515 lb/day) (35.3 ft 3 /m 3)
destroyed

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

VOLATILE ACIDS-TO-ALKALINITY RATIO PROBLEMS

The first phase of anaerobic digestion is acid fermentation, which is dependent on new volatile
solids entering the digester. The second stage is methane fermentation. These two processes need
to be in delicate balance with each other for the anaerobic digestion process to proceed properly.
Different treatment plants have different ratios, but typically the ratio is less than 0.1.

177. Calculate the ratio of volatile acids to alkalinity, if the alkalinity in an anaerobic
digester is 1,845 mg/L and the volatile acid concentration of the sludge is 210 mg/L.

Equation: Ratio = Volatile acids/Alkalinity

Substitute values and solve.

210 mg/L
Ratio = = 0.11 Volatile acids-to-alkalinity ratio
1, 845 mg/L

178. What must have been the volatile acid concentration in an anaerobic digester,
if the alkalinity was 2,335 mg/L and the ratio of volatile acids to alkalinity was
0.0958?

Equation: Volatile acids = (Alkalinity)(Ratio)

Substitute values and solve.

Volatile acids = (2,335 mg/L)(0.0958) = 223.69 mg/L, round to 224 mg/L

179. What is the amount of volatile solids in lb/day that must have been added to a
digester, if the ratio of volatile solids (VS) added to volatile solids already in a
digester is 0.085 and the amount of VS already in the digester is 25,400 lb?

VS added lb/day
Equation: Digester VS ratio =
lb VS in digester

Rearrange the problem to solve for volatile solids added.

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2

VS added lb/day = (Digester VS ratio)(lb VS in digester)

Substitute values and solve.

VS added lb/day = (0.085 VS ratio)(25,400 lb VS in digester)

VS added lb/day = 2,159 lb/day, round to 2,160 lb/day VS added

LIME NEUTRALIZATION PROBLEMS

When the sludge in an anaerobic digester becomes acidic it is called a sour digester. A sour
digester occurs when the volatile acid-to-alkalinity ratio increases above 0.8. It is not always
possible to wait for a digester to naturally correct itself because of the digester’s capacity or
time constraints. Under these circumstances, it is necessary to neutralize the acid conditions
in the digester with lime. The following problems show how operators calculate the appropriate
dosage of lime. The lime dosage is based on the amount of volatile acids in the sludge and is in
a 1-to-1 ratio, that is, 1 mg/L of lime will neutralize 1 mg/L of volatile acid.

180. How many pounds of lime are required to neutralize a sour digester that con-
tains 165,000 gallons of sludge and a volatile acid content of 2,010 mg/L?

Know: 1 mg/L of lime will neutralize 1 mg/L of volatile acids.

First, convert the digester’s volume from gallons to mil gal.

165, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.165 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Number of lb = (Volatile acids, mg/L)(mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Lime, lb = (2,010 mg/L)(0.165 mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal) = 2,765.96 lb, round to 2,770 lb of Lime

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181. Given the following data, calculate the amount of lime in lb that are needed to
neutralize a sour digester.

Digester volume = 240,750 gallons

Volatile acids = 2,245 mg/L

Know: 1 mg/L of lime will neutralize 1 mg/L of volatile acids.

First, convert the digester’s volume from gallons to mil gal.

240, 750 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.24075 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Number of lb = (Volatile acids, mg/L)(mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Lime, lb = (2,245 mg/L)(0.24075 mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal) = 4,507.6 lb, round to 4,510 lb of Lime

182. What must have been the concentration of volatile acids in mg/L for a sour di-
gester with a volume of 175,000 gallons, if the number of pounds of lime to neu-
tralize the volatile acids was 1,975 lb?

Know: 1 mg/L of lime will neutralize 1 mg/L of volatile acids.

First, convert the digester’s volume from gallons to mil gal.

175, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.175 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Number of lb lime = (Volatile acids, mg/L)(mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation to solve for the concentration of volatile acids.

Number of lb, lim e

Volatile acids, mg/L =
(mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

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Substitute values and solve.

1, 975 lb, lim e

Volatile acids, mg/L =
(0.175 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

Volatile acids, mg/L = 1,353.2 mg/L, round to 1,350 mg/L Volatile acids

POPULATION LOADING CALCULATIONS

These calculations are used for wastewater treatment ponds. They are based on the number of
people per acre of pond, and it is a helpful tool in evaluating process control of ponds.

183. Given the following data, calculate the population loading in people per acre on
two ponds:

Pond one = 4.63 acres

Pond two = 5.82 acres
Services = 6,895
Average persons per service = 3.18

First, add the area in acres for each pond to get the total acres.

Total area of ponds = 4.63 acres + 5.82 acres = 10.45

Next, determine the number of people served.

Number of people = (6,895 services)(3.18 people/service) = 21,926 people served

Next, using the following equation, determine the population loading.

Number of people served

Population loading, people/acre =
Area of pond (s), acres

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Substitute values and solve.

21, 926 people served

Population loading, people/acre =
10.45 acres

Population loading, people/acre = 2,098 people/acre, round to 2,100 people/acre

184. What is the population loading in people/acre, if there are 35,300 services with
3.10 people per service, given the following data?

Wastewater pond 1 = 10.86 acres

Wastewater pond 2 = 8.23 acres
Wastewater pond 3 = 9.44 acres
Wastewater pond 4 = 8.17 acres

First, add the area in acres for each pond to get the total acres.

Total area of ponds = 10.86 acres + 8.23 acres + 9.44 acres + 8.17 acres = 36.7 acres

Next, determine the number of people served.

Number of people = (35,300 services)(3.10 people/service) = 109,430 people served

Next, using the following equation determine the population loading.

Number of people served

Population loading, people/acre =
Area of pond (s), acres

Substitute values and solve.

109, 430 people served

Population loading, people/acre =
36.7 acres

Population loading, people/acre = 2,981.74 people/acre, round to 2,980 people/acre

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POPULATION EQUIVALENT CALCULATIONS

Wastewater discharge from industries or commercial sources usually has a higher organic
content than domestic wastewaters. Operators use population equivalent calculations to
compare domestic wastewater to wastewater from these former sources. This is important in
determining the loading that will be placed on a wastewater system when a new industry wants
to connect to a system. What is needed is the flow from this industry in mgd and the BOD5
concentration in mg/L. Domestic wastewater systems usually contain a range of 0.17 to 0.20
pounds of BOD5 per day, which the wastewater plant should have already determined. Also,
population equivalent calculations are required for designing proper size wastewater treatment
plants, pump stations, and pipe sizes, because the volumetric flow that is expected to be treated
and pumped needs to be estimated.

185. Given the following data, calculate the population equivalent:

Average wastewater flow for the day = 3.42 ft3/s

BOD5/person = 0.26 lb/day/person
BOD5 concentration in the wastewater = 2,317 mg/L

First, convert ft3/s to mgd.

Number of mgd = (3.42 ft3/s)(0.6463 mgd/ ft3/s) = 2.21 mgd

Use the following equation to solve this problem.

(BOD 5, mg/L) (mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Number of people =
lb/day of BOD/person
(2, 317 mg/L BOD 5) (2.21 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Number of people =
0.26 lb/day/person

Number of people = 164,252 people, round to 160,000 people

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186. A wastewater treatment plant has an influent flow of 2,808,000 gallons. If the
BOD5 is 2,470 mg/L and the average BOD5 per person is 0.29 lb/day, what is the
population equivalent that this plant is currently treating?

First, convert the flow in gallons to mgd.

2, 808, 000 gal

Number of mgd = = 2.808 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, use the following equation to solve this problem.

(BOD5, mg/L)( mgd)( 8.34 lb/gal)
Number of people = lb/day of BOD5 /person
(2, 470 mg/L BOD 5) (2.808 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Number of people =
0.29 lb/day

Number of people = 199,463 people, round to 200,000 people

SOLIDS UNDER AERATION

Solids under aeration calculations are used by operators for evaluating process control.

187. Calculate the number of pounds of suspended solids (SS) contained in an aera-
tion tank, if the tank contains 214,000 gallons, the concentration of SS is 2,045
mg/L, and the specific gravity is 1.05.

First, convert gallons to mil gal.

214, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.214 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the number of lb/gal for the SS.

Number of lb/gal, SS = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.05 sp gr) = 8.757 lb/gal

Next, determine the pounds of SS under aeration using a modified version of the “pounds”
equation because the SS weighs more than water.

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Equation: Number of lb SS = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mil gal)(SS lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb SS = (2,045 mg/L SS)(0.214 mil gal)(8.757 lb/gal)

Number of lb SS = 3,832.33 lb, round to 3,830 lb SS

188. How many pounds of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) are being aerated,
if the aeration tank is 51.2 ft in diameter, with a sludge height of 12.9 ft, the con-
centration of MLSS is 1,988 mg/L, and the specific gravity of the MLSS is 1.03?

First, determine how many gallons are in the aeration tank.

Number of gallons = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Height, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Number of gallons = (0.785)(51.2 ft)(51.2 ft)(12.9 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 198,564 gal

Next, convert gallons to mil gal.

198, 564 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.198564 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the lb/gal for the MLSS.

Number of lb/gal, MLSS = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.03 sp gr) = 8.59 lb/gal

Next, determine the pounds of MLSS under aeration using a modified version of the “pounds”
equation because the MLSS weighs more than water (8.34 lb/gal).

Equation: Number of lb MLSS = (MLSS, mg/L)(Number of mil gal)(MLSS lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb MLSS = (1,988 mg/L MLSS)(0.198564 mil gal)(8.59 lb/gal)

Number of lb MLSS = 3,390.86 lb, round to 3,390 lb MLSS

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SUSPENDED SOLIDS REMOVAL

The suspended solids removal calculations are used by operators as a sign for the efficiency of
the treatment process in question. Typically, the suspended solids removed from wastewater
systems ranges from 100 to 350 mg/L.

189. Given the following data, calculate the quantity of suspended solids (SS) in lb/
day that was removed from a primary clarifier:

Average influent flow for the day = 4.89 ft3/s

Suspended solids = 107 mg/L
Specific gravity of the SS = 1.02

First, convert ft3/s to mgd.

Number of mgd = (4.89 ft3/s)(0.6463 mgd/ ft3/s) = 3.16 mgd

Next, determine the lb/gal for the SS.

Number of lb/gal, SS = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.02 sp gr) = 8.51 lb/gal

Next, determine the pounds of SS under aeration using a modified version of the “pounds”
equation because the SS weighs more than water.

Equation: Number of lb/day SS = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(SS lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day SS removed = (107 mg/L SS)(3.16 mgd)(8.51 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day SS removed = 2,877.40 lb/day, round to 2,880 lb/day SS removed

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190. What must have been the average influent concentration of suspended solids
(SS) in mg/L, if a wastewater treatment plant’s clarifier had a flow of 1,385,000
gpd and the clarifier removed 2,270 lb/day of SS?

First, convert gpd to mgd.

1, 385, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 1.385 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Equation: Number of lb/day SS = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation, then substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day SS
SS removed, mg/L =
(Number of mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
2, 270 lb/day
SS removed, mg/L = = 196.52 mg/L, round to 197 mg/L SS
(1.385 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
removed

BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND REMOVAL CALCULATIONS

The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) removal calculations are used to inform operators about
the efficiency of the treatment process for a pond or trickling filter. The BOD5 is an empirical
test that informs the operator on the relative oxygen requirements of a wastewater and is an
indicator of how much food is in the wastewater. The BOD5 is a 5-day test.

191. Given the following data, determine the BOD5 removal in lb/day from a trickling
filter.

Plant influent flow = 1.71 mgd

Influent BOD5 concentration = 294 mg/L
Effluent BOD5 concentration = 108 mg/L

First, determine the amount of BOD5 removed in mg/L by subtracting the influent BOD5 from
the effluent BOD5.

BOD5 removed, mg/L = Influent BOD5, mg/L - Effluent BOD5, mg/L

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BOD5 removed, mg/L = 294 mg/L - 108 mg/L = 186 mg/L BOD5 removed

Next, solve the amount of BOD5 removed in lb/day by using the “pounds” equation.

Equation: Number of lb/day BOD5 = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day BOD5 removed = 186 mg/L BOD5)(1.71 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal

Number of lb/day BOD5 removed = 2,652.62 lb/day, round to 2,650 lb/day BOD5 removed

192. What must have been the daily flow to a trickling filter in mgd, if the influent
BOD5 was 347 mg/L, the effluent BOD5 was 126 mg/L, and the BOD5 removed was
4,165 lb/day?

First, the amount of BOD5 removed must still be determined by subtracting the influent BOD5
from the effluent BOD5.

BOD5 removed, mg/L = 347 mg/L - 126 mg/L = 221 mg/L BOD5 removed

Next, solve the amount of BOD5 removed in lb/day by using the “pounds” equation

Equation: Number of lb/day BOD5 = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Rearrange the equation, then substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day BOD 5

Number of mgd =
(BOD 5 removed, mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

4, 165 lb/day
Number of mgd = = 2.26 mgd
(221 mg/L BOD5 removed) (8.34 lb/gal)

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193. What is the BOD5 removal in lb/day from a 2.85 mgd wastewater plant, if the
population equivalent of BOD5 is 116 mg/L and the secondary BOD5 from the ef-
fluent is 23 mg/L?

First, determine the BOD5 removal in mg/L.

BOD5 removal, mg/L = 116 mg/L - 23 mg/L = 93 mg/L

Next, calculate the BOD5 removal in lb/day.

Equation: BOD5 removal, lb/day = (Removed BOD5, mg/L)(mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

BOD5 removal, lb/day = (93 mg/L)(2.85 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

BOD5 removal, lb/day = 2,210.5 lb/day, round to 2,200 lb/day BOD5 removal

FOOD-TO-MICROORGANISM RATIO CALCULATIONS

A properly operated activated sludge process has a balance between the food entering the
system and the microorganisms in the aeration tank. The best ratio varies because it depends
on the activated sludge process and the characteristics of the wastewater being treated. The cal-
culation is a measure of the pounds of food coming in divided by the pounds of microorganisms
present. The ratio is a process control number because it helps the operator determine the
proper number of microorganisms for the system in question.

194. What is the food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio for an aeration tank that is 49.9
ft in diameter, with a liquid level of 13.5 ft, if the primary effluent flow averages
3,540,000 gpd, the mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) is 2,912 mg/L,
and the BOD5 is 302 mg/L?

First, calculate the number of gallons in the aeration tank.

Number of gallons = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Height, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Number of gallons = (0.785)(49.9 ft)(49.9 ft)(13.5 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 197,381 gal

Next, convert gallons to mil gal.

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197, 381 gpd

Number of mil gal = = 0.197381 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, convert the effluent flow in gpd to mgd.

Number of mgd = 3,540,000 gal/1,000,000/mil = 3.54 mgd

Next, write the equation.

(BOD5, mg/L)( Flow, mgd)

F/M =
(mg/L MLVSS)( Volume of tank, mil gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(302 mg/L BOD5) (3.54 mgd)

F/M = = 1.86 F/M ratio
(2, 912 mg/L MLVSS) (0.197381 mil gal)

195. Given the following data on an aeration tank, calculate the current food-to-
microorganism (F/M) ratio.

Primary effluent flow = 3.64 mgd

Volume of aeration tank = 239,000 gallons
Mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) = 2,888 mg/L
BOD5 = 231 mg/L

First, convert the volume of wastewater in the aeration tank to mil gal.

239, 000 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.239 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil
(BOD 5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)
Next, write the equation: F/M =
(mg/L MLVSS) (Volume in tank, mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

The 8.34 lb/gal cancels leaving the following equation:

(BOD5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd)

F/M =
(mg/L MLVSS) (Volume of tan k, mil gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(231 mg/L BOD5) (3.64 mgd)

F/M = = 1.22 F/M ratio
(2, 888 mg/L MLVSS) (0.239 mil gal)

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SEED SLUDGE PROBLEMS

This calculation is required for determining how much seed sludge in gallons to use for starting
a new digester.

196. A digester with a diameter of 40.2 ft and a sludge level of 16.8 ft has a seed
sludge requirement of 13.5% of the digester capacity. How many gallons of seed
sludge will be needed?

First, determine the number of gallons in the digester.

