Collector chain resists corrosion

Problem

A microbiological attack on the 403 stainless steel collector chains at the Deer Island Sewage Treatment Plant in Winthrop, Mass., reduced their expected life and increased the probability of failure in the clarifiers.

 

Solution

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority replaced more than 300,000 feet of original chain with SS713P 304 stainless steel collector chain from Allied-Locke Industries. The passivated chain protects against the corrosive environment.

 

Result

Coordination between the system supplier, general contractor, and the authority allowed the manufacture, delivery, and installation of equipment to be completed ahead of schedule and within budget, and allowed continual plant operation. 815/288-1471; www.alliedlocke.com.

 

Dewatering doubles handling capacity

Problem

The drying beds that dewatered biosolids at the Groesbeck (Texas) Wastewater Treatment Plant were too small to meet demand. Public Works director Keith Tilley looked for an economical solution.

 

Solution

The city purchased two 20-cubic-yard tipping stand-mounted Sludge Mate dewatering containers with Poly-Mate polymer make down system from Flo Trend Systems. Each container dewaters 15,000 gallons, producing cake at 14 to 16 percent solids for hauling to landfill.

 

Result

The equipment enabled Tilley to double the plant’s wasting program and handle future requirements. 713/699-0152; www.flotrend.com.

 

Design/build/operate plan improves biosolids program

Problem

The Mebane Bridge Wastewater Treatment Plant in Eden, N.C., operated a pair of 2-million-gallon liquid biosolids storage lagoons for a land application program. The 13.5 mgd plant, which produces 700 to 800 dry tons annually, needed a more sustainable solution for managing the biosolids.

 

Solution

The plant team chose Synagro for a design/build/operate procurement process that allowed lower-cost installation, proven technology, and timely completion. The company provided a dewatering facility with a 2-meter BDP 3DP polymer pump belt filter press with Vogelsang sludge feed, along with a biosolids storage pad.

Synagro staff operates the facility with the plant staff and provides land application of the biosolids cake when weather and crop schedules permit. The design/build/operate process enabled the city to obtain the newest technology.

 

Result

The plant has a sustainable biosolids program of beneficial reuse that also provides flexibility for other options. 800/370-0035; www.synagro.com.

 

Bio-augmentation reduces sludge

Problem

The 100,000 gpd sequencing batch reactor at the Henderson (La.) Wastewater Treatment Plant handles 250 to 300 mg/L BOD influent load. Biosolids dewatering and hauling costs were $1,000 per month. Interim mayor Ray Robin looked for products to reduce operating expenses.

 

Solution

At a Louisiana Rural Water Association meeting, Robin learned about Sewper Rx bacteria formulation from Reliant Water Technologies. Representative Jim Dartez trained the treatment plant operators on how to add the ecologically safe, granulated mix. After inoculating the plant with it, they added the product once a month to the upstream sewer lines. Allowing the bacteria to settle throughout the system eliminated odors and grease buildup. When the bacteria eventually reached the plant, it provided the same level of treatment as dosing it directly into the facility.

 

Result

Six months passed before the plant hauled a load of biosolids for $1,350, saving the town more than $4,500. 504/400-1239; www.reliantwater.us.com.