The real work of treatment gets done in the aeration basins and clarifiers, but there’s no discounting the importance of the laboratory. Here’s a look at an assortment of tools and technologies that help treatment plant teams keep a handle on their processes and keep their effluent in compliance with NPDES permit requirements.
One-hand Meter
The portable Ultrameter II from Myron L Co. simplifies and streamlines testing in the lab or in the field. Technicians merely fill the cell cup, push a parameter key, and take the reading. The unit monitors conductivity, TDS, resistivity, ORP (REDOX), pH and temperature in wastewater.
The memory, storing 100 date/time-stamped readings, downloads to computers using a uDock accessory package for data entry, analysis and reporting. Four-electrode conductivity cell technology, pH/ORP sensor, and microprocessor-based circuitry deliver performance of ±1 percent of reading. 760/438-2021; www.myronl.com.
Oxygen Demand Monitor
The PLC-controlled Oxygen Demand Monitor (ODM-100) from Challenge Technology operates in continuous or sequential batch mode for optimum oxygen demand information. The continuous mode is for toxicity detection and trend monitoring, and the sequential batch mode is for OUR finger-print analysis. The rail-mounted unit installs easily or moves from location to location.
The monitor has a 1/2-hp submersible sewage pump and a peristaltic feed pump for directly determining the effect of trucked in waste on mixed liquor. Information feeds to SCADA systems via 4-20ma output. Simple touch-screen control allows operators to customize test parameters. 479/927-1008; www.challengesys.com.
Information System
The Sample Master Pro Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) from Accelerated Technology Laboratories Inc. helps users manage data, resources and complex infrastructure challenges.
The feature-rich modules enable laboratory managers to address each area from sample login, tracking, data entry and QA/QC to Web reporting with Result Point, an Internet and Intranet portal to real-time LIMS data, status and permit information. Users also can access Web reports and download files in common formats. The application integrates with the NPDES discharge monitoring reporting software and numerous pretreatment software packages. 800/565-5467; www.atlab.com.
Hybrid Testing
PACS Testing, Consulting and Training tests sorbents with ASTM and GRPD to help wastewater plants determine which one is best for their applications. This hybrid approach maximizes unit performance and testing by helping operators select the best activated carbon for applications such as adsorption of pesticides, endocrine disruptors, industrial chemicals, oil and grease, and chemical reduction of effluent chlorine to acceptable regulatory levels. GRPD testing differentiates total pore volume, and ASTM testing provides only the total pore volume. Combining the two distinct technologies achieves maximum efficiency. 800/367-2587; www.pacslabs.com.
Solids Process Centrifuge
Analysts in activated sludge plants can make process control decisions using the stainless steel bench-top process centrifuge from Raven Environmental Products Inc. A 15-minute spin in the centrifuge with samples from the aeration tank, secondary clarifier, or even the thickener establishes a baseline solids level and notes daily fluctuations.
For example, if sludge levels are growing, it may be time to waste (WAS). After wasting, solids should decrease. Another quick sample spin will confirm that assumption or indicate wasting too frequently. The centrifuge also enables analysts to relate the solids content among all the tanks in the plant. 800/545-6953; www.ravenep.com.
Conductivity Instrument
The Model 4083 EC meter from Amber Science Inc. measures conductivity, resistivity, total dissolved solids, salinity and temperature of aqueous solutions. The instrument has a user-friendly interface with auto range, two-line backlit display, and RS-232 output with PC software for data logging.
Operating on a 9-volt battery or 115-volt AC adaptor, the nonvolatile memory allows set points to remain when the power is off. Options include a remote audible alarm box that buzzes when measurements fall above or below user-set limits. 541/345-6877; www.amberscience.com.
Chlorine Test Kit
The FAS-DPD chlorine test kit (K-1515-C) from Taylor Technologies Inc. does not require matching the pink color that develops in the treated water sample to a set of color standards, or use of an electronic colorimeter to determine if chlorine is present.
Analysts simply add ferrous ammonium sulfate (FAS) drop by drop to a sample containing DPD indicator. They then multiply the number of drops needed to turn the sample from pink to colorless by the chosen drop equivalency — one drop equals either 0.2 or 0.5 ppm — to determine the chlorine concentration. FAS-DPD titration is less expensive than using a meter, and full color development is immediate. Even color-blind users can see the endpoint of the reaction. The test determines free chlorine, combined chlorine, and total chlorine from 0.2 to 20 ppm. 800/837-8548; www.taylortechnologies.com.
Pipe-marking Software
MaxiSoft PipeMarker V.2 labeling software from K-Sun Corp. now runs on the Windows Vista operating system. The application has more than 500 preformatted ANSI, OSHA, IIAR, CGA, NFPA and ASME compliant pipe and valve markers in English, Spanish and bilingual formats. MS Word templates provide greater flexibility in wide-format, in-house label production. Users can create warehouse rack and bin labels, banners, product labels, safety identification labels and more.
Although the software uses any Windows-based printer, it works best with the company’s 9200XXLL thermal transfer printer and adhesive-backed Polydurable film media to print pipe markers 50 inches long. Users can customize markers and labels by adding or importing multi-line text, symbols and logos, service and emergency contact numbers, temperature and pressure information, signal words, flow arrows, chevrons and more. Wrap-around arrow tape and custom pattern barrier tape print on continuous marker materials in various ANSI colors. 800/622-6312, ext. 214; www.ksun.com.
