1. What is MLVSS?

MLVSS (Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids) represents the concentration of organic solids in the mixed liquor of an activated sludge system. It's a key parameter for monitoring and controlling wastewater treatment processes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( VSS \) — Volatile Suspended Solids concentration (mg/L)
• \( \text{Mixed Liquor Volume} \) — Volume of mixed liquor (L)

Explanation: This calculation converts the concentration measurement (mg/L) to a mass measurement (mg) by accounting for the total volume.

3. Importance of MLVSS Calculation

Details: MLVSS is crucial for determining the amount of active biomass in an activated sludge system, which is essential for process control, determining food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratios, and assessing treatment efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter VSS concentration in mg/L and mixed liquor volume in liters. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between MLSS and MLVSS?
A: MLSS (Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids) includes all suspended solids, while MLVSS only includes the volatile (organic) portion that represents active biomass.

Q2: What are typical MLVSS values?
A: In activated sludge systems, MLVSS typically ranges from 1,500 to 4,000 mg/L, depending on the process and wastewater characteristics.

Q3: How often should MLVSS be measured?
A: In most treatment plants, MLVSS is measured daily or several times per week for process control.

Q4: What affects MLVSS values?
A: Factors include wastewater strength, sludge age, temperature, and aeration tank mixing conditions.

Q5: How does MLVSS relate to F/M ratio?
A: The Food-to-Microorganism ratio is calculated using MLVSS as the denominator (BOD loading divided by MLVSS).