Florida Wastewater Practice Test

How can you best verify the condition of a suspected sour anaerobic digester?

1. Conduct a visual inspection

2. Read the manufacturer's manual

3. Test the pH level

4. Monitor the gas production rate

The correct answer is: Read the manufacturer's manual

Verifying the condition of a suspected sour anaerobic digester requires understanding the biological and chemical processes that take place during digestion. The manufacturer's manual is an essential resource for operators as it provides specific guidance on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures pertinent to that particular digester model. It outlines the ideal operating conditions and the key indicators of healthy digestion, including suggestions for diagnostics that could relate to a sour condition. Accessing the manual allows an operator to ensure adherence to recommended practices, as well as to interpret what various indicators might suggest about the digester's performance. This includes information on target pH levels, temperature ranges, and expected gas production rates, which are vital to diagnosing issues effectively. While testing pH levels and monitoring gas production rate are critical actions for assessing digester health, consulting the manufacturer's manual gives context to the results of these tests and helps inform any corrective actions that may need to be taken. Visual inspection is also important but may not provide comprehensive insight into the digester's operational state without supporting data derived from the manual’s guidelines.