An experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate a new concept of upflow clarification. A novel sludge removal mechanism that used the entire floor area for the removal of solids was incorporated in an upflow clarifier. The operating characteristics and design features of the continuous flux upflow clarifier (CFLUC) are described in detail. The laboratory study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the CFLUC clarifier in separating sludges with different settling characteristics. The different sludge types were produced by an activated sludge system treating a synthetic dairy waste at four different food to microorganism (F: M) ratios. At low organic loadings (0.10–0.24 (g COD)(g MLVSS)−1 (d)−1), the CFLUC clarifier removed 70% of the pinpoint floe that remained during quiescent batch settling conditions. At high organic loadings (0.41–0.83 (g COD)(g MLVSS) −1 (d) −1), the CFLUC clarifier was capable of separating filamentous bulking sludges with poor settling characteristics. Based on the results of the experimental study the upflow clarifier effectively separated all sludge types over the range of organic loadings investigated. Key words: CFLUC clarifier, secondary clarification, upflow clarification, sludge blanket, bioflocculation, bulking sludge, gravity sedimentation.

This paper describes the results of an accelerated laboratory investigation to measure the rate of deterioration of a newly developed filled plastic composite exposed to acidic (sewage) environments. The specific objective was to compare the relative rates of deterioration of an experimental filled filament wound (FFW) polyester composite immersed in sulfuric (pH 2.23) and acetic (pH 2.22) acid environments at 45 °C. Deterioration was measured in terms of changes in wet specimen weight, loss in dried (soluble) material weight and mechanical properties, the extent of chemical dissolution, and the depth of penetration. Based on regression analyses of these parameters, it was found that the rate of deterioration was a function of the square root of immersion time. Deterioration of the FFW composite in acetic acid was 1.6–3.9 times greater than in the sulfuric acid environment. The loss in wet flexural properties and the dissolution behavior of aluminum trihydrate were not influenced by the type of acid environment. Based on the findings of this study, sulfuric acid is recommended as a standard laboratory test medium for fiberglass reinforced plastic composites used in construction of sewage facilities and pipelines where deterioration due to sulfur oxidizing bacteria is anticipated. Key words: accelerated, polyester, fillers, filament-wound, environment, acidic, durability, composite, septic tanks.

The Limestone Generating Project was reactivated in 1985. Part of the development of the project was to review and implement, if feasible, potable water treatment facilities for the construction community of Sundance. The source water, from the Nelson River, is of reasonably good quality. The turbidity, however, ranges from 4 to 70 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), averaging 15.2 NTU. Following preliminary and pilot plant studies, a high rate, deep bed direct filtration system was proposed and constructed to reduce turbidity to acceptable levels. A key feature of the plant is its portability. Owing to the innovative design, the three filters can be easily transferred for use at future construction sites on the Nelson River. This paper reviews and discusses the design, construction, operation, and costs of the plant. Key words: construction, design, direct filtration, high rate, Nelson River, operation, portability, turbidity.