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“If a Package Stinks, It Belongs
to Me”
 Blacksburg,
VA -- The county of Los Angeles may not like this
distinction, but Virginia Tech environmental engineer John
Novak says the sludge from this area of California has the
“worst odor of any I have ever tested.” A walk inside his
laboratory, sealed-off from other testing facilities on the
Virginia Tech campus, produces instant agreement.
“This county can haul its sludge
hundreds of miles into the desert, and it still gets
complaints,” Novak smiles.
On the East Coast, a $400 million
sludge handling system, slated to be built along the Potomac
River by the Washington D.C. Water and Sewer Authority by
2010, may not be able to completely thwart the odor problems
if it uses current technology.
Novak, the Nick Prillaman
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is working
with both localities, as well as others, to identify better
processes for the destruction of organic solids and the
elimination of disease causing organisms in biosolids.
Any time a treatment plant works
with water or wastewater, sludge is generated. And twice a
week, Novak’s lab receives two shipments of the processed
solids from the sewage. Novak laughingly admits that if “a
package stinks, it belongs to me.”
“Biosolids management is one of
the most important aspects of wastewater treatment because
of economic and health and safety issues,” Novak says. “The
cost of biosolid treatment and hauling is a major
expenditure for wastewater treatment utilities. Pathogens
and odor problems may restrict the biosolid disposal options
and affect hauling costs.”
Biosolids applied to land in the
form of fertilizer can also impact ground water quality,
primarily through nitrogen contamination.
Novak’s approach to reduce the
volatility of waste and to remove nitrogen from the process
differs from some of the previously tried techniques. His
work is based in part on some successful treatments of
wastewater where a sequential anaerobic and aerobic
digestion, called a dual-digestion process, is used.
“Recent studies suggest that some
solids in sludge are degraded only during the anaerobic
digestion and some only during the aerobic digestion
treatments,” Novak explains. “Therefore, a dual digestion,
using both anaerobic and aerobic treatments would be
expected to provide a reduction in the volatile solids
beyond that achieved when using only one of the processes.”
His initial studies indicate that
his theory is correct. The dual treatment achieved up to a
65 percent volatile solids reduction, compared to 46 and 52
percent when using one of the single anaerobic digestion
processes. His studies also showed that more than 50 percent
of the nitrogen and 80 percent of the ammonia can be removed
from anaerobic effluent after digesting it aerobically.
He reported his findings at the
2006 Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference in
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Novak has also investigated the
role that two specific metals, iron and aluminum, play in
odor coming from sludge treated anaerobically. Working with
researchers from Carollo Engineers and CH2M-Hill, they used
a centrifuge simulation method developed at Virginia Tech to
anaerobically digest a blend of primary and waste activated
sludge from 12 different wastewater treatment plants.
Their findings indicated that
aluminum reduced the odor potential for sludges that were
high in iron.
The Water and Environmental
Research Foundation has supported Novak’s research on odors
from sludges since 2000, As he conducted his studies, the
35-year veteran of water, sludge, solid and hazardous waste
treatments, has learned that some new technologies are
partially responsible for an increase in odors.
“In recent years, companies
started selling sludge dewatering systems that consist of
new centrifuges that reduce the amount of water in the
process, thus reducing costs,” Novak says. However, the odor
increases. A $600,000 facility in Charlotte, N.C., with the
more recently developed centrifuge technology is an example
of a new plant hearing complaints about its foul aroma.
“The production of odors from
sludges is a complex biochemical process,” Novak says.
“Odors, primarily from organic sulphur compounds, can be
produced from anaerobically digested dewatered sludge cakes,
especially when high solids centrifuges are used for
dewatering. Even when digestion is effective, centrifugation
can generate headspace concentrations of total volatile
organic sulphur that are quite high and likely to cause odor
problems.”
If odors remain a problem, the
dewatering process may need to be changed, Novak asserts.
Source:
http://www.vt.edu
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This
newsletter is sponsored by:
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Free Software : Pump System
Improvement Modeling Tool
 PARSIPPANY,
NJ -- – Pump Systems Matter™, a non-profit education
association, has made Pump Systems Improvement Modeling Tool
(PSIM) educational software freely available for download on
its website,
www.PumpSystemsMatter.org. PSIM is focused on
helping pump system engineers and industry professionals
understand how modeling tools can reduce cost and conserve
energy.
The PSIM tool operates by
allowing users to build models of pumping systems. The
software then uses input from various fields to simulate a
wide range of system behavior. By using state-of-the-art
solution algorithms and a drag and drop interface, users can
calculate pressure drop and flow distribution in
straight-path and simple branching or looped pumping
systems, as well as pump energy usage and energy cost over
time through Net Present Value concepts.
PSIM also models pump vs. system
curves, pump efficiency and best efficiency point (BEP),
NPSH calculations, impeller trimming, and automatic pump
curve viscosity corrections. In short, the PSIM tool
provides valuable training to pump system engineers by
simulating nearly every aspect of the total pump system.