Nitrogen/Phosphorus Analyzers
The TNPC-4110 series of online automatic water analyzers from Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Inc. measures total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). The system can sample, pretreat, digest and analyze samples automatically, saving time and labor, and eliminating potential preparation errors.
Technicians can analyze multiple streams and parameters without bringing samples to the laboratory, and the optional Sample Thief eliminates expensive filters when analyzing particulated sample streams. The models have automatic calibration using standard on-board solutions, and user-defined calibration checks and measurement conditions. Measurement ranges from ppb level to thousands of ppm for TN, TP and TOC. 800/477-1227; www.ssi.shimadzu.com.
Information Management
MSC-LIMS from Mountain States Consulting LLC is a flexible, powerful, secure and stable GALP-compliant laboratory information management system for wastewater labs processing up to 75,000 samples and 300,000 analyses per year. It integrates smoothly with hand-held PCs or PDAs to import data recorded in the field.
With Excel interface, users can create analyte-specific calculating data entry screens and import operations data and results from instruments. The interface also allows labs to use their existing Excel regulatory report formats. The system supports basic statistics, trend graphs and control charts. Versions include single user, multi user, and workgroups of up to 20 concurrent users. The software also has an integrated audit trail, archiving, messaging and access controls. 307/733-1442; www.msc-lims.com.
Coliform Testing
The Model 8306 circulating water bath from PolyScience sets easily at the 44.5-degrees C temperature required for APHA, AWWA, WEF and EPA fecal coliform and E. coli testing. Three preset, one-touch buttons permit rapid temperature setpoint changes. The model has an ambient temperature range of 5 to 150 degrees C, temperature stability of ±0.05 degrees C, 28-liter reservoir, and bright LED readout.
Standard features include integral over-temperature and low-liquid level safeties, hinged see-through bath cover, temperature readouts in Celsius or Fahrenheit, and a two-speed inlet and outlet pump. All wetted parts are corrosion-resistant 300 series stainless steel. 800/229-7569, www.polyscience.com.
Meeting Challenges
The Microbial Communication Service from RespirTek Inc. environmental consulting laboratory can help optimize plant efficiency and minimize operational costs. Laboratory studies can evaluate increased influent rates, qualify new waste streams, and provide third-party validation of operating conditions or upsets.
The service includes assistance in interpreting the results and an easy-to-read report. Whether the problem is routine or out of the ordinary, the staff can design a test protocol to help address most operational issues. Testing can be as simple as biological analysis or as complex as laboratory scale wastewater treatment plant models. 228/392-7977; www.respirtek.com.
Turbidity and Solids Control
The SOLITAX sc Sensor and sc100 Controller from Hach Co. apply a color-independent measurement technique that eliminates repetitive calibration for accurate, efficient on-line particulate and solids measurements. The controller has full data communication capabilities to help improve process control and reduce treatment costs associated with polymer use, digester volume and solids handling.
The sensor’s dual-beam infrared/scattered light photometric detection technology has immunity to color interference and excellent correlation to primary and secondary sludge laboratory analysis. The self-cleaning sensor wipers reduce erroneous values and maintenance caused by biological growth, while eliminating extraneous cleaning and air purge systems. With no potted components, the fully serviceable unit delivers twice the typical sensor life. Ready-to-install sensor kits mount in tanks or pipes. 800/227-4224; www.hach.com.
BOD Bottle Washer
Coupled with upper and lower BOD injector baskets, the G7883 glassware washer from Miele Professional provides a simple, automatic way to clean 67 BOD bottles in a single load. The powder door cup detergent dispenser opens at the proper time during the cycle for accurate dosing. An automatic liquid detergent dispenser is optional. The 106-gpm circulation pump and low spray pressure clean gently yet effectively. Hold-down screens are unnecessary.
Wash and rinse temperatures are adjustable up to 93 degrees C. During each wash cycle, an automatic pump dispenses acid neutralizer to completely remove detergent residues. Other features include a water softener that uses 50 percent less salt than previous models, a heat-exchanger-type steam condenser that uses 4 liters of extra water per cycle, and gravity convection drying. 800/991-9380; www.labwashers.com.
Alkaline Cleaner
Micro-90 concentrated cleaning solution from International Products Corp. is an environmentally friendly, mild free-rinsing alkaline that cleans labware, metal parts, glass, process equipment and filter membranes. Its formulation of chelants, ionic and nonionic ingredients produces cleaning actions that lift, disperse, emulsify, sequester, suspend and decompose.
Targets include oil, grease, wax, tar, flux, particulates, hard water stains and biological debris. The cleaner is especially effective at defouling filter membranes and can be validated in critical cleaning applications. It also helps improve the overall effectiveness and safety of many cleaning operations. 609/386-8770; www.ipcol.com.
Portable Turbidity Meter
The 2020e turbidity meter from LaMotte Co. meets method 180.1 EPA design criteria and is suitable for high-turbidity applications (autorange 0-4,000). The multi-detector optical configuration assures long-term stability and minimizes stray light and color interferences.
The meter has six user-selected languages, a 4,000-data-point log that downloads through the RS232 port, and the option to choose NTU, FNU, FAU, ASBC and EBC units of measure. Meters come with three AMCO calibration standards and operate on a 9-volt battery. An AC adapter is optional. 800/344-3100; www.lamotte.com.
