Problem: The 6 mgd George F. French Water Reclamation Facility, operated by Destin Water Users, serves a population of nearly 20,000 that can triple during vacation seasons. The grit removal facilities installed in 1983 were poorly performing, requiring frequent and costly maintenance.
Solution: The utility chose a baffled vortex PISTA VIO system from Smith & Loveless for its performance, small footprint, low maintenance, long service life and variable flows. The system offers variable inlet-outlet flexibility along with a 10-1 turndown, allowing flow variations from 1.2 to 12 mgd while removing 95% of particles down to 100 microns. Stainless steel tankage combats seaside concrete degradation. The system was fabricated in a controlled environment and delivered to the job site for low-cost installation.
Result: The facility team has not found grit in its downstream basins, and significantly more grit is entering the dump container. Grit removal efficiency tests demonstrate greater than 98% removal of particles down to 100 microns.
800-898-9122; www.smithandloveless.com
