Submersible pumps underpin revamp at water reclamation facility | Envirotec
Submersible pumps underpin revamp at water reclamation facility ... Envirotec
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Ambitious Upgrade of Water Reclamation Facility in Georgia
Introduction
A water reclamation facility in Georgia is undergoing a major upgrade to meet increasing demands and incorporate the latest technologies. This report will discuss the revamp of the facility, with a focus on the specification of pumps. The project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by improving operational reliability, meeting water treatment demands, and ensuring compliance with discharge regulations.
Background
The Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility in Fulton County, Georgia was constructed in the 1970s with a daily flow capacity of 2,840m³. However, by 2015, the facility reached 80% of its capacity, necessitating an upgrade. The $300 million progressive design-build upgrade includes advanced Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR) technology to produce cleaner discharge water and increase the flow capacity to 144,000m³ per day. The project is expected to be fully operational in 2024.
Pump Selection for Increased Flow Levels
Handling the increased flow levels required a review of the facility’s fluids handling capabilities, particularly for the Returned Activated Sludge (RAS) produced by the MBR process. Pump & Process Equipment Inc. (P&PE), an authorized representative of KSB, was involved in this aspect of the project. P&PE has a long-standing relationship with Fulton County and has supplied various pump types for the Big Creek plant.
Gravity-Based Operation
An important feature of the new treatment plant is its gravity-based operation. The design reduces the need for pumping at different parts of the plant, including the flow through the membranes of the biological reactor. This design choice leads to long-term operational savings by reducing power costs.
KSB Pumps for RAS Handling
KSB’s KRT dry pit, internal self-cooling submersible pumps were selected for handling the RAS. These pumps met Fulton County’s requirement to reduce the use of wastewater for cooling. The KSB KRT pumps are specifically designed for wastewater treatment applications with solids-laden fluids and challenging clogging conditions.
Accommodating High Flow
The RAS pumps at Big Creek are the largest pumps on-site. They utilize duplex stainless steel, three-vane non-clog impellers and have a 20-inch discharge and a 30-inch suction line. The pumps are brought online in sequence as the flow increases to handle the demands of the plant. Additionally, KSB Sewatec pumps have been installed for membrane CIP chemical cleaning.
Process Duty Pumps
P&PE has provided KSB KRT pumps for various process duties at the facility. These pumps incorporate different impellers and motors to meet specific requirements. The design of the impellers and pump housing ensures efficient handling of solids-laden liquids, resulting in significant operating cost savings.
Conclusion
The upgrade and expansion of the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility demonstrate a cooperative effort to improve water treatment capabilities and meet increasing demands. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, including KSB, the project aligns with the SDGs by promoting sustainable water management. The facility’s completion will ensure plentiful and clean water for the region for years to come.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the upgrade and expansion of the Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility, which is related to providing clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). The implementation of new technologies and the use of advanced Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR) technology also align with SDG 9, which focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. Additionally, the project aims to improve operational reliability and meet existing and future demands for water and wastewater treatment, contributing to the goal of sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
- Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
- Target 11.5: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality, municipal and other waste management.
The upgrade of the water reclamation facility aims to improve water quality by implementing advanced Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR) technology, which produces significantly cleaner discharge water (Target 6.3). The use of new technologies and the upgrade of infrastructure align with the target of upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable (Target 9.4). The project also focuses on improving operational reliability and reducing the environmental impact of the facility, contributing to the target of reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (Target 11.5).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
- Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emissions per unit of value added.
- Indicator 11.6.1: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population-weighted).
The article mentions that the implementation of advanced Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR) technology will produce significantly cleaner discharge water, which can be an indicator of improved water quality (Indicator 6.3.2). The upgrade of the facility and the use of clean and environmentally sound technologies can contribute to reducing CO2 emissions per unit of value added (Indicator 9.4.1). Additionally, the project aims to improve the environmental impact of the facility, which can be measured by monitoring the levels of fine particulate matter in cities (Indicator 11.6.1).
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. | Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. | Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emissions per unit of value added. |
| Target 11.5: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality, municipal and other waste management. | Indicator 11.6.1: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population-weighted). |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: envirotecmagazine.com
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