Volume, gal = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Height, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Volume, gal = (0.785)(40.2 ft)(40.2 ft)(16.8 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 159,416 gal

Next, use the following equation.

(Capacity of digester)(Percent seed sludge required)

Seed sludge, gal =
100%
(159, 416 gallons) (13.5%)
Seed sludge, gal = = 21,500 gal of seed sludge
100%

197. Given the following data, determine the seed sludge required in gallons:

Digester has a radius of 24.9 ft

Liquid level in digester is 18.6 ft
Requires 16.0% seed sludge

First, determine the number of gallons in the digester.

Volume, gal = rr2(Depth, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Volume, gal = (3.14)(24.9 ft)(24.9 ft)(18.6 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 270,859 gal

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Next, use the following equation.

(Capacity of digester)(Percent seed sludge required)

Seed sludge, gal =
100%
(270, 859 gallons) (16.0%)
Seed sludge, gal =
100%

Seed sludge, gal = 43,337 gal, round to 43,300 gal of seed sludge

GRAVITY THICKENER SOLIDS LOADING PROBLEMS

Gravity thickeners use large tanks that separate suspended solids and mineral matter from
the liquid by gravity. The gravity thickener concentrates the sludge to reduce the load on pro-
cesses that follow—conditioning, dewatering and digestion—and produces a clear liquid, which
is decanted. Flocculants are used to speed up the settling process. Operators can calculate the
solids loading in lb/d/ft2 or the hydraulic loading in gal/day/ft2. The hydraulic loading calculation
is used by operators to determine if the process is being overloaded or underloaded. See Figures
4, 5, and 6 in Appendix E for three types of wastewater plants using the thickening process.

198. Given the following data, determine the solids loading on a gravity thickener in
lb/d/ft2:

Gravity thickener = 48.1 ft in diameter

Influent flow = 36.6 gpm
Percent solids = 3.25%

First, determine the area of the gravity thickener.

Know: Area = (0.785)(Diameter)2

Area = (0.785)(48.1 ft)(48.1 ft) = 1,816.18 ft2

Equation: Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =

(Flow, gpm)(1, 440 min/day)(Percent solids) (8.34 lb/gal)
(Gravity thickener area) (100%)

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Substitute values and solve.

(36.6 gpm) (1, 440 min /day) (3.25%) (8.34 lb/gal)

Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =
(1, 816.18 ft 2) (100%)

Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 = 7.8656 lb/d/ft2, round to 7.87 lb/d/ft2

199. What are the solids loading in lb/d/ft2 on a gravity thickener, if the percent sol-
ids is 4.85%, the influent flow is 53 gpm, and the gravity thickener has a radius
of 29.9 ft?

First, convert the gpm to gpd.

Know: Area of gravity thickener = rr2 where r = 3.14

(Flow, gpd)(1, 440 min/day)(8.34 lb/gal) (Percent solids)

Equation: Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =
(Gravity thickener area) (100%)

Substitute values and solve.

(53 gpm) (1, 440 min /day) (8.34 lb/gal) (4.85%)

Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =
(3.14) (29.9 ft) (29.9 ft) (100%)

Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 = 10.997 lb/d/ft2, round to 11.0 lb/d/ft2

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DISSOLVED AIR FLOTATION: THICKENER SOLIDS LOADING PROBLEMS

The dissolved air flotation (DAF) technique is used to thicken sludge. These types of calcula-
tions are used for evaluating process control.

200. What are the solids loading for a DAF unit in lb/hr/ft2 that is 54.1 ft by 18.3 ft,
that has a sludge flow of 0.179 mgd and a waste-activated sludge (WAS) concen-
tration of 6,181 mg/L, and the sludge has a specific gravity of 1.05?

First, determine the area of the DAF unit in ft2.

DAF area, ft2 = (54.1 ft)(18.3 ft) = 990.03 ft2

Next, calculate the weight of the sludge in lb/gal.

Sludge, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.05 sp gr) = 8.757 lb/gal

Next, calculate the solids loading.

(WAS, mg/L) (mgd) (lb/gal, Sludge)

Equation: Solids loading, lb/hr/ft2 =
(DAF area, ft2) (24 hr/day)
(6, 181 mg/L, WAS) (0.179 mgd) (8.757 lb/gal, Sludge)
Solids loading, lb/hr/ft2 =
(990.03 ft 2 DAF) (24 hr/day)

Solids loading, lb/hr/ft2 = 0.4078 lb/hr/ft2, round to 0.408 lb/hr/ft2

201. Given the following data, calculate the solids loading in lb/d/ft2 on a dissolved
air flotation (DAF) thickener unit:

Area of DAF = 1,375 ft2

Waste-activated sludge (WAS) = 8,110 mg/L
Sludge flow = 125 gpm
Sludge specific gravity = 1.04 lb/gal

First, convert gpm to mgd.

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(125 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of gpd = = 0.18 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the lb/gal for the sludge using the specific gravity.

Sludge, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.04 sp gr) = 8.6736 lb/gal

(WAS, mg/L) (mgd) (lb/gal, Sludge)

Equation: Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =
DAF area, ft 2
(8, 110 mg/L, WAS) (0.18 mgd) (8.6736 lb/gal, Sludge)
Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =
1, 375 ft2 DAF

Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 = 9.209 lb/d/ft2, round to 9.21 lb/d/ft2

DISSOLVED AIR FLOTATION: AIR-TO-SOLIDS RATIO CALCULATIONS

Air-to-solids ratio calculations are used to determine the efficiency of the process, as the air
flotation thickener and the solids in the system must be in balance. Typically the ratio ranges
from 0.01 to 0.1.

202. What is the air-to-solids ratio for a dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit that has an air
flow rate of 6.8 ft3/min, a solids concentration of 0.70%, and a flow of 127,000 gpd?

Know: Air = 0.0807 lb/ft3 at standard temperature, pressure, and average composition
3 3
(Air flow, ft / min ) (Air, lb/ft )
Equation: Air-to-solids ratio =
(gpm) (Percent solids/100%) (8.34 lb/gal)

Since equation requires gpm, first convert gpd to gpm.

127, 000 gpd

Number of gpm = = 88.19 gpm
1, 440 min /day

Now, using the air-to-solids equation, substitute values and solve.

(6.8 ft3 /min) (0.0807 lb/ft3)

Air-to-solids ratio = = 0.11 Air-to-solids ratio
(88.19 gpm) (0.70%/100%) (8.34 lb/gal)

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203. Given the following data, determine the air-to-solids ratio for a DAF unit.

DAF influent flow = 115,000 gpd

Air flow = 7.35 ft3/min
Solids concentration = 0.775%
Solids specific gravity = 1.06

Know: Air = 0.0807 lb/ft3 at standard temperature, pressure, and average composition
3 3
(Air flow, ft / min ) (Air, lb/ft )
Equation: Air-to-solids ratio =
(gpm) (Percent solids/100%) (Solids, lb/gal)

Since equation requires gpm, first convert gpd to gpm.

115, 000 gpd

Number of gpm = = 79.86 gpm
1, 440 min /day

Then, the number of lb/gal is required since the solids weigh more than water.

Solids, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.06 sp gr) = 8.84 lb/gal

Now, using the air-to-solids equation, substitute values and solve.

Air-to-solids ratio = (7.35 ft3 / min ) (0.0807 lb/ft3) = 0.108 Air-to-solids ratio
(79.86 gpm) (0.775%/100%) (8.84 lb/gal)

DISSOLVED AIR FLOTATION: AIR RATE FLOW CALCULATIONS

Operators use air rate flow calculations for evaluating process control.

204. If a DAF unit receives air at an average rate of 0.285 m3/min, how many lb/day of
air does it receive? Note: 1 cubic meter = 35.3 ft3.

First, convert m3/min to ft3/min.

Air flow, ft3/min = (0.285 m3/min)(35.3 ft3/m3) = 10.06 ft3/min

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Know: Air = 0.0807 lb/ft3 at standard temperature (4°C at “0°” meridian and at sea level),
pressure, and average composition

Equation: Air, lb/day = (Air flow, ft3/min)(1,440 min/day)(0.0807 lb/ft3, Air)

Substitute values and solve.

Air, lb/day = (10.06 ft3/min)(1,440 min/day)(0.0807 lb/ft3)

Air, lb/day = 1,169.05 lb/day, round to 1,170 lb/day of Air

205. If a DAF unit receives air at an average rate of 0.208 m3/min, how many lb/hr of
air does it receive?

First, convert m3/min to ft3/min.

Air flow, ft3/min = (0.208 m3/min)(35.3 ft3/m3) = 7.34 ft3/min

Know: Air = 0.0807 lb/ft3 at standard temperature, pressure, and average composition

Equation: Air, lb/day = (Air flow, ft3/min)(60 min/hr)(0.0807 lb/ft3, Air)

Substitute values and solve.

Air, lb/day = (7.34 ft3/min)(60 min/hr)(0.0807 lb/ft3)

Air, lb/day = 35.54 lb/hr, round to 35.5 lb/hr of Air

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CENTRIFUGE THICKENING PROBLEMS

Centrifuges are used to dewater sludge usually after applying gravity thickening. They apply
forces that are a thousand times greater than gravity. Polymers may be applied to the influent
of the centrifuge to facilitate solids thickening.

206. Given the following data, determine the removal efficiency of sludge solids on a
disc centrifuge.

Influent sludge solids = 7,125 mg/L

Effluent sludge solids = 612 mg/L

First, determine the amount of sludge solids removed.

Sludge solids removed = 7,125 mg/L - 612 mg/L = 6,513 mg/L

Now, determine the removal efficiency.

Solids removed, mg/L

Percent removal efficiency =
Influent solids, mg/L
(6, 513 mg/L) (100%)
Percent removal efficiency = = 91.41%, round to 91.4%
7, 125 mg/L

207. Given the following data, what is the feed time for a basket centrifuge thickener?

Basket centrifuge thickener capacity = 25 ft3

Sludge flow rate = 50,400 gpd
Solids concentration = 6,875 mg/L
Percent solids = 6.15%

Know: 1% = 10,000 ppm or mg/L

First, convert the solids concentration in mg/L to percent

6, 875 mg/L
Percent solids = = 0.6875%
10, 000 mg/L/1%

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Next, convert gpd to gpm.

50, 400 gpd

Number of gpm = = 35 gpm
1, 440 min /day

Now, calculate the feed time in minutes.

(Capacity, ft 3) (Solids, %/100%) (7.48 gal/ft 3) (8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Feed time, min =
(Flow, gpm)(Solids concentration, %/100%) (8.34 lb/gal)

Simplify the equation by canceling out the 8.34 lb/gal and the 100%

(Capacity, ft 3) (Solids, %) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

Feed time, min =
(Flow, gpm)(Solids concentration, %)
(25 ft 3) (6.15%) (7.48 gal/ft 3)
Feed time, min = = 47.79 min, round to 48 min
(35 gpm) (0.6875%)

SAND DRYING BED PROBLEMS

By knowing how thick the sludge was when applied and later measuring the thickness of the
dried sludge, an operator can use these calculations to determine the efficiency of the drying
bed process.

208. A drying bed is 285 ft long and 49.5 ft wide. If 4.5 inches of sludge were applied
to the drying bed, how many gallons of sludge were applied?

First, convert 4.5 in. to feet.

Number of feet = 4.5 in./12 in./ft = 0.375 ft

Next, determine the volume in ft3 sent to the drying bed.

Volume, ft3 = (285 ft)(49.5 ft)(0.375 ft) = 5,290.3 ft3

Lastly, calculate the volume in gallons sent to the sand drying beds.

Number of gal = (5,290.3 ft3)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 39,571.44 gal, round to 40,000 gal

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209. A sand drying bed is 220 ft long and 45 ft wide. If a digester that is 59.9 ft in di-
ameter is drawn down by 2.75 ft, how many gallons of sludge will be sent to the
sand drying beds?

Equation: Volume, gal = (0.785)(Diameter, ft)2(Depth, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Volume, gal = (0.785)(59.9 ft)(59.9 ft)(2.75 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 57,937 gal, round to 57,900 gal

DEWATERING CALCULATIONS
This section contains several types of dewatering problems. The more water removed from sludge
the less cost associated with further processing or disposal. The problems are important to the
operator because they are helpful in evaluating process control or in informing the operator
of process efficiency. See Figure 12 in Appendix E for one type of sludge process using dewa-
tering.

210. What is the sludge feed rate for a belt filter press to process 9,875 lb/day of
sludge, if it operates only 8.50 hr/day?

9, 875 lb/day
Sludge feed rate, lb/hr = = 1,161.76 lb/hr, round to 1,160 lb/hr
8.50 hr/day

211. If the maximum feed rate to a belt filter press for an adequate cake is 1,350 lb/
hr, how long in hours will it take to process 78,500 lb of sludge?

78, 500 lb
Number of hours = = 58.1 hr
1, 350 lb/hr

212. A vacuum filter has a wet cake flow of 4,515 lb/hr and a filter that is 14.9 by 24.1
ft. Calculate the filter yield in lb/hr/ft2, if the percent solids are 21.5%.

First, determine the area of the filter.

Area of filter, ft2 = (14.9 ft)(24.1 ft) = 359.09 ft2

(Wet cake flow, lb/hr) (Percent solids/100%)

Equation: Filter yield, lb/hr/ft2 =
Area, ft 2

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Substitute values and solve.

(4, 515 lb/hr) (21.5%/100%)

Filter yield, lb/hr/ft2 = = 2.70 lb/hr/ft2
359.09 ft 2

213. Calculate the filter loading in lb/d/ft2 on a vacuum filter that has a diameter of
8.25 ft and a length of 29.9 ft, if the digested biosolids flow rate is 57 gpm and it
has a solids concentration of 4.35%.

First, convert gpm to gpd.

Number of gpd = (57 gpm)(1,440 min/day) = 82,080 gpd

Next, calculate the area of the vacuum filter in ft2.

Know: If the filter is unwrapped from the drum and laid flat the width would simply be
r(Diameter), the circumference, where r is equal to 3.14.

Equation: Area, ft2 = (Length, ft)(Width, ft), where the width = r(Diameter)

Area, ft2 = (29.9 ft)(3.14)(8.25 ft) = 774.56 ft2

Next, solve for filter loading.

(Biosolids, gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (Percent solids)

Equation: Vacuum filter loading, lb/d/ft2 =
Vacuum filter area, ft 2
(82, 080 gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (4.35%/100%)
Vacuum filter loading, lb/d/ft2 =
774.56 ft 2

Vacuum filter loading, lb/d/ft2 = 38.44 lb/d/ft2, round to 38 lb/d/ft2

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214. Given the following data, calculate the filter loading in lb/d/ft2 on a vacuum fil-
ter that has a diameter of 9.35 ft and a length of 32.1 ft.

Digested biosolids flow rate = 52 gpm

Solids concentration = 3.95%

First, convert gpm to gal/day.

Number of gpd = (52 gpm)(1,440 min/day) = 74,880 gpd

Next, calculate the area of the vacuum filter in ft2.

Know: As above the width will be r(Diameter), the circumference, where r is equal to 3.14.

Equation: Area, ft2 = (Length, ft)r(Diameter, ft)

Area, ft2 = (32.1 ft)(3.14)(9.35 ft) = 942.42 ft2

Next, solve for filter loading.

(Biosolids, gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (Percent solids)

Equation: Vacuum filter loading, lb/d/ft2 =
Vacuum filter area, ft 2
(74, 880 gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (3.95%/100%)
Vacuum filter loading, lb/d/ft2 =
942.42 ft 2

Vacuum filter loading, lb/d/ft2 = 26.17 lb/d/ft2, round to 26 lb/d/ft2

VACUUM FILTER YIELD AND OPERATING TIME CALCULATIONS

The vacuum filter yield calculation is used to measure performance. The operating time is the
time required to process the solids and is used for planning purposes.

215. A vacuum filter with a surface area of 218 ft2, processes an average of 2,390 lb/
day. If the solids recovery averages 94.2% and the vacuum filter yield averages
1.93 lb/hr/ft, how many hours per day will it take the vacuum filter to process
these solids?

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(Solids, lb/day) (Percent recovery)

Equation: Filter yield, lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, lb/day)(100%)
Filter area ft 2
Substitute values and solve.

