Pilot Plant Running Instructions and Maintenance

This section includes some minor issues the team has come across, as well as instructions on keeping the plant running.

Note that there is always at least one operator at the treatment plant during regular hours. The operators are generally willing (and usually able) to help solve problems, so don't hesitate to ask if they're free to help out.

Start-up

For problems related to starting up the plant or adjusting alum dosing, see the Start-up page.

Equipment

For problems with faulty parts or other equipment (such as pumps), see the Equipment page.

Turbidimeters

For information on cleaning (should be done very often) and calibrating (should be done every two months) the turbidimeters see Turbidimeter Maintenance.

Process Controller

For difficulties with Process control (the program that runs the instrumentation), see the process controller instructions.

Turbidity and Flocs

For problems related to unusual turbidity or floc formation, see the Turbidity and Flocs page.

Flocculant Dosing

For information on how to set a flocculant (alum or PAC) dose, see Flocculant Dosing Instructions

Tube Flocculator

For information on getting air out of the tube flocculator and getting it started see Tube Flocculator Troubleshooting.

Flocculation Tank

For information on maintaining and cleaning the flocculation tank (vertical flow hydraulic flocculator), see the flocculation maintenance page. For information on how to run an experiment with the flocculation tanks, see How to Run an Experiment.

Sedimentation Tank

For information on cleaning the sedimentation tanks and using floc blankets, see the Sedimentation Tanks Maintenance and Tips page.