SUNNYVALE, CA, March 31, 2015 -- The Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department of Arizona has purchased and installed an online trihalomethane (THM) analyzer from Aqua Metrology Systems (AMS), a provider of online and offline analytical instrumentation for the detection of water contaminants, to monitor daily levels of the disinfection byproduct at its Tres Rios Wastewater Reclamation Facility.
In December 2013, the expanded and upgraded Tres Rios facility went online. A five-stage Bardenpho process was used for ammonia, nitrate and nitrite reduction, ultimately maintaining effluent levels below 10 mg/l. However, reduced levels of effluent ammonia and the use of chlorine disinfectant increased Total THM formation potential in the discharged effluent.
As a result, operations experimented with adding centrate as an ammonia source prior to chlorination to make chloramines since the disinfectant produces lower levels of THMs than chlorine. An online THM instrument, the THM-100™ from AMS, was piloted to characterize and monitor THM formation as a result of this process change.
"During the demonstration, we undertook rigorous testing to validate the accuracy, reliability and repeatability of the online THM analyzer by measuring it against results from independent laboratory analysis. The detailed analysis showed that the THM-100 online analyzer provided us with immediate and accurate daily reports on THM levels in our effluent," said Michael Kostrzewski, Department senior project manager. "By monitoring the real-time formation of THMs, following the addition of ammonia, we were better equipped to control its production and implement process optimization techniques accordingly."
See also:
"Stage 2 DBPR: Understanding, Managing THM Formation is Key for Compliance in Consecutive Systems"
"Prestressed Concrete Tanks Offer Cost Savings for Water Reclamation Facility Expansion Project"
About AMS
Aqua Metrology Systems Ltd. is a provider of online and offline analytical instrumentation for the detection of water contaminants, specifically disinfection by-products and trace metals, across municipal and industrial sectors. The company believes that high-frequency data is essential for effective process control and optimization. As a result, its technical solutions are designed to provide reliable and repeatable information on water quality contaminants through continuous, real-time monitoring. For more information, visit www.aquametrologysystems.com.
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