(2, 390 lb/day) (94.2%)

1.93 lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, hr/day) (100%)
218 ft 2

Think of the above equation as:

(2, 390 lb/day) (94.2%)

1.93 lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, hr/day) (100%)
218 ft 2
1
The mathematical rule states you invert and multiply, as follows:

(2, 390 lb/day) (94.2%) (1)

1.93 lb/hr/ft2 = #
(Filter operation, hr/day) (100%) 218 ft 2

Simplify:

(2, 390 lb/day) (1) (94.2%)

1.93 lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, hr/day) (218 ft 2) (100%)

Rearrange the equation to solve for the unknown, filter operation time.

(2, 390 lb/day) (1) (94.2%)

Filter operation, hr/day = = 5.35 hr/day
(1.93 lb/hr/ft 2) (218 ft 2) (100%)

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216. Given the following data, calculate the time in hr/day for a vacuum filter to pro-
cess 5,880 lb/day:

Vacuum filter surface area = 249 ft2

Solids recovery averages 93.5%
Percent yield averages 1.87 lb/hr/ft2

(Solids, lb/day) (Percent recovery)

Equation: Filter yield, lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, lb/day)(100%)
Filter area ft 2
Substitute values and solve.

(5, 880 lb/day) (93.5%)

1.87 lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, hr/day) (100%)
249 ft 2
Simplify:

(5, 880 lb/day) (1) (93.5%)

1.87 lb/hr/ft2 =
(Filter operation, hr/day) (249 ft 2) (100%)

Rearrange the equation to solve for the unknown, filter operation time.

(5, 880 lb/day) (1) (93.5%)

Filter operation, hr/day = = 11.8 hr/day
(1.87 lb/hr/ft 2) (249 ft 2) (100%)

BIOSOLIDS VOLUME INDEX AND BIOSOLIDS DENSITY INDEX CALCULATIONS

Both of these calculations help determine the pumping rate of return biosolids and are a measure
of the settling characteristics of the activated biosolids. They also exhibit how well the liquids/
solids separation in the activated biosolids system is performing its role on the biological floc
that has been generated. The goal is to produce a small volume of biosolids and thus reduce the
pumping rate that is required for the solids to stay in circulation.

217. The mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) for an aeration tank is 2,810 mg/L.
What is the biosolids volume index (BVI), if during a 30-minute settleability test
213 mL of biosolids settled in a 1-liter graduated cylinder?

(Settled biosolids, mL/L)(1, 000 mg/g)

Equation: BVI =
MLSS, mg/L

Substitute values and solve.

(213 mL/L) (1, 000 mg/g)

BVI = = 75.8 mL/g, which reduces to 75.8 BVI
2, 810 mg/L

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218. What is the biosolids density index (BDI) for an aeration tank, if the concentra-
tion of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) is 2,385 mg/L and the settleability
test result shows that 273 mL of activated biosolids settled in a 1-liter graduated
cylinder?

(MLSS, mg/L) (100)

Equation: BDI =
(Settled biosolids, mL/L)(1, 000 mg/g)

Substitute values and solve.

(2, 385 mg/L) (100)

BDI = = 0.874 g/mL, which reduces to 0.874 BDI
(273 mL/L) (1, 000 mg/g)

SETTLEABLE SOLIDS CALCULATIONS

These tests are performed on samples from either the clarifier’s influent or effluent or from a
sedimentation tank. They are used to determine the percent and thus the efficiency of settleable
solids. Calculations based on these tests follow:

219. A 2,000.0 mL of activated sludge was collected in a graduated cylinder. What is

the percent of settleable solids, if after exactly 30 minutes the sludge solids that
settled totaled 381 mL?

(Settled sludge, mL) (100%)

Equation: Percent settleable solids =
Sample size, mL

Substitute values and solve.

(381 mL) (100%)

Percent settleable solids = = 19.05%, round to 19.0% settled solids
2, 000.0 mL

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220. Given the following data, calculate the percent settleable solids:

Activated sludge sample = 0.750 gallon poured into a large graduated cylinder
Settling time is exactly = 30 minutes
Sludge solids in graduated cylinder = 509 mL

First, convert the sample in gallons to mL.

Number of mL = (0.750 gal)(3,785 mL/gal) = 2,838.75

(Settled sludge, mL) (100%)

Equation: Percent settleable solids =
Sample size, mL

Substitute values and solve.

(509 mL) (100%)

Percent settleable solids = = 17.93%, round to 17.9% Settled solids
2, 838.75 mL

COMPOSTING CALCULATIONS
Composting is an aerobic biological process. This process decomposes organic matter to a stable
end product. The optimum moisture content for composting ranges from 50 to 60% water. Several
different composting calculations follow.

221. Given the following information, what is the percent moisture content of a com-
posting blend?

18,880 lb of sludge was added and mixed with 9,275 lb of compost

Compost = 60.2% solids
Added sludge = 19.8% solids

Since percent moisture needs to be solved, first determine the percent moisture of both the
compost and sludge.

Compost percent moisture = 100% - 60.2% solids = 39.8% moisture content

Sludge percent moisture = 100% - 19.8% solids = 80.2% moisture content

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Equation: Mixture’s percent moisture =

[(Sludge, lb) (Percent moisture) + (Compost, lb) (Percent moisture)] 100%

Sludge, lb + Compost, lb

Substitute values and solve.

[(18, 880 lb) (80.2%/100%) + (9, 275 lb) (39.8%/100%)] 100%

Mixture’s percent moisture =
18, 880 lb + 9, 275 lb
(15, 141.76 lb + 3, 691.45 lb) 100%
Mixture’s percent moisture = = 66.9%
28, 155 lb

222. Given the following data for blending compost (BC) with wood chips, calculate
the percent of the blended compost:

Bulk density of sludge = 1,690 lb/yd3

Sludge volume = 15.3 yd3
Sludge solids content = 16.3%
Density of wood chips = 740 lb/yd3
Wood chip solids = 53.9%
Mix ratio (MR) of wood chips to sludge = 3.50 to 1

Equation: Percent solids BC =

8(Sludge, yd3)( lb/yd3)(% solids, sludge) + (Sludge, yd3)( MR)( lb/yd3)(% solids, chips)B (100%)
3 3 3 3
(Sludge, yd )( lb/yd ) + (Sludge, yd )( MR)( lb/yd )

Substitute values and solve.

Percent solids BC =

7(15.3 yd3) (1, 690 lb/yd3) (16.3%/100%) + (15.3 yd3) (3.50) (740 lb/yd3) (53.9%/100%)A (100%)
(15.3 yd3) (1, 690 lb/yd3) + (15.3 yd3) (3.50) (740 lb/yd3)
(4, 214.691 + 21, 358.953) (100%) (25, 573.644) (100%)
Percent solids BC = =
25, 857 + 39, 627 65, 484

Percent solids BC = 39.05%, round to 39.0% Solids in blended compost

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223. Given the following parameters, calculate the amount of wet compost a com-
posting site can process in lb/day and tons/day:

Compost site capacity = 9,950 yd3

Compost cycle averages = 20.1 days
Bulk density of compost averages 962 lb/yd3

(Site capacity, yd 3) ( Density of compost, lb/yd 3)

Equation: Compost cycle, days =
x lb/day
(9, 950 yd 3) (962 lb/yd 3)
20.1 days =
x lb/day

Solve for x.

(9, 950 yd 3) (962 lb/yd 3)

x lb/day =
(20.1 days)

x lb/day = 476,213.93 lb/day, round to 476,000 lb/day Capacity

Lastly, calculate the capacity in tons.

476, 213.93 lb/day

Site capacity, tons = = 238.107 tons, round to 238 tons
2, 000 lb/ton

CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY PROBLEMS

Operators should have a thorough understanding of many laboratory calculations, for they help
in evaluating plant processes and efficiencies. Following are a few examples:

224. Given the following data, what is the number of grams (g) in 1 mole of potas-
sium permanganate (KMnO4)?

Potassium (K) = 39.102 g/mole

Manganese = 54.938 g/mole
Oxygen = 15.999 g/mole

Equation: Grams/mole = K g/mole + Mn g/mole + 4(O g/mole)

Grams/mole = 39.102 g/mole + 54.938 g/mole + 4(15.999 g/mole)

Grams/mole = 39.102 g/mole + 54.938 g/mole + 63.996 g/mole = 158.036 g/mole for KMnO4

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225. If 125 grams (g) of nitric acid (HNO3) are dissolved in 1 liter of solution, how
many moles of HNO3 were used given that 1 mole equals 63.01 grams?

Grams of chemical
Equation: Moles =
Gram formula weight
125 g
Moles = = 1.9838 moles, round to 1.98 moles of HNO3
63.01 g/mole

226. What is the normality (N) of a NaOH solution if 1.85 equivalents are dissolved in
2.75 liters of solution?

Number of equivalents of solute

Equation: Normality =
Liters of solution
1.85 equivalents
Normality = = 0.673 N NaOH
2.75 liters

227. Calculate the unseeded BOD5 in mg/L, given the following data:

Start of test bottle dissolved oxygen (DO) = 7.4 mg/L

Bottle was incubated for 5 days in the dark at 20°C
After 5 days DO = 2.3 mg/L
Sample size = 130 mL
Total volume = 300 mL (assume two significant figures)

Equation: BOD5 unseeded, mg/L =

(Initial DO, mg/L - Final DO, mg/L) (Total volume, mL)
Sample volume, mL
(7.4 mg/L - 2.3 mg/L) (300 mL)
BOD5 unseeded, mg/L = = 11.769 mg/L, round to 12 mg/L BOD5
130 mL

228. Calculate the seeded BOD5 in mg/L, given the following data:

Sample size = 125 mL

Initial DO = 8.3 mg/L
Final DO = 2.7 mg/L
BOD5 of seed stock = 86 mg/L
Seed stock = 3.5 mL
Total volume = 300 mL (assume two significant figures)

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First, calculate the seed correction in mg/L.

(BOD 5 of seed stock, mg/L) (Seed stock, mg/L)

Equation: Seed correction, mg/L =
Total volume, mL
(86 mg/L) (3.5 mg/L)
Seed correction, mg/L = = 1.00 mg/L
300 mL

Next, calculate the BOD5 seeded in mg/L.

Equation:

BOD5 seeded, mg/L =

(Initial DO, mg/L - Final DO, mg/L - Seed correction, mg/L) (Total volume, mL)
Sample volume, mL
(8.3 mg/L - 2.7 mg/L - 1.00 mg/L) (300 mL)
BOD5 seeded, mg/L =
125 mL
(4.6 mg/L) (300 mL)
BOD5 seeded, mg/L = = 11.04 mg/L, round to 11 mg/L BOD5
125 mL

BASIC ELECTRICITY PROBLEMS

Operators should have a basic understanding of electrical calculations, and they must always
exercise safety in dealing with electricity at wastewater treatment plants or anywhere.

229. What is the voltage (E) on a circuit, if the current is 5 amperes (I) and the resis-
tance (R) is 15 ohms?

Equation: Voltage = (Amps)(Resistance, ohms) or E = IR

Substitute values and solve.

Voltage = (5 amps)(15 ohms) = 75 volts

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230. What is the resistance on a circuit if the voltage is 110 and the amperes is 25?

Equation: Resistance, ohms = Voltage/Amps

Substitute values and solve.

Resistance, ohms = 110 Volts/25 Amps = 4.4 ohms

231. A digester tank has a level capacity of 24.5 ft. Currently there is 17.3 ft of sludge
water in the tank. What would the SCADA reading be on the board in mA for a
4 mA to 20 mA signal?

(Live signal, mA - 4 mA offset) (Maximum capacity)

Equation: Current process reading =
16 milliamp span

Substitute values and solve.

(Live signal, mA - 4 mA offset) (24.5 ft)

17.3 ft =
16 mA span

Rearrange equation to solve for the current number of milliamps.

(17.3 ft) (16 mA)

Live signal, mA - 4 mA offset =
24.5 ft
(17.3 ft) (16 mA)
Live signal, mA = + 4 mA
24.5 ft

Live signal, mA = 11.298 mA + 4 mA = 15.298 mA, round to 15.3 mA

232. The SCADA system at a water plant uses a 4 mA to 20 mA signal to monitor the
speed of the chemical pumps (range 0 to 100%). If the readout on a SCADA board
reads 13.0 mA, what is the percent speed of the chemical pump?

(Live signal, mA - 4 mA offset) (Maximum capacity)

Equation: Current process reading =
16 milliamp span

Substitute values and solve.

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(13 mA - 4 mA offset) (100%)

Pump speed, percent =
16 mA span
(9 mA) (100%)
Pump speed, percent = = 56.25%, round to 56%
16 mA span

KILOWATT DETERMINATIONS
As above, operators should have a basic understanding of kilowatt calculations, and they must
always exercise safety in dealing with electricity at wastewater treatment plants or anywhere.

233. If a 210-hp pump operates 8.5 hr/day, how many kW/day of energy will be consumed?

Equation: Kilowatt-hr/day = (hp)(0.746 kW/hp)(Operating time, hr/day)

Kilowatt-hr/day = (210 hp)(0.746 kW/hp)(8.5 hr/day)

Kilowatt-hr/day = 1,331.6 kW-hr/day, round to 1,300 kW-hr/day

234. Given the following data, calculate the cost to run a pump in dollars and cents
for one 30-day month:

Pump’s hp = 150
Operating time = 4.75 hr/day
Cost = $0.085/kW-hr

First, calculate the kilowatt-hours/day.

Kilowatt-hr/day = (hp)(0.746 kW/hp)(Operating time, hr/day)

Kilowatt-hr/day = (150 hp)(0.746 kW/hp)(4.75 hr/day) = 531.525 kW-hr/day

Next, calculate the cost.

Cost = (531.525 kW-hr/day)($0.085/kW-hr)(30 days/month)

Cost = $1,355.39/month

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Grade 2 Test
.

1. A chemical pump discharges 217 mL of alum at a speed setting of 52% and a

stroke setting of 35%. If the alum pump’s speed is increased to 58% and the stroke
setting remains the same, what should be the mL output from the pump? Assume
pump has a linear output.

2. What is the percent volatile matter (VM) reduction for a digester, if the raw bio-
solids VM is 64.3% and the VM digested biosolids is 48.1%?

3. Given the following data, how many lb/day of volatile solids (VS) are pumped to
a digester?

Pumping rate = 4.7 gpm

Solids content = 4.04%
Volatile solids = 59.1%
Specific gravity of sludge = 1.03

4. A solution containing 840 gallons of 9.8% hypochlorite is required. How many

gallons of a 12.5% solution must be mixed with a 3.8% solution to make the re-
quired solution? Assume three significant figures. Solve the problem using the
dilution triangle.

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5. What is the weir overflow rate in gpd/ft, if the flow is 0.377 mgd and the radius of
the clarifier is 35.1 feet?

6. A 36-inch sewage pipeline is flowing at a velocity of 1.41 ft/s and the depth of the
sewage averages 8.25 inches. Determine the flow in the pipeline in gpm.

7. Given the following data, determine the rate a pump discharges into a tank
in gpm:

Duration pump operates = 23 hr and 18 minutes

Tank diameter = 36.7 ft
Wastewater level at beginning of pumping = 8.56 ft
Wastewater level at end of pumping = 15.92 ft

8. Calculate the solids loading rate on a secondary clarifier with a diameter of 52.0
ft, flow rate of 1,120,000 gpd, and a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) of 3,570
mg/L.

9. Given the following data, calculate the lb/day (d) of solids pumped to a sludge
thickener:

Sludge sample = 1,805.519 grams (g)

Solids content after drying = 82.446 g
Pump operates exactly 10 minutes every 1.0 hours
Pump rate = 19.5 gpm
Specific gravity (sp gr) = 1.03
Clarifier effluent flow = 1.36 mgd

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 Wastewater
Wastewater Treatment—Grade
Treatment—Grade 2 test
2 test solutions

10. Given the following data, calculate the amount of solids and volatile solids re-
moved in lb/day:

Pumping rate = 192 gpm

Pump frequency = 24 times/day
Pumping cycle = 8 minutes exactly per cycle
Solids = 3.24%
Volatile solids (VS) = 62.5%

11. Find the motor horsepower (mhp) for a pump with the following parameters:

Motor efficiency (ME): 89.2%

Total head (TH): 239 ft
Pump efficiency (PE): 77.9%
Flow: 1.65 mgd

12. How many gpd of a 11.5% sodium hypochlorite solution are needed to disinfect a
flow of 1,830,000 gallons, if the dosage required is 9.5 mg/L and the specific grav-
ity of the hypochlorite is 1.02?

