Maintaining an effective Aeration Tank in Wastewater Treatment is critical for municipalities across British Columbia. When things go wrong — whether it’s foaming, sludge bulking, or dissolved oxygen (DO) issues — it can cause serious operational headaches and compliance risks.

Understanding aeration tank problems and knowing how to troubleshoot them can save time, money, and protect the environment.

Let’s dive into the most common issues, why they happen, and how you can fix them quickly and effectively.

Common Aeration Tank Problems in Wastewater Treatment

1. Sludge Bulking

What it is: Sludge bulking occurs when activated sludge fails to settle properly in the secondary clarifier. This leads to poor separation, cloudy effluent, and potential permit violations.

Causes:

  • Overgrowth of filamentous bacteria
  • Low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels
  • Nutrient imbalances

Solutions:

  • Increase aeration to raise DO levels
  • Adjust sludge age and waste rates
  • Add selective biocides or chlorinate to control filamentous bacteria
  • Optimize nutrient balance (nitrogen and phosphorus)

If you’re noticing slow-settling sludge or poor effluent quality, it’s a clear sign of sludge bulking, and quick action is needed.

Read More: Advances in Aeration Tank Technology

2. Foaming Issues

What it is: Foaming on the surface of an aeration tank isn’t just unsightly — it can overflow tanks and interfere with treatment processes.

Causes:

  • Overgrowth of filamentous organisms like Nocardia
  • Surfactants from industrial wastewater
  • Low food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratio

Solutions:

  • Increase sludge wasting to reduce solids retention time.
  • Target specific foam-causing bacteria with selective control methods.
  • Pre-treat industrial influent if surfactants are a problem.
  • Adjust operational parameters to maintain a healthy biomass.

Foam control often starts with careful monitoring and proactive operational adjustments.

3. Low Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Levels

What it is: Dissolved oxygen is critical for biological treatment processes. Low DO can stall the treatment system and promote unwanted bacteria.

Causes:

  • Inadequate aeration.
  • High organic loading.
  • Equipment malfunctions (like a broken blower).

Solutions:

  • Inspect and repair aeration equipment.
  • Adjust air flow rates.
  • Reduce organic loading if possible.
  • Optimize tank mixing.

Dissolved oxygen issues are one of the most frequent wastewater treatment troubleshooting problems — and, fortunately, often one of the easiest to fix with regular maintenance.

4. Rising Sludge (Sludge Bulking’s Close Cousin)

What it is: Instead of settling properly, sludge in the clarifier can rise to the surface, leading to loss of solids and effluent quality problems.

Causes:

  • Denitrification in the secondary clarifier.
  • Low DO in clarifiers.

Solutions:

  • Increase aeration before the clarifier.
  • Improve sludge withdrawal timing.
  • Reduce detention time in clarifiers.

Key Best Practices for Aeration Tank Management

To prevent aeration tank problems before they escalate, it’s important to focus on proactive maintenance and monitoring:

  • Monitor DO levels daily using reliable sensors.
  • Check sludge settling characteristics with regular SVI (Sludge Volume Index) testing.
  • Optimize aeration control systems to maintain consistent oxygen transfer.
  • Train operators regularly on early detection signs.
  • Schedule preventive maintenance for blowers, diffusers, and mixers.

Incorporating these practices can significantly minimize downtime and keep your Aeration Tank in Wastewater Treatment running at peak efficiency.

Why Aeration Tank Issues Matter for British Columbia Municipalities

Municipal wastewater systems across British Columbia face increasing pressure to meet stricter environmental regulations and sustainability targets. A poorly managed aeration tank can result in:

  • Regulatory fines for permit violations.
  • Higher operating costs due to inefficient energy use.
  • Complaints from residents about odors or overflows.
  • Long-term damage to infrastructure.

Addressing aeration tank problems quickly and effectively isn’t just about keeping the plant running — it’s about protecting your community and environment.

Trust Dennerik Engineering for Custom-Built Aeration Tanks

When wastewater treatment issues point back to aging, undersized, or poorly designed aeration systems, it may be time for an upgrade.
Dennerik Engineering is proud to manufacture high-performance Aeration Tanks for Wastewater Treatment that are built to meet the unique demands of municipalities across British Columbia.

We specialize in:

  • Custom-engineered aeration tank designs
  • Durable materials suited for harsh wastewater environments
  • Energy-efficient systems that improve aeration and reduce operating costs
  • Expert support from design to installation

Whether you’re upgrading an old system or building a new facility, Dennerik Engineering delivers reliable, long-lasting aeration solutions you can count on.

Ready to Improve Your Wastewater Treatment Operations?

If you’re facing frequent aeration tank problems or planning infrastructure upgrades, now’s the time to act.
Contact Dennerik Engineering today to discuss customized manufacturing solutions for your next Aeration Tank in Wastewater Treatment project.

📞 Call now or connect online — let’s build a better future for your community!

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