The WEFTEC 2010 conference was brimming with new products and technologies, most of which will soon make their way into wastewater treatment plants and collection systems and come under the watchful eyes of TPO readers.
The sheer volume of innovation was impressive: The show (Oct. 4-6) encompassed 293,000 square feet at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, and there were 975 exhibiting companies.
It would be impossible in just a few pages to capture it all, but here are a few of the highlights observed in a three-day visit.
New mixing concept. ABS says the EffeX submersible mixer is the first such device to use a permanent magnet motor, offering optimal life cycle economy. The mixers include a variable-speed drive, allowing processes to be optimized and energy saved. Applications include equalization basins, selector tanks, biological processes, and sludge conditioning tanks. 203/238-7000; www.ABSEffeX.com.
Simpler asset management. VUEWorks introduced the 2010 version of its asset management system with configurable dashboard, streamlined user interface, and expanded offerings for budget forecasting and condition monitoring. 603/228-8100; www.VUEWorks.com.
Best of two worlds. The Delta Hybrid rotary lobe compressor from Aerzen USA Corp. uses synergy between rotary lobe blower and screw compressor technologies. Its benefits include high energy efficiency, durability, low noise, space savings, expanded operating range, and increased pressure range. 610/380-0244; www.aerzenusa.com.
Flexible diffuser. The FlexAir StreamLine diffuser from Environmental Dynamics Inc. (EDI) is designed to maximize oxygen transfer efficiency and mechanical performance. It mounts directly to the basin floor and provides full solids suspension above and below the diffuser grid. 573/474-9456; www.wastewater.com.
Biotrickling media. The dual-technology EcoPure Mini odor-control system from BioAir uses the company’s EcoBase structured, synthetic biotrickling filter media to eliminate H2S and VOCs using no chemicals. Units handle airstreams from 50 to 1,000 cfm and come pre-installed on a stainless steel skid. 856/258-6969; www.bioairsolutions.com.
Exploring the deep. A glider autonomous under-water vehicle from Teledyne Webb Research can be used for subsurface water sampling on a regional scale. It carries a wide array of sensors and can be programmed to patrol for weeks at a time, surfacing to transmit data to shore. 858/842-2911; www.webbresearch.com.
Cut SSOs. Dri-Prime backup pumps from Godwin Pumps take over in case of lift station primary power, switchgear or sewer pump failure. These automatic, self-priming pumping systems also enable routine lift station maintenance to be performed without downtime. 856/467-3636; www.godwinpumps.com.
Diagnose in real time. PURE Software Solutions offers live streaming video for CCTV pipe inspection. An engineer or inspector who logs in to the system can view the streaming data and communicate with the CCTV operator in real time via instant messaging. An iPhone application is available. 303/867-1414; www.epuresoft.com.
Mix and match. The DataStick measuring system from Thermo Scientific lets users deploy matched plug-and-play components. The system can be configured for a large list of protocols for water-quality and process-control measurements. 800/225-1480; www.thermo.com.
Rapid treatment. The Bio ACTIFLO CSO/SSO treatment system from Krüger/Veolia Water incorporates a biological solids contact tank to the proven ACTIFLO process to improve soluble BOD removal. ACTIFLO is a high-rate, compact process that uses microsand to enhance floc formation and act as a ballast to speed settlement. 919/677-8310; www.krugerusa.com.
Impeller choices. SL submersible wastewater pumps from Grundfos are designed for network pumping stations, wastewater treatment plants, and other applications. The pumps offer two types of impeller: an LV/SuperVortex impeller to allow passage of solids up to four inches, and an SL1/Channel impeller that accommodates the same size solids but is designed for large flows of raw sewage. 913/227-3400; www.grundfos.com.
MBR membrane. The MEMBRAY TMR 090 Series submerged flat-sheet membrane module for membrane bioreactors is designed to allow easy replacement of elements. Manufacturer Toray Industries says it also has a lower module height well suited to containerized package systems. Fine-bubble diffusers reduce daily cleaning and boost oxygen dissolution efficiency. 858/218-2390; www.toraywater.com.
Zooming in. The QuickView pole-mounted zoom survey camera system with Haloptic technology from Envirosight is designed to support quality infrastructure assessments at low cost. The technology uses an engineered lamp/reflector combination to project a halo of light precisely aligned with the camera view, flooding pipe walls with light and lighting distant targets. 866/936-8476; www.envirosight.com.
Intelligent DO readings. WTW GmbH, a global supplier of electrochemical measurement equipment and part of the newly formed ITT Analytics, offers the intelligent online dissolved oxygen probe FDO 701 IQ. Fast response makes it well suited for treatment methods like sequencing batch reactors. The soft green-light technology preserves the optical membrane for precision and long life. 800/645-5999; www.wtw.com.
Pump without clogging. The heavy-duty WEMCO Non-Clog engine-driven trailer package is part of the new WEMCO Non-Clog line from Weir Specialty Pumps, designed for municipal applications including sewage lift stations, sludge pumping, sewage bypass, dewatering, and digesters. The trailer package includes the WEMCO Prime Assist, which the company calls a major advance in priming systems. 801/359-8731; www. weirsp.com.
Large-scale disinfection. The TrojanUVSigna disinfection system from Trojan Technologies is designed for treatment plants that want to convert from chlorine to UV. It uses innovations such as the TrojanUVSolo Lamp to reduce the cost of operation and simplify operation and maintenance. 519/457-3000; www.trojanuv.com.
Your next car? The “vehicle” pictured is actually the Electric Mole, a part of the THERMO-SYSTEM active solar sludge dryer from Parkson. It automatically turns and aerates the material to increase drying performance. Ninety-five percent of the system’s energy is provided by the sun. 888/424-5766; www.parkson.com.
Going mobile. A trailer-mounted alkaline stabilization/pasteurization process from Schwing Bioset yields Class A biosolids. The system is fully enclosed to eliminate fugitive dust and odors, has a small footprint, and is easy to operate. 715/247-3433; www.schwingbioset.com.