13. How much sulfur dioxide in lb/day needs to be applied to dechlorinate a waste-
water, if the flow is 2,360,000 gpd, the chlorine residual is 1.43 mg/L, and the sul-
fur dioxide must be 3.0 mg/L higher than the chlorine residual?

14. A wastewater treatment plant is treating 1,460 gpm with a polymer solution that
has a specific gravity (sp gr) of 1.38. If the chemical pump delivers 184 mL in ex-
actly 5 minutes, what is the polymer dosage in mg/L?

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15. Given the following data, calculate the feed rate of a polymer solution in mL/min:

Influent flow = 1,025 gpm

Polymer dose = 8.36 mg/L
Polymer solution specific gravity = 1.28
Polymer percent purity = 33.0%

16. Determine the feed rate of dry alum in lb/day, if the drawdown in exactly 10 minutes
was 172.95 grams (g) and the flow is 1,875,000 gpd.

17. What is the organic loading rate for a trickling filter that is 68.4 ft in diameter
and 5.1 ft deep in lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3, if the primary effluent flow is 2.94 mgd and
the BOD5 is 177 mg/L?

18. What is the loading on a digester in lb volatile solids (VS)/day/ft3, if the sludge
flow into the digester is 27,480 gpd, the digester is 59.9 ft in diameter, the sludge
level is 18.7 ft, and the sludge is 4.88% solids with a specific gravity of 1.03 and
68.7% volatile solids?

19. Given the following data, calculate the mean cell residence time (MCRT):

Flow = 1.76 mgd

Aeration tank volume = 547,000 gallons
Clarifier tank volume = 285,000 gallons
MLSS = 2,780 mg/L
Waste rate = 19,350 gpd
Waste activated sludge (WAS) = 6,970 mg/L
Effluent TSS = 16.5 mg/L

20. How many pounds of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) are being aerated,
if the aeration tank is 55.3 ft in diameter, with a sludge height of 18.6 ft, the con-
centration of MLSS is 2,220 mg/L, and the specific gravity of the MLSS is 1.03?

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Wastewater Treatment—Grade
Treatment—Grade 2 test
2 test solutions

21. Given the following data, determine the BOD5 removal in lb/day from a trick-
ling filter.

Plant influent flow = 1.44 mgd

Influent BOD5 concentration = 261 mg/L
Effluent BOD5 concentration = 139 mg/L

22. What is the food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio for an aeration tank that is 51.4
ft in diameter, with a liquid level of 15.8 ft, if the primary effluent flow averages
2,860,000 gpd, the MLVSS is 2,870 mg/L, and the BOD5 is 296 mg/L?

23. Given the following data, determine the seed sludge required in gallons:

Digester has a radius of 25.2 ft

Liquid level in digester is 21.3 ft
Requires 18.0% seed sludge

24. Given the following data, what is the feed time for a basket centrifuge thickener?

Basket centrifuge thickener capacity = 24 ft3

Sludge flow rate = 48,800 gpd
Solids concentration = 6,650 mg/L
Percent solids = 6.35%

25. Given the following data for blending compost (BC) with wood chips, calculate
the percent of the blended compost:

Bulk density of sludge = 1,685 lb/yd3

Sludge volume = 17.4 yd3
Sludge solids content = 20.6%
Density of wood chips = 640 lb/yd3
Wood chip solids = 54.2%
Mix ratio (MR) of wood chips to sludge = exactly 3 to 1

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 WasteWater Treatment
Grade 2 Test Solutions
.

1. A chemical pump discharges 217 mL of alum at a speed setting of 52% and a

stroke setting of 35%. If the alum pump’s speed is increased to 58% and the stroke
setting remains the same, what should be the mL output from the pump? Assume
pump has a linear output.

This problem can be solved using a ratio, as follows:

Alum dosage 1, mL Alum dosage 2, mL

=
Speed setting 1, % Speed setting 2, %

Substitute values and solve.

217 mL x mL
=
52% 58%
(58%) (217 mL)
x mL = = 242.04 mL, round to 240 mL
52%

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2. What is the percent volatile matter (VM) reduction for a digester, if the raw bio-
solids VM is 64.3% and the VM digested biosolids is 48.1%?

Equation:

Percent VM reduction =

First, convert percentages to decimal form for easier substitution.

Raw biosolids = 64.3%/100% = 0.643

Digested VM = 48.1%/100% = 0.481

Substitute values and solve.

(0.643 - 0.481) (100%)

Percent reduction =
[0.643 - (0.643) (0.481)]

Simplify:

(0.162) (100%)
Percent reduction =
(0.643 - 0.309283)
(0.162) (100%)
Percent reduction = = 48.5% VM reduction
0.333717

3. Given the following data, how many lb/day of volatile solids (VS) are pumped to
a digester?

Pumping rate = 4.7 gpm

Solids content = 4.04%
Volatile solids = 59.1%
Specific gravity of sludge = 1.03

First, determine the lb/gal for the sludge.

Sludge, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.03) = 8.59 lb/gal

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Next, convert gpm to gpd.

Number of gpd = (4.7 gpm)(1,440 min/day) = 6,768 gpd

Equation:

VS, lb/day =
(Percent solids) (Percent VS)
(Number of gpd to digester) (8.34 lb/gal or sludge, lb/gal)
100% 100%
(4.04%) (59.1% VS)
VS, lb/day = (6,768 gpd Solids) (8.59 lb/gal)
100% 100%

VS, lb/day = 1,388 lb/day, round to 1,400 lb/day VS

4. A solution containing 840 gallons of 9.8% hypochlorite is required. How many

gallons of a 12.5% solution must be mixed with a 3.8% solution to make the
required solution? Assume three significant figures. Solve the problem using the
dilution triangle.

12.5% 6.0 6.0 parts of the 12.5% solution are required for every 8.7 parts.
9.8%
3.8% 2.7 2.7 parts of the 3.8% solution are required for every 8.7 parts.
8.7 total parts

6.0 parts (840 gal)

= 579 gallons of the 9.8% solution
8.7 parts
2.7 parts (840 gal)
= 261 gallons of the 2.5% solution
8.7 parts
840 gallons

To make the 840 gallons of the 9.8% solution, mix 579 gallons of the12.5% solution
with 261 gallons of the 3.8% solution.

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5. What is the weir overflow rate in gpd/ft, if the flow is 0.377 mgd and the radius of
the clarifier is 35.1 feet?

First, convert mgd to gpd.

Number of gpd = (0.377 mgd)(1,000,000 gal/mil) = 377,000 gpd

Next, calculate the length of the weir.

Weir length, ft = 2r(radius, ft)

Weir length, ft = 2(3.14)(35.1 ft) = 220.428 ft

Next, solve for the weir overflow rate.

Flow, gpd
Equation: Weir overflow rate, gpd/ft =
Weir length, ft
377, 000 gpd
Weir overflow rate, gpd/ft = = 1,710.3 gpd/ft, round to 1,710 gpd/ft
220.428 ft

6. A 36-inch sewage pipeline is flowing at a velocity of 1.41 ft/s and the depth of the
sewage averages 8.25 inches. Determine the flow in the pipeline in gpm.

First, divide the depth of sewage flow by the diameter of the pipe. Converting inches to feet is
not necessary in this step.

Ratio = depth/Diameter = 8.25 in./36 in. = 0.2292, round to 0.23

Next, determine the factor that needs to be used.

In Appendix D, look up 0.23 under the column d/D. The number immediately to the right will
be the factor that needs to be used. In this case it is 0.1365. This will be the number used
rather than 0.785.

Next, convert the pipe’s diameter from inches to feet.

36 in.
Number of feet = = 3.0
12 in./ft

Equation: Flow, ft3/sec = (Area, ft2)(Velocity, ft/s)

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Where the area = (Factor)(Diameter)2

Substitute values and solve.

Flow, ft3/s = (0.1365)(3.0 ft)(3.0 ft)(1.41 ft/s) = 1.732 ft3/s

Now, convert ft3/s to gpm.

Flow, gpm = (1.732 ft3/s)(60 s/min)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 777.32 gpm, round to 780 gpm

7. Given the following data, determine the rate a pump discharges into a tank in gpm:

Duration pump operates = 23 hr and 18 minutes

Tank diameter = 36.7 ft
Wastewater level at beginning of pumping = 8.56 ft
Wastewater level at end of pumping = 15.92 ft

First, find the number of minutes the pump worked.

Number of min = (23 hr)(60 min/hr) + 18 min = 1,398 min

Next, calculate the change in level during pumping.

Level change, ft = 15.92 ft - 8.56 ft = 7.36 ft

Next, calculate the volume in gallons added to the tank by the pump.

Equation: Volume, gal = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Level change, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Volume, gal = (0.785)(36.7 ft)(36.7 ft)(7.36 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 58,207.80 gal

Now, calculate the pump’s discharge rate in gpm.

Discharge, gal
Equation: Pump’s discharge rate, gpm =
Time, min

Substitute values and solve.

58, 207.80 gal

Pump’s discharge rate, gpm = = 41.636 gpm, round to 42 gpm
1, 398 min

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8. Calculate the solids loading rate on a secondary clarifier with a diameter of

52.0 ft, flow rate of 1,120,000 gpd, and a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS)
of 3,570 mg/L.

First, determine the area of the clarifier.

Area = rr2 where r = Diameter/2 = 52.0 ft/2 = 26.0 ft

Area = (3.14)(26.0 ft)2 = (3.14)(26.0 ft)(26.0 ft) = 2,122.64 ft2

Next, convert gpd to mgd.

Number of mgd = (1,120,000 gpd) / (1,000,000 gal/M) = 1.12 mgd

Finally, calculate the solids loading rate.

(MLSS, mg/L) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Solids loading rate =
Area, ft 2
(3, 570 mg/L) (1.12 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Solids loading rate =
2, 122.64 ft 2

Solids loading rate = 15.71 lb of solids/d/ft2, round to 15.7 lb of solids/d/ft2

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9. Given the following data, calculate the lb/day (d) of solids pumped to a sludge
thickener:

Sludge sample = 1,805.519 grams (g)

Solids content after drying = 82.446 g
Pump operates exactly 10 minutes every 1.0 hours
Pump rate = 19.5 gpm
Specific gravity (sp gr) = 1.03
Clarifier effluent flow = 1.36 mgd

First, determine the percent solids in the sludge.

Equation: Solids, % = (Dry solids, g/Sludge sample, g)(100%)

Solids, % = (82.446 g)(100%)/1,805.519 g = 4.5663% solids

Now, calculate the solids pumped in lb/day.

Equation:

Solids, lb/day = (Pumping, min/d)(24 hr/d)(Pump rate, gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(sp gr of sludge)

Solids, lb/day = (10 min/hr)(24 hr/day)(19.5 gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(1.03 sp gr)(4.5663%/100 %)

Solids, lb/day = 1,835.75 lb/day, round to 1,840 lb/day of solids

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10. Given the following data, calculate the amount of solids and volatile solids
removed in lb/day:

Pumping rate = 192 gpm

Pump frequency = 24 times/day
Pumping cycle = 8 minutes exactly per cycle
Solids = 3.24%
Volatile solids (VS) = 62.5%

First, determine the solids removal in lb/day.

Equation: Solids, lb/day =

(Time, min/cycle)(cycles/day)(Pump rate, gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(Percent solids)

Substitute values and solve.

Solids, lb/day = (8 min/cycle)(24 cycles/day)(192 gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(3.24%/100%)

Solids, lb/day = 9,961.24 lb/day, round to 9,960 lb/day Solids

Next, calculate the amount of volatile solids removed in lb/day.

Equation: VS, lb/day =

(Time, min/cycle)(cycles/day)(Pump rate, gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(Percent, solids)(Percent VS)

Substitute values and solve.

VS, lb/day = (8 min/cycle)(24 cycles/day)(192 gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(3.24%/100%)(62.5%/100%)

VS, lb/day = 6,225.78 lb/day, round to 6,230 lb/day VS

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11. Find the motor horsepower (mhp) for a pump with the following parameters:

Motor efficiency (ME): 89.2%

Total head (TH): 239 ft
Pump efficiency (PE): 77.9%
Flow: 1.65 mgd

First, convert mgd to gpm.

Gpm = (1.65 mgd)(1,000,000/mil)(1 day/1,440 min) = 1,145.83 gpm

The equation for determining the mhp with the given data is different then the problem
above.

(Flow, gpm)(TH, ft)

Equation: mhp =
(3, 960) (ME) (PE)

Substitute values and solve.

(1, 145.83 gpm) (239 ft)

mhp =
(3, 960) (89.2%/100% ME) (77.9%/100% PE)

mhp =99.52 mhp, round to 99.5 mhp

12. How many gpd of a 11.5% sodium hypochlorite solution are needed to disinfect a
flow of 1,830,000 gallons, if the dosage required is 9.5 mg/L and the specific grav-
ity of the hypochlorite is 1.02?

First, convert gpd to mgd.

1, 830, 000 gpd

Number of mgd = = 1.83 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the lb/gal for the hypochlorite solution.

Hypochlorite, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.02 sp gr) = 8.5068

Next, using the “pounds equation,” calculate the lb/day of chlorine needed.

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Equation: Chlorine, lb/day = (Dosage, mg/L)(mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Chlorine, lb/day = (9.5 mg/L)(1.83 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal) = 144.99 lb/day

Since the solution is not 100%, divide the percent hypochlorite into the lb/day of chlorine
needed.

144.99 lb/day
Hypochlorite, lb/day = = 1,260.78 lb/day hypochlorite
11.5%/100%

Lastly, determine the gpd of hypochlorite solution needed.

1, 260.78 lb/day
Hypochlorite, gpd = = 148.2 gpd, round to 150 gpd sodium hypochlorite
8.5068 lb/gal

13. How much sulfur dioxide (SO2) in lb/day needs to be applied to dechlorinate a
wastewater, if the flow is 2,360,000 gpd, the chlorine residual is 1.43 mg/L, the
chlorine demand is 6.14 mg/L, and the sulfur dioxide must be 3.0 mg/L higher
than the chlorine residual?

First, determine how many mg/L of sulfur dioxide must be applied. This is the chlorine
residual plus the amount that is required higher than the chlorine residual.

SO2, mg/L = 1.43 mg/L + 6.14 mg/L + 3.0 mg/L = 10.57 mg/L SO2

Next, convert gpd to mgd.

Number of mgd = (2,360,000 gpd) / (1,000,000/mil) = 2.36 mgd

Next, determine the number of lb/day of SO2 needed.

Equation: Number of lb/day SO2 = (SO2, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day SO2 = (10.57 mg/L)(2.36 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day SO2 = 208.04 lb/day, round to 210 lb/day SO2

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14. A wastewater treatment plant is treating 1,460 gpm with a polymer solution that
has a specific gravity (sp gr) of 1.38. If the chemical pump delivers 184 mL in ex-
actly 5 minutes, what is the polymer dosage in mg/L?

First, determine the number of mL/min the pump is feeding.

Polymer feed, mg/L = 184 mL/5 min = 36.8 mL/min

Next, determine the lb/gal for the polymer.

Polymer, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.38 sp gr) = 11.5092 lb/gal

Next, convert gpm to mgd.

(1, 460 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 2.1024
1, 000, 000/mil

Now, calculate the dosage using the following equation:

(mL/min) (1, 440 min/day) (Polymer, lb/gal)

Polymer dosage, mg/L =
(3, 785 mL/gal) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(36.8 mL/ min) (1, 440 min /day) (11.5092 lb/gal)

Polymer dosage, mg/L =
(3, 785 mL/gal) (2.1024 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Polymer dosage, mg/L = 9.19 mg/L

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15. Given the following data, calculate the feed rate of a polymer solution in mL/min:

Influent flow = 1,025 gpm

Polymer dose = 8.36 mg/L
Polymer solution specific gravity = 1.28
Polymer percent purity = 33.0%

First, convert gpm to mgd.

