How to Lower Expenses with a Wrench

A progressive and established manufacturer can provide practical maintenance tips throughout the entire life cycle of the technology

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How to Lower Expenses with a Wrench

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HUBER Technology is a manufacturer who has the proven experience with complete systems to create a combined process, sets the wastewater treatment plant up for success right from the start.

The quality of the machines put into service, as well as the combined units’ performance, will be essential in providing a basis of reliable operation for the entire design life of the technology. Once the equipment has been installed and successfully started up, how the machines are operated and maintained can make the difference between success and failure in the long run. 

Similar to partnering with a qualified manufacturer during the project design phase, it is of vital concern to vet manufacturers’ service capability. Look for a manufacturer with an established service record, that is readily available to assist plant operations staff. A robust service organization is a critical resource that needs to be available for the entire design life of the technology. In some cases, this could mean decades; or in HUBER's case, over 150 years. 

Long-term success starts with proper training

Many competent and experienced operators run wastewater treatment plants throughout North America. In many cases, they have hard-won practical knowledge earned by dealing with the unforeseen challenges of operating and maintaining processes. The key to securing staff buy-in is providing personnel a clear-cut explanation of the intent and purpose of the design of the new or upgraded treatment processes. A comprehensive startup and training program is essential for accomplishing this task.

Before construction starts, during the initial selection process, properly evaluating the capabilities and proven competence of the technology provider is an integral part of the due diligence for the owner and operator of the treatment plant. Expecting the manufacturer to instruct operations personnel at the plant effectively is reasonable. By carefully vetting the full range of manufacturing capabilities, you can build the platform for a successful startup.

In many circumstances, the startup and commissioning of new treatment technologies happen before the operations personnel joined the organization. In some cases, operators lack access to information before the completion of the construction phase. Under these conditions, it is best to prepare the proper documentation on startup and operation that can translate clearly and effectively. Developing the right documentation is necessary to train staff who will run the equipment from the initial startup through the technology’s entire operational life.

Call in the cavalry

Much is asked from operations and maintenance groups at most treatment facilities. Operational budgets are tight, and staff are challenged to do more with less. So while preventive maintenance demonstrates a proven means of lowering actual operating expenses, current fiscal restraints limit the implementation of a full functioning progressive maintenance program.

So far, we have looked at various levels of competence a manufacturer can possess to provide better support for a plant’s startup and operations. In addition to process, training and service competencies, it is ideal for a manufacturer to provide service advice to guide plant operations personnel. Seasoned advisors can not only help fine-tune operations for better efficiency, but they can also spot anomalies, which could lead to catastrophic failure. Additionally, a well-staffed service group can also provide annual maintenance agreements that can liberate plant personnel to turn their attentions elsewhere.

Smart technology: The next step in maintenance and prevention

The implementation of smart technology in water and wastewater infrastructure is on the rise. The Smart Cities phenomenon enables enormous leaps in providing insights into the functioning and running of the urban infrastructure. Wastewater treatment plants have rapidly assimilated this approach to optimize operations and maintain critical performance parameters.

Monitoring operational systems within the treatment process in the plant provides an opportunity to conduct preventive maintenance tracking. Most of the technology within a treatment plant using PLC controllers can be configured to be remotely trackable. Additional possibilities begin to emerge for individual pieces of equipment in the process. Through the use of sensors and cameras, systems can alert operators to take action to prevent major failures. 

Strategic partnering

The design and operation of wastewater treatment facilities are becoming more intertwined with emerging new trends in project fulfillment and refined operations. The role of the technology provider is just now being discovered as a strategic resource to employ relevant innovation and achieve emerging sustainability goals. A progressive and established manufacturer can provide practical solutions along the entire life cycle of the technology.


HUBER Technology, Inc., based in Denver, North Carolina, is one of the country’s largest manufacturers of wastewater, sludge and grit handling equipment. HUBER offers multiple screening and filtration solutions for municipalities and numerous industrial wastewater and intake applications.  For more information on any of HUBER’s product lines, please complete the form at www.AskHUBER.com.



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