Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chlorine operations include adjustment of chlorinator feed rates,
inspection of mechanical equipment, testing for leaks using ammonia
swabs (white smoke indicates the presence of leaks), changing contain-
ers (which requires more than one person for safety), and adjusting the
injector water feed rate when required. Chlorination requires routine
testing of plant effluent for total chlorine residual and may also require
collection and analysis of samples to determine the fecal coliform con-
centration in the effluent.
9.2.6 Troubleshooting operation Problems
On occasion, operational problems with the disinfection process
develop. The wastewater operator must be able to recognize these prob-
lems and correct them. For proper operation, the chlorination process
requires routine observation, meter readings, process control and test-
ing, and various process control calculations. Comparison of daily
results with expected normal ranges is the key to identifying problems
during the troubleshooting process and to taking the appropriate cor-
rective action (if required). In this section, we review normal operational
and performance factors, point out various problems that can occur with
the disinfection process, identify causes, and suggest corrective actions
that should be taken.
9.2.6.1 Operator Considerations
The operator should consider the following items:
flow distribution—
The operator monitors the flow to ensure that
it is evenly distributed between all units in service and that the
flow through each individual unit is uniform, with no indication of
short-circuiting.
Contact tank—
The contact tanks or basins must be checked to
ensure that no excessive accumulation of scum is present on the
surface, that no solids are accumulating on the bottom, and that
mixing appears to be adequate.
Chlorinator—
The operator should check to ensure that no evi-
dence of leakage is apparent, the operating pressure and vacuum
are within specified levels, the current chlorine feed settling is
within expected levels, the inline cylinders have sufficient chlorine
to ensure continuous feed, and the exhaust system is operating as
designed.
9.2.6.2 Factors Affecting Performance
Operators must be familiar with those factors that affect chlorina-
tion performance. Any item that interferes with the chlorine reactions
or increases the demand for chlorine can affect performance and, in
turn, may produce nondisinfectant products. Factors affecting chlorina-
tion performance include:
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