(1, 025 gpm) (1, 440 min /day)

Number of mgd = = 1.476 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the lb/gal for the polymer.

Polymer, lb/gal = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.28 sp gr) = 10.6752 lb/gal

Now, calculate the dosage using the following equation:

(mL/min)(1, 440 min/day) (Polymer, lb/gal)

Polymer dosage, mg/L =
(3, 785 mL/gal) (mgd)(8.34 lb/gal) (Percent Polymer)

Rearrange the formula to solve for mL/min.

Polymer feed, mL/min =

(Polymer dosage, mg/L) (3, 785 mL/gal) (mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) (Percent Polymer)
(1, 440 min /day) (Polymer, lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(8.36 mg/L) (3, 785 mL/gal) (1.476 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) (33.0%/100%)
Polymer feed mL/min =
(1, 440 min /day) (10.6752 lb/gal)

Polymer feed mL/min = 8.36 mL/min

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16. Determine the feed rate of dry alum in lb/day, if the drawdown in exactly 10 minutes
was 172.95 grams (g) and the flow is 1,875,000 gpd.

First, determine the number of grams used per minute.

Alum, g = 172.95 g/10 min = 17.295 g/min

(Number of g/min) (1, 440 min/day)

Equation: Alum, lb/day =
454 g/lb

Substitute values and solve.

(17.295 g/ min) (1, 440 min /day)

Alum, lb/day = = 54.856 lb/day, round to 54.9 lb/day Alum
454 g/lb

17. What is the organic loading rate for a trickling filter that is 68.4 ft in diameter
and 5.1 ft deep in lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3, if the primary effluent flow is 2.94 mgd and
the BOD5 is 177 mg/L?

First, determine the volume of the tricking filter in ft3.

Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Depth, ft)

Volume, ft3 = (0.785)(68.4 ft)(68.4 ft)(5.1 ft) = 18,730.61 ft3

Next, factor out 1,000 ft3 from the volume = (18.73061)(1,000 ft3)

Next, determine the pounds of BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 using a modified version of the “pounds”
equation.

(BOD 5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 =
Volume of trickling filter, ft 3 /1, 000 ft 3
(177 mg/L BOD 5) (2.94 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 =
(18.73061) (1, 000 ft 3)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 = 231.7 lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 round to

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 = 230 lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3

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18. What is the loading on a digester in lb volatile solids (VS)/day/ft3, if the sludge
flow into the digester is 27,480 gpd, the digester is 59.9 ft in diameter, the sludge
level is 18.7 ft, and the sludge is 4.88% solids with a specific gravity of 1.03 and
68.7% volatile solids?

Equation: Digester loading, lb VS/day/ft3 =

(Flow, gpd)(8.34 lb/gal) (sp gr) (Percent sludge) (Percent volatile solids)
(0.785) (Diameter) 2 (Sludge level)

Substitute values and solve.

(27, 480 gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (1.03) (4.88%/100%) (68.7%/100%)

Digester loading, lb VS/day/ft3 =
(0.785) (59.9 ft) (59.9 ft) (18.7 ft)
7, 914 lb VS/day
Digester loading, lb VS/day/ft3 =
52, 670.19 ft 3

Digester loading, lb VS/day/ft3 = 0.150 lb VS/day/ft3

19. Given the following data, calculate the mean cell residence time (MCRT):

Flow = 1.76 mgd

Aeration tank volume = 547,000 gallons
Clarifier tank volume = 285,000 gallons
MLSS = 2,780 mg/L
Waste rate = 19,350 gpd
Waste activated sludge (WAS) = 6,970 mg/L
Effluent TSS = 16.5 mg/L

First, convert the volumes for the tanks to mil gal.

547, 000 gal

Aeration tank, mgd = = 0.547 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil
285, 000 gal
Clarifier tank, mgd = = 0.285 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, convert the waste rate from gpd to mgd.

19, 350 gal

Waste rate, mgd = = 0.01935 mgd
1, 000, 000/mil

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Next, calculate the MCRT.

Equation: MCRT, days =

(MLSS, mg/L) (Aeration tank mil gal + Clarifier tank mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
(WAS, mg/L) (Waste rate, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) + (TSS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

MCRT, days =

(2, 780 mg/L MLSS) (0.547 mil gal + 0.285 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
(6, 970 mg/L) (0.01935 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) + (16.5 mg/L TSS) (1.76 mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
(2, 780 mg/L MLSS) (0.832 mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
MCRT, days =
1, 124.81 lb/day + 242.1936 lb/day

MCRT, days = 19, 290.09 lb = 14.11 days, round to 14.1 days

1, 367 lb/day

20. How many pounds of MLSS are being aerated, if the aeration tank is 55.3 ft in
diameter, with a sludge height of 18.6 ft, the concentration of MLSS is 2,220
mg/L, and the specific gravity of the MLSS is 1.03?

First, determine how many gallons are in the aeration tank.

Number of gallons = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Height, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Number of gallons = (0.785)(55.3 ft)(55.3 ft)(18.6 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 333,991 gal

Next, convert gallons to mil gal.

333, 991 gal

Number of mil gal = = 0.333991 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, determine the lb/gal for the MLSS.

Number of lb/gal, MLSS = (8.34 lb/gal)(1.03 sp gr) = 8.59 lb/gal

Next, determine the pounds of MLSS under aeration using a modified version of the “pounds”
equation because the MLSS weighs more than water (8.34 lb/gal).

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Equation: Number of lb MLSS = (MLSS, mg/L)(Number of mil gal)(MLSS lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb MLSS = (2,220 mg/L MLSS)(0.333991 mil gal)(8.59 lb/gal)

Number of lb MLSS = 6,369.14 lb MLSS, round to 6,370 lb MLSS

21. Given the following data, determine the BOD5 removal in lb/day from a trick-
ling filter.

Plant influent flow = 1.44 mgd

Influent BOD5 concentration = 261 mg/L
Effluent BOD5 concentration = 139 mg/L

First, determine the amount of BOD5 removed in mg/L by subtracting the influent BOD5 from
the effluent BOD5.

BOD5 removed, mg/L = (Influent BOD5, mg/L – Effluent BOD5, mg/L)

BOD5 removed, mg/L = 261 mg/L – 139 mg/L = 122 mg/L BOD5 removed

Next, solve the amount of BOD5 removed in lb/day by used the “pounds” formula.

Equation: Number of lb/day BOD5 removed = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Substitute values and solve.

Number of lb/day BOD5 removed = (122 mg/L BOD5)(1.44 mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Number of lb/day BOD5 removed = 1,465.17 lb/day, round to 1,470 lb/day BOD5 removed

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2 test solutions

22. What is the food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio for an aeration tank that is 51.4
ft in diameter, with a liquid level of 15.8 ft, if the primary effluent flow averages
2,860,000 gpd, the MLVSS is 2,870 mg/L, and the BOD5 is 296 mg/L?

First, calculate the number of gallons in the aeration tank.

Number of gallons = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Height, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Number of gallons = (0.785)(51.4 ft)(51.4 ft)(15.8 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 245,106 gal

Next, convert gallons to mil gal.

245, 106 gpd

Number of mil gal = = 0.245106 mil gal
1, 000, 000/mil

Next, convert the effluent flow in gpd to mgd.

Number of mgd = 2,860,000 gal/1,000,000/mil = 2.86 mgd

Next, write the equation:

(BOD 5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd)

F/M =
(mg/L MLVSS) (Volume of tank, mil gal)

Substitute values and solve.

(296 mg/L BOD 5) (2.86 mgd)

F/M = = 1.20 F/M ratio
(2, 870 mg/L MLVSS) (0.245106 mil gal)

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

23. Given the following data, determine the seed sludge required in gallons:

Digester has a radius of 25.2 ft

Liquid level in digester is 21.3 ft
Requires 18.0% seed sludge

First, determine the number of gallons in the digester.

Volume, gal = rr2(Depth, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Volume, gal = (3.14)(25.2 ft)(25.2 ft)(21.3 ft)(7.48 gal/ft3) = 317,696 gal

Next, use the following equation.

(Capacity of digester) (Percent seed sludge required)

Seed sludge, gal =
100%
(18.0%)
Seed sludge, gal = (317,696 gallons)
100%

Seed sludge, gal = 57,185 gal, round to 57,200 gal of seed sludge

24. Given the following data, what is the feed time for a basket centrifuge thickener?

Basket centrifuge thickener capacity = 24 ft3

Sludge flow rate = 48,800 gpd
Solids concentration = 6,650 mg/L
Percent solids = 6.35%

Know: 1% = 10,000 ppm or mg/L

First, convert the solids concentration in mg/L to percent.

6, 650 mg/L
Percent solids = = 0.6650%
10, 000 mg/L/1%

Next, convert gpd to gpm.

48, 800 gpd

Number of gpm = = 33.89 gpm
1, 440 min /day

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 Wastewater Treatment—Grade 2 test solutions

Now, calculate the feed time in minutes.

(Capacity, ft 3) (Solids, %/100%) (7.48 gal/ft 3) (8.34 lb/gal)

Equation: Feed time, min =
(Flow, gpm)(Solids concentration, %/100%) (8.34 lb/gal)

Simplify equation by canceling out the 8.34 lb/gal and the 100%:

(Capacity, ft 3) (Solids, %) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

Feed time, min =
(Flow, gpm)(Solids concentration, %)
(24 ft 3) (6.35%) (7.48 gal/ft 3)
Feed time, min = = 50.58 min, round to 51 min
(33.89 gpm) (0.6650%)

25. Given the following data for blending compost (BC) with wood chips, calculate
the percent of the blended compost:

Bulk density of sludge = 1,685 lb/yd3

Sludge volume = 17.4 yd3
Sludge solids content = 20.6%
Density of wood chips = 640 lb/yd3
Wood chip solids = 54.2%
Mix ratio (MR) of wood chips to sludge = exactly 3 to 1

Equation: Percent solids BC =

(Sludge, yd 3) (lb/yd 3) (% solids, sludge) + (Sludge, yd 3) (MR) (lb/yd 3) (% solids, chips) (100%)
(Sludge, yd 3) (lb/yd 3) + (Sludge, yd 3) (Mix ratio) (lb/yd 3)

Substitute values and solve.

Percent solids BC =

7(17.4 yd3) (1, 685 lb/yd3) (20.6%/100%) + (17.4 yd3) (3) (640 lb/yd3) (54.2%/100%)A (100%)
(17.4 yd3) (1, 685 lb/yd3) + (17.4 yd3) (3) (640 lb/yd3)

(6, 039.714 + 18, 107.136) (100%) (24, 146.85) (100%)

Percent solids BC = =
29, 319 + 33, 408 62, 727

Percent solids BC = 38.495%, round to 38% Solids in blended compost

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 appendiXes

Appendix A COMMON CONVERSION FACTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

Appendix B SUMMARY OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT EQUATIONS . . . . . . . . . . 303
Appendix C CHEMISTRY TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Appendix D DEPTH/DIAMETER (D/D) TABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Appendix E WASTEWATER FLOW CHART DIAGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Appendix F ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353

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 Appendix

A Common Conversion
Factors

AREA
1 acre (ac) = 43,560 square feet (ft2) 1 hectare = 10,000 square meters
1 acre-ft = 43,560 cubic feet (ft3) 1 square mile = 640 acres
2.4711 ac = 1 hectare
1 hectare = 0.4047 acre

CONCENTRATION
1% solution = 1 part in 100 parts 1 ppm = 1 milligram per liter (mg/L)
1% solution = 10,000 parts per million (ppm) 1 grain per gal (gpg) = 17.12 ppm

DENSITY
Water has a density of 1 gram per mL (1g/mL) or 8.34 lb/gal or 62.4 lb/ft3

FLOW
1 miner’s inch = 1.5 ft3/min 1 ft3/s = 0.6463 million gallons per day (mgd)
1 ft3/s = 448.8 gal/min (gpm) 1 mgd = 1.547 ft3/s

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LENGTH
1 inch = 2.54 centimeter (cm) 1 yard = 0.9144 m
100 cm = 1 meter (m) 1,000 m = 1 kilometer (km)
1 m = 39.37 inches 1 km = 1.609 miles
1 m = 3.281 feet (ft

POWER
1 horsepower (hp) = 0.746 kilowatts (kw)
1 kw = 1.341 hp)

PRESSURE
1 lb per sq in (psi) = 2.307 ft. of water 1 atmosphere = 29.92 inches of mercury
1 foot of water = 0.4335 psi 1 atm = 33.90 ft of water
1 atmosphere (atm) = 14.7 psi 1 atm = 760 mm of mercury

TEMPERATURE
Degrees Fahrenheit (°F) = (9 °F/5 °C)( °C) + 32°F
Degrees Celsius (°C) = (°F - 32 °F)(5 °C /9 °F)

VOLUME
2 pints = 1 quart 1 gallon = 3.785 liters
8 pints = 1 gallon (gal) 1 liter = 1.0567 quarts
4 quarts = 1 gallon 1 liter = 1,000 milliliters (mL)
1 quart = 32 fluid ounces 3,785 ml = 1 gallon
1 gallon = 128 fluid ounces 1,000 liters = 1 cubic meter
1 mL = 1 cubic centimeter 1 cubic meter = 35.3 ft3
1 cubic foot = 7.48 gallons 1 MG = 3.07 acre-feet
1 acre-foot = 325,829 gal

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 Appendix A—Common conversionAppendix
factors

WEIGHT
1 gram (g) = 1,000 milligrams 1 kg = 2.205 pounds (lb)
1,000 gm = 1 kilogram (kg) 2,000 lb = 1 ton
1 lb = 454 g 1 mg/L = 1 part per million (ppm)
1 lb = 7,000 grains (gr) 1 grain per gal (gpg) = 17.1 ppm

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 Appendix

B SUMMARY OF WASTEWATER
TREATMENT EQUATIONS

Area Equations

Area of a rectangle = (Length)(Width)

Area of a circle(tank) = (0.785)(Diameter)2 or rr2

Area of a parallelogram = (Base)(Height)

(Altitude) (Base 1 + Base 2)

Area of a trapezoid =
2

Basic Electricity Formulas

Voltage = (Amps)(Resistance, ohms)

Resistance, ohms = Voltage/Amps

(Live signal, mA - 4 mA offset) (Maximum capacity)

Current process reading =
16 milliamp span

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BioCHEMICAL Oxygen Demand Loading Equations

BOD5, lb/day = (BOD5, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

BioCHEMICAL Oxygen Demand Unseeded and Seeded Equations

(Initial DO, mg/L - Final DO, mg/L) (Total volume, mL)

BOD5 unseeded, mg/L =
Sample volume, mL
(BOD 5 of seed stock, mg/L) (Seed stock, mg/L)
Seed correction, mg/L =
Total volume, mL

BOD5 seeded, mg/L =

(Initial DO, mg/L - Final DO, mg/L - Seed correction, mg/L) (Total volume, mL)
Sample volume, mL

Biosolids Concentration Factor

Sample volume, mL
CF =
Percent inf luent biosolids

Biosolids Pumping and Production Formulas

Estimated pumping rate =

(Influent TSS, mg/L - Effluent TSS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
(Percent solids in sludge) (Sludge, lb/gal) (1, 440 min /day)
Biosolids, lb/mil gal = (Biosolids, gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
(Flow, mgd) (Number of days)

Biosolids, lb/mil gal = (Biosolids, gal/day) (8.34 lb/gal)

Flow, mil gal
(Biosolids, lb/mil gal) (mgd) (365 days/yr)
Biosolids, wet tons/yr =
2, 000 lb/ton

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 Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations
Appendix

Estimated pumping rate =

(Influent TSS, mg/L - Effluent TSS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
(Percent solids in sludge) (Sludge, lb/gal) (1, 440 min /day)

Biosolids Retention Time Equation

Digester working volume, gal

BRT, days =
Influent flow, gpd

Biosolids Volume Index and Biosolids Density Index Equations

(Settled biosolids, mL/L) (1, 000 mg/g)

BVI =
MLSS, mg/L
(MLSS, mg/L) (100)
BDI =
(Settled biosolids, mL/L) (1, 000 mg/g)

Centrifuge Thickening Equation

Hydraulic loading, gal/day = (Sludge flow, gpm)(1,440 min/day)

(Capacity, ft 3) (Solids, %/100%) (7.48 gal/ft 3) (8.34 lb/gal)

