Tag: Infrastructure
Introduction In the design of municipal water treatment plants and industrial wastewater facilities, the butterfly valve is often treated as a commodity item. This assumption—that “a valve is just a valve”—is a primary driver of unexpected operational expenditure (OPEX) and premature system failure. Engineers frequently encounter scenarios where a valve specified for general isolation fails […]
Introduction For municipal engineers and utility directors, the residential grinder pump represents a unique intersection of homeowner interface, hydraulic necessity, and maintenance liability. In areas where gravity sewer is cost-prohibitive due to high water tables, bedrock, or undulating terrain, Low Pressure Sewer (LPS) systems utilizing grinder pumps are often the only viable sanitary solution. However, […]
Introduction In the architecture of modern wastewater treatment, the protection of downstream assets is a foundational priority. Channel and inline grinder systems serve as the first line of active defense in headworks and sludge processing lines. Unlike passive screening technologies that remove solids, grinders modify solids—reducing rags, wood, plastics, and non-dispersibles (wipes) into smaller particulates […]
Introduction In the landscape of municipal and industrial wastewater transport, the management of solids poses the single greatest threat to continuous operation. While standard non-clog centrifugal pumps are the workhorses of the industry, they are increasingly defeated by the modern waste stream. The proliferation of non-dispersibles—specifically synthetic wipes, rags, hair, and fibrous materials—has necessitated the […]
1. INTRODUCTION The sound of a check valve slamming shut—resembling a sledgehammer striking the pipe—is more than a nuisance; it is an audible indicator of kinetic energy rapidly converting to pressure energy, potentially exceeding the structural limits of the piping system. For municipal and industrial engineers, the selection of check valves is the primary line […]
1. INTRODUCTION The “flushable” wipe epidemic and the increasing fibrous load in modern wastewater have fundamentally changed the operational risk profile for lift stations and headworks. For municipal engineers and plant directors, the cost of derragging pumps is no longer just a maintenance nuisance—it is a significant operational expenditure (OPEX) driver and a safety hazard. […]
1. Introduction Automation in the municipal water and wastewater sector serves as the central nervous system of critical infrastructure. Unlike discrete manufacturing, where systems function in controlled environments with predictable cycles, water and wastewater automation must contend with geographically dispersed assets, variable biological loading, hydraulic non-linearities, and harsh operating conditions. For consulting engineers, plant managers, […]
Introduction to Split Case Pumps in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure In the hierarchy of municipal and industrial hydraulic machinery, the split case pump stands as the predominant choice for high-flow, low-to-medium head applications. Characterized by a casing that is split parallel to the shaft axis (axially split) or perpendicular to it (radially split), this pump […]
Understanding the Cost to Comply with PFAS MCL: A Comprehensive Exploration Introduction As of July 30, 2025, the regulatory landscape surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has reached a critical juncture, notably with the establishment of Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Municipalities and industries alike are grappling with the […]
PFAS Capital Improvement Plan: Strategies for Addressing Contamination and Ensuring Safe Water Supplies Introduction Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," have emerged as significant environmental and public health concerns over the last few decades. Their persistent nature and widespread contamination of water supplies necessitate effective planning to address these challenges. […]