Date
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Time
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Location Name
KICC M111 ( Level 1)
Name
Deciphering Disinfection
Track
Drinking Water Treatment
Description

In the wake of recent global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, there has been a substantial escalation in the cost of essential water treatment chemicals. Simultaneously, notable incidents involving chemical spills have triggered heightened public scrutiny of chemical transportation networks, especially in relation to gaseous chlorine. As a result, the surge in cost and non-cost factors have strained water treatment plants and driven utilities to look for ways to improve efficiency and resiliency around disinfection practices. This situation has prompted numerous utility systems to explore alternative disinfection approaches, with sodium hypochlorite emerging as a predominant choice. Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. has been engaged by several clients, including Clarksville Gas & Water (CGW) and Bowling Green Municipal Utilities (BGMU), over the last two years to assess and augment their sodium hypochlorite disinfection systems. While entities like CGW and BGMU possess familiarity with sodium hypochlorite, its broad adoption as an alternative to chlorine gas disinfection and the differing mechanisms of procuring it (bulk purchase versus onsite generation) remains unfamiliar to many utilities. The objective of this presentation is to provide a comprehensive overview of sodium hypochlorite disinfection. The discussion will compare the two prevailing implementation methodologies: bulk delivery and on-site generation. The comparative analysis will highlight factors such as costs, common design practices, operational opportunities and challenges, and maintenance requirements. Practical examples, including the design at Clarksville Gas & Water and the expansion at Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, will guide the discussion.