Feed time, min =
(Flow, gpm) (Solids concentration, %/100%) (8.34 lb/gal)
(Capacity, ft 3) (Solids, %) (7.48 gal/ft 3)
Simplified: Feed time, min =
(Flow, gpm) (Solids concentration, %)

Chemical Feed Solution Settings

(gpd) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Feed rate, mL/min =
1, 440 min /day

or

(Number of gallons used) (3, 785 mL/gal)

Number of mL/min =
1, 440 min /day

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Chemical Oxygen Demand Loading Formula

COD, lb/day = (COD, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Chemistry and Laboratory Equations

Grams of chemical
Moles =
Gram formula weight
(Molecular Wt of the element) (100%)
Percent of element in compound =
Molecular Wt of compound
(Initial DO, mg/L - Final DO, mg/L) (Total volume, mL)
BOD5 unseeded, mg/L =
Sample volume, mL
(BOD 5 of seed stock, mg/L) (Seed stock, mg/L)
Seed correction, mg/L =
Total volume, mL

BOD5 seeded, mg/L =

(Initial DO, mg/L - Final DO, mg/L - Seed correction, mg/L) (Total volume, mL)
Sample volume, mL
(Molecular Wt of the element) (100%)
Percent of an element in a compound =
Molecular weight of the compound
Moles solute
Molarity =
Liters solution
Number of gram - equivalents of solute
Normality (N) =
Number of liters of solution
(Stock, mL) (1, 000 mg/gram) (Concentration in grams/liter)
Dosage, mg/L =
Sample size, mL
(Solids lost, g) (100%)
Percent VS =
Weight of total solids, g
(Stock, mL) (1, 000 mg/gram) (Concentration in grams/Liter)
Alum, mg/L =
Sample size, mL

Solids (ash), g = Sample and dish dried, g - Burnt sample, g

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 Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations
Appendix

Circumference Formulas

Circumference = r(Diameter)

Circumference = 2r(radius) or 2rr

Common Conversion Factors

Gallons to pounds: Number of pounds (lb) = (Number of gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

(Number of gal) (1 ft 3)
Gallons to cubic feet: Number of ft3 =
7.48 gal

Acre-feet to cubic feet: Number of ft3 = (Number of acre-ft)(43,560 ft3/acre-ft)

(1, 000, 000 gal) (1 ft 3) (1 day) (1 min)

mgd to ft3/s: Number ft3/s = (Number of mgd)
(1 mil gal) (7.48 gal) (1, 440 min) (60 sec)
(Number of ft 3) (60 sec) (1, 440 min) (7.48 gal) (1 mil gal)
ft3/s to mgd: Number of mgd = sec min day ft 3 1, 000, 000 gal

ft3/s to gpd = Number of gpd = (Number of ft3/s)(86,400 s/day)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Number of gpm
gpm to ft3/s: Number of ft3/s =
(60 s/ min) (7.48 gal/ft 3)
(1%)
ppm to Percent: Percent solution = (Known ppm)
10, 000 ppm

Gallons to liters: Number of liters = (Number of gal)(3.785 L/1 gal)

Composting Equations

[(Sludge, lb) (% moisture) + (Compost, lb) (% moisture)] 100%

Mixture’s % moisture =
Sludge, lb + Compost, lb

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Percent solids BC =

(Sludge, yd 3) (lb/yd 3) (% solids, sludge) + (Sludge, yd 3) (MR) (lb/yd 3) (% solids, chips) (100%)
(Sludge, yd 3) (lb/yd 3) + (Sludge, yd 3) (Mix ratio) (lb/yd 3)
(Site capacity, yd 3) (Density of compost, lb/yd 3)
Compost cycle, days =
x Wet compost, lb/day

Cycle time, days =

(Capacity, yd3)(Bulk density of compost lb/yd3)
x Dry solids, lb/day (x Dry solids, lb/day) (Bulk density of wood chips, lb/yd 3)
+ (MR)
Percent solids Percent solids (Bulk density of wet sludge lb/yd 3)

Percent moisture in mixture =

[(DB, lb/day) (Percent moisture DB) + (Compost lb/day) (Percent moisture compost)] 100%
DB, lb/day + Compost, lb/day

Density Equations

Density = Mass/Volume

Number of g/cm3 = (Number of lb/gal)(454 g/1 lb)(1 gal/3,785 cm3)

Detention Time Equation

Volume, gal
Detention time, hr =
Flow rate, gal/ hour
(Volume, gal) (24 hr/day)
Detention time, hr =
Flow, gpd

Dewatering Formulas

Total nonfilterable residue, mg/L = Total residue, mg/L - Total filterable residue, mg/L

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 Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations
Appendix

(Wet cake flow, lb/hr) (Percent solids/100%)

Filter yield, lb/hr/ft2 =
Area, ft 2
(Biosolids, gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (Percent solids)
Vacuum filter loading, lb/day/ft2 =
Vacuum filter area, ft 2

Digester Gas Production Formula

Gas production, ft 3 /day

Gas produced, ft3/lb VS destroyed =
VS destroyed, lb/day
(Gas production, ft 3 /day)
Gas produced, m3/lb VS destroyed =
(VS destroyed, lb/day) (35.3 m 3 /ft 3)

Digester Loading Rate Equation

lb VSA
Digester loading rate, lb VSA/d/ft3 =
Volume of digester, ft 3

Where VSA is Volatile Solids Added

Digester loading, lb VS/day/ft3 =

(Flow, gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (sp gr) (Percent sludge) (Percent volatile solids)
(0.785) (Diameter) 2 (Sludge level)

Digester loading, lb VS/day/1,000 ft3 =

(Flow, gpd) (8.34 lb/gal) (sp gr) (Percent sludge) (Percent volatile solids)
(0.785) (Diameter) 2 (Sludge level)

Digester Volatile Solids Ratio Formula

VS added lb/day
Digester VS ratio =
lb VS in digester
VS added lb/day
Digester VS ratio =
(lb VS in digester) (TS %/100%) (VS %/100%)

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Dilution Triangle

Concentration (Conc.)1 Conc.2- Conc. Desired = Number of parts

Conc. Desired
Number of parts
Conc.2 Conc.1- Conc. Desired =
Total number of parts
(Number of gallons) (Number of parts of Conc.1)
= Number of gallons of Conc.1 required
Total number of parts
(Number of gallons) (Number of parts of Conc.2)
= Number of gallons of Conc.2 required
Total number of parts

Dissolved Air Flotation: Air Rate Flow Equations

Air, lb/day = (Air flow, ft3/min)(1,440 min/day)(0.0807 lb/ft3, Air)

Air, lb/day = (Air flow, ft3/min)(60 min/hr)(0.0807 lb/ft3, Air)

Dissolved Air Flotation: Air-to-Solids Ratio Equation

(Air flow, ft 3 / min) (Air, lb/ft 3)

Air-to-solids ratio =
(gpm) (Percent solids/100%) (8.34 lb/gal)

Dissolved Air Flotation: Thickener Solids Loading Equations

(WAS, mg/L) (mgd) (Sludge, lb/gal)

Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =
DAF area, ft 2
(WAS, mg/L) (mgd) (Sludge, lb/gal)
Solids loading, lb/hr/ft2 =
(DAF area, ft 2) (24 hr/day)

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 Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations
Appendix

Dosage Formulas

Chlorine Dose = Chlorine demand + Chlorine residual

Chemical feed, lb/day = (Flow, mgd)(Dosage, mg/L)(8.34 lb/gal)

or rearranging to solve for dosage:

lb/day
Dosage, mg/L =
(mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
(mgd) (Dosage, mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal)
lb/day =
(Percent purity/100%)

Above formula used when the purity of a substance or solution is less than 100%.

(mgd)(x, mg/L)(8.34 lb/gal) = (mgd)(Dosage, mg/L)(8.34 lb/gal)

(Dosage, mg/L) (mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Chlorine, lb/day =
Percent available chlorine/100%
(mL/ min) (1, 440 min /day) (Chemical, lb/gal)
Chemical dosage, mg/L =
(3, 785 mL/gal) (mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
(mL/ min) (1, 440 min /day) (Chemical, lb/gal)
Chemical dosage, mg/L =
(3, 785 mL/gal) (mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) (Percent Polymer)

Dry Chemical Feed Settings

(Number of g/ min) (1, 440 min /day)

Chemical, lb/day =
454 g/lb

Extrapolation: used for pipes not flowing full

(High d/D - Low d/D)

Division Factor =
Ratio d/D

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Food/Microorganism Ratio Formula

(BOD 5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

F/M =
(mg/L MLVSS) (Volume in tan k, mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

or as follows since 8.34 lb/gal in the numerator and denominator cancel each other out.

(BOD 5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd)

F/M =
(mg/L MLVSS) (Volume of tan k, mil gal)

Flow Rate Equations

Flow = Volume/Time

Q (Flow) = (Area)(Velocity)

Example: Q, flow in ft3/s = (Area, ft2)(Velocity in feet per sec)

Flow in a pipe that changes size: (Area 1, sq ft)(Velocity 1, ft/s) = (Area 2, sq ft)(Velocity 2, ft/s)

(w 1 + w 2)
Flow (Q), ft3/sec = (Depth, ft)(Velocity, ft/s)
2

Gravity Thickener Solids Loading Formula

(Flow, gpm) (1, 440 min /day) (Percent solids)

Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =
(Gravity thickener area) (100%)
(Flow, gpd) (Percent solids)
Solids loading, lb/d/ft2 =
(Gravity thickener area) (100%)

Grit Removal Formula

Number of gallons removed

Grit removal, ft3/mil gal =
(7.48 gal/ft 3) (mil gal treated)

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 Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations
Appendix

Hydraulic Digestion Time Equation

Number of gallons
Digestion time, days =
Influent sludge flow, gal/day
(0.785) (Diameter) 2 (Depth, ft) (7.48 gal/ft 3)
Digestion time, days =
Influent sludge flow, gal/day

Hydraulic Loading Rate Equation

Total flow, gpd

Hydraulic loading rate =
Surface area, ft 2
Flow, gpd
Hydraulic loading rate, in/day =
(27, 152 gal/acre - in.) (Area, acres)

Kilowatt Formulas

kW = (Number of hp)(0.746 kW/hp)

Kilowatt-hr/day = (hp)(0.746 kW/hp)(Operating time, hr/day)

kW = (Number of hp)(0.746 kW/hp)(Startup energy)

Lime Neutralization Formula

Lime, lb = (Volatile acids, mg/L)(mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Mass Balance (percent) Equation

(Solids produced, lb/day + Solids removed, lb/day) (100%)

Percent mass balance =
Solids produced, lb/day

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Mean Cell Residence Time Equations

(MLSS, mg/L) (mil gal) (8.34 lb/day)

MCRT, days =
SS wasted, lb/day + SS lb/day

MCRT, days =

(MLSS, mg/L) (Aeration tan k mil gal + Clarifier tan k mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)
(WAS, mg/L) (Waste rate, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) + (TSS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Mixture Formula

Percent mixture strength =

Solution 1 gal (Available %/100%) + Solution 2 gal (Available %/100%) (100%)

gal of solution 1 + gal of solution 2

Nitrogen Loading Rate Equation

Nitrogen loading rate, lb/day = (Total Nitrogen, mg/L)(mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Nitrogen (Total) Equation

Total nitrogen (N) = Nitrate, mg/L + Nitrite, mg/L + TKN, mg/L

Operating Time Formulas

Treated water
Operating time =
Flow rate
(Flow, mgd) (Influent SS, mg/L - Effluent SS, mg/L) (100%)
Operating time, min/hr =
(Sludge pump, gpm) (Percent solids) (24 hr/day)

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 Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations
Appendix

Organic Loading Rate Equations

(BOD5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/acre =
Surface area of pond, acre - ft
(BOD 5, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Organic loading rate, lb BOD5/d/1,000 ft3 =
Volume of trickling filter, ft 3 /1, 000 ft 3

Particulate and Soluble Biological Oxygen Demand Formulas

Particulate BOD5, mg/L = (SS, mg/L)(K value)

Soluble BOD5 = Total BOD5 - (K factor)(Total SS)

Total BOD5 = (Particulate BOD5)(K factor) + Soluble BOD5

Perimeter Formulas

Circumference = r(Diameter) = (3.14)(Diameter)

Rectangle = 2(Length) + 2(Width)

Plant Available Nitrogen Formulas

PAN, mg/L = [MR(TKN - NH3)] + [0.50(NH3)] + (NO3 + NO2)

Plant nitrogen required, lb/acre

PAN, dry tons/acre =
PAN, lb/dry ton

PAN, lb/dry ton = [(Organic N, mg/kg)(MR) + (Ammonia N, mg/kg)(VR)](0.002 lb/dry ton)

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Population Equivalent Equation

(BOD5, mg/L) (mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Number of people =
lb/day of BOD5 /person

Population Loading Equation

Number of people served

Population loading, people/acre =
Area of pond (s), acres

Pressure Formulas

Depth, ft
psi =
2.31 ft/psi

Height, ft = (psi)(2.31 ft/psi)

psi = (Depth, ft)(0.433 psi/ft)

Force, lb
Pressure =
Area, ft 2

Pressure, lb/ft2 = (Height or Depth, ft)(Density, 62.4 lb/ft3)

2 2
PressureA + VelocityA = Pressure B + Velocity B
w 2g w 2g

Percent Mixture Formulas

Percent mixture strength=

(Solution1 lb)(Available %/100%) + (Solution 2, lb)(Available %/100%)(100%)

Solution1, lb + Solution 2, lb

Percent mixture strength =

[(Solution1 gal)(lb/gal)(Avail %/100%) + (Solution2 gal)(lb/gal)(Avail %/100%)]100%

(Solution1, gal)(lb/gal) + (Solution2, gal)(lb/gal)

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 Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations
Appendix

Percent Recovery Equation

Cake TS, % (Feed sludge TSS, % - Re turn flow TSS, %) (100%)

Percent recovery =
Feed sludge TSS, % (Cake TS, % - Re turn flow TSS, %)

Percent Reduction Equations

(Influent - Effluent) (100%)

Percent VS reduction =
Effluent - (Effluent) (Influent)
(Percent inf luent VM - Percent effluent VM) (100%)
Percent VM reduction =
[Percent inf luent VM - (Percent inf luent VM) (Percent effluent VM)]

Percent moisture reduction =

(Percent inf luent moisture - Percent moisture, after digestion) (100%)

[Percent inf luent moisture - (Percent inf luent moisture) (Percent moisture, after digestion)]

Percent Removal Formula

(Influent ntu - Effluent ntu) (100%) (In - Out) (100%)

Percent NTU removal = or
Influent ntu In
(Influent BOD 5 - Effluent BOD 5) (100%) (In - Out) (100%)
Percent BOD5 removal = or
Influent BOD 5 In
(Solids removed, mg/L) (100%)
Percent removal efficiency =
Influent solids, mg/L

Percent Strength of Solutions and Solids

(Number of lb of chemical) (100%)

Percent strength =
Number of lb, Water + lb chemical
(Number of grams of chemical) (100%)
Percent strength =
Number of grams, water + grams chemical
(Dry sample in grams) (100%)
Percent total solids =
Sludge sample in grams

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Percent Settled Sludge and Solids Formulas

(Settled sludge, mL) (100%)

Percent settled sludge =
Total sample vol., mL

or similarly:

(Settled sludge, mL) (100%)

Percent settleable solids =
Sample size, mL
(Dry sample in grams) (100%)
Percent inorganic solids =
Sludge sample in grams

(2° gpd)(2° sludge lb/gal)(x% 2° sludge) = (1° sludge, gpd)(1° sludge lb/gal)(% 1° sludge)

Phosphate Loading Rate Equation

Phosphorus (P) loading rate, lb/day = (P, mg/L)(mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Pit Volume and Days to Fill Formulas

Number of ft 3 /day
Screenings, ft3/mil gal =
Number of mgd
Pit volume, ft 3
Number of days to fill =
Screenings removed, ft 3 /day

Pumping and Pumping Cost Formulas

(whp)
mhp =
(Motor efficiency) (Pump efficiency)

Where mhp = motor horsepower and whp = water horsepower

(Flow, gpm) (TH, ft)

mhp =
(3,960) (Motor efficiency) (Pump efficiency)

