Tag: challenge
Understanding PFAS Chemicals: The Hidden Threat to Clean Water Chemical Properties and Classification of PFAS When it comes to PFAS chemicals, the term forever chemicals isn't just a catchy nickname; it's a stark reality. These substances can linger in the environment for decades, making them a persistent challenge for water treatment facilities. In fact, studies […]
Introduction In the landscape of municipal and industrial water and wastewater infrastructure, the butterfly valve represents one of the most ubiquitous and critical components for flow control and isolation. Characterized by a quarter-turn rotary motion and a relatively compact footprint, butterfly valves are utilized across a vast spectrum of applications—from raw water intake and high-pressure […]
1. Introduction: The Role of Progressive Cavity Pumps in Water & Wastewater In the complex hydraulic architecture of municipal and industrial water treatment facilities, the Progressive Cavity (PC) pump—often referred to as a helical rotor pump or eccentric screw pump—occupies a critical operational niche. Unlike centrifugal pumps, which rely on kinetic energy to move fluid […]
1. Introduction In the municipal water and wastewater sector, the “nervous system” of any treatment facility or distribution network is its automation system. While Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and HMI software provide the raw computing power and visualization, the successful implementation of these technologies relies heavily on the Systems Integrator (SI) or the Automation System […]
Introduction In the hierarchy of treatment plant equipment, flow control gates are often treated as static commodities rather than dynamic machinery. This is a critical error. While a pump failure may stop flow, a gate failure can result in catastrophic flooding, bypass events, regulatory fines, and process upsets that compromise the entire plant. A surprising […]
Introduction For municipal and industrial engineers, few operational challenges are as persistent and costly as the fouling of pumping equipment. The modern wastewater stream has evolved significantly over the last two decades, with the proliferation of non-dispersible synthetics (wipes) and an increase in solids loading. Consequently, “ragging” has shifted from an occasional nuisance to a […]
Introduction For municipal and industrial engineers, the centrifugal pump is the heartbeat of water conveyance and treatment infrastructure. However, a staggering number of pump installations fail to meet their expected lifecycle due to specification errors rather than manufacturing defects. Industry statistics suggest that over 60% of pump failures are attributed to operating outside the Preferred […]
Introduction One of the most persistent inefficiencies in modern wastewater treatment plants is the misapplication of mixing energy. While aeration systems typically consume the lion’s share of plant power, submersible mixers often operate continuously in anoxic zones, sludge holding tanks, and equalization basins, accumulating massive lifecycle costs. A surprising industry statistic suggests that up to […]
Introduction For municipal and industrial treatment plant engineers, solids handling frequently represents the single largest operational cost center, often accounting for 40% to 50% of total plant O&M budgets. While liquid stream processes often garner the most design attention, the failure to properly specify dewatering equipment creates a bottleneck that can jeopardize regulatory compliance […]
Introduction For municipal engineers and utility directors, the proliferation of “flushable” wipes and increasing solids loading in wastewater streams has transformed the specification of pump stations. The days of standard solids-handling pumps working universally are over; difficult terrain and high-head requirements often necessitate Low Pressure Sewer (LPS) systems driven by robust grinder pumps. However, selecting […]