Sludge density measurement (Municipal)

[stanier]

I am seeking an instrument to measure primary sludge density so that the feed to anerobic digesters can be controlled at 3.5% solids. I intend using the instrumnet to control the withdrawal from primary sedimentation tanks.

The sludge is highly charged with fats and grease. The actual density of the pumped fluid varies only slightly and I understand that density meters are not that successful on this application.

Can anyone please suggest a successfully applied instrument for this duty.

 

[marktb]

I have not had great success with sludge density meters but the ones that did work more often than most were manufactured by Mobrey a UK company I think.

I did try to get a client to use nucleonic type but there are usually very large regulatory problems associated with this type of density meter.

 

Microwave "consistancy" meters work on this application well. The only limitation of the technology is medium to high conductivity and air bubbles. Toshiba manufactures one called the LQ300.