United States Environmental Protection Agency Water Engineering Research Laboratory Cincinnati OH 45268 Research and Development EPA/600/S8-85/026 Nov. 1985 Project Summary Wastewater Treatment Plant Instrumentation Handbook Robert C. Manross A handbook was developed as a guide for selecting, applying, and maintaining instruments and final control elements in wastewater treatment plants. The handbook does not include all instru- ments used in such plants, but priority is given to basic, proven instruments that meet specific needs and provide tangi- ble benefits. Basic applications covered include analytical measurement, flow measure- ment (liquid and gas), level measure- ment, pressure measurement, pump control, and control valves. Topics addressed are the theory of operation, application guidelines, installation re- quirements, maintenance and calibra- tion requirements, and selection and sizing specifications. The handbook is intended to be used by individuals with no previous back- ground or specialized knowledge of instrumentation and control equipment. A designer's checklist is provided for each of the instruments described in the handbook. This Project Summary was developed by EPA's Water Engineering Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH, to announce key findings of the research project that is fully documented in a separate report of the same title (see Project Report ordering information at back). Introduction Instruments are required for the proper operation of wastewater treatment plants. To be useful, the instruments must be operable and maintainable. Thus care must betaken in selecting, applying, and installing instruments and control equip- ment. This handbook tells users how to design and apply instruments and con- trols for waste treatment operations. Special emphasis is placed on problems, causes, and solutions. Background Instrumentation for wastewater treat- ment was observed in various states of working order during visits to wastewater treatment plants over several years. Personnel at these sites often criticized the instruments for their failure to meet expectations of reliability and usefulness. However, the same instruments per- formed satisfactorily in other locations. We therefore concluded that the need was great to educate the engineering, user, and regulatory communities about the prerequisites for success with instru- mentation. The initial response was to hold a 4-day seminar in November 1983 in Chicago to teach engineers and operators how to make wastewater treatment instruments operable and maintainable. The program presented examples of real-life problems and how they could be prevented. The problems were attributed to misapplica- tion, incorrect installation, or improper maintenance. This handbook grew out of the preparation for the seminar, which required documenting the basis for the information that was presented. Contents of the Handbook The handbook addresses more instru- ments than the seminar could deal with, but it does not cover all items used in wastewater treatment plants. Priority has been given to basic, proven equipment that meets specific needs and provides tangible benefits. The handbook includes instruments, valves, and pumps com- monly used in wastewater treatment plants. Applications covered are analytical measurement, flow measurement (liquid ------- and gas), level measurement, pressure measurement, pump control, and control valves. Topics addressed are the basic theory of operation, applications, instal- lation requirements, maintenance and calibration requirements, and selection and sizing specifications. The handbook is intended for use by individuals with no previous background or specialized knowledge of instrumenta- tion or control equipment. Users respon- sible for reviewing the work done by others may find a helpful reference in the designer's checklist in each section. If more technical information is required, a reference list is included at the end of each section. Conclusions The information contained in the hand- book should not be considered all-inclu- sive; rather, it is a much-needed, begin- ning documentation of what really works in the field. Making an instrument reliable and maintainable may depend on infor- mation not included in the manufacturer's manual. The solutions may involve re- vised procedures, test methods, or physi- cal modifications. Too often this knowl- edge is not shared outside the treatment plant because the persons responsible do not consider their solutions unique or important. The full report was submitted in fulfill- ment of Contract No. 68-03-3130 by Dynamac, Inc., Rockville, MD, under the sponsorship of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Robert C. Manross is with EM A. Inc., St. Paul, MN 55101. Walter W. Schuk is the EPA Project Officer (see below). The complete report, entitled "Wastewater Treatment Plant Instrumentation Handbook,"{Order No. PB 86-108 636/AS; Cost: $28.95, subject to change) will be available only from: National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Telephone: 703-487-4650 The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at: Water Engineering Research Laboratory U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cincinnati, OH 45268 United States Environmental Protection Agency Center for Environmental Research Information Cincinnati OH 45268 BULK RATE POSTAGE & FEES Pf EPA PERMIT No. G-35 Official Business Penalty for Private Use $300 EPA/600/S8-85/026 0063240 WERl LOU w TILL!? 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