SOLUTION:
The Albuquerque Wastewater Treatment Plant worked with Hydro-Dyne to utilize the Hammerhead On-site Screen Sizing technology to better understand the characteristics of its clarifier effluent, and design a system to better protect against the intrusion of algae and other solids impacting their UV disinfection process.
Elimination of the suspended algae requires fine screening (~ 2mm), which can cause a large headloss if not sized properly. Twenty-three individual trials were performed using sample flows of wastewater to measure differential headlosses across a variety of mesh opening sizes. Each test scenario was programmed into the Hammerhead Shark’s onboard PLC; every test ran until the sample for the desired opening size reached a predetermined blinding measurement. At the completion of each test, the technician removed and visually inspected the sample screening elements to note blow through and other distinguishing characteristics of the samples.
RESULTS:
With the characteristics of the influent now known, screens designed to handle peak flows of 60 MGD with 2mm
wire mesh grid elements and variable frequency drives (VFD) were recommended. Screens of this design will
capture algae and other suspended solids in the most effective and efficient way possible during high loading
instances, while maintaining optimal headloss due to sudden algae blooms.