PSIM is the first tool designed
to help Pump Systems Matter™ accomplish its stated goals of
providing end-users, engineering consultants and pump
suppliers with tools and collaborative opportunities to
integrate pump system performance optimization and efficient
energy management practices into normal business operations.
A series of web-based PSIM
training programs are anticipated by the second quarter of
2007. Downloading the software ensures PSIM users will
be invited to future training sessions.
Pump Systems Matter™ is an
educational initiative created to assist North American pump
users gain a more competitive business advantage through
strategic, broad-based energy management and pump system
performance optimization. PSM strives to provide
end-users, engineering consultants, and pump suppliers with
tools and collaborative opportunities to integrate pump
system performance optimization and efficient energy
management practices into normal business operations.
For more information and free download, visit
www.PumpSystemsMatter.org.
About
the
Hydraulic Institute
The 89-year old Hydraulic
Institute, the largest association of pump producers in
North America, led in the initial development of the Pump
Systems Matter™ initiative. HI also maintains two other pump
industry-related websites:
www.Pumps.org and
www.PumpLearning.org. |
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Dewatering Pumps for Extreme
Environments
 Trumbull,
CT -- ITT Flygt’s corrosion-resistant pumps in the new 2700
range are designed to be extremely wear resistant, robust
and easy to handle and maintain. The pump range consists of
three drainage pumps and three solids handling pumps, all
available for 50 or 60 Hz.
Typical applications are acid mine drainage, wash water
sumps in pickling bath processes in the steel industry,
pH-neutralization of the wet scrubber process in the steel
and power industries, and utility drainage on landfill
sites.
“Ordinary submersible pumps are designed to be used in the
pH range 5-8. Our new stainless steel pumps have been
developed and successfully tested for pumping liquids,
sludge and suspensions in extremely tough and demanding
environments. The new 2700 pump range offers flexible and
cost-effective dewatering solutions where, for example, cast
iron or aluminum pumps could lead to limited life time
because of corrosion, chemical attacks or low abrasion
resistance,” says Michael Hjelm, Project manager 2700 launch
at ITT Flygt in Stockholm, Sweden.
Robust
design
The
robust and uniform pump design incorporates a maximum of
standardized components, which facilitates and lowers cost
for maintenance. For example, the pumps in the 2700 range
have double mechanical shaft seals, where the same shaft
seal fits alls pumps in the range. The pump’s outer housing
is impact-resistant, making the pumps suitable for operation
in tough environments.
A slim
pump profile enables easier installation in confined spaces
and into pipes. A ring-shaped handle gives good
maneuverability during installation, and serves as a stand
when the pump is inverted for service. Furthermore, the
drainage pumps can easily be converted from high head
version to normal head version.
The
first product to be introduced is the largest drainage pump
2750, the other models in the 2700 series will be available
successively.
Source:
http://www.flygtus.com/
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Orival
Adds Four New Self-cleaning Filters
 Englewood,
NJ -- One new 4 inch, two new 6 inch automatic self-cleaning
filters and a new 8 inch unit bring the series to eight models
designed specifically to conserve rinse water. The vertical
design of the ORG Series minimizes the footprint while
maximizing screen area to provide efficient solids removal with
fewer cleaning cycles.
The ORG Series of automatic
self-cleaning filters now comes in sizes from 1Ѕ” to 8”. They
are built with a 1Ѕ” rinse valve, requiring as little as two
gallons while still handling flow rates up to 1320 gpm for a
single unit. Available interchangeable screens range from 5 to
3000 microns.
Applications for the ORG Filters
include removing organic and inorganic solids from cooling water
(cooling towers, chillers, HVAC, heat exchangers, etc.), process
water, reclaimed water, intake water, wash water, wastewater,
effluent, aquaculture, irrigation, descaling, quenching and POE
to name a few.
Ask one of our expert engineers about
what the ORG can do for your water filtration needs!
For more information contact:
Orival Inc.
213 S. Van Brunt St.
Englewood, NJ 07631
Phone: 800-567-9767 or 201-568-3311
Web site:
http://www.orival.com/
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| Help Forum :
Hot Messages from the Help Forum
People post their requests
for help and offer their suggestions to others in our open
forum.
Mr. Aggarwal wants to reduce pH in BIMA digestor:
I am involved in the
operation of 1MW biogas facility based on animal waste. We
are getting significant decrease in pH inside our BIMA
Digestor for last one week. The current pH is 6.4 while it
should be above 7.0 for optimum operation.
We are experiencing slight
decrease in terms of gas generation during this period.
There are 6-8 mixing cycles per day. Kindly help me in
suggesting ways to bring the pH in the neutral range. We
don't want to add any chemicals to increase the pH.
(Click
here to post a reply)
Regards.
Sunil Aggarwal
Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd.
sunil_agg8@yahoo.co.in
Mr. Rizwan needs help with tree bark research:
In one of my research, I am
using bark from pinus tree as adsorbent for heavy metals
removal, as far as adsorption capacity is concern it give
promising results but at the same time it leaches organic
matter and color in the solution.
