What results from insufficient polymer dosing during sludge conditioning?

Insufficient polymer dosing during sludge conditioning leads to foamy centrate and waste of resources because polymers are used to help bind the solids in the sludge together, promoting proper agglomeration and separation. When the dosage is inadequate, the sludge particles may not be effectively flocculated, resulting in poor settling and a higher concentration of solids remaining in the supernatant (or centrate). This can cause issues such as excessive foam formation due to the unbound particles and can ultimately lead to the need for additional treatments or materials, which indicates a waste of resources. Proper polymer dosing is critical for ensuring optimal performance in the dewatering process by enhancing the removal of water and improving the quality of the centrate.