Introduction Liquid storage and containment are fundamental to the integrity of any treatment plant or distribution network, yet they are often treated as static commodities rather than dynamic process vessels. For municipal consulting engineers and utility directors, the failure of a storage tank represents more than just a leak; it signifies a catastrophic breach of […]
Introduction For municipal and industrial treatment plant engineers, solids handling frequently represents the most volatile component of operational expenditure (OPEX). While the liquid train often receives the bulk of design attention, the “tail of the plant”—sludge thickening, dewatering, and disposal—accounts for approximately 40% to 50% of total treatment costs. When evaluating the Top 10 Sludge […]
Introduction For municipal and industrial wastewater engineers, the decision to implement Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) or Integrated Fixed-Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) technologies usually stems from a singular, pressing constraint: the need to increase biological treatment capacity within a fixed, often land-locked footprint. While the concept of biofilm carriers is well-established, the “commodity” perception of […]
Introduction One of the most persistent challenges in municipal and industrial water engineering is not the pipe itself, but the integrity of the connections, adaptations, and restraints. Industry statistics suggest that over 60% of pipeline failures occur at joints or fittings rather than along the pipe barrel. For consulting engineers and plant directors, overlooking the […]
INTRODUCTION One of the most persistent debates in municipal water treatment and tertiary wastewater polishing centers on the choice between proprietary membrane technologies and versatile packaged filtration systems. Engineers are frequently caught between the absolute barrier protection of ultrafiltration (UF) and the robust, forgiving nature of adsorption clarifiers or conventional multimedia filtration. This decision affects […]
Introduction One of the most frequent debates in municipal advanced treatment design centers on the selection of tertiary filtration technology. Engineers are often tasked with balancing the stringent pathogen rejection of low-pressure membranes against the energy efficiency and simplicity of depth filtration. This dichotomy is best represented by analyzing DuPont – Memcor vs Aqua-Aerobic for […]
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 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 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 […]
Technical Note for Engineers: This article provides a specification-level overview of Solids Dewatering Equipment for municipal and industrial applications. It focuses on engineering selection criteria, operational realities, and an impartial analysis of specific Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). 1. Introduction Solids dewatering represents one of the most critical unit operations in the water and wastewater treatment […]