Scaling UP! H2O

"Why is the water weirdly blue? Why does it smell bad? Why does it taste bad? The culprit is frequently Backflow." - Kalpna Solanki

Delve into the mysteries behind strange-tinted water, unpleasant odors, and off-putting tastes – all signs pointing to an all too common culprit: Backflow. Uncover the shocking narrative of over 50,000 residents enduring weeks without water due to industrial chemicals infiltrating their drinking supply in Ontario, Canada. Join Kalpna Solanki, President and CEO of the Environmental Operators Certification Program, on a mission to safeguard our drinking water.

In this episode, Kalpna Solanki delves into the concealed dangers of Backflow, the inadvertent reverse flow of harmful substances into water systems. Through gripping case studies, she paints a vivid picture of the potential consequences of backflow incidents, emphasizing the critical need for proactive prevention measures. Kalpna shares insights on emergency response teams, navigating legislative challenges, and the ongoing commitment to professional development in ensuring water safety.

Immerse yourself in the latest Scaling UP! H2O episode, where Kalpna Solanki, as a water quality advocate, exposes the unseen threat jeopardizing our drinking water – Backflow. As the dynamic leader of the Environmental Operators Certification Program, Kalpna narrates real stories from the front lines of water treatment, underscoring the paramount importance of backflow prevention.

Episode Highlights:

Backflow Unveiled: Kalpna guides listeners through the unexpected dangers of Backflow, shedding light on instances where the safety of our water supply teeters on the brink. Explore the indispensable role of Backflow prevention devices and the unsung heroes, Environmental Operators, dedicated to ensuring these guardians of clean water fulfill their duty.

Importance of Emergency Response Teams: Kalpna discusses the need for emergency response teams to address issues related to extreme weather events and climate change. Highlighting the importance of contingency plans and teams in industrial water treatment facilities, she provides insights on working with legislators to formulate a plan before disaster strikes.

In the Trenches: Real Backflow Incidents: Listeners will be captivated by narratives of actual Backflow incidents, where the absence of prevention measures led to contamination crises – stories that underscore the urgency of our collective responsibility.

A Path Forward: Kalpna and her team have developed resources to help water professionals learn about Backflow, partner with local legislation to improve public drinking water, and enhance safety through education, maintenance, and laws.

Kalpna's passion for water quality and preventing water disasters is contagious, and these stories resonate with the heart of every water professional and concerned citizen. Join the episode to become part of the solution, unveiling the hidden threats to our most precious resource. Tune in now to Scaling UP! H2O and stand as a defender of clean water!

Timestamps

01:00- Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

09:00- Interview with Kalpna Solanki

46:10 - Lightning Round Questions

56:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald

Quotes

"This industry is recession-proof. There will always be a need for environmental operators. It's a career with lots of opportunities. You can work anywhere because everyone needs people to take care of drinking water and wastewater management." - Kalpna Solanki

"Knowledge is never wasted." - Kalpna Solanki

"You are putting the public's health at risk when you don't have the proper systems in place." - Kalpna Solanki

"I would love people to find out about Backflow, what exactly it is, why it's important, and why lawmakers should be paying more attention to this so that we don't have these incidents of people accidentally, literally, being poisoned via their drinking water because it is completely preventable. That's the thing about it. It is completely preventable, and it's not a big ticket item." - Kalpna Solanki

"There's a finite amount of water on this planet, and we really need to spend a bit more time looking at not just water conservation, but water treatment, water reuse and the circular water economy." - Kalpna Solanki

Connect with Kalpna Solanki

Phone: 778.688.9196

Email: [email protected]

Website: eocp.ca

Water Environment Federation (WEF)

LinkedIn: in/kalpnasolanki

company/eocpbcy

Read or Download Kalpna Solanki's Press Release HERE

Links Mentioned

Join Team Scaling UP! Nation's Global 6K on May 18th

British Columbia Institute of Technology for Water and Wastewater Operations

Read Kalpna's Publications on Operator Digest Magazine

Become a #watergeek - What is an Environmental Operator and what do they do?

Water Environment Federation (WEF)

Examples of Backflow Incidents in Canada

2021 Floods in Merritt, B.C.: Review and Repair

Cleaning Up Edmonton's Sewer Smell

Ontario Canada Petrochemicals 50,000 Residents Impacted from Backflow

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Legionella Resources Page

Books Mentioned

Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton M. Christensen

The Big Necessity: The Unmentionable World of Human Waste and Why It Matters by Rose George

Reverse Osmosis: A Practical Guide for Industrial Users by Wes Byrne

2024 Events for Water Professionals

Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE or using the dropdown menu.

