Dive into the 2026 NY Wastewater Exam – Flush Away the Competition with Confidence!

An increase in effluent solids in a dissolved air flotation thickener typically indicates that the unit is experiencing overloading. When a thickener is overloaded, it means that the volume of solids entering the system exceeds the design capacity of the unit. This can lead to improper separation of solids and, consequently, a higher level of solids in the effluent.

In the case of a dissolved air flotation thickener, solid particles need to be effectively separated from the liquid phase. When the input of solids surpasses the system’s capacity, it hampers the flotation process, as there may not be enough air or flotation capacity to lift and hold the solids, resulting in more solids being carried over with the treated water.

This situation may arise due to various factors such as increased inflow rates, higher concentration of solids in the influent, or operational changes without proper adjustments to the system’s handling capacity. Therefore, managing the loading conditions and monitoring the system’s performance is crucial to maintaining optimal operation and minimizing effluent solids.