Understanding and Applying On-Line Process Analyzers

Saturday, October 18, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
1 day, 0.6 CEUs

The program has been designed to provide a condensed course for utility managers and engineers, consulting engineers, and O&M specialists on the different aspects of On-line Process Analyzers ranging from selection to sustainable maintenance that eventually determine the total cost of ownership. 

In an era of pursuing competitiveness, there is a need to turn to instrumentation to provide the required labor savings.  When coupled with additional restrictions on the NPDES permits that increasingly require the plants to operate at the limit of technology, process control parameters take on added importance.  Instrumentation’s role is expanded to include real time on-line monitoring in order to meet permit as well as optimize investment in existing infrastructure.

The Standard Methods laboratory techniques for measurement of process control parameters have set the bench mark for data quality.  Given the capital and labor savings achievable through the use of real time data, the question that utilities face is how do on-line process analyzers compare with standard laboratory techniques, and are they a cost effective alternative?

On-line instrumentation for Dissolved Oxygen has been in use for years with mixed results.  What determines success at one plant, and not at another?  Even for this routine process parameter, the introduction of a luminescent technique for measurement is being touted as the panacea for maintenance.  How does a utility determine the truth in these claims?  As seen at the WEFTEC Vendor display in Dallas, the number of manufacturers offering this technology has grown exponentially.   Are all vendors the same, and how does an end user determine which manufacturer to use?

As regulatory requirements expand and require plants to operate at the limit of technology for nitrogen and phosphorus, there is a need for supplemental carbon addition.  When coupled with a low TP limit, supplemental orthophosphate addition may also be necessary.   Real time measurement of nitrogen and phosphorus will make the difference between over and under dosing of supplemental chemicals resulting in significant chemical savings and protection against permit violation.  How does a utility develop a level of confidence in the on-line instrumentation when the stakes include permit compliance?

The workshop will provide participants with the tools necessary to make these evaluations.   In order to accommodate participants with a variety of experiences with on-line instrumentation, the workshop has been structured in three parts.  The first part of the workshop is a pre-purchase focus on factors that go into making a decision to purchase on-line instrumentation.  The second part of the workshop is post purchase use and developing a sustainable maintenance program that protects the investment in ownership of the on-line instrumentation.  The third part of the workshop will feature a moderated interactive discussion on the use of on-line instrumentation to address real plant challenges that are presented by the audience for evaluation. 

The workshop format will include presentations, case studies, and presentation of WERF’s recently completed report on On-line Nitrate Analyzers.

The morning session will introduce participants to sensor technologies and the range of parameters that can be measured on-line, demonstrate how process control applications drives analyzer selection, provide guidance on how to engineer an installation, and calculate the entire cost of ownership. 

The afternoon session will outline factors necessary for developing and maintaining an effective maintenance program including long term validation, spare parts, planned preventive maintenance, use of communication protocols to minimize labor, and how to audit a maintenance program.  The afternoon will also include case histories of installations and tests, and an interactive discussion on the application of On-line analyzers to address real life challenges presented by the audience.

Chair
Daniel P. Martin, Dow Chemical

Co-Chair
Salil Kharkar, DC Water and Sewer Authority

Speakers
Steve Gluck, Dow Chemical
Stephen Nutt, XCG Consultants Limited
Bob Hill, EMA, Inc.
John Barber, Eastman Chemical Co.
Glenn Bielefelt, Sacramento Regional wastewater Treatment Plant