2006 – 31st Annual Queensland Water Industry Workshop Operations Skills
4 to 6 July, 2006 University Central Queensland Campus – Rockhampton
Supported by: Fitzroy River Water, Water Industry Training Association Queensland, Environment Protection Agency, & Australian Pollution Engineering
Papers are listed in order of the workshop program
OVERVIEW OF AUTOMATIC METER READING FOR THE WATER INDUSTRY Allan Readdy – Elster Metering
+Abstract
The paper defines AMR and outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the various communication methods that are currently available. Significant properties of radio waves are considered. A brief explanation of the popular low power wireless systems is also presented. One of the criteria of a successful AMR system is seamless integration into an existing meter reading system. Hence implementation is addressed in the final stage of the presentation.
-Close
LEAK DETECTION FROM A FIELD OFFICER’S POINT OF VIEW Wayne Funnell – Wide Bay Water
+Abstract
-Close
AN OPERATOR’S GUIDE TO WATER TREATMENT COAGULANTS Peter Gebbie – Earth Tech Engineering
+Abstract
-Close
RECYCLED WATER CARTRIDGE FILTRATION TRIAL Paul Campbell-Cowie – Logan Water
+Abstract
The filter cartridge being used in this trial is a ten micron poly prop element which is coated in a thin film of polymer; this is to help aid in the capture of suspended solids in the recycled water as it enters the cartridge filter. The recycled water passes through the filter, solids being caught and the filtered water discharged. The filter housing is a vertical unit comprising of an inlet valve with a pressure gauge to monitor inlet pressure; the filter housing containing the filter where the recycled water passes through and solids are caught, then through to the discharged outlet pipe. Sample valves on the inlet and on the outlet side allows samples to be taken before and after, so turbidity can be measured for quality assurance, as early results show the NTU was less than 1 for a period of 4 to 5 days and an NTU above 1 but below 2 for the rest of the 14-day trial, as the filter change over is 14 days.
As a result of this trial, the amount of filter recycled water that the Logan Water Pollution Control Centre is aiming to achieve is at 5ML a day, which means that there would be an installation of multiple units to achieve this. This is being considered as well as other filtration systems to help achieve the highest quality A+ grade recycled water. Other trials are to be undertaken as soon as possible. The results of this trial may show that it might be of benefit for a smaller treatment plant, as the costs would be less to operate, depending on the amount of units and the quality of the recycled water being filtered through the filtration system. The need to provide high Grade A+ quality recycled water is a very important factor to help reduce the consumption of potable water and to increase recycled water usage before level 3 restrictions come into force.
-Close
BIOSOLIDS – BASIC FACTS AND HANDY HINTS Ron Bergmeier – Australian Pollution Engineering
+Abstract
-Close
UPGRADES TO THE PULGUL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT – WERE THEY WORTH IT? Graham Edwards – Wide Bay Water
+Abstract
-Close
EXPERIENCES OPERATING IN THE PACIFIC WATER INDUSTRY David Karrol – Western Bay of Plenty District Council, NZ
+Abstract
-Close
THE AFTERMATH OF CYCLONE LARRY Shane Bandiera – Johnstone Shire
+Abstract
The basis of this presentation is to learn from deficiencies in disaster planning for water and sewerage as a result of a severe cyclonic disaster and to make other Councils and Governing Bodies aware of issues that arose with Cyclone Larry in the Johnstone Shire and steps that may be of benefit for future disaster preparation.
-Close
DESIGN ASPECTS OF THE BURGOWAN WATER TREATMENT PLANT Peter Beswick – Cardno
+Abstract
It was a requirement that the plant utilised existing raw and treated water storage lagoons and eliminated any intra-process pumping.
-Close
CASE STUDY – EVANS HEAD STP : THE CASE NOT TO SHUT DOWN TRICKLE FILTERS AND INSTALL EXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVES Frank Gnanam – Virotec Global Solutions
+Abstract
This Paper details the economic comparison between implementing such a technology at existing sewage treatment plants which require either a major upgrade or the implementation of a future developmental plan which includes the construction of a new sewage treatment plant and necessary associated infrastructure. Either approach involves substantial capital expenditure, increased operating expense, re-training of operators to enhance their skills set, etc. The case study will include numerical data to illustrate the comparisons.