Drop By Drop with James

In this week's episode, we're thinking about reverse osmosis. In particular, we are thinking about the dissolved solids and some of the things that influence their passage through the RO membrane. More than simply filtration, reverse osmosis is a diffusion process through a semipermeable polymer membrane. That sounds fancy, I know, but it can be more than simply size that matters for dissolved solids trying to pass through the RO membrane.

One of my go-to books for RO is written by Wes Byrne and is called "Reverse Osmosis: A Practical Guide for Industrial Users," 2nd edition. I have not read it cover to cover, but drop by drop as I have questions or needs. It's a good, well-written, practical book that makes a complex subject digestible.

Right in the very beginning, it sneaks in some important concepts, on pages 8 through 14 in particular, that opened my eyes more as I thought about them. First, it talks about the size versus apparent size of atoms and molecules trying to pass through the RO membrane. When you think of sodium or calcium atoms, you probably think of just a single sodium or calcium atom floating around the water solution. However, as we learned in last week's episode of Drop by Drop, we know water molecules are sticky because of hydrogen bonding. Sodium and calcium are charged ions, and they will be surrounded by water molecules hydrogen bonding to them, making an ion group with a larger apparent size. Did you hear that? The apparent size of the sodium and calcium ions are bigger than their individual sizes because of the entourage of water molecules attracted to them. This is called ion hydration. The higher the charge of the ion, the greater the number of water molecules attracted to it, and the more difficult it is for it to diffuse through an RO membrane.

Now, before I had read this part of the book, I had heard that the higher the ionic charge the higher the percent rejection typically was, but I had never considered the role that water's hydrogen bonding played in that rejection. That's one more reason to love hydrogen bonding.

I'm not done yet, however. A second concept that this book drove home for me can be found on page 9. It mentions that the water solutions we commonly deal with are neutrally charged with no charge imbalances overall. Sure, there are positively charged cations and negatively charged anions, but they will tend to stay close together, resulting in a net neutral charge. This also means that you will not have a cation passing through an RO membrane unless an anion or anions of EQUAL charge quantity passes through as well. Your plusses must equal your minuses of what passes through.

Woah! Now not only do dissolved solids have a larger "apparent" size because of ion hydration, but there is a balancing act of what can pass through an RO membrane based upon their charges as well? Yes, and it is FASCINATING! The example given is of sodium sulfate or Na2SO4. When it dissolves in water, we will have sodium ions with a +1 charge and sulfate ions with a -2 charge. They'll both be surrounded by water molecules making their apparent sizes bigger. The sulfate ion with its larger -2 charge will have an even larger apparent size than the sodium ion, so the sulfate will have a much harder time getting through the RO membrane. One would think the sodium ion, with only its +1 charge, might sail on through, but hold your horses. Because the total charges of what passes through the membrane must balance out, if the sulfate can't go, then the sodium won't go either. Now that's loyalty! However, if we add some calcium chloride or CaCl2 to the water, things change. Now you have positively charged calcium ions with their +2 charge and negatively charged chloride ions with their -1 charge. Chloride's -1 charge is smaller than sulfates -2 charge, so its apparent size will also be smaller, and it will more readily pass through the RO membrane. Now, the charges passing through the membrane will be balanced as both sodium (+1) and chloride (-1) pass through as calcium and sulfate stay behind. The entire dynamic changed!

Man! That's a lot! I hope I made it somewhat understandable and did the topic justice. You might have to rewind to listen again because this water's deep. I've just had these bits of RO information rattling around in my brain for years and have seen many "Aha" moments when sharing them with others.

"Don't shortcut boiler safety. Do it once, do it right, and don't put your life or someone else's life at risk." - Barry Higgins

Happy days are here again! Dive deeper into the realm of steam boilers with Part 2 of our exclusive interview with the brilliant Barry Higgins from AquaChem. If you enjoyed last Friday's episode, get ready for an even more profound exploration into the intricacies of boiler management.

In this episode, Barry takes us on a journey through advanced topics crucial for every water treater and industry enthusiast. Discover the significance of pH management, from its intricate relation to alkalinity to the cautionary notes on caustic demand above pH 11. Barry emphasizes the importance of precise pH meter calibration, advocating for separate probes in high pH ranges and the use of single-use cells for calibration.

