Dewatering
Changing Times for Ft. Myers, Florida
By Brian Moretz
Oct 4, 2007 - 11:44:25 AM

Bethlehem, PA -- In 1992, a new 12 mgd NF Water Treatment Plant was commissioned by the City of Ft. Myers which was then converted to a BWRO System in 2002. The original equipment operated with minimal sand problems until 2004.

In 2004, the Water Treatment Plant was now faced with a problem they had never experienced in the past. Large volumes of fine sand began to plug the membrane elements which forced frequent replacement of the cartridge filter elements. This increased the labor and replacement costs for the City of Ft. Myers.

Well maintenance was performed, as well as, installing basket strainers to capture the fine sand. However, the sand ingression continued. Wheelbarrows of sand were being discharged from the Floridian Aquifer wells causing overloaded cartridge filters and intensive maintenance. Plugged RO elements led to time consuming membrane element backflushing and eventual replacement.

In 2006, HYDAC was approached to come up with a solution to extend the life of the RO elements and reduce replacement and labor costs. As a solution, (2) HYDAC (RF3-5) Automatic Backflush Filters were installed to be the 1st line of defense against the fine sand.

As a result, HYDAC’s system provided multi-element sand strainers, preventing the sand from entering the Ft. Myers RO Water Treatment Plant. The Backflush Filters have extended the cartridge element life by several months. In addition, technical support and design of the filters, control system, and backflush management have guaranteed a successful operating installation.

Mr. Byron Weightman, Ft. Myers Water Treatment Superintendent, noted some of the basic considerations should become part of the design solution: proper element (strainer) sizing to handle maximum sand loading, as well as, the number of elements in each filter housing is critical and will impact the maintenance and downstream pressure.

When planning for discharge and recovery, backflush recovery basins must be sized to allow the sand to settle before water discharge.

HYDAC’s Innovative Filtration Solution has solved the sand ingression at Ft. Meyers. Annual cost savings realized for Ft. Myers Water is approximately $30,000.00.

For additional information contact:
Mr. Brian Moretz
HYDAC International
Telephone: 610-231-9088
Web site: http://www.hydacusa.com/



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