1. Introduction The oxidation ditch is a modified activated sludge biological treatment process that utilizes long solids retention times (SRTs) to remove biodegradable organics. Oxidation ditches are typically complete mix systems, but they can be modified to approach plug flow conditions. Ideally suited for small- to medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment plants, these systems are renowned […]
Introduction In the complex ecosystem of municipal and industrial treatment facilities, the “Big Three”—pumps, pipes, and valves—often dominate the initial design conversation. However, the operational success of a plant frequently hinges on the specialized auxiliary equipment that supports the primary treatment train. When engineers search for the Top 10 Other – Other Manufacturers for Water […]
FACILITY BASIC INFORMATION Plant Name: Little Ferry Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF)Location: Little Ferry, Bergen County, New JerseyOperating Authority: Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA)Design Capacity: 109 MGD (Million Gallons per Day)Current Average Flow: ~75-80 MGDPopulation Served: ~570,000 residentsService Area: 47 Municipalities in Bergen CountyReceiving Water Body: Hackensack RiverNPDES Permit Number: NJ0024015Year Commissioned: 1951 (Major expansions […]
Introduction In the municipal and industrial water sector, data integrity is the bedrock of process control. Yet, a surprisingly high percentage of plant alarms—estimated by some automation audits to be over 40%—are nuisance alarms caused not by process failures, but by instrumentation drift, fouling, or improper specification. For the design engineer or plant superintendent, the […]
Introduction The movement of dewatered biosolids, screenings, and grit is often the final bottleneck in modern treatment facilities. While headworks and biological processes receive significant engineering attention, the conveyance of “cake” solids remains a frequent source of operational headaches, from housekeeping nightmares to complete mechanical failures. Engineers tasked with facility upgrades often face a critical […]
1. Introduction to Thickening Equipment in Water and Wastewater Treatment In the hierarchy of unit processes within municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, sludge thickening represents a critical intermediate step between liquid treatment and solids handling. While often overshadowed by the biological treatment processes upstream or the final dewatering and disposal downstream, thickening is the […]
Selecting the Right Wastewater Management System for Your Municipality Assessing Current and Future Wastewater Needs Municipalities must accurately assess both current and future wastewater needs to select an effective wastewater management system. This assessment is best for municipalities experiencing rapid growth or those with fluctuating industrial activities. Evaluating Population Growth Projections Population growth projections are […]
INTRODUCTION Grit removal efficiency is often the silent variable that dictates the lifespan of downstream biosolids equipment, clarifier drives, and digesters. While the civil design of grit chambers (vortex vs. detritor vs. aerated) garners significant attention during the design phase, the mechanism for extracting that captured grit—the grit pump—is the common failure point. Engineers often […]
1. Introduction In the complex hierarchy of municipal and industrial water and wastewater infrastructure, piping accessories—couplings, expansion joints, repair clamps, tapping sleeves, and restraint mechanisms—often receive less scrutiny than high-capital assets like pumps or membrane bioreactors. However, these components constitute the critical connective tissue of the entire conveyance system. They are the primary defense against […]
1. Introduction In municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, the management of residual solids—commonly referred to as sludge handling—represents one of the most complex and cost-intensive portions of the plant lifecycle. While the liquid treatment train often garners the primary focus regarding effluent compliance, the solids handling train dictates operational efficiency, disposal costs, and often the […]