Explore the nuances of the blowdown system as Barry stresses the effectiveness of short, pulsating blowdowns for optimal sludge removal. Uncover the distinctions between bottom and top blowdowns and the potential pitfalls of leaving the blowdown open for extended periods. Safety measures take center stage as Barry shares a personal account, highlighting the critical importance of regular checks on low and high-level probes, weekly boiler checks, and alarm tests.

Water level monitoring becomes a fascinating topic, discussing variations due to steam density, the significance of steady levels, and the importance of checking sight glasses for signs of corrosion. Barry wraps it up with insights into boiler water sampling, offering guidance on ideal sampling locations and considerations when a sample cooler is unavailable.

Join host Trace Blackmore as he continues his conversation with Barry Higgins, unraveling advanced boiler checks and sharing invaluable wisdom. Get ready for a knowledge-packed episode that elevates your expertise in industrial water treatment. Happy days, indeed!

Timestamps

01:00 - Trace Blackmore reminds you to share your water resources with others

03:40 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

08:30 - Interview with Barry Higgins, Boilers Part 2

34:30 - Lightning round questions

40:00 - Closing thoughts with Trace

48:15 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald

Quotes

"Do it once, do it right, and don't put your life or someone else's life at risk.

It's not worth your life. Don't shortcut boiler safety. Get the steam properly in one hour, not two minutes." - Barry Higgins

"You have to check all your levels and check all your probes and make sure all these alarms are working." - Barry Higgins

"Jump in, you'll love working with water. If you like to solve problems this is a job for life. You will never have two days that are exactly the same." - Barry Higgins

"I'm a water treater, I'm not a Magician." - Barry Higgins

"Advice for water treaters on day one: Be bold. Make hard decisions that come your way, don't be scared of them. It's gonna be a roller coaster. It's gonna be up. It's gonna be down, but just go with the flow and learn. If you get a knock get back up again and and learn learn from why you failed and just keep going" - Barry Higgins

Connect with Barry Higgins

Phone: +353 87 987 8606

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.aquachem.ie

LinkedIn: in/barry-higgins-bagrsc-59030225

company/aquachem-dac

Read or Download Barry Higgins' Press Release HERE

Download Steam Boiler Essential Checklist HERE

Links Mentioned

Ep 340 Alkalinity and pH

Ep 281 The One About The Power of Kindness with Kathleen Edelman

Ep 117 The One With Temperament Expert, Kathleen Edelman

Ep 179 Another One that Teaches Us to Communicate Better with Others

Robert Boyle, Boyle's Law

The Rising Tide Mastermind

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

Books Mentioned

Drive by Daniel Pink

Traction by Gino Wickman

I Said This, You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman

I Said This, You Heard That, Workbook by Kathleen Edelman

I Said This, You Heard That, Workbook, 2nd Edition by Kathleen Edelman

Adults Guide to Kids Wiring by Kathleen Edelman

Talking To Strangers by Michael Harding

Drop By Drop with James

In today's episode, we are going to talk about one of water's absolutely amazing properties. We are going to talk about hydrogen bonding, one of my favorite types of bonding in the atomic world. Yeah, I'm weird that way.

Water is H2O or two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The two hydrogen atoms are not stuck to each other but are stuck to the oxygen atom instead. It's HOW they are stuck to the oxygen atom that makes all the difference in the universe! They are NOT stuck directly across from each other on the oxygen atom at 180 degrees like the buns on Princess Leia's hair. No buddy. That would have been disastrous for life as we know it! We would have had no hope.

Instead, they are stuck at an angle; at approximately a 104.5 degree angle. Think Mickey Mouse with his two ears representing the two hydrogen atoms and his head the oxygen atom. THAT is water. This kink of an angle leads to a very important superpower. Because the hydrogen atoms are small and only have 1 measly electron, they're easy to push around and take their electrons. The much bigger oxygen atom only needs 2 more electrons to fill its outer shell and be in a state of nirvana, and it gets these from the two hydrogen atoms. Because the water molecule looks like Mickey Mouse with the hydrogen atoms more on one side of the molecule than the other, you end up with a partial positive charge on the more hydrogen side and a partial negative charge on the more oxygen side.

