Pumps perform vital role in wastewater treatment for large community
Problem: The 90-year-old, manually operated Spring Creek Water Treatment Plant in Springfield, Illinois, had far exceeded its operational life span. Designing a new plant presented unique pumping challenges due to a combined sewer system.
Solution: A new $120 million treatment plant design specified several Pentair Fairbanks Nijhuis pumps at the influent station. Return activated sludge is moved by 10 12-inch Vertical Close-Coupled Angleflow pumps. The pumps deliver this constant movement, while providing backups for maintenance. Vertical-turbine solids handling pumps from Fairbanks Nijhuis, sized at 20 and 30 inches, help the influent station meet maximum flow demands.
Result: For more than a decade, the pumps have performed reliably with 16 mgd average flows and a maximum storm capacity of 120 mgd. 888-416-9510; www.pentair.com/future-proof
Blower upgraded at industrial plant for enhanced efficiency and performance
Problem: An industrial plant in Decatur, Alabama, aimed to boost wastewater treatment performance and efficiency while reducing costs. The goal was to maintain precise dissolved oxygen levels for the activated sludge process without investing in new blowers.
Solution: Hoffman & Lamson collaborated with Voigt Abernathy to refurbish and upgrade the existing HOFFMAN 75106 multistage centrifugal blowers. The upgrade included new inlet valves, positioners and an automated master control panel to adjust output based on real-time DO levels.
Result: The upgrade met its objectives. The updated controls enabled selective blower use, reducing the need to run all blowers simultaneously and lowering maintenance needs. The solution yielded substantial savings and the continued blower reliability. 724-239-1500; www.hoffmanandlamson.com
Electrical connections help optimize treatment efficiency and safety
Problem: The Richland (Washington) Wastewater Treatment Plant faced recurring electrical failures in motor and pump connections, hazardous location devices on screeners and digester motor connections. The resulting downtime, safety risks and increased maintenance made it difficult to operate continuously.
Solution: Wastewater technician Hector Moreno and his team implemented MELTRIC Switch-Rated plugs and receptacles. Unlike traditional pin-and-sleeve connectors, the devices offer built-in lockout/tagout, arc-flash protection and watertight, durable housings. This allowed workers to safely disconnect and reconnect motors and pumps without exposure to live power.
Result: The facility saw reduced pump failures and downtime, predictable maintenance, enhanced safety in hazardous locations and improved operating efficiency. “I didn’t know all the safety that was built into these,” says Moreno. “We’re able to work faster and safer, and that gives us peace of mind.” 800-433-7642; www.meltric.com
Bearing system and packing solves coolant tower leakage issue
Problem: A West Coast pharmaceutical plant faced persistent leakage from a vertical cooling tower pump due to shaft deflection and premature packing wear. Standard packing and lack of shaft support caused excessive movement, leading to constant water spray and frequent maintenance.
Solution: The plant installed a PackRyt bearing system with SealRyt high-performance packing. The bearing adds shaft support, reducing deflection, increasing packing life and minimizing leakage.
Result: After six months, there were no premature failures, and the system remained fully functional. Water spray was eliminated and leakage was a controlled drip. This meant lower maintenance costs, less downtime and fewer replacements. 413-564-5202; www.sealryt.com
River bypass keeps drinking water flowing
Problem: The Henderson (Kentucky) Drinking Water Treatment Plant faced a potential crisis when a high-service turbine pump for drawing water from the pump station to the water towers malfunctioned. Teams determined that a bypass would be needed to repair the pump. The bypass pump needed to deliver 5 to 6 mgd and tolerate high flow and head conditions.
Solution: A team from KM Specialty Pumps & Systems installed an 18JSVJ bypass pump (Thompson Pump). This 18-inch centrifugal pump, a maximum 195 feet of head, a capacity of 8,800 gpm, and capability to handle 3-inch solids, making it reliable, durable and fuel-efficient.
Result: The bypass enabled the utility to maintain an uninterrupted drinking water supply to the community during the six-month repair project. 800-767-7310; www.thompsonpump.com