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 Appendix
Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations

Where TH = Total head

(Flow, gpm) (Differential pressure, psi)

bhp =
(1, 714) (Pump efficiency)

Brake hp = (hp)(Motor efficiency)

Where hp = horsepower

Water hp = (mhp)(Motor efficiency)(Pump efficiency)

Water hp = (bhp)(Pump efficiency)

Motor hp = bhp/Motor efficiency

Brake hp = whp/Pump efficiency

Cost, $/day = (Motor hp)(24 hr/day)(0.746 kW/hp)(Cost/kW-hr)

Pumping Rate Equations

Pumping rate = Flow, gal/Time, min

Disch arg e, gal

Pump’s discharge rate, gpm =
Time, min

Discharge rate, gpm = Influent flow, gpm + Level drop, gpm

Number of gal per stroke = (0.785)(Bore diameter, ft)2(Stroke, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)

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Ratios

Re circulated flow
Ratio =
Plant inf luent flow
Speed setting1, Percent Speed setting2, Percent
=
Polymer dosage1, mL Polymer dosage2, mL
Chlorine dosage1, mg/L Chlorine dosage2, mg/L
=
Flow1, mgd Flow2, mgd
Digester solids1, lb/day Digester solids2, lb/day
=
Flow1, gpm Flow2, gpm
Alum dosage1, mL Alum dosage 2, mL
=
Speed setting1, % Speed setting2, %

Screenings Formula

Number of ft 3 /day
Screenings, ft3/mil gal =
Number of mgd

Seed Sludge Equation

(Capacity of digester) (Percent seed sludge required)

Seed sludge, gal =
100%

Sludge Age (Gould) Equation

Solids under aeration, lb

Sludge age, days =
Solids added, lb/day
(MLSS, mg/L) (Volume of aeration tan k) (8.34 lb/gal)
Sludge age, days =
(SS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

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 Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations
Appendix

Sludge Pumping Formula

Sludge, lb/day = (Pumping, min/day)(24 hr/day)(Pump rate, gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(sp gr of sludge)

(Primary sludge, gal)(Primary sludge, lb/gal)(Percent PSS) =

(x Thickened sludge, gal)(Thickened sludge, lb/gal)(Percent TSS)

Sludge Removed Equation

SS removed, lb/day = (SS removed, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Sludge Volume Index and Sludge Volume Density Equations

(SS, mL)
SVI =
MLSS, g/L
(MLSS, g) (100%)
SDI =
SS, mL

Sodium Absorption Ratio Formula

Na +
Sodium absorption ratio =
[(0.5) (Ca + Mg 2 +)] 1/2
2+

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Solids Balance (Digester) Equations

Total solids, lb/day = (Raw sludge, lb/day)(Percent solids)

Fixed solids, lb/day = Total solids, lb/day - VS, lb/day

Water in sludge, lb/day = Sludge, lb/day - Total solids, lb/day

(In - Out) (100%)

Percent VSR =
In - (In) (Out)

Gas produced, lb/day = (Effluent VS, lb/day)(Percent VSR)

VS in digested sludge, lb/day = Influent VS, lb/day - Destroyed VS, lb/day

VS digested, lb/day
Total digested solids, lb/day =
Percent digested VS

Fixed solids, lb/day = Total digested solids, lb/day - VS digested, lb/day

Total digested solids, lb/day

Digested sludge, lb/day =
Digested sludge percent solids

Water in digested sludge, lb/day = Sludge, lb/day - Total solids, lb/day

Solids Loading Rate Equations

(MLSS, mg/L) (mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Solids loading rate =
Area, ft 2
(Percent solids) (Biosolids added, gpd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Solids loading rate, lb/d/ft2 =
(Surface area, ft 2)

Solids Produced Formula

Solids produced, lb/day = (BOD5 removed, lb/day)(0.85 lb solids/lb BOD5)

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 Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations
Appendix

Solids Pumping Equations

(Sludge, lb/day) (Percent solids)

Solids, lb/day =
100%

Solids, lb/day = (Pumping, min/day)(24 hr/day)(Pump rate, gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(sp gr of sludge)

Solids, lb/day = (Time, min/cycle)(cycles/day)(Pump rate, gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(Percent solids)

Solids Retention Time Equation

Target SRT =

(MLSS mg/L) (Clarifier, Aerator Volume, mil gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

(RAS SS mg/L) (x mgd) (8.34 lb/gal) + (Effluent SS, mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Solids under Aeration

Number of lb, solids = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

Solution Formulas

(Concentration1)(Volume1) + (Concentration2)(Volume2) = (Concentration3)(Volume3)

or abbreviating the above equation: C1V1 + C2V2 = C3V3

(lb HTH) (100%)

Percent HTH solution =
(Number of gal) (8.34 lb/gal)

(Solution1 percent)(x gal, Solution1)(Solution1, lb/gal) = (Solution2 percent)(Solution2, gal)

(Solution2, lb/gal)

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Specific Gravity Equations

Specific gravity (sp gr) = Density of substance/Density of water

Solute, lb/gal
Sp gr =
8.34 lb/gal
Number of lb/ft 3
Sp gr =
62.4 lb/ft 3

Statistic Formulas

Sum of all measurements

Average =
Number of measurements

or

Sum of all measurements

Arithmetic mean =
Number of measurements

Median is the middle value.

Range = Largest value - Smallest value

Mode is the valve that occurs most frequently.

Note: There also can be two or more modes within a set of numbers.

Geometric mean = [(x1)(x2)(x3)(x4)…..(xn)]1/n

Standard deviation = [Rf(x - X¯)2/n - 1]1/2

Surface Loading Formula

gallons per day (gpd)

Surface loading rate =
Number of ft 2

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 Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations
Appendix

Suspended Solids Loading Equation

Suspended solids, lb/day = (SS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Temperature Formulas

°C = 5°C /9°F (°F - 32)

°F = 9°F /5°C (°C) + 32°F

Total Force and Hydraulic Press Equations

Total force, pounds = (Area, in.2)(psig) or Total force = (Pressure)(Area)

Total force, lb
Pressure =
Area, ft 2

Total Head Formulas

Total head, ft = Total static head, ft + Head losses, ft

(Differential pressure) (2.31 ft/psi)

TDH =
Specific gravity

Vacuum Filter Operating Time Equation

(Solids, lb/day) (Percent re cov ery)
(Filter operation, lb/day) (100%)
Filter yield, lb/hr/ft2 =
Filter area ft 2

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Velocity Equations

Flow, gpm
Velocity, ft/s =
(Width, ft) (Depth, ft) (60 sec / min) (7.48 gal/ft 3)

or

Flow, gpm
Velocity, ft/s =
(Area, ft ) (60 sec / min) (7.48 gal/ft 3)
2

Volatile Acids-to-Alkalinity Ratio Formulas

Ratio = Volatile acids/Alkalinity

Volatile acids = (Alkalinity)(Ratio)

VS added lb/day
Digester VS ratio =
lb VS in digester

Volatile Solids Destroyed Equation

(Flow, gpd) (Sludge, lb/gal) (SSC, %) (VSC, %) (VSR, %)

VS destroyed, lb/day/ft3 =
Digester capacity, 1, 000 ft 3

Volatile Solids: lb/day (Percent)

VS, lb/day = (Number of lb/day, sent to digester)(Percent VS/100%)

(Percent solids) (Percent VS)

VS, lb/day = (Number of gpd to digester) (8.34 lb/gal)
100% 100%

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 Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations
Appendix

Volatile Solids Pumping Formula

VS, lb/day =

(Time, min/cycle)(cycles/day)(Pump rate, gpm)(8.34 lb/gal)(Percent, solids)(Percent VM)

Volume Equations

Volume of a basin in ft3 or m3 = (Length)(Width)(Depth)

Volume of a basin in gallons = (Length)(Width)(Depth)(7.48 gal/ft3)

Volume of a cone in ft3 or m3 = 1/3rr2(Height or Depth)

Volume of a circular tank in ft3 or m3 = rr2(Height) or Volume of a pipe =rr2(Length) or

Volume of a cylindrical tank in ft3 or m3 = (0.785)(Diameter)2(Height)

(b1+ b2)
Volume of a trough in gallons = (Depth of water)(Length)(7.48 gal/ft3)
2
(Length1+ Length 2) (Width1+ Width2)
Volume, gal = (Depth, ft)(7.48 gal/ft3)
2 2
4rr 3
Volume of sphere, ft3 =
3

Digester capacity, ft3 = r(radius)2(Height, ft)

Equation below is for a partially filled pipe division factor for determining flow:

(High d/D - Low d/D)

Division factor =
Ratio d/D

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Waste Activated Sludge Loading Rate Equation

WAS, lb/day = (WAS, mg/L)(Number of mgd)(8.34 lb/gal)

Waste Activated Sludge Pumping Rate Formula

WAS, lb/day
Number of mgd =
(Number of mg/L WAS) (8.34 lb/gal)

Waste Rate Equation

Waste rate, mgd = Waste, lb

(WVS concentration, mg/L)(8.34 lb/gal)

The following two equations are used to find the waste rate (above equation).

(Pr imary effluent COD, mg/L) (mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)

Desired MLVSS, lb =
Desired COD lb/MLVSS lb

Existing MLVSS, lb = (MLVSS, mg/L)(Aeration tank, mil gal)(8.34 lb/gal)

(Solids produced, lb/day) (1, 000, 000/mil)

Waste rate, gpd =
(Waste TSS, mg/L) (8.34 lb/gal)

Waste rate, lb/day =

MLSS, mg/L [AT, mil gal + CT, mil gal] (8.34 lb/gal)
– (TSS,mg/L) (Flow, mgd) (8.34 lb/gal)
Desired MCRT

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 Appendix B—summary of wastewater treatment equations
Appendix

Weir Length Formula

Weir length, ft = r(Diameter, ft)

Weir length, ft = 2r(radius, ft)

Weir and Surface Overflow Rate Equations

Flow, gpd
Weir overflow rate =
Weir Length, ft
Flow, gpd
Surface overflow rate =
Area, ft 2

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20662 Math for Wastewater 1-2.indb 330 1/13/2009 3:28:25 PM
 Appendix

C CHEMISTRY TABLES

TABLE C-1
International Atomic Weights (Based on Carbon-12)
Atomic Atomic Atomic Atomic
Element Symbol Element Symbol
Number Weight Number Weight
Actinium Ac 89 227.0278 Magnesium Mg 12 24.305
Aluminum Al 13 26.98154 Manganese Mn 25 54.9380
Americium Am 95 (243)* Mendelevium Mv 101 (258)
Antimony Sb 51 121.75 Meitnerium Mt 109 (266.0)
Argon Ar 18 39.948 Mercury Hg 80 200.59
Arsenic As 33 74.9216 Molybdenum Mo 42 95.94
Astatine At 85 (210) Neodymium Nd 60 144.24
Barium Ba 56 137.33 Neon Ne 10 20.179
Berkelium Bk 97 (247) Neptunium Np 93 237.0482
Beryllium Be 4 9.01218 Nickel Ni 28 58.69
Bismuth Bi 83 208.9804 Niobium Nb 41 92.9064
Bohrium Bh 107 (262.0) Nitrogen N 7 14.0067
Boron B 5 10.81 Nobelium No 102 (259)
Bromine Br 35 79.904 Osmium Os 76 190.2
Cadmium Cd 48 112.41 Oxygen O 8 15.9994
Calcium Ca 20 40.08 Palladium Pd 46 106.42
Californium Cf 98 (251) Phosphorus P 15 30.97376
Carbon C 6 12.011 Platinum Pt 78 195.08
Cerium Ce 58 140.12 Plutonium Pu 94 (244)
Cesium Cs 55 132.9054 Polonium Po 84 (209)
*The numbers in parentheses indicate mass number of most stable known isotope.

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Chlorine Cl 17 35.453 Potassium K 19 39.0983

Chromium Cr 24 51.996 Praseodymium Pr 59 140.9077
Cobalt Co 27 58.9332 Promethium Pm 61 (145)
Copper Cu 29 63.546 Protactinium Pa 91 2310359
Curium Cm 96 (247)* Radium Ra 88 226.0254
Dubnium Db 105 (262.0) Radon Rn 86 (222)
Dysprosium Dy 66 162.50 Rhenium Re 75 186.207
Einsteinium Es 99 (252) Rhodium Rh 45 102.9055
Erbium Er 68 167.26 Rubidium Rb 37 85.4678
Europium Eu 63 151.96 Ruthenium Ru 44 101.07
Fermium Fm 100 (257) Rutherfordium Rf 104 (261.0)
Fluorine F 9 18.998403 Samarium Sm 62 150.36
Francium Fr 87 (223) Scandium Sc 21 44.9559
Gadolinium Gd 64 157.25 Seaborgium Sg 106 (263.0)
Gallium Ga 31 69.72 Selenium Se 34 78.96
Germanium Ge 32 72.59 Silicon Si 14 28.0855
Gold Au 79 196.9665 Silver Ag 47 107.8682
Hafnium Hf 72 178.49 Sodium Na 11 22.98977
Hassium Hs 108 (265.0) Strontium Sr 38 87.62
Helium He 2 4.00260 Sulfur S 16 32.06
Holmium Ho 67 164.9304 Tantalum Ta 73 180.9479
Hydrogen H 1 1.00794 Technetium Tc 43 (98)
Indium In 49 114.82 Tellurium Te 52 127.60
Iodine I 53 126.9045 Terbium Tb 65 158.9254
Iridium Ir 77 192.22 Thallium Tl 81 204.383
Iron Fe 26 55.847 Thorium Th 90 232.0381
Krypton Kr 36 83.80 Thulium Tm 69 168.9342
Lanthanum La 57 138.9055 Tin Sn 50 118.69
Lawrencium Lw 103 (260) Titanium Ti 22 47.88
Lead Pb 82 207.2 Tungsten W 74 183.85
Lithium Li 3 6.941 Ununnilium Uun 110 (269.0)
Lutetium Lu 71 174.967 Unununium Uuu 111 (272.0)
Unumbium Uub 112 (277.0) Ytterbium Yb 70 173.04
Uranium U 92 238.0289 Yttrium Y 39 88.9059
Vanadium V 23 50.9415 Zinc Zn 30 65.38
Xenon Xe 54 131.29 Zirconium Zr 40 91
Source: US Government Printing Office
*The numbers in parentheses indicate mass number of most stable known isotope.

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 Appendix c—chemistry tables
Appendix

Table C-2
Common Chemicals Used and Encountered in the Water Industry
Chemical Chemical Formula Use Miscellaneous
Alum Al2(SO4)3 · 14(H2O) Coagulant
Ammonia NH3 Check for chlorine leaks Make chloramine
Bicarbonate HCO3 –
Carbonate hardness
Calcium carbonate CaCO3 Primary hardness
chemical
Calcium hypochlorite Ca(OCl)2 Disinfectant
Carbon dioxide CO2 Re-carbonation
Caustic soda NaOH Adjust pH
Chlorine Cl2 Disinfectant
Chlorine dioxide ClO2 Disinfectant
Copper sulfate CuSO4 Algae control
Dichloramine NHCl2 Disinfectant Formed when ammonia is
and to water containing Cl
Ferric chloride FeCl3 Coagulant
Ferric sulfate Fe2(SO4)3 Coagulant
Ferrous sulfate Fe2(SO4)3 · 7(H2O) Coagulant
Fluorosilicic acid *
H2SiF6 Fluoridation
Hydrated lime Ca(OH)2 Increase pH and alkalinity
Hydrochloric acid HCl Laboratory, cleaning
Hydroxide ion OH– Naturally found in water
–
Hypochlorite ion OCl Disinfectant
Magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2 Formed in the lime-soda
softening process
Monochloramine NH2Cl Disinfectant Formed when ammonia is
and to water containing Cl
Nitrate NO3– Fertilizer, sewage, natural
deposits that are eroded
Quicklime CaO Water stabilization, Water softening
increase pH and alkalinity
Ozone O3 Disinfectant
Potassium permanganate KMnO4 Control tastes-and-odors Oxidize Fe and Mn
substances
Sulfuric acid H2SO4 Decrease pH and alkalinity Water stabilization
Soda ash Na2CO3 Adjust pH
Sodium aluminate Na2Al2O4 Coagulant
Sodium bicarbonate NaHCO3 Increase pH and alkalinity Water stabilization
* Formerly known as hydrofluosilicic acid or “silly acid.”

