Category: Blog

Introduction The anaerobic digester gallery is arguably the most complex and hazardous environment within a Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). Engineers are tasked with balancing two volatile forces: the biological/hydraulic requirement to keep sludge moving and heated, and the thermodynamic requirement to safely contain and manage explosive methane gas. A single specification error in either […]

Modern Water Softening Technology for Municipal Applications In an age where water quality is more crucial than ever, municipalities are turning to modern water softening technology to tackle the challenges posed by hard water. This blog post will explore various innovative solutions, from traditional ion exchange systems to cutting-edge salt-free alternatives, that are transforming the […]

Introduction The safety and structural integrity of anaerobic digesters rely entirely on the precise management of internal pressures. For decades, the specification of gas safety equipment has largely been a binary choice in the North American market. Engineers evaluating Varec Biogas (Ovivo) vs Shand & Jurs for Digestion applications are navigating a landscape defined by […]

Introduction to Ozone System Engineering Ozone generation is one of the most chemically potent yet operationally complex technologies in the water treatment arsenal. Unlike UV or chlorination, ozone is generated on-site, requiring a sophisticated integration of power supply, gas preparation, cooling thermodynamics, and mass transfer mechanics. For municipal and industrial engineers, the challenge is rarely […]

Introduction One of the most persistent operational headaches in municipal wastewater treatment is the gradual failure of anaerobic digester efficiency due to inadequate mixing and poor gas handling. Engineers often find themselves managing digesters that have lost 30-40% of their active volume to grit accumulation and scum blankets, necessitating dangerous, expensive cleanouts that can cost […]

Introduction One of the most frequent points of failure in decentralized wastewater treatment is the misalignment between the chosen technology and the operational reality of the municipality. Engineers often design for steady-state compliance, overlooking the fact that small-to-mid-sized plants—ranging from 0.05 to 2.0 MGD—often face the most volatile hydraulic loading and the leanest staffing levels. […]

INTRODUCTION One of the most persistent debates in the small-to-medium wastewater treatment sector centers on the selection of sequencing batch reactor (SBR) technologies versus continuous flow loop variations. Specifically, when engineers evaluate Aqua-Aerobic vs Aero-Mod for Packaged Treatment Plants: Pros/Cons & Best-Fit Applications, they are essentially choosing between two distinct philosophies of hydraulic management and […]

Introduction In municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, volume reduction is the single most effective method for controlling downstream costs. By thickening Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) from a typical 0.5–1.0% solids concentration to 5–7%, facilities can reduce the hydraulic volume sent to digesters or holding tanks by up to 85%. However, selecting the right equipment to […]

1) INTRODUCTION In the design of municipal water and wastewater infrastructure, the management of fluid dynamics and headspace containment represents a critical intersection of hydraulics, structural engineering, and environmental control. One of the most frequent trade-off analyses engineers face—particularly in surge control and storage applications—involves choosing between active pressurized containment and passive atmospheric covering. This […]

Introduction In the design of municipal water and wastewater treatment systems, the distinction between static storage and dynamic hydraulic control is often the line between long-term reliability and catastrophic failure. Engineers frequently encounter scenarios where fluid containment overlaps with pressure management, leading to critical decisions regarding vessel specification. A common point of confusion arises when […]