-Close
SEWER PUMP STATION FALL PREVENTION SYSTEM Jarrah Feather – East Gippsland Water
+Abstract
East Gippsland Water (EGW) in conjunction with a private contractor have designed, tested and manufactured a system centred around operator safety to meet the requirements of the regulations, and ease of use. The system consists of a removable grate, which is held in place by multi-functional corner brackets, all aluminium in construction. Within the corner brackets is provision for portable barricading specifically designed for this application to be installed.
The primary function of the grate is to offer fall protection when accessing the wet well, allowing the operator to visually check the well without the risk of falling. The secondary function of the grate is to be completely removable once the barricading is in place, allowing relatively unrestricted access to the pump well and all of its components.
The principle behind the barricading is very similar to an everyday scaffold, the posts are specially designed in aluminium to fit into the corner brackets. The rails are telescopic and have quick action claspers to allow their fitting to a wide range of well sizes and ease of use.
This system has been rated by a structural engineer and is a practical alternative to permanent barricading around wells or the use of fall arrest systems. The grate and brackets are totally hidden below the well lid and the barricading is completely removable, allowing for areas where aesthetics are important.
-Close
EVOLUTION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS UPGRADE STRATEGY – THE FITZROY WATER PERSPECTIVE Joshua McKenzie – Fitzroy River Water
+Abstract
It is now 2006, discharge conditions are yet to be finalised and no significant plant upgrades or modifications have been carried out despite the best intentions of all parties involved. The evolution of the Fitzroy River Water Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade strategy is an example of how operators and service providers are often at the mercy of external forces.
-Close
DESALINATION – A GROUND FLOOR PERSPECTIVE FROM AN OPERATOR Perry Proud – Dalby Town Council
+Abstract
- 10 shallow bores (about 25 metres) which produce approximately 3.5 megalitres per day. The yield from these bores is depleting continuously.
- Condamine River, from which we can treat 2 megalitres in an 8 hour shift, but because we depend on rainfall to fill the weir, this is unreliable.
- Desalination plant which produces 1.7 megalitres per day from deeper, but higher yielding, saline bores (about 55 metres).
After basic treatment this water is blended, pH corrected, chlorinated and fluoridated before being sent to storage reservoirs.
-Close
FLUORIDATION OF THE NORTHERN PENINSULA AREA WATER SUPPLY Peter McTaggart – Sunwater
+Abstract
A risk assessment undertaken during the preliminary design phase of the project identified a number of key issues relating to the implementation of a new treatment process in a small and isolated community. Assessment of options to manage these issues culminated in the decision to construct a dosing facility that utilised fluorosilicic acid as its source of fluoride.
This paper examines the criteria used to select the source of fluoride and its associated dosing system, the issues experienced in establishing and commissioning the system, and the management measures taken to resolve the problems encountered.
-Close
FITZROY RIVER WATER – RESOURCE OPERATIONS PLAN & CYANO BACTERIA MANAGEMENT Joshua McKenzie – Fitzroy River Water
+Abstract
-Close
V-FOLD BELT DEWATERING TECHNOLOGY Dale Young – GHD
+Abstract
This paper will present an overview of V-fold belt dewatering technology and provide information on its advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional sludge dewatering systems from an operations perspective. Operations staff will need to be aware of this new technology, as it is likely to gain widespread use in wastewater treatment in Australia, particularly for smaller applications. The paper will also present details on a full-scale trial of V-fold dewatering technology conducted in North Queensland in late 2005.
-Close
SCADA OPERATION AND MONITORING OF LARGE SCALE ON-SITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND REUSE SYSTEMS Ben Keele – Central Queensland University
+Abstract
The SCADA technology is used in association with KEWT systems, an innovative series of recirculating filter and evapotranspiration beds. It has allowed for the minimisation of hydraulic short-circuits and the calculation of evapotranspiration volumes. The SCADA system has also been designed to identify maintenance issues, especially in regards to pump performance and pump line blockages or ruptures.
-Close
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE NEW QUEENSLAND WATER RECYCLING GUIDELINES AND THE DRAFT NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR WATER RECYCLING 111 Dr Greg Jackson – EPA Queensland
+Abstract
-Close