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Chemical Chemical Formula Use Miscellaneous

Sodium fluoride NaF Fluoridation
Sodium hexametaphosphate (NaPO3)n · Na2O* Sequestering agent

Sodium hydroxide NaOH Adjust pH

Sodium silicate Na2O · (SiO2)x Coagulant
Sodium fluorosilicate† Na2SiF6 Fluoridation
Trichloramine NCl3 Formed when ammonia is
and to water containing Cl
Zinc orthophosphate Zn3(PO4)2 Forms protective coating
*
Typically n = 14
†
Formerly known as sodium silicofluoride.

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 Appendix c—chemistry tables
Appendix

Table C-3
Common Formula Weights*
Compound Weight in Grams Compound Weight in Grams
AgCl 143.32 KHC8H4O4 (phthalate) 204.224
Ag2CrO4 331.73 KH(IO3)2 389.912
Al2(SO4)3• 14(H2O) 594.35 K2HPO4 174.176
BaSO4 233.39 KH2PO4 136.086
CaCO3 100.089 KHSO4 136.16
CaC2O4 128.100 KI 166.003
CaF2 78.077 KIO3 214.001
CaO 56.079 KIO4 230.000
Ca(OCl)2 142.985 KMnO4 158.034
Ca(OH)2 74.095 KNO3 101.101
CO2 44.010 Mg(OH)2 58.320
Cl2 70.906 MgSO4 120.36
ClO2 67.452 MnO2 86.937
Cr2O3 151.990 Mn2O3 157.874
CuO 79.545 Mn3O4 228.812
CuSO4 159.60 NaBr 102.894
NHCl2 85.921 NaCl 58.443
FeCl3 162.206 NaCN 49.007
FeO 71.846 Na2CO3 105.989
Fe2O3 159.692 Na2Al2O4 163.940
Fe3O4 231.539 NaHCO3 84.007
Fe2(SO4)3 399.87 NaF 41.988
Fe2(SO4)3 • 7(H2O) 525.97 NaOH 39.997
HBr 80.912 Na2O • (SiO2)x Variable
HC2H3O2 (acetic acid) 60.052 Na2SiF6 188.056
HCO3– 61.017 NCl3 120.366
HCl 36.461 NH3 17.030
HClO4 100.458 NH2Cl 51.476
HNO3 63.013 NH4Cl 53.491
H2O 18.015 NH4NO3 80.043
H2O2 34.015 (NH4)2SO4 132.13
H3PO4 97.995 NO3 –
62.005
H2S 34.08 O3 (ozone) 47.998
H2SO3 82.07 OH –
17.007
*Based on US Government Printing Office of atomic weights from Table C-1 above.

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Compound Weight in Grams Compound Weight in Grams

H2SO4 98.07 OCl– 51.452
H2SiF6 144.092 PbCrO4 323.2
HgO 216.59 Pb(NO3)2 331.2
Hg2Cl2 472.09 PbO 223.2
HgCl2 271.50 PbO2 239.2
KBr 119.002 PbSO4 303.3
KBrO3 167.000 P2O5 141.944
KCl 74.551 Sb2S3 339.68
KClO3 122.550 SiO2 60.084
KCN 65.116 SnCl2 189.596
K2CrO4 194.190 SnO2 150.689
K2Cr2O7 294.184 SO2 64.06
K3Fe(CN)6 329.248 SO3 80.06
K4Fe(CN)6 368.346 Zn3(PO4)2 304.703

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 Appendix

D DEPTH/DIAMETER
(d/D) TABLE

LESS THAN FULL PIPELINE FLOW

TABLE D-1
Depth/Diameter (d/D) Table
d/D Factor d/D Factor d/D Factor d/D Factor
0.01 0.001 0.26 0.162 0.51 0.403 0.76 0.641
0.02 0.004 0.27 0.171 0.52 0.413 0.77 0.649
0.03 0.007 0.28 0.180 0.53 0.423 0.78 0.657
0.04 0.011 0.29 0.189 0.54 0.433 0.79 0.666
0.05 0.015 0.30 0.198 0.55 0.443 0.80 0.674
0.06 0.019 0.31 0.207 0.56 0.453 0.81 0.682
0.07 0.024 0.32 0.217 0.57 0.463 0.82 0.689
0.08 0.029 0.33 0.226 0.58 0.472 0.83 0.697
0.09 0.035 0.34 0.236 0.59 0.482 0.84 0.704
0.10 0.041 0.35 0.245 0.60 0.492 0.85 0.712
0.11 0.047 0.36 0.255 0.61 0.502 0.86 0.719
0.12 0.053 0.37 0.264 0.62 0.512 0.87 0.725
0.13 0.060 0.38 0.274 0.63 0.521 0.88 0.732
0.14 0.067 0.39 0.284 0.64 0.531 0.89 0.738
0.15 0.074 0.40 0.293 0.65 0.540 0.90 0.745
0.16 0.081 0.41 0.303 0.66 0.550 0.91 0.750
0.17 0.089 0.42 0.313 0.67 0.559 0.92 0.756
0.18 0.096 0.43 0.323 0.68 0.569 0.93 0.761
0.19 0.104 0.44 0.333 0.69 0.578 0.94 0.766
0.20 0.112 0.45 0.343 0.70 0.587 0.95 0.771

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

d/D Factor d/D Factor d/D Factor d/D Factor

0.21 0.120 0.46 0.353 0.71 0.596 0.96 0.775
0.22 0.128 0.47 0.363 0.72 0.605 0.97 0.779
0.23 0.137 0.48 0.373 0.73 0.614 0.98 0.782
0.24 0.145 0.49 0.383 0.74 0.623 0.99 0.784
0.25 0.154 0.50 0.393 0.75 0.632 1.00 0.785

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 Appendix

E WASTEWATER FLOW
CHART DIAGRAMS

The following 12 diagrams show some of the most common types of wastewater treatment plants
with the last diagram showing sludge processing. Wastewater plants shown in figures 9 and 10
are newer technologies using membranes, nanofiltration, and electrodialysis.
Please note that not all the processes in any diagram are necessarily used. Also, some steps
are not depicted. There are of course many more wastewater treatment plant types and process
arrangements that are not shown. The number of different wastewater treatment plant arrange-
ments is beyond the scope of this book. For further study of other wastewater treatment plants,
please see the references.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND SLUDGE PROCESSING FLOW CHARTS

Figure 1 Flow Chart of Typical Wastewater Treatment Processes
Figure 2 Flow Chart of Conventional Activated Sludge Process
Figure 3 Flow Chart of Contact Stabilization Process
Figure 4 Flow Chart of Activated Sequencing Batch Reactor
Figure 5 Flow Chart of Typical Wastewater Treatment Using Ponds
after Secondary Treatment
Figure 6 Flow Chart of Typical Wastewater Treatment Using Polishing
Ponds in Series Treatment
Figure 7 Flow Chart of Wastewater Treatment Using Rotating
Biological Contactor Process
Figure 8 Flow Chart of Typical Wastewater Treatment Using an Oxidation Ditch
Figure 9 Flow Chart of Typical Wastewater Treatment Using
Electrodialysis or Nanofiltration
Figure 10 Flow Chart of Typical Wastewater Treatment Using a Membrane Bioreactor
Figure 11 Flow Chart of Wastewater Treatment Nitrification Process
Figure 12 Flow Chart of Wastewater Treatment Plant Processing Sludge

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

Return
Activated Sludge

Trickling
Filter

Return
Secondary
Sludge
Secondary
Clarifier

Digester

Figure 1 Flow chart of typical wastewater treatment processes

Figure 1 248

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 Appendix E—Wastewater Flow Chart Diagrams
Appendix

Return
Activated
Sludge

Secondary
Clarifier

Digester

Figure 2 Flow chart of conventional activated sludge process

249

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

Flow Equalization

Primary
Clarifier

Secondary
Clarifier

Figure 3 Flow chart of contact stabilization process

250

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 Appendix E—Wastewater Flow Chart Diagrams
Appendix

Sequencing Sequencing
Batch Batch
Reactor 1 Reactor 2

Digester

Figure 4 Flow chart of activated sequencing batch reactor

251

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

Primary
Treatment
(Sedimentation) Solids
Return

Digester

Pond 1

Figure 5 Flow chart of typical wastewater treatment using ponds after secondary treatment
252

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 Appendix E—Wastewater Flow Chart Diagrams
Appendix

Primary
Clarification

Trickling
Filter

Digester

Pond 1

Figure 6 Flow chart of typical wastewater treatment using polishing ponds in series treatment
Figure 6 253

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

Recycling

Figure 7 Flow chart of wastewater treatment using rotating biological contactor process
254

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 Appendix E—Wastewater Flow Chart Diagrams
Appendix

Secondary
Clarifier

Figure 8 Flow chart of typical wastewater treatment using an oxidation ditch

255

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

Sequencing
Batch
Reactor

Figure 9 Flow chart of typical wastewater treatment using electrodialysis or nanofiltration

Figure 9 256

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 Appendix E—Wastewater Flow Chart Diagrams
Appendix

Bioreactor

Waste Sludge
Handling

Figure 10 Flow chart of typical wastewater treatment using a membrane bioreactor

Figure 10 257

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Trickling
Filter

Anaerobic
Contactor

Figure 11 Flow chart of wastewater treatment nitrification process

258

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 Appendix E—Wastewater Flow Chart Diagrams
Appendix

Preliminary Primary
Treatment Treatment

Secondary
Treatment

Dewatering: e.g.
Filter Presses or
Vacuum
Filtration

Figure 12 Flow chart of wastewater treatment plant processing sludge

Figure 12 259

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 Appendix

F ABBREVIATIONS

acre-ft acre-feet
amps amperes
AT Aeration Tank
avail. available
avg. average
BC Blending Compost
bhp brake horsepower
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand
°C Degrees Centigrade
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
cm centimeter(s)
CT Clarifier Tank
D Diameter or Depth (Note context)
d day
DAF Dissolved Air Flotation
DB Dewatered Biosolids
DO Dissolved Oxygen
effic. efficiency
°F degrees Fahrenheit
F/M Food-to-Microorganism ratio
ft foot or feet
ft/s feet per second
ft 2
square feet
ft3 cubic feet
f3/min cubic feet per minute

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ft3/s cubic feet per second

g gram(s) or gravity (Note context)
gal gallon(s)
gpcpd gallons per capita per day
gpd gallons per day
gph gallons per hour
gpm gallons per minute
gr-eq gram equivalent weight
hp horsepower
hr hour(s)
HTH High Test Hypochlorite
in. inch(es)
kg kilogram
kW Kilowatt(s)
lb pounds
L Liter or Length (Note context)
m meter
m 3
cubic meters
M Mole(s)
mA milliamp(s)
MCRT Mean Cell Residence Time
MCL Maximum Contaminant Level
ME Motor Efficiency
meq milliequivalent
mg milligrams
mgd million gallons per day
mg/L milligrams per liter
mhp motor horsepower
mil million
mil gal million gallons
min minute
mL milliliter
MLSS Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids
MLVSS Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids
MR Mix Ratio
N Normality
ntu nephelometric turbidity units
oz ounce(s)

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 Appendix f—abbreviations
Appendix

pH Hydrogen ion concentration

PE Pump Efficiency
% percent
ppm parts per million
psi pressure per square inch absolute
psig pressure per square inch gauge
Q Flow
r radius
RAS Return Activated Sludge
RBC Rotating Biological Contactor
s second(s)
sec second(s)
sed sedimentation
soln. Solution
sp gr specific gravity
SRT Solids Retention Time
SS Suspended Solids
SSC Sludge Solids Concentration
temp. temperature
TDH Total Dynamic Head
TDS Total Dissolved Solids
TS Total Solids
TSS Total Suspended Solids
TH Total Head
V Volume or Velocity or Volt(s) Note context
VR Volatilization Rate
VS Volatile Solids
VSC Volatile Solids Concentration
VSR Volatile Solids Reduction
W Width
w watt
WAS Waste Activated Sludge
whp water horsepower
wt weight
WVS Waste Volatile Solids
yr year
yd 3
cubic yards

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

American Water Works Association. AWWA Wastewater Operator Field Guide. Denver, Colo.:
American Water Works Association, 2006.
American Water Works Association. Basic Science Concepts and Applications. 3rd ed. Denver,
Colo.: American Water Works Association, 2003.
Boikess, Robert S. How to Solve General Chemistry Problems. 8th ed. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.:
Prentice Hall Inc., 2008.
Forster, Christopher. Wastewater Treatment and Technology. London: Thomas Telford Limited,
2003.
Frey, Paul R. Chemistry Problems and How to Solve Them. 8th ed. Barnes and Noble College
Outline Series. New York: Barnes and Noble Inc., 1985.
Giorgi, John. Math for Water Treatment Operators: Practice Problems to Prepare for Water
Treatment Operator Certification Exams. Denver, Colo.: American Water Works Associ-
ation, 2007.
Giorgi, John. Math for Distribution System Operators: Practice Problems to Prepare for Distri-
bution System Operator Certification Exams. Denver, Colo.: American Water Works Asso-
ciation, 2007.
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Wastewater Land Application Operators Study
and Reference Manual. Boise, Idaho: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, 2005.
Lin, Shun Dar. Water and Wastewater Calculations Manual. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill,
2007.
Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Volume 1: A Field Study Training Program. 6th ed.
Sacramento, Calif.: California State University, Sacramento School of Engineering, 2004.
Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Volume 2: A Field Study Training Program. 6th ed.
Sacramento, Calif.: California State University, Sacramento School of Engineering, 2003.

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

Price, Joanne Kirkpatrick. Applied Math for Wastewater Plant Operators. Boca Raton, Fla.:
CRC Press, 1998.
Price, Joanne Kirkpatrick. Basic Math Concepts for Water and Wastewater Plant Operators.
Lancaster, Pa: Technomic Publishing Co., 1991.
Skoog, Douglas A., Donald M. West, F. James Holler, and Stanley R. Crouch. Fundamentals of
Analytical Chemistry. 8th ed. Pacific Grove, Calif.: Brooks Cole, 2003.
Spellman, Frank R. Mathematics Manual for Water and Wastewater Plant Operators. New
York: CRC Press, 2004.

358

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 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Basic Chemistry for Water and Wastewater Operators

A basic chemistry primer tailored for operators of drinking water or wastewater systems.

Edition: 2002, Softbound, 178 pp.

ISBN 1-58321-148-9; Catalog Number 20494

Basic Microbiology for Drinking Water Personnel

This book provides clear, short descriptions of the waterborne microorganisms—viruses,
bacteria, protozoa, and algae—that either pose a human health threat or contribute to distri-
bution corrosion.

Edition: 2001, Softbound, 85 pp.

ISBN 1-58321-121-7; Catalog Number 20463

Essential Water and Wastewater

Calculations for Engineers and Operators
This book contains hundreds of water and wastewater engineering calculation proce-
dures ranging from simple to complex. Each calculation provides easy-to-follow steps for
solving and an example that demonstrates important concepts.

Edition: 2007, Hardback, 372 pp.

ISBN 0-97456-898-8; Catalog Number 20656

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 Math for Wastewater Treatment Operators Grades 1 and 2

Wastewater Microbiology: A Handbook for Operators

Wastewater treatment is a microbiological process. Microorganisms such as bacteria and
protozoa do the actual breakdown and removal of nutrients and organic material in the waste-
water. A wastewater treatment plant operator’s job is to control this biological process. That
is why wastewater operators need to understand basic microbiology, as well as the types of
microorganisms that are used in the treatment of sewage, and how the microbes do their job
in the wastewater treatment process.
Chapters cover wastewater treatment system overview, general microscopy, bacteria, pro-
tozoa, metazoans, filamentous bacteria, and microbiology and process control. Includes glossary
of terms and CD-ROM with 85 color photographs of microorganisms.

Edition: 2005, Softbound, 182 pp.

ISBN 1-58321-343-0; Catalog No. 20563

For pricing and ordering information, please visit the online bookstore at www.awwa.org/book-
store or call AWWA Customer Service at 1.800.926.7337.

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