Sludge Judge
One of the ways of testing the floc blantet is to use the sludge judge, pictured on the right. This is basically a series of connecting tubes, which hold 3 oz. per foot, with a ball at the end. After connecting the appropriate number of tubes to meet the depth of the sedimentation tank, gently lower the sludge judge vertically into the sedimentation tank and slowly bring it up. The ball will allow the water to come in, and will plug the opening at the bottom when removing the apparatus from the tank. Then, you will be able to examine the properties of the tank.
This will give you an accurate picture of the state of your tank; however, since the Pilot Plant's sedimentation tanks are so small, you might have disrupted the sludge blanket. This is also not a viable method for the sedimentation tank with lamella, since there would be no clear place to drop it.