Wastewater treatment equipment is designed to be effective, durable, and maintain efficiency for years to come. When functioning at maximum capacity, these systems are effective at removing contaminants and ensuring that output meets regulatory environmental and water quality standards.
However, over time, there are a number of common issues that can arise, requiring troubleshooting and actionable solutions. If not addressed promptly, these issues can compromise water safety and the integrity of water treatment systems.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues with wastewater treatment equipment, along with actionable tips and solutions for remedying them.
Insufficient Training
Let’s start with one of the most basic issues; training. This isn’t a concern with the equipment itself, but rather how those who monitor and engage with wastewater management equipment are trained. Lack of oversight in training can lead to potential issues going unrecognized, increasing the risk of substantial damage or failing to meet water quality standards.
Solution & Tips
Develop Best Training Practices: The best way to ensure that all team members are appropriately trained is to develop a set of best training practices or a detailed training manual. This should be an outline of important details and steps to protect equipment.
Make sure that both trainers and trainees have access to these best practices and that they’re available to refer back to as needed. After team members have been trained, ensure that they sign off, acknowledging that they have been trained on every critical point provided in the manual.
Follow-up with Newly Trained Team Members: Newly trained team members are processing a great deal of information, often while learning other tasks related to their jobs. Following up with them at regular intervals will help to ensure they are following best practices. This should be done even for team members, regardless of their record of job performance.
Even the best, most reliable, and efficient team members can miss something. Set a follow-up schedule, such as two weeks after training, and then monthly assessments as needed.
Assign Accountability Leaders: It’s difficult to troubleshoot weaknesses in training procedures when nobody is technically accountable. Due to the level of responsibility in training and follow-up, it might be best to assign multiple accountability leaders who are responsible for following up on newly trained team members and conducting regular checks to ensure everyone is following best practices and operational procedures.
Lack of Monitoring and Maintenance
There’s a saying about an ounce of prevention, and it’s one that strongly applies to protecting water treatment equipment. Best practices include daily monitoring and a regular schedule for maintenance. This allows for identifying and troubleshooting issues while they are still relatively small and inconsequential.
Solutions and Tips
Know and Follow Suggested Maintenance Schedules: Keep a schedule for the suggested maintenance of water treatment equipment. Follow the schedule without exception and contact your local water purification equipment supplier if you have questions.
Develop a Process for Regular Monitoring: Have specific staff members responsible for regularly monitoring for efficiency and performance. Keep a detailed record of monitoring processes, and keep records where they are easily accessible.
Identify Metrics That Indicate Reduced Performance: Depending on the type of wastewater purification system, there are certain metrics that provide clues to how well your equipment is performing. Perhaps this is the volume of biowaste that is removed or a threshold for water quality. Keep an ongoing record of how your system is performing based on these metrics so that you’re able to quickly identify small changes.
Slowed Flow Rate or Blockages
A common issue with wastewater treatment systems is when water flows at a reduced rate. This is often due to a blockage somewhere in the system. Areas to check include those where accumulations of debris and biofilm are common. For example, pipes, filters, and membranes. If your wastewater management system has been experiencing reduced flow rates or blockages, these tips can help.
Solutions and Tips
Maintain Filters: Filters are a common area of blockage, but this is an issue that can be easily prevented. Set a schedule to regularly check filters, and either clean or replace them as necessary. If you’re noticing a significant amount of debris, this is a signal to increase the frequency of maintenance.
Consider Chemical Cleaners, If Appropriate: For systems that can be safely cleaned with chemical cleaners, doing so is an efficient way of dissolving and removing a buildup of contaminating agents.
Look at the Health of the Overall System: Blockages in one stage may be an indication of issues in another section of the water purification system. When assessing and remedying the blockage, take the time to measure the health of the overall system.
Corrosion or Natural Wear and Tear
Over time, wear and tear on system components are natural, especially those that come in contact with abrasive materials or are exposed to harsh chemicals. Corrosion is a more serious issue that can lead to inefficiency, damage, and contamination.
Solutions and Tips
Regular Inspections: We’ve covered the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. When conducting these inspections, pay close attention to signs of corrosion or wear. Key areas to look at include pipes, tanks, and pumps. Be expedient in addressing these issues to prevent further damage and potential system failure.
Select Proper Materials: Each wastewater purification system is designed with materials that are resistant to damage from debris and chemicals. It’s important to work with a professional supplier of wastewater purification systems to ensure that your system is constructed with the right materials. For those operations working with inherited or dated systems, we suggest having a professional do a full assessment to determine if any parts should be replaced.
Protection Against Corrosion: For systems that are prone to corrosion, cathodic protection systems can be used to protect structures from the damaging effects of corrosive substances.
Control of Microbiological Organisms
Microbiological organisms are a threat to water quality standards. For wastewater treatment facilities, managing the presence of microorganisms is essential. There are multiple routes of entry, including surface water, groundwater, and through cross-contamination. Facilities that are facing challenges in managing levels of microbiological organisms can take steps to bring levels under control.
Solutions and Tips
Filtration: Excess microbiological levels can be an indicator of weaknesses in filtration systems. Work with a purification systems professional to determine ways to enhance filtration capabilities, such as fine filters or mechanical filtration systems.
Chemical Disinfection: When microorganism load is high, chemical disinfection is one of the most effective means of bringing back below water quality standards levels. However, chemical disinfection can present its own issues, making it important to discuss the pros and cons before proceeding.
Have Emergency Protocols In Place: Make sure your entire team is trained on emergency protocols in cases of high microbiological organism load. This might include processes such as shock chlorination, and complete system shutdown for proper cleaning.
Keeping Common Maintenance Issues Under Control
Troubleshooting issues in wastewater treatment equipment is a proactive approach to keeping the system running at top efficiency. Regular maintenance and monitoring are the number one ways to prevent problems before they occur and manage them before they escalate to a critical point. Keeping on top of these common issues ensures water treatment systems are equipped for optimal performance and can meet regulatory requirements.
If you have questions, need professional assistance with maintenance and repair, or are interested in learning more about the new technology and equipment to add efficiency to wastewater management systems, we’re here to talk. Contact Lakeside Equipment today.
