Outdoor harmonic mitigation supports pump stations
Problem: Georgia’s Fulton County two new pump stations. Both required reliable motor control for high-horsepower pumps, along with harmonic mitigation that could withstand outdoor conditions. The equipment had to ensure power-quality compliance with long-term reliability.
Solution: Amtech Drives supplied a complete motor-control package for both stations including three 125 hp variable-frequency drives and three 120A harmonic filters at each site. Amtech was the only vendor able to provide outdoor-rated NEMA 3R harmonic filters that met the county’s requirements. The company also programmed and wired the PLC panels and provided equipment such as panel boards, automatic transfer switches, transformers and supporting components to ensure a fully integrated installation.
Result: Both stations were commissioned successfully with improved efficiency, reduced harmonic distortion and a dependable control architecture. Amtech’s turnkey approach helped the county complete both projects smoothly and on schedule. 770-469-5240; www.amtechdrives.com
Water district tracks valve maintenance in tailored digital platform
Problem: Elsinore Valley (California) Municipal Water District faced challenges maintaining 385 control valves across 150 sites. Inaccurate GIS data and inefficient scheduling made maintenance, asset tracking and communication between field operators and staff difficult.
Solution: The district adopted the Link2Valves software program from Cla-Val, tailored for water utilities. With hands-on support, the team entered valve data including installation dates, sizes and functions. Operators now collect real-time field data including photos, locations, settings and service histories and place it directly into the program. Visual charts help prioritize maintenance. The system also aids new staff by providing exact valve locations and setpoints. Serial numbers streamline parts ordering. Integration with GIS is underway.
Result: The district improved data accuracy, streamlined scheduling and strengthened predictive maintenance. The visual documentation supports condition assessments and budget planning. Link2Valves fosters proactive asset management, helping the district optimize resources and deliver reliable service to 163,000 customers. 800-942-6326; www.cla-val.com
Shredder pumps answer call in processing plant
Problem: A poultry plant in Gainesville, Georgia, processes 2 million chickens per week, generating blood, feathers and entrails that collect in sumps beneath conveyor lines. The plant used air-operated diaphragm pumps to transport the waste, but the system proved costly and inefficient. The abrasive material wore down pump components quickly, requiring rebuilds every month. The pumps also experienced frequent clogging and downtime. The compressed air system needed to run the pumps added cost.
Solution: The plant installed BJM Pumps SK Series shredder pumps from Industrial Flow Solutions, engineered for solids-laden wastewater. The heavy-duty submersible shredder pumps are designed to handle tough solids in demanding applications. They include high-torque cutting systems, dual mechanical seals and thermal overload protection. The SK series handles general solids; the all-stainless SKX Series offers corrosion resistance for more aggressive environments. The wear-resistant shredding system includes a tungsten carbide-tipped impeller and a high-chrome, 360-degree toothed suction plate to tear, break and rip difficult solids without clogging.
Result: The pumps have operated continuously without requiring maintenance and have significantly reduced operating costs. The reliable solution ensures smooth production runs. 860-631-3618; www.flowsolutions.com
Modular buildings provide options for treatment needs
Problem: In Boardman, Oregon, a new Love’s Travel Stop opened. An essential part of the facility is a private well that provides water for food preparation, showers, bathrooms, irrigation and fire hydrants. The property required two utility buildings: one for water and the other for wastewater.
Solution: Fextex Systems supplied two fiberglass-reinforced DuraFiber buildings from Orenco Composites. The two-room water utility building, 24 feet long, 12 feet wide and 8 feet high, houses the booster pumps, control room and pumps and piping. A rooftop hatch enables pump removal. Both rooms have exterior doors. The two-room wastewater building, 35 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 8 1/2 feet high, contains pumping equipment and chemical storage. It has one exterior door and two overhead doors. Both buildings include lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Result: The Travel Stop owner and the specifying engineer were pleased with the buildings. Bob Nation of Fextex notes, “The specifying engineer was particularly impressed that these buildings came complete with so many options.” 800-348-9843; www.orenco.com
