The WEF Sustainable Utilities Task Force presents a resource for utility managers seeking examples of succesful sustainability practices

Energy Conservation Measures for Municipal Wastewater Treatment – Innovative Technologies and Practices

Various WWTP's
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Energy consumption for municipal wastewater treatment accounts for 15% to 30% of the
operating cost at large treatment facilities and 30% to 40% at small facilities (WEF, 2009).
Energy costs are expected to continue escalating as a result of the rising price of fossil fuels used
for energy production while the energy demand for wastewater treatment is expected to grow as
the use of energy intensive treatment processes increases to meet water quality objectives that
may demand increasingly stringent wastewater discharge limits.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is committed to promoting energy
efficiency and implementation/use of energy conservation measures at municipal wastewater
treatment facilities. EPA, in partnership with The Cadmus Group and HDR, has undertaken a
project to identify and evaluate innovative energy conservation methods implemented at
wastewater utilities in the U.S. and report on their effectiveness in achieving reductions in energy
use and cost associated with wastewater treatment.


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Posted: May 20th, 2011 | Filed under: Stormwater, Waste Water Treatment, Water Treatment | Tags: , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Energy Efficient MBR Designs Can Significantly Reduce Operating Costs


The MBR technology is an attractive, flexible solution for plant expansion/enhancement
as well as for greenfield facilities. While capital costs of MBRs have become fairly
competitive with conventional treatment systems, the operating costs, specifically energy
requirements, require additional focus. In order to provide the most cost effective and
energy efficient system, enhancements with design, operations, and equipment selection
are required. There are several areas within the design of an MBR plant which provide the
opportunity for a cost effective design which balances capital and operating costs. These
include use of primary clarification, use of flow equalization, adjusting the balance of the
solids between biological treatment and the membrane basins, and pump configuration.
Key operational focus areas include membrane scour air operational strategies, use of flux
enhancers, optimization of the number membranes in service, and biological operating
conditions. Along with the operational strategies to reduce energy, energy efficient
equipment must be selected.


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Posted: May 20th, 2011 | Filed under: Stormwater, Waste Water Treatment, Water Treatment | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »