TRACK I: Water, 316(b) & Cooling Tower
ACCEPTING ABSTRACTS ON: Waste Water, Ground Water, ELG, CCR, 316(b), ELG, FGD Wastewater Monitoring, Cooling Tower, Water Sustainability, Disposal, PFAS, O&M, FGD, Algae, O&M, Water Management Technologies
I1.5 Optimizing Systems of Technologies for 316(b) BTA 6-Estimating Credits and Reductions
I1.5 Optimizing Systems of Technologies for 316(b) BTA 6-Estimating Credits and Reductions
Bill Stephens – J.S. Held
Waterford 3 (WF3), a nuclear power facility on the Lower Mississippi River performed a 2-year site-specific optimization study (January 2020 – January 2022) demonstrating operation of the systems of technologies, operational measures and best managements practices have been optimized to minimize impingement mortality (IM). This study developed a calculation baseline for comparison to determine credits for reductions in IM and entrainment (E) and demonstrated that WF3 operates a BTA meeting IM and E standards. WF3’s in-place systems of technologies include: 1) 33% credit for offshore cooling water intake structure (CWIS) located in the channel border/main channel habitat area where less habitat is available for fish and fish densities are much lower; 2) 27.15% credit for seasonal/operational reduction of cooling water usage from 1440 million gallons per day (MGD) to 1049 MGD; 3) 66.4% credit for minimized area of effective zone of influence (ZOI) compared to defined area of calculation baseline for the CWIS from combined reductions associated with river flow periods and reduced fish density and fish ability to avoid ZOI; and 4) 46% credit for use of fish-friendly multi-disc rotating Geiger screens. From the calculation baseline, credits for the identified reductions in impingement estimate impingeable fish rates based on the performance of each technology. Credit estimations are cumulative as opposed to additive and account for a 91.4% impingement reduction.
I1.6 Unique Strategies with 316(b) Compliance at Multiple Facilities
I1.6 Unique Strategies with 3`16(b) Compliance at Multiple Facilities
Kurtis Schlicht – J.S. Held
Four facilities relied on fisheries-based approach to 316b compliance. Each facility developed a calculation baseline for comparison to determine credits for reductions in impingement mortality (IM) and entrainment (E) to demonstrate they met IM and E standards with BTA 6- Systems of Technologies. Each facility was situated on a unique water of the United States (WOUS) in four different states including two nuclear power plants, one fossil power plant and a paper facility. The Texas facility was an estuarine system on Sabine Lake. The Mississippi facility was on the large Lower Mississippi River. The Arkansas facility was located on a seasonal pool of the Arkansas River and the Georgia facility was on the small Chattahoochee River with water levels influenced daily by an upstream power-generating dam. Three of the facilities performed required 2-year impingement technology performance optimization studies and one relied on historical data. A variety of cooling water intake structures (CWIS) locations, zones of influence (ZOI), actual intake flows (AIFs) and screen technology types were assessed. One of the three facilities attempted the de minimis approach. All four facilities demonstrated compliance associated with reductions and credits compared to a calculation baseline with a system’s approach specific to each facilities’ technologies, management practices and operational measures |
I2.6 Electrochemical Oxidation for PFAS Destruction
I2.6 Electrochemical Oxidation for PFAS Destruction
Orren Schneider – Aclarity LLC
Electrochemical systems have been shown to degrade and destroy compounds like PFAS, 1,4-Dioxane, and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), often mineralizing them to carbon dioxide (in the case of organic carbon) or to their constituent elements (nitrogen, fluoride, chlorine, etc.). This presentation will be an overview of electrochemistry, how it fits in the continuum of advanced oxidation processes, and how it can be applied for the destruction of PFAS and other emerging contaminants in several matrices. Data showing destruction of these contaminants using Aclarity’s commercial technology, as well as impacts of system flow rates, applied voltages and amperage, and type of electrodes, will be discussed.
I3.6 New Ultra-trace level silica analyzer for online monitoring of silica in Boiler water in Power Plant
I3.6 New Ultra-trace level silica analyzer for online monitoring of silica in Boiler water in Power Plant
Andrew Xie – Thermo Fisher Scientific
Boiler water and ultrapure water are widely used in various industries, such as power plants, oil & gas, and semiconductor plants. Trace contaminants such as silica can have a critical impact on essential assets, such as causing deposits/corrosion on boiler, heat exchangers and turbines.
The Orion 8030cX Silica Analyzer developed by Thermo Fisher Scientific answers the need with direct, accurate online monitoring of silica in real time to prevent built-up, improve energy efficiency and maximize uptime. It offers superior accuracy, reliable operation, automated features and intuitive user interface to protect valuable assets and ensure safe power generation. It combines a patented fluid delivery system with optimized reagent chemistry to improve silica detection limit to sub ppb level. It delivers accurate and precise results across a wide analysis range, from 0-5000 µg/L. The improved reagent chemistry minimizes common interferences from phosphate and lasts longer. Consuming only about 200 µL of reagent per test, the new analyzer can continuously monitor unattended for up to 100 days while reducing chemical waste. The Orion 8030cX Silica Analyzer features state-of-the-art automation (such as automated calibration, validation and cleaning), advanced intuitive software, intelligent system diagnostics and alert notifications that reduce manual intervention and maintenance. It has been tested in various power plants to outperform existing silica analyzers.
I3.7 Desalination and reuse of Produced Water as agricultural irrigation water by basin solar still
I3.7 Desalination and reuse of Produced Water as agricultural irrigation water by basin solar still
Karim Ghasemipanah – Research Institute of Petroleum Industry
The aim of this study was desalination and reuse of produced water by using basin solar still distillation to meet the agricultural irrigation standards. Produced water is one of the big obstacles to the oil and gas industries. The produced water contains high dissolved solids, remaining oil and hydrocarbons, and other pollutants. Conventional treatment methods usually are not applicable and advanced technologies are expensive for produced water treatment. Availability of sufficient areas, high solar radiation, and the high number of sunny days in southern Iran are suitable parameters for solar distillation by using basin solar still. In this research to achieve the agricultural irrigation standards, three basin solar still with about one square meter area and different bottom surface covers including galvanized, dark polymer lining coated, and the dark anodized surface was made and installed in Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI). Produced water from an oilfield located south of Iran entered the three Basins solar still with different water depths of 1, 2, and 3 centimeters. Then after running some tests, optimum water depth and bottom surface cover for the production of more treated produced water were determined. The result showed that basin solar still with 30-degree slope for glass surface, dark polymer lining coated, 2 centimeters depth of produced water and positioned to the south geographical side, can treat produced water in an amount of 3 to 4 liters per

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Normally when the steam based plants were designed , they have efficiency of 41-42%. However, after few years of operation, the annual efficiencies of some 20-30 year old plants falls in the range of 30-37% depending upon how good the operation and maintenance is done by the asset owners. The drop in efficiency and increase in maintenance cost causes enormous financial burden to the extent that the plants are forced to retire even prematurely. We present here a case study of 2×300 MWe wherein when the assets are managed effectively, the power plant can continue to operate and generate revenue for the asset owners.
I2.1 Design and Operation of Temporary and Permanent Low Volume WWT Systems
I2.1 Design and Operation of Temporary and Permanent Low Volume WWT Systems
Charles McCloskey – Evoqua
With the impending closure of ash ponds and redirection of FGD wastewater to segregated systems, the problem is to how to treat the remaining water flows from a coal fired power plant to effectively meet discharge limits. Commonly called Low Volume Wastewater (LVWW), these flows include coal pile run off, plant sumps, seal water. filter and demineralizer backwash, and various intermittent wash waters. In total, the flows can be quite high approaching 10,000 gpm. Additionally the water quality can be highly variable depending on rain events, process water cycles and cleaning events. Effective treatment requires consideration of these factors and design of a system that is robust and flexible in achieving desired performance across all variables. Additionally, the system must be compact so as to fit into the available space of an operating plant without disruption of power production. This presentation will describe the design of a LVWW for a large coal fired power plant, the provision of a temporary solution to meet required regulatory dead line, the start-up and commissioning and operation of both systems.
I2.2 Online Analysers for Mercury, Arsenic and Selenium: Exceeding the US
I2.2 Online Analysers for Mercury, Arsenic and Selenium: Exceeding the US
Warren Corns – PSA
New online systems for wastewater discharge based on oxidative UV digestion and vapor generation coupled to AFS have been developed to meet the forthcoming EPA effluent discharge limits. Our latest analyzer for Hg (PSA10.226) offers a batch analysis approach with a syringe pump to introduce reagents and also a gold amalgamation step to significantly improve detection limits into the sub ppt range. With the success of the new Hg analyzer we have recently designed a new syringed based AFS system for selenium and arsenic (PSA10.256). Performance data from field and laboratory trials using FGD samples will be presented.
Co-Author: Shaun Lancaster, PS Analytical
I2.3 Measurement, Control & Regulatory Challenges in Wastewater Biocide
I2.3 Measurement, Control & Regulatory Challenges in Wastewater Biocide
Jaiwei Zhang – Thermo Scientific
Accurate online measurement of total residual oxidant (TRO) or biocide is essential for achieving wastewater treatment regulatory compliance. Traditional DPD colorimetric measurement has limitations, such as higher detection limit, larger error, interference from turbidity, color, and metal ions, drift due to discoloring reagent, and intermittent batch measurement. The newly developed TRO analyzer with ion-selective electrode (ISE) technology solves these issues with significantly improved detection limit and accuracy using the EPA-approved standard method 4500-Cl I. Additionally, the ISE based measurement is continuous, free of interference, sample turbidity and color, and works in a wider dynamic range with much-lowered detection limits.
Co-Authors: Andrew Xie and Gang Wang, Thermo Fisher Scientific
I2.4 Section 316(b) Optimization Study at Nearman Creek Power Station
I2.4 Section 316(b) Optimization Study at Nearman Creek Power Station
Christopher Wiggins – Burns & McDonnell
The Nearman Creek Power Station, operated by the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU), is a coal-fired, 256-megawatt (MW) gross generating station located in Kansas City, Kansas. The Final Rule 316(b) Rule at § 122.21(r)(6)(i) states that if a facility chooses to comply with § 125.94(c)(5), a 2-year, site-specific Impingement Technology Performance Optimization Study will need to be conducted. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate that the operation of the modified traveling screens has been optimized and is functioning properly to minimize impingement mortality of non-fragile species. Burns & McDonnell has prepared an Optimization Study Plan, designed the temporary sampling system to collect fish and shellfish impinged off of the new traveling screens, and is completing the study with BPU. This presentation will focus on the study design (sampling equipment setup and experimental design), impingement and latent mortality sampling methods, needed ancillary data (traveling screen operational, and station data, and ambient water quality and flow data) and discuss the associated challenges in designing the temporary sampling system.
I2.5 You’ve Got PFAS. How to Prepare, Dispose and Respond
I2.5 You've Got PFAS. How to Prepare, Dispose and Respond
Nick Palatiello – Barr
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants of concern in soil, groundwater and drinking water systems. PFAS releases have the potential to impact water supplies and are a challenge to capture and remove. Due to their chemical properties and widespread use, PFAS typically have multiple source areas and can be ubiquitous in most urban areas. For the utility industry, links and liability to the issue is through the training and use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) concentrates and laydown yards which store wires which are coated in the compound. Some coal fired power plants have used AFFF either in training or for fire suppression of their coal piles for the simple fact that AFFF is extremely effective. In addition, potential liability can be from the leaching of wires that have been coated in PFAS. This presentation will provide information on some tools and approaches from simple to complex on how a facility can identify what PFAS may be associated with their use and where it has migrated based on Barr’s nearly 20 years of PFAS investigation including case studies from refining and industrial sites. This presentation will discuss how to inventory current and legacy supply of AFFF containing PFAS and replacement and disposal options. Attendees will leave the short presentation with an understanding of the complexity of the chemistry as well as an idea for approaches to audit current PFAS risk and prepare in the event of a regulatory inquiry.
Co-Author: Ward Swanson, Barr Engineering Co.
I1.4 Water and Ash Compliance: What is New this Year?
I1.4 Water and Ash Compliance: What is New this Year?
Jason Eichenberger – Burns & McDonnell
This presentation will outline the current state of the rules, including a summary of the proposed ELG rule changes from EPA, any additional CCR changes, and an update on state and/or federal CCR programs. It will also highlight CCR/ELG case studies from various regions of the country, challenges being faced in each location, new technologies being implemented for ash conversions, and answers to many of the questions currently being asked by utilities. What is the forecast for more regulatory change and what should we be doing in the interim? What actions must utilities take as they continue forward with CCR groundwater monitoring, corrective action, impoundment closures, discharge permit renewals, ash handling conversions, wastewater treatment projects, and other potential plant modifications?
I3.1 Noxious Algae Strategic Management for Energy and Electric Utilities
I3.1 Noxious Algae Strategic Management for Energy and Electric Utilities
Alyssa Calomeni – EA Engineering
Noxious algae, which produce toxins and taste and odor compounds, can grow to densities that inhibit uses of critical water resources managed by energy and electric utilities. Un-managed algal issues can become a costly problem, health risk and source of public distrust. When faced with new or seasonal algal issues, targeted and site-specific management solutions are necessary and effective. This presentation identifies specific algal issues that impact the energy sector and outlines an approach for development of noxious algae management strategies. This approach can be adapted for different sites to restore the uses of cooling ponds, reservoirs, and lakes.
I3.2 New and Novel No Phosphorous Cooling Tower Treatment
I3.2 New and Novel No Phosphorous Cooling Water Treatment
Peter Macios – Suez
Market and regulatory demands are requiring customers to look for non or low phosphorous alternates and solutions to open recirculating cooling water treatment. Phosphorous being a key nutrient for algae growth in the towers and receiving bodies of water. Under these challenging operating conditions, new techniques were evaluated in understanding the metal surface chemistry including XPS, ToF-SIMS and TEM surface analysis yielding insights into the engineering of passivation films in cooling water applications. STP and CHO inhibitors have a significant role in the construction of passivating films and can be combined in with metals salts such as Zn, Sn, and Al3+ in challenging corrosive conditions to provide corrosion and deposition control with control over the engineering film. Combined with saturation modeling analytics the cooling tower operator can effectively model and manage a no / low phosphorous cooling water treatment programs that meets the environmental regulations while maintaining industry standard corrosion results. One customer case history will be included in the paper.
Co-Authors: Jim Green and Paul Frail, SUEZ Water Technologies and Solutions
I3.3 Continuous Use of Non-Chemical Dechlorination – Membrane Performance at Coal-Fired Power Station
I3.3 Continuous Use of Non-Chemical Dechlorination - Membrane Performance at Coal-Fired Power Station
Dennis Bitter – Atlantium
Plant Bowen installed the Hydro-Optic™ (HOD) UV water treatment technology in 2014 to improve the overall quality of reverse osmosis feed water. Since the installation Plant Bowen has been able to maintain the integrity of their feed water for the boiler and steam cycle, ensuring production and quality levels necessary for the facility to operate efficiently. This presentation will detail the long-term membrane performance with the continuous use of the HOD UV technology at Plant Bowen.
QUESTIONS
1. Where is the recommended location for the installation of the HOD UV technology in the process scheme?
2. What are the maintenance requirements of the HOD UV technology?
3. How does the CAPEX and OPEX costs of the HOD UV system compare to other UV technologies?
I3.4 316(b) Fish Return Trough Construction at Nearman Creek
I3.4 316(b) Fish Return Trough Construction at Nearman Creek
Matt Bleything – Burns & McDonnell
BPU enlisted Burns & McDonnell to conduct studies and develop the best alternative for 316(b) compliance at the Nearman Creek Power Station. We collaborated with the client and determined a modified traveling screen with fish return trough offered the optimal solution for the plant. In 2019, new screens were procured and installed, and the trough was constructed and put into operation. The fish return system that was implemented had few examples across the country for comparison and was one of the first put into operation in the region and on the Missouri River. This presentation will focus on how the team developed engineering solutions that met the industry standards for fish returns while also being highly customized for the plant. The presentation will also provide lessons learned from construction.
I3.5 The Realities of Installing EPA 316(b) Compliant Traveling Screens
I3.5 The Realities of Installing EPA 316(b) Compliant Traveling Screens
Ford Wall – Atlas SSI
This Paper explores the Engineering challenges and lessons learned of implementing EPA 316(b) requirements from a utility and manufacturer prospective. New York State DEC maintained lead agency status and required the equivalent of 316(b) for Con Edison’s East River Station in 2009. Best Technology Available identified replacing its existing dual flow screens with Atlas-SSI Ristroph Screens. The project seemed simple but insuring proper design and operation presented multiple challenges. The journey addressed electrical infrastructure, CFD Modeling of intake flows and structural loading, equipment material selection, fine mesh panel requirements and testing, continuous vs intermittent screen operation and ultimate compliance testing.
Co-Author: Gary Thorn, Consolidated Edison
I1.2 Power Up with Data Driven Marketing
I1.2 Power Up with Data Driven Marketing
David Cox – FirmoGraphs
Vendors in the EUEC-sphere offer pragmatic answers to challenging power industry challenges, both in fossil and renewable energy power generation.
The U.S. market for power generation and supply is dynamic, complex, and geographically distributed. The challenge is, how do you get your excellent solutions in front of the right prospects at the right time?
Power Up with Market intelligence.
FirmoGraphs supports smart industry leaders who are providing:
-More-accurate options for trace-metal contaminant removal from coal ash pond water
-Innovative soil compaction technologies for safer landfill construction
-More-effective monitoring and instrumentation on combustion sources
-New handling solutions for temporary onsite water management
FirmoGraphs helps organizations find their ideal customers (the needle) in the vast and complex U.S. power market (the haystack). In this presentation, David Cox, FirmoGraphs President will share several real-world, ‘nerd marketing’ examples of how organizations use Business Intelligence to identify and reach the right target accounts.
QUESTIONS
1. Where do you source your data?
2. What states are tracked?
3. How many hours are put into data collection and curation?
I1.1 State of the Art Precast Post-Tensioned Concrete for Water & Wastewater Tanks
I1.1 State of the Art Precast Post-Tensioned Concrete for Water & Wastewater Tanks
Dave Beiler – Dutchland Incorperated
Precast Prestressed Concrete is becoming a widely utilized option, in lieu of cast-in-place, for all types of water, wastewater, and renewable energy projects. This presentation will focus on how precast tanks are designed, manufactured offsite, and installed at the project site. Case studies showing how this “green” tank construction methodology saved time and money, while providing increased durability, will be highlighted.
Co-Author: Michael O’Brien, Dutchland, Inc.
QUESTIONS
1. What is the life expectancy of precast post-tensioned tanks?
2. How do precast post-tensioned tanks normally compare to the cost of cast-in-place construction?
3. Are there size limitations to this type of construction?