Boston, MA – Practical Applications, Inc. (PAI), a leading environmental company, has designed and built a state of the art pH Neutralization System for Bridgewater State University’s Marshall Conant Science Building in Bridgewater, MA.

The Practical Applications, Inc. (PAI) Model-1812 pH Neutralization System is designed to monitor and adjust the pH of wastewater prior to discharge to the city sewer system. This model will handle influent flows to a maximum of 33 gpm and consists of one baffled wastewater treatment tank, one mixer, two reagent pumps (one acid and one caustic), two reagent storage tanks with secondary containment, tank and effluent pH probes. The tank pH analyzer/controllers monitor and adjust pH in each tank between the pH set points established by the operator. The effluent probe monitors the discharge pH and uses this information to generate a permanent record on a digital chart recorder. If re-treatment is indicated, the system can activate a pH Out of Specification Alarm and divert the wastewater to a 500 gallon lift station tank containing two submersible centrifugal pumps.
A 4″ magnetic flow meter installed at the pH system outlet monitors and displays real time and totalized discharge flow rate to the city sewer. A signal from this unit is also sent to the chart recorder for a permanent record.

Bridgewater State University Marshall Conant Science Building pH System

PAI has been designing, building, and operating wastewater treatment systems since 1994. Our systems are designed and built by operating engineers and technicians who understand that an effective system must ensure optimal performance while remaining economical and easy to maintain.

We have worked with many industries to assist with their wastewater needs and we take ownership for their water systems, wastewater systems, sampling/self monitoring, and regulatory reporting so our customers can focus on their core business.

You may download a PDF of this press release HERE.

Press Contact:
Wiwa Deepreecha
Practical Applications, Inc.
Boston, MA 617-423-5639
wiwa@pai-online.com

Boston, MA – Leading environmental firm Practical Applications, Inc. (PAI) has been awarded the contract to build the central wastewater treatment system for the plant expansion project at Tribe Foods, Inc., a subsidiary of Nestle, SA.

Tribe Foods Wastewater Treatment System - DAF Unit supplied by Krofta

Wastewater generated during food manufacturing operations is controlled using Dissolved Air Flotation. Designed to meet strict Massachusetts sewer discharge limits, wastewater in the system is continuously treated at 50,000 gallons per day with peak flows of 200 gallons per minute.

Composed of a 12,000 gallon equalization tank, pH Neutralization controls, coagulant and polymer dosing, rotary drum screening, and sludge dewatering, the system incorporates PAI’s automatic control package and integrated expert knowledge software to predict and prevent system upset. The system is housed in a custom-built 400 square foot packaged steel building.

PAI has been designing, building, and operating wastewater treatment systems since 1994. Our systems are designed and built by operating engineers and technicians who understand that an effective system must ensure performance while remaining economical to operate and maintain.

• Why Two Tanks – A Back to Basics review of Two Tank pH Neutralization Systems Mechanics and Process Control Strategy
• Regulatory Review – New Staffing Regulations for “Fully Automated” treatment systems
• The Big S in Sustainable Greywater Systems

Our courses are approved by the Board of Certification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators for Training Contact Hours. Our courses are run by industry leaders who have successfully prepared professionals for over ten years. Our chemistry professional, Mr. Martins, has been with our company for over 20 sessions and has extensive industry specific knowledge.

Current MA regulations require licensed Wastewater Treatment Operators to obtain 20 TCHs due at the end of each odd year.

As discussed in the August Newsletter, a Fully Automated Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment System will shutdown and temporarily holds wastewater for proper treatment if an out-of-spec condition, an excursion, is detected. These systems require checks only twice a week and an operator on-call. All other systems require a daily operator inspection.

Fortunately, a well designed system requires minimal time and attention to maintain proper function. Maintaining the system safety, chemical inventory, cleaning and calibrating the pH sensor are the most critical daily pH system operator responsibilities. A daily 2-stage active pH Neutralization System daily system check should include:

• Get a general feeling for the system operation. Are there any observable leaks or safety hazards? Is the system louder than normal? Are the pH analyzer/controller currently operating as required?
• Next review the data recorder. Has there been an excursion since the last check? If there has been an excursions system troubleshooting is required.
• Fill out all required paperwork including daily totalized flow and any excursion details (duration and the maximum out-of-spec pH).
• Check the mixers. Are they functioning as expected, or are they hotter or louder than normal? Is the tank agitating sufficiently?
• Check the chemical level in each dispensing drum or day tank. Is there enough chemical, or should more be ordered?
• Ensure the chemical metering pumps are powered and primed. Energize the pumps and use the pH analyzer control to simulate a pH value at which the pumps should respond. Observe the pump injecting chemical into the tank. Does the pH change after exiting the simulation mode?
• Confirm the pH sensors are clean and calibrated to detect changes in pH quickly. Clean the sensors as frequently as required, usually weekly. Check the pH calibration; if the measurement is off calibrate the sensor. A drifting pH reading is a good indication that a pH probe replacement is required.

If this process is followed daily, an Operator can predict when preventive maintenance is needed. If each item on this list is completed daily your pH Neutralization System will always operate as efficiently as it was designed.