Tag: treatment

1. Introduction Biogas systems serve as the critical interface between anaerobic digestion processes and energy recovery or disposal mechanisms in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities. While historically viewed merely as a waste byproduct requiring safe disposal, biogas—comprising primarily methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2)—is now universally recognized as a valuable renewable energy resource. The […]

Introduction to Pressure Relief in Hydraulic Systems In municipal and industrial fluid handling, the difference between a reliable system and a catastrophic failure often rests on a single component: the pressure relief valve. Engineers frequently design pumping stations and transmission mains focusing heavily on pump curves and pipe schedules, yet they often treat surge protection […]

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 In municipal and industrial water and wastewater systems, the check valve serves a critical, albeit often understated, function: the prevention of reverse flow. While the fundamental concept—allowing flow in one direction while blocking it in the other—appears simple, the engineering reality is complex. Check valves are the primary defense against pump reversal, which can […]

1. Introduction Rotary lobe pumps represent a critical category of positive displacement (PD) equipment within the water and wastewater infrastructure. Unlike centrifugal pumps, which rely on kinetic energy to move fluid, rotary lobe pumps utilize the mechanical action of counter-rotating elements to trap and displace discrete volumes of fluid. This fundamental difference in operating principle […]

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 […]

Introduction In the complex ecosystem of wastewater treatment, the movement of sludge and slurries represents one of the highest operational expenditures and maintenance burdens for utilities. Engineers are frequently tasked with selecting the optimal prime mover for these difficult fluids, often leading to a specific evaluation of Seepex vs Ebara Double Disc Pump Equipment: Comparison […]

1. Introduction In the hierarchy of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment processes, digestion systems occupy a critical role at the intersection of solids handling, pathogen reduction, and energy recovery. As facilities transition from traditional treatment plants to Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs), the anaerobic or aerobic digester transforms from a simple sludge stabilization tank into […]