We've all heard that opposites attract, and that's true in the world of chemistry as well. The partially positive side of one water molecule is attracted to the partially negative side of another water molecule, making water "sticky." This, my friends, is called hydrogen bonding. It doesn't just end with water molecules sticking to each other, though. Water molecules will also be attracted to other positively and negatively charged ions, too. For example, this explains why table salt or NaCl dissolves so easily in water. The positive sodium ions are attracted to the partially negative oxygen side of the water molecule while the negative chloride ions are attracted to the partially positive hydrogen side.

Hydrogen bonding leads to all kinds of unique properties of water. Water is a liquid at room temperature. That may sound like a "duh" comment, but when one considers that other molecules of similar or heavier weights are gasses at room temperature, such as methane, propane, and butane, it suddenly seems a little more amazing.

Water has a high heat capacity, meaning it takes more heat to raise the temperature of water and especially to make it change phases from solid to liquid to gas. We use this property every day in industrial water applications with boilers, cooling towers, etc., and it's all thanks to hydrogen bonding.

There are more examples, but it should suffice to say that hydrogen bonding is one of water's primary super powers that influences our industrial water lives in so many ways every second of every minute of every day.

2024 Events for Water Professionals

Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE or using the dropdown menu.

"It's my nature, I want to help people and solve their problems." - Barry Higgins

Happy days! We're excited to welcome industry expert Barry Higgins of AquaChem to Scaling UP! H2O for a special two-part series unraveling the complexities of boilers. In Part 1, Barry meticulously explores the essential checklist for professionals engaged in boiler treatment.

Gain profound insights into water treatment as Barry discusses pretreatment, feed water samples, condensate samples, and the crucial role played by steam traps. Delve into a comprehensive comparison of boiler standards between the US and the UK, offering a global perspective on industry best practices and regulations. Barry generously shares solutions for common issues like softener malfunctions, steam trap leaks, and optimal boiler maintenance during low periods and sudden demand spikes. This episode is an invaluable source of knowledge.

Join us on this enlightening journey into the world of boiler water management, where you'll acquire practical insights to elevate your understanding of industrial water treatment. Barry's expertise, shared generously, ensures that our listeners gain actionable takeaways applicable to their daily operations.

Prepare for an episode packed with knowledge, exploring the intricacies of boilers and delivering valuable lessons for water treaters and industry professionals. Happy days, indeed!

Timestamps

00:01 - Trace Blackmore reminds you to think about your next step and to follow your passion

04:00 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

10:00 - Interview with Barry Higgins, Boilers Part 1

53:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald

Boiler Joke: Q: How do you stop a runaway steam boiler?

A: With a steam trap 😄

Quotes

"I love the variety of water treatment, the characters we serve, and that we get to go somewhere new and learn new things every day." - Barry Higgins

"The point of doing tests is to get data points and improve things for your customers. You want to show your customers how they are wasting or saving money." - Barry Higgins

"Customers see the value of you putting the extra effort in and going the extra mile for them and let them know why you're doing it and how you're saving them money." - Barry Higgins

"It's my nature, I want to help people and solve their problems." - Barry Higgins

Connect with Barry Higgins

Phone: +353 87 987 8606

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.aquachem.ie

LinkedIn: in/barry-higgins-bagrsc-59030225

company/aquachem-dac

Read or Download Barry Higgins' Press Release HERE

Links Mentioned

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Global 6K, join our team

Episode 113 with James McDonald (using your five senses)

Episode 318 with Ritchie Ware and Steven Taylor of WARE (Boiler)

Events in Water Treatment

Lori O'Donoghue of AQUACHEM DAC

Steam Boiler Essential Checks

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

Like you, we all want our water business to be profitable.

Embark on a journey to make your water business not just successful, but wildly profitable! While many believe that sales alone can solve all challenges, the truth lies in understanding the intricate dance of profitability and cash flow.

In the wise words of Stephen Covey, "No margin, no mission." We all share the conviction that a thriving business is one that can afford to invest in its people and resources. Even for non-profits, the bottom line remains crucial — successful organizations, whether for-profit or not, need to pay their bills and ensure sustainability.

Sales are undoubtedly a driving force, but the misconception that more sales always mean more success can lead businesses astray. Ever witnessed a company sell itself out of business on Shark Tank? It happens when the demand exceeds the capacity to deliver due to a lack of cash flow.

Enter the eye-opening world of Profit and Loss statements and explore your business through the lens of the Eight Cash Flow Drivers, outlined in the groundbreaking Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) by Gino Wickman. These drivers — Price, C.O.G.S. (Cost of Goods Sold), Margin, Ancillary Sales, Service Time, Errors, Compensation/Labor Costs, A/R Days, and G&A Expenses — form a strategic roadmap to enhance your water business's cash flow and profitability.

This new Scaling Up H2O episode unravels the secrets behind these drivers and shows how implementing them can transform your business landscape. Don't miss the chance to elevate your company's profitability starting tomorrow — tune in now to scale up your financial success knowledge! Your friend as you drive from client to client,

Trace Blackmore, CWT

Timestamps

01:00 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

04:40 - How to know if a conference is worthwhile to attend

05:30 - Showing up with a full cup mentality

10:45 - Trace Blackmore invites you to Scaling UP! Your Cash Flow

39:23 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald

Quotes

"Sales for sales' sake can put you out of business" - Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics

"No margin, no mission." - Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Connect with Scaling UP! H2O

Email Producer: [email protected]

Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea

LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/

YouTube: @ScalingUpH2O

Links Mentioned

Ep 204 Being Profitable with the Boilermaker Hamburger

Ep 260 Profit First

Ep 267 Making a Profit

Ep 315 The Intentional Growth Framework with Ryan Tansom

Shark Tank TV Show on ABC

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Books Mentioned

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman

What the Heck Is EOS?: A Complete Guide for Employees in Companies Running on EOS by Gino Wickman

Drop By Drop with James

In this week's episode, we're thinking about what happens when a large steam user in a facility suddenly starts using steam. What happens inside the boiler? How is the steam pressure impacted? How does the water level change in response to this suddenly large steam demand? When is feedwater triggered? What is the impact of this cooler feedwater upon the hotter water inside the boiler? How could this impact steam output rate? Could it cause boiler carryover and why? How could low level alarms be triggered if the high demand continued long enough?

The answers are actually very interesting and interrelated. Spirax Sarco has a nine-part series on YouTube called "The Inside Story." This is a CLASSIC series that every industrial water treatment professional should watch. They actually let you view inside the boiler as steam is being produced and show what happens at low pressures, high pressures, increased demand, etc. If you've already seen the series, they are worth watching again. If you haven't seen it, get your popcorn and pocket protector, because you're in for a treat! Part 6 addresses the topic of today's Drop by Drop episode on increased demand. I'll be sure to get the links to Trace so he can hopefully include them into the show notes for this episode. Otherwise, if you search for "steam boilers the inside story" in your favorite search engine, you are likely to find the series.

Spirax Sarco's Steam Boilers - The Inside Story: Part 1 - Introduction

Steam Boilers – The Inside Story: Part 2 – Basic Boiler Control

Steam Boilers – The Inside Story: Part 3 – Water Level and Gauges

Steam Boilers – The Inside Story: Part 4 – Feed Water Control

Steam Boilers – The Inside Story: Part 5 – Low Pressure Operation

Steam Boilers – The Inside Story: Part 6 – Increased Demand

Steam Boilers – The Inside Story: Part 7 – Very High Demand

Steam Boilers – The Inside Story: Part 8 – TDS Control

Steam Boilers – The Inside Story: Part 9 – Summary

2024 Events for Water Professionals

Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE or using the dropdown menu.

"Pre-treatment is the key to everything." - Dr. Kelle Zeiher

Learn about the profound impact of cutting-edge technology on the realm of industrial water treatment, accompanied by the insights of esteemed reverse osmosis specialist, Dr. Kelle Zeiher from Garratt-Callahan. With over three decades of dedicated experience in the water industry and a distinguished background in chemistry, Dr. Zeiher shares invaluable insights into the transformative synergy between advanced technology and the pivotal role of water treaters.

At the heart of our conversation is Dr. Zeiher's revolutionary technology, AROS (Aqueous Reuse Optimization System), a groundbreaking solution allowing for multiple cycles of water usage, unlocking unprecedented opportunities in water treatment efficiency. Join us as we delve into how this winning duo of technology and water treaters is redefining standards in equipment health, water optimization, and overall sustainability.

This data-driven water episode illuminates the global demand for water and the challenges tied to shortages, despite Earth's abundant water resources. Dr. Zeiher explores how variations in water usage and availability underscore the critical need for sustainable water management.

Discover the concept of a "water footprint" and its implications, showcasing the amount of water required to produce everyday items like gasoline, steel, cars, cell phones, and data.

Delve into the challenges of water management, particularly in cooling processes for industrial applications. Dr. Zeiher introduces a patented process designed to recycle and reuse water efficiently, addressing the challenge of liquid discharge in industrial settings.

The episode emphasizes the importance of respectful communication with customers, understanding their specific challenges, and presenting tailored solutions. Learn about quick wins for water treaters, focusing on chemical treatments to maintain system health, control scale, fouling, and corrosion, along with implementing pre-treatment strategies.

For water treaters seeking to enhance their expertise and contribute significantly to sustainable water usage, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in for a journey into the future of water treatment, where technology and the expertise of water treaters harmonize to maximize water's potential.

Timestamps

01:00 - Trace Blackmore invites you to read Daniel Pink's book, Drive and introduces you to the three concepts from the book: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose

05:30 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

8:30 - Interview with Dr. Kelle Zeiher of Garratt-Callahan

45:00 - Trace's challenge to you: write and present a technical paper

48:30 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald

Quotes

"Pre-treatment is the key to everything." - Dr. Kelle Zeiher

"I help industries save money and keep their equipment in better health over the long haul. I help keep all of the water in our world safer and more readily available for people to use and enjoy." - Dr. Kelle Zeiher

"When it's a large system, there are costs and benefits everywhere." - Dr. Kelle Zeiher

"We cannot always get to zero, but we can try." - Dr. Kelle Zeiher

"Yes, it's going to cost you money - all solutions cost money, but are you spending the money wisely, and what are you getting for it?" - Dr. Kelle Zeiher

Connect with Kelle Zeiher

Phone: 630.660.3457

Email: [email protected]

Reverse Osmosis email: [email protected]

Website: garrattcallahan.com

LinkedIn: in/kelle-zeiher-6bab221

company/garratt-callahan-company

Read or Download Kelle Zeiher's Press Release HERE

Check out Kelle's mystery, romance, and adventure books: kellezriley.net

Links Mentioned

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink

Episode 347 with Emily E. Lewis of Clyde Snow & Sessions

Episode 307 with Bowen Engineering and the International Water Conference (IWC)

Innovative Water Treatment Supports Conservation by Kelle Zeiher

Kelle Z. Riley's Undercover Cat Series

Erin Brockovich directed by Steven Soderbergh (Watch on Prime Video)

The Big Bang Theory created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady (Watch on Max - Prime Video)

Garratt-Callahan's Water Treatment Technologies

Industrial Water Conference

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Submit a Show Idea

Books Mentioned

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, by Daniel Pink

Undercover Cat Series by Kelle Z. Riley

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum

Reverse Osmosis: A Practical Guide for Industrial Users by Wes Bryne

Reverse Osmosis: Industrial Processes and Applications 2nd Edition by Jane Kucera

The NALCO Water Handbook, Fourth Edition by Ecolab

Drop By Drop with James

It's in the middle of winter. It's cold. You've had a long day as an industrial water treatment professional battling scale, corrosion, unwanted microbiological activity, and inefficiencies. You're tired. You just want to go home, kick your feet up, relax, and get warm. You forget to take your test kit out of the car. You wake up in the morning, drive to the next industrial water system, open up your test kit, and it is FROZEN SOLID!

What do you do? Do you run around in circles? Do you sit the test kit as closely to a boiler as you dare to thaw it out? Do you dunk it in hot water?

The first thing you should do is learn your lesson and never let your test kit freeze again. Ever. I'll admit, I learned this lesson the hard way. Next, I consulted with a trusty test-kit manufacturing expert, and his suggestion was to allow it to thaw at room temperature. He said do NOT artificially heat it, even in hot water. Most reagents are likely to recover. To be safe, you should compare your test results to new reagents or another rep's results. Personally, I found my iodide/iodate titration solution used in the sulfite test was never the same after it froze and gave me low readings. You could also just replace all your reagents, but I understand that could get expensive.

Another thing to consider when a test kit freezes is the impact upon testing equipment such as the pH probe, which may have cracked or broken as its internal solution froze and expanded. Plus, plunging a cold pH probe into a warm solution may induce cracking as well.

2024 Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE or using the dropdown menu.

