Tag: changes
Introduction In wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) design, the clarifier is the hydraulic control center of the process, but its efficiency is entirely dependent on the accuracy of the feedback loops controlling it. A common challenge engineers face is the disconnect between mechanical clarification systems and the instrumentation required to optimize them. While mechanical failure is […]
Plant Name: Eugene/Springfield Water Pollution Control FacilityLocation: 410 River Avenue, Eugene, OR 97404Operating Authority: Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC); Operated by City of EugeneDesign Capacity: 49 MGD (Average Dry Weather) / 277 MGD (Peak Wet Weather)Current Average Flow: ~30 MGDPopulation Served: ~250,000 residentsService Area: Eugene, Springfield, and unincorporated Lane CountyReceiving Water Body: Willamette RiverNPDES Permit […]
FACILITY BASIC INFORMATION Plant Name: Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant (CBWTP) Location: 5001 N Columbia Blvd, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon Operating Authority: City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) Design Capacity (Dry Weather): ~100 MGD Peak Wet Weather Capacity: 450 MGD Current Average Flow: ~70 MGD Population Served: ~665,000 residents Service Area: City of […]
INTRODUCTION In municipal and industrial water treatment, the “set it and forget it” mentality regarding chemical feed systems is a primary driver of operational inefficiency and compliance violations. While metering pumps and storage tanks are the muscles of the system, the instrumentation—specifically flow meters and level transmitters—acts as the nervous system. A surprising industry statistic […]
Introduction Cavitation is the silent killer of hydraulic efficiency and mechanical integrity in water and wastewater systems. For municipal and industrial engineers, the challenge is rarely just about selecting a pump; it is about selecting the instrumentation loop that can survive, detect, and mitigate the conditions that lead to cavitation. When incipient cavitation creates two-phase […]
1. Introduction In the context of municipal and industrial water and wastewater treatment, aeration blowers represent the single most critical active component in the biological treatment process. They serve as the “lungs” of the plant, delivering the necessary oxygen to microorganisms within activated sludge basins, membrane bioreactors (MBR), and aerobic digesters. From an energy standpoint, […]
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 […]
1. Introduction Water softening is a critical unit process in both municipal water treatment and industrial process water preparation. It addresses the presence of dissolved calcium, magnesium, and other polyvalent cations that constitute “hardness.” For municipal consulting engineers and utility decision-makers, the selection of water softening systems is rarely a simple procurement exercise; it is […]
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 […]