For the color removal many
researchers till date worked and its very successful
especially if treated with formaldehyde in an acidic media.
But, at the same time COD cannot be removed. At a contact
time of 24 hrs, bark leached 500 mg/l of COD at adsorbent
dose of 5000 mg/l.
I would appreciate if any of
you who can help.
(Click
here to post a reply)
Thank you,
Muhammad Rizwan
Universiti Teknologi Petronas
rizulhaq@gmail.com
Help Forum:
Share your
expertise with others in our
Help
Forum. |
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| From the Job
Fair: Senior Water
Engineer - Auckland, NZ
An exciting opportunity has
arisen for a Senior Water Engineer with 8 plus years
experience in the design of water treatment plants and
associated works. This position requires a relevant
Bachelor or Masters Degree in Civil, or Environmental
Engineering together with a passion for the water industry
and a desire to mentor other team members.
We are particularly
interested in engineers experienced in:
* Water treatment
* Chemical selection, handling and dosing
* Hydraulics
* Intake designs
* Water treatment plant asset management
In this role, you will work
in, sometimes lead, multidisciplinary project teams and
demonstrate strong technical skills together with a
willingness to take on responsibility and develop others.
If this position sounds like
the challenge you are looking for, then we would like to
hear from you.
Applications to:
Ms. Elvira Nazareth
Environmental Division
Opus International Consultants
PO Box 12003
Wellington
New Zealand
Tel: +6444717239
Fax: +6444993699
Email:
Elvira.Nazareth@opus.co.nz
Web site:
http://www.opus.co.nz/
Applications close on 15
December 2007
The Job Fair:
A free
service of Water and Wastewater.com. You can post job
opening for managers, engineers, sales, reps or other
talented people you need. ...Or one can post their resume
for companies who are looking to add talented people to
their staff.
Do you have a position
you need to fill? Visit the Job
Fair. |
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| About Us :
Water and Wastewater Newsletter
© 1999-2006 Water and Wastewater.com
Home page: http://www.waterandwastewater.com
Joseph Taylor, Editor
Water and Wastewater Newsletter
3948 South Third Street, No. 121
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone: 904-280-4656
Fax: 904-273-1399
Email: jtaylor@waterandwastewater.com
Water and Wastewater
Newsletter is a 100% opt-in e-mail list of information for
the water and wastewater treatment professional. Do
you have company news, a new product, new service or other
information you would like to share with our subscribers?
Please submit articles via e-mail, only to: news@waterandwastewater.com |
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::
“If a Package Stinks, It Belongs
to Me”
::
Free Software : Pump System
Improvement Modeling Tool
::
Dewatering Pumps for Extreme
Environments
::
Orival Adds Four New
Self-cleaning
Filters
:: The News Center : More headlines
:: The Water and Wastewater Blog
:: Help Forum
::
Water and Wastewater Plant
Directory : Featured Plant
:: The Job Fair
:: Top Picks at Amazon.com
:: Ask Tom! Column!
:: 174,000+ visitors in November !
:: Call For Photographs!
:: Subscribe, Unsubscribe
:: Archive Information
:: About Us
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| Hi Everyone,
Running down to the end of the
year now. What do you have to finished between now and
Christmas? Let us know how we can help you find what
you need, read on!
With over 10,000+ subscribers,
our goal is to provide information
to improve your business by using the resources available on the
Internet.
Thanks,
Joe Taylor, Editor
jtaylor@waterandwastewater.com
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| This
months Ask Tom! article |
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Concentrating RO Reject Streams with VSEP
Guest article by Dr. Brad Culkin, New Logic Research,
Inc.
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 We
Need Your
Guest Articles!
Do you have an area of expertise in water and wastewater
treatment, have you solved a difficult problem? Share your
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Keenan.
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Featured
Case History |
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Aeration System Demonstrates High Oxygen Transfer
The ratio of oxygen
transfer in process water compared to the oxygen
transfer in clean water, also known as the Alpha
factor, is a critical consideration when designing
an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant
(WWTP). Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) can
cause lower Alpha factors for some aeration
processes....(more) |
More case histories...
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| Call For
Photographs
This weeks photo
is an Aquastore elevated water storage tank in Malaysia.
Aquastore tanks can be designed to meet AWWA-D103 standards
and glass coating is ANSI/NSF 61 certified for potable water
storage.
Photo courtesy
Tom Renich of
Aquastore
Send us
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inclusion on our home page, free of charge. Send your
photograph and description to: news@waterandwastewater.com
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| Dr. Michael
Richard, Microbiologist
 Michael
is a wastewater treatment microbiologist and he provides
microbiological analysis and filament identification for
bulking, foaming and other treatment problems for activated
sludge systems, lagoons and filters. He is the co-author of
the definitive manual on activated sludge microbiology and
has received numerous awards.
Click here
to visit his web site.
Michael has become a member
of the
Help Forum this Fall.
Click here to read his profile. |
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Water and Wastewater Newsletter was sent to 10,626 water and wastewater treatment professionals at the time of this
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