Welcome to another enriching episode of "Scaling UP! H2O," your go-to education podcast created by and for water professionals. Join us as we learn together with lab partner and three-time guest, Mike Standish, Vice President of Water Additives at MFG Chemical.

In this episode, discover valuable insights and expertise from Mike, a seasoned professional who has been working extensively in water since 1986. In today's interview, Mike shares insights on his recent technical paper titled "Purposely Built - Introduction of a New Copolymer for Multifunctional Applications." Explore copolymer innovations, unraveling the complexities and gaining a deeper understanding of their multifunctional applications.

As we scale up on knowledge, Mike guides us through the past, present, and future trends in polymer technology. Join the community of water professionals seeking growth, learning, and connection in the best industry in the world – water. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your understanding of copolymer innovations in water treatment on "Scaling UP! H2O."

Timestamps

01:00 - Trace Blackmore invites you to celebrate our 350th episode!

04:00 - AWT's technical training offerings

10:50 - Interview with Mike Standish about his paper: "Purposely Built - Introduction of a New Copolymer for Multifunctional Applications"

46:30 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald

Quotes

"The one point I would make is that since the 1980s, everything has been a variation on the same theme. What we use today, it doesn't matter what brand of product you use: Copolymer, Terpolymer, Tetrapolymer, or whatever - it's all a variation on the theme of carboxylate-sulfonate and then potentially the addition of the nonionic monomer as the enhancer." - Mike Standish

"At least 80 % of the copolymers that you're going to see out there are going to contain AA/AMPS as the monomer." - Mike Standish "Systems that can impart very, very different properties to the polymer, so you need to engage with your supplier and really, you know, kind of ask those next levels of questions because you know Polymer A is not the same as Polymer B."

Connect with Mike Standish

Phone: 423.316.9877

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.radicalpolymers.com

mfgchemical.com

LinkedIn: in/mike-standish-7890627

Read or Download Mike Standish's Press Release HERE

Links Mentioned

AWT's Technical Training

WEST - March 6 to 9, 2024 in Frisco, Texas

EAST - April 17 to 20, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio

Episode 14 with Mike Standish

Episode 176 where Mike Standish talked about Tagged Polymer Technologies

Episode 31 with Mark Lewis

Episode 34 (another episode) with Mark Lewis

Episode 112 where Mark Lewis interviewed Trace Blackmore

Episode 125 with Justin Ranger

Purposely Built - Introduction of a New Copolymer for Multifunctional Applications

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

Media Mentioned

Book: Killers of the Flower Moon written by David Grann

Movie: Killers of the Flower Moon directed by Martin Scorsese (Watch on Apple TV+)

Documentary: The Doughnut King directed by Alice Gu (Watch on Hulu)

Documentary: Honeyland directed by Tamara Kotevska (Watch on HBO Max)

Drop By Drop with James

In today's episode, we're thinking about the cooling tower conductivity setpoint. Picture it, if you will. The cooling tower is running like normal. As water flows, recirculates, and evaporates, we see the conductivity continues to increase. Then it happens. The conductivity reaches its setpoint on the controller. Then what? Seriously, what literally happens next?

Does the controller immediately send a signal to the blowdown valve to open up? How does the controller's deadband or differential or whatever your controller manufacturer chooses to call it come into play? The controller uses a deadband so the blowdown valve does not try to chatter open and close as the conductivity fluctuates from being EXACTLY on the setpoint to NOT being exactly on the setpoint. Such chatter trying to open and close the valve could very quickly wear a valve out as well as the relays in the controller itself. Plus, the valves may not even be given enough time to reach their minimum energize times.

Does the deadband sandwich your conductivity setpoint or is it a one-way setup where it starts at the setpoint? For example, if your conductivity setpoint is 1,000 microsiemens and your deadband is 100 microsiemens, would your blowdown valve first open at 1,000 or 1,050 microsiemens? This will depend upon your setup in the controller and the options the manufacturer has made available to you. Another point to consider is whether any biocide lockout timers are currently active which would prevent the cooling tower from blowing down during a biocide application.

Once your blowdown valve is actually open, though, does the cooling tower conductivity start to drop IMMEDIATELY? Have you ever thought about this before? The answer is, actually, it probably does NOT start dropping immediately. The conductivity may even continue to rise until enough water has been removed from the system to drop the level low enough to trigger the makeup water valve to open. As fresh makeup water starts flowing, it will dilute the cooling tower water, and THIS is when the conductivity will begin to drop.

