Tag: process

Introduction In the complex infrastructure of municipal water and wastewater treatment, the actuation of valves is the muscle behind process control. While electric actuation has gained ground due to advances in network connectivity, pneumatic valve actuators remain a cornerstone of industry reliability, particularly in applications requiring rapid response, high duty cycles, and fail-safe operation. For […]

1. INTRODUCTION In municipal and industrial water and wastewater treatment facilities, the containment of process basins, channels, and reservoirs is a critical engineering discipline. While historically treated as secondary accessories, cover systems and associated walkways have evolved into essential components for odor control, process stability, safety compliance, and algae mitigation. The shift from heavy concrete […]

Introduction In municipal water and wastewater treatment, valve selection is rarely the most glamorous part of the design process, yet it accounts for a disproportionate amount of maintenance hours and operational frustration. A surprising industry statistic suggests that while valves represent approximately 5% of a plant’s capital cost, they can account for up to 60% […]

1. Introduction In municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, the management of odors is not merely an aesthetic concern; it is a critical operational parameter that impacts regulatory compliance, community relations, facility safety, and infrastructure longevity. Odor Control Systems (OCS) represent the primary defense against the release of nuisance compounds—principally hydrogen sulfide (H2S), mercaptans, ammonia, and […]

Introduction One of the most persistent challenges in municipal water and wastewater design is the “interface gap”—the point where mechanical flow control meets electrical automation. When a critical isolation valve fails to close during a storm event, or a modulating control valve oscillates wildly, creating damaging water hammer, the root cause often lies in a […]

Introduction In the high-stakes environment of municipal water transmission and large-scale wastewater pumping, the cone valve remains the premier choice for pump control and isolation service. Engineers frequently encounter a complex intersection of mechanical hydraulics and automation controls when specifying these massive assets. A critical point of confusion—and decision—often arises around the interface between the […]

Introduction Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection has transitioned from an “alternative” technology to the industry standard for pathogen inactivation in municipal water and wastewater treatment. However, a critical disconnect remains in the engineering community: the assumption that UV systems are static, “plug-and-play” appliances. In reality, an improperly specified UV system can become the plant’s largest energy consumer […]

Introduction In high-head hydraulic applications and critical pump control scenarios, the margin for error is effectively zero. A single cavitation event or a failure to dissipate energy correctly can lead to catastrophic structural damage, ruptured penstocks, or destroyed downstream assets. Engineers are often faced with a distinct choice between legacy robustness and modern control versatility. […]

Introduction In municipal and industrial pumping systems, the selection of check valve technology is the primary defense against destructive hydraulic transients (water hammer) and reverse flow damage. Engineers are frequently faced with a divergent choice when specifying pump discharge control: specifying an active, electrically or pneumatically actuated solution (often synonymous with Rotork actuation on a […]

INTRODUCTION The selection of check valves in municipal water and wastewater treatment plants is often treated as an afterthought compared to the rigor applied to pump selection. However, the check valve is the primary defense against water hammer, reverse flow damage to rotating assemblies, and severe piping fatigue. When engineers evaluate Crane vs Henry Pratt […]