Benisch, Mario

Titles from this speaker

Impact of Water Conservation on Utilities

Abstract

The subject of water conservation vs. water and wastewater infrastructure is one that the industry as a whole, utilities, engineers, and regulators have to tackle. Outdated building codes result in oversized pipes in new developments. Tighter pipes and sinking groundwater tables further reduce dry weather flows and increase TDS concentrations. Some utilities in other countries already have to purchase potable water to flush collection systems on a regular basis but this does not have to be an inevitable outcome.

SpeakerBenisch, Mario

Presentation time

10:30:00

10:50:00

Session time

10:30:00

11:30:00

SessionEarth, Wind, and Fire: Natural Disasters Other Than Flooding

Session number535

TopicResilience, Disaster Planning and Recovery, Sustainability and Climate Change, Urban Systems

Author(s)

M. BenischM. BenischD. Clark

Author(s)M. Benisch1; M. Benisch1; D. Clark2;

Author affiliation(s)HDR Engineering Inc, OR1; HDR Inc, ID2

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2020

DOI10.2175/193864718825157523

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count7

Startup of the first US NuReSys Phosphorus Sequestration Facility

Abstract

Pima County recently commission the first Schwing NuReSys phosphorus sequestration system in North America at the Tres Rios Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). The process was installed to minimize ferric chloride use for struvite control, improve dewaterability, and further enhance biological phosphorus removal by sequestering a minimum of 85% of the recycle phosphate released during anaerobic digestion. This phosphorus sequestration system was installed between the digesters and dewatering, downstream of the screen press, treating digested sludge. While provision for future product harvesting were included the generated struvite remains in the sludge and is l and applied with the biosolids. The system has been fully commissioned and is now operation. While plant staff is still adapting to operating the NuReSys, early results point towards a successful implementation as the anticipated savings from reduced ferric use and cake hauling trend in the right direction. Even with the switch to a different, more expensive polymer the net saving still support a return on investment in less than 10 years in addition to eliminating nuisance issues associated with struvite. Plant staff are actively testing polymers to find a more cost effective product.

Pima County recently commission the first Schwing NuReSys phosphorus sequestration system in North America. This phosphorus sequestration system was installed between the digesters and dewatering to treat digested sludge. The system has been fully commissioned and is now operation. While plant staff is still adapting to operating the NuReSys, early results point towards a successful implementation as the anticipated savings from reduced ferric use and cake hauling trend in the right direction. Plant staff is in the process of testing polymers to find a more cost effective product to take full advantage of the improved dewaterability while minimizing polymer cost.

SpeakerBenisch, Mario

Presentation time

17:00:00

17:15:00

Session time

16:00:00

17:30:00

SessionTechnology Advancement in Sidestream Phosphorus Recovery

Session number113

TopicBiosolids and Residuals, Facility Operations and Maintenance, Nutrients

Author(s)

Mario Benisch

Author(s)M. Benisch1; T.J. Morton2; J. Prevatt3;H. Jerdi

Author affiliation(s)HDR Portland, OR 1HDR Tucson, ID 2Pima County, Tucson AZ3

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2021

DOI10.2175/193864718825158023

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count10

Description: The Big One That Did Not Get Away: Pilot Testing to Reach 12 µg TP/L in a...

The Big One That Did Not Get Away: Pilot Testing to Reach 12 µg TP/L in a Hatchery Effluent

Abstract

In order to comply with the new ultra-low effluent phosphorus monthly limit of 12 µg/L, Powered Mill will, once completed, operate a state of the art water treatment plant with an upstream fish hatchery. Pilot testing completed earlier in 2022 included ultrafiltration with and without coagulant addition, ion exchange, and adsorption. The results showed that any individual technology was not capable of reliably meeting the phosphorus limit, but a combination of technology solutions could achieve the 12 µg/L limit. While the final selection is pending, the combination of ultrafiltration and downstream adsorption did meet the effluent limit while requiring minimal operator attention or chemicals; both of which are especially relevant in such a remote location. The pilot testing highlighted again the known challenges with measuring phosphorus at forensic levels. Split samples analyzed by different labs showed deviations as much as 100% between two results. This impacts both the evaluation of pilot results as well as future compliance monitoring and process control.

To meet the new effluent phosphorus limit of 12 µg/L at Power Mill hatchery, pilot testing evaluated ultrafiltration with and without coagulant addition, ion exchange, and adsorption. Results indicated that individual technologies couldn't consistently meet the phosphorus limit, but a combination of solutions proved successful. Specifically, combining ultrafiltration and downstream adsorption achieved the desired limit with minimal operator attention or chemical usage.

SpeakerMehrdad, Mahsa

Presentation time

08:30:00

08:50:00

Session time

08:30:00

10:00:00

SessionFood and Aquaculture Wastewater Treatment

Session locationRoom S501d - Level 5

TopicIntermediate Level, Nutrients, Research and Innovation, Sustainability and Climate Change

Author(s)

Mehrdad, Mahsa