Tag: strategies
Introduction The escalation of non-dispersible solids in municipal wastewater streams—colloquially known as the “flushable wipes” crisis—has fundamentally altered how consulting engineers and utility directors approach pump station design. A decade ago, 3-inch solids handling capacity was sufficient for most municipal lift stations. Today, the tensile strength of modern synthetic fibers creates roping and matting that […]
Introduction One of the most persistent vulnerabilities in municipal wastewater infrastructure is the susceptibility of dry well lift stations to flooding. Traditional configurations utilizing standard TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) motors coupled to pumps via long drive shafts offer excellent maintenance access but catastrophic failure modes during flood events. When a dry well floods due […]
INTRODUCTION The handling of thickened sludge, grit, and high-solids wastewater represents one of the highest Operational Expenditure (OPEX) categories in modern treatment facilities. Engineers are frequently tasked with selecting positive displacement technology that balances hydraulic efficiency with solids handling capability. A single misapplication in this part of the process—such as specifying a pump with inadequate […]
Introduction In municipal and industrial fluid handling, the “miscellaneous” valve category often contains the most critical components for system stability and surge protection. While gate and butterfly valves handle standard isolation duties, specialized equipment—such as air release valves (ARV), check valves, pilot-operated control valves, and pinch valves—dictates the hydraulic integrity of the network. Engineers frequently […]
Understanding PFAS Chemicals: The Hidden Threat to Clean Water Chemical Properties and Classification of PFAS When it comes to PFAS chemicals, the term forever chemicals isn't just a catchy nickname; it's a stark reality. These substances can linger in the environment for decades, making them a persistent challenge for water treatment facilities. In fact, studies […]
Introduction In the landscape of municipal and industrial water and wastewater infrastructure, the butterfly valve represents one of the most ubiquitous and critical components for flow control and isolation. Characterized by a quarter-turn rotary motion and a relatively compact footprint, butterfly valves are utilized across a vast spectrum of applications—from raw water intake and high-pressure […]
1. Introduction In the municipal water and wastewater sector, the “nervous system” of any treatment facility or distribution network is its automation system. While Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and HMI software provide the raw computing power and visualization, the successful implementation of these technologies relies heavily on the Systems Integrator (SI) or the Automation System […]
Introduction For municipal and industrial engineers, few operational challenges are as persistent and costly as the fouling of pumping equipment. The modern wastewater stream has evolved significantly over the last two decades, with the proliferation of non-dispersible synthetics (wipes) and an increase in solids loading. Consequently, “ragging” has shifted from an occasional nuisance to a […]
Introduction For municipal and industrial engineers, the centrifugal pump is the heartbeat of water conveyance and treatment infrastructure. However, a staggering number of pump installations fail to meet their expected lifecycle due to specification errors rather than manufacturing defects. Industry statistics suggest that over 60% of pump failures are attributed to operating outside the Preferred […]
Introduction The escalation of non-dispersible solids in municipal wastewater—specifically the “ragging” phenomenon caused by synthetic wipes—has transformed solids reduction from a luxury to a necessity. For consulting engineers and plant operators, the failure to adequately protect downstream pumps and dewatering equipment results in catastrophic downtime. Industry data suggests that unscheduled maintenance due to ragging […]