Tag: water treatment
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% […]
Introduction In the hydraulic architecture of municipal and industrial water systems, strainers function as the primary defensive barrier for critical downstream assets. While often overshadowed by dynamic components such as pumps and control valves, the strainer is the sentinel that prevents catastrophic failure caused by entrained solids, scale, biofilm, and debris. For consulting engineers, plant […]
Introduction In the municipal and industrial water treatment sector, the “control valve” specification section is often where operational efficiency is either secured or compromised for decades. Engineers frequently encounter a critical decision point when reviewing valve submittals or writing proprietary specifications: the choice between two industry heavyweights. This article provides a technical deep-dive into Bray […]
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 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 […]
1. Introduction In the hydraulic architecture of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, telescoping valves—frequently referred to as slip pipes, decant valves, or sludge draw-off valves—serve a critical, albeit mechanically straightforward, function. Unlike pressurized isolation valves used in distribution networks, telescoping valves operate primarily in open-channel or gravity-flow environments within clarifiers, sludge thickeners, settling tanks, […]
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. […]
Aqua Aerobic Systems: Innovative Solutions for Wastewater Treatment Mechanisms of Aqua Aerobic Systems Aqua aerobic systems are best suited for municipalities and industries that require efficient and effective wastewater treatment solutions with a focus on biological processes. These systems leverage aerobic digestion to break down organic matter, making them particularly advantageous in settings where space […]
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 […]
Introduction to Tanks and Covers in Water and Wastewater Systems Liquid containment and headspace management are foundational elements of municipal and industrial water and wastewater infrastructure. Tanks and covers serve not merely as passive storage vessels but as critical process components that define the hydraulic profile, chemical safety, biological stability, and environmental compliance of a […]