Introduction One of the most expensive misunderstandings in wastewater treatment and industrial fluid handling is the assumption that all pumps behave hydraulically like centrifugal pumps. This misconception is particularly dangerous when applied to positive displacement (PD) technology. While a centrifugal pump simply stops flowing when discharge pressure equals its shutoff head, a progressive cavity (PC) […]
Anoxic Zones in Wastewater Treatment: Nitrogen Removal Explained Article Overview Article Type: Informational Primary Goal: Explain how anoxic zone treatment removes nitrogen in municipal and industrial wastewater, covering microbial mechanisms, common process configurations, design and operational parameters, monitoring and control strategies, retrofit options, technology vendors, and real world examples so engineers and operators can design, […]
Introduction In the realm of municipal wastewater treatment, the handling of thickened sludge, scum, and septage presents a persistent challenge: the increasing prevalence of non-dispersible solids. While engineers frequently turn to positive displacement technologies for these viscous fluids, Double Disc Pump Clogging and Ragging: How to Reduce Blockages remains a critical operational concern. Despite being […]
Ion Exchange Water Softening: How to Remove Hard Water Minerals Article Overview Article Type: How-To Guide Primary Goal: Give municipal and industrial wastewater professionals a detailed, engineer-grade guide to design, specify, operate, and troubleshoot ion exchange water softening systems that remove calcium and magnesium, including resin selection, regeneration chemistry, brine management, monitoring and a worked […]
Introduction For municipal and industrial plant engineers, odor control is rarely the most expensive process on site, but it is frequently the most politically volatile. A single failure in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) capture can result in public complaints, regulatory fines, and rapid corrosion of critical electrical assets. A surprising statistic in municipal wastewater management is […]
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 Grit accumulation remains one of the most pervasive and costly “silent failures” in municipal wastewater treatment. While headworks screens provide visible capture, grit often bypasses preliminary treatment, settling in aeration basins, reducing digester capacity by up to 30%, and causing premature abrasion failure in downstream pumps. For consulting engineers and plant directors, the selection […]
PFAS chemicals have become a major concern for wastewater treatment facilities across the country. These synthetic compounds, known as “forever chemicals,” enter wastewater systems through industrial discharges, commercial operations, and everyday household products. Wastewater treatment plants receive PFAS from multiple sources including manufacturing facilities, car washes, industrial launderers, and residential use of products like stain-resistant […]
Sand Filtration Systems: The Ultimate Guide for Treatment Plants Introduction Welcome to the deep dive into the world of sand filtration systems! If you’ve ever sipped clean water from your home faucet or taken a refreshing swim in a pool, you might have unknowingly benefited from these unsung heroes of water purification. Sand filters are […]
Complete Guide to Modern Wastewater Treatment Methods Introduction Welcome to the fascinating world of treatment of wastewater, where science meets sustainability and innovation dances with necessity! If you’ve ever wondered what happens to the water that swirls down your drain after a particularly epic bubble bath or that last-minute spaghetti dinner, you’re in for a […]