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Calcimator

Sludge Volume Calculator

Estimate sludge production from water treatment including turbidity removal and chemical addition. Size lagoons and estimate disposal costs.

Inputs

MGD
NTU
mg/L

Results

Daily Solids Production

1,864 lbs/day

Daily Sludge Volume

22.4K gallons/day

Sludge as % of Plant Flow0.45%
Total Solids Produced44.7 mg/L
Estimated Raw TSS30 mg/L
Coagulant-Derived Solids13.2 mg/L
Thickened Volume (3%)7,450 gpd
Dewatered Cake (20%)5.5 yd³/day
Lagoon Size (180-day)1.54 acres
Annual Disposal Cost$17,009
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter Plant Flow Rate (MGD) and Raw Water Turbidity (NTU) from source water monitoring.
  2. Input Coagulant Dose (mg/L) from your current treatment practice or jar test results.
  3. Select Coagulant Type (alum, ferric chloride, PACl) — each produces a different sludge mass per mg/L dosed.
  4. Enter Sludge Solids Content (%) — thickened sludge is typically 2-5% solids before dewatering.
  5. Review Daily Solids Production (lbs/day) and Daily Sludge Volume (K gallons/day) to size lagoons or mechanical dewatering equipment.
  6. Check Sludge as % of Plant Flow to verify recovery and disposal volumes are consistent with permit conditions.
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