Next, how low will the conductivity drop until the controller closes the blowdown valve? This is where the deadband or differential will come into play again. In our previous example of a conductivity setpoint of 1,000 microsiemens and a deadband of 100 microsiemens, when the conductivity drops to 900 microsiemens, the controller closes the blowdown valve, and the overall conductivity pattern repeats itself.

As you can see, the control of conductivity in a cooling tower is not as simple as opening and closing a valve. There are design considerations to limit the wear and tear on the blowdown valve plus the reality of having to trigger makeup water flow as the water level lowers for the conductivity to actually start to drop.

2024 Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE or using the dropdown menu.

"Traditionally, the Achilles' heel of using membrane technology with wastewater, especially industrial wastewater, is the irreversible loss of performance due to fouling." - Chris Drover

Welcome to Scaling UP! H2O, the go-to resource for professionals in the extraordinary world of industrial water treatment. In today's episode, we're excited to unveil a revolutionary ultrafiltration technology that promises to redefine wastewater treatment. Our guest, Chris Drover, CTO & Co-Founder at ZwitterCo, Inc., introduces us to their groundbreaking Zwitterion-based filtration technology, offering a game-changing alternative to traditional membrane systems.

Discover the unique hydrophilic properties of Zwitterions that make these membranes resistant to fouling, a common challenge in industrial wastewater treatment. Unlike traditional membranes, ZwitterCo's technology excels at removing oil, grease, organic biopolymers, algae, viruses, and bacteria, positioning it at the forefront of ultrafiltration solutions.

If you're grappling with issues related to uptime, cleaning costs, or seeking a more sustainable water treatment solution, this episode is tailor-made for you. Uncover the answers to pressing questions such as: What sets ZwitterCo's technology apart? How does it compare to traditional water treatment methods? What percentage of oil and emulsifiers can it handle in wastewater? Learn about the frequency of membrane cleaning with bleach, real-world applications, and the strategic balance between economic and environmental considerations.

Whether you're dealing with landfill leachate, meat processing, or navigating the complexities of water treatment, join us to gain invaluable insights into a transformative technology designed for industrial water treaters. Scale up your knowledge today to ensure your system scales up efficiently. Tune in and stay ahead of the curve in industrial water treatment innovation!

Timestamps

01:00 - Trace Blackmore thanks you for being part of the global Industrial Water Treatment Community

05:00 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

09:15 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald 12:00 - Interview with Chris Drover, the CTO & Co-Founder at ZwitterCo, Inc.

45:30 - Lightning Round Questions

53:00 - In memory of a water professional we lost not that long ago, Rob Ferguson of WaterCycle, please become a mentor in 2024 and pour your knowledge into the next generation of water professionals

Quotes

"What Zwitterions do for membranes is by building these membranes out of zwitterionic materials, we can give them this really hydrophilic property that makes them virtually immune to the type of fouling, that permanent absorption of oil and organics into the pores of a membrane." - Chris Drover

"A neat thing about Zwitterions is that oils and other organics have a really hard time sticking to them and absorbing them because they're just soaking up water." - Chris Drover

"Traditionally, the Achilles' heel of using membrane technology with wastewater, especially industrial wastewater is the irreversible loss of performance due to fouling and keeping them performing for long enough to recoup the investment, that's what our market focuses on unconventional waters that have a lot of challenges with membrane fouling." - Chris Drover

Connect with Chris Drover

Phone: 508.562.9916

Email: [email protected]

Website: zwitterco.com

LinkedIn: in/cdrover

company/zwitterco-inc

Links Mentioned

Tangential Flow Model

What is a Zwitterion?

Tufts University

Aquatech Conference

Rob Ferguson of WaterCycle in episode 43 "The One With The Water Cycle Guy"

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Books Mentioned

MARS TRILOGY: Red Mars, Green Mars, and Blue Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

The Nature of Technology: What It Is and How It Evolves by W. Brian Arthur

Drop By Drop with James

In today's episode, I have a useful little quote from the 2021 edition of the "Consensus on Operating Practices for the Control of Feedwater and Boiler Water Chemistry in Industrial and Institutional Boilers" (catchy title!) by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or ASME.

It says, "Where a choice is available, the reduction or removal of objectionable constituents by pretreatment external to the boiler is always preferable to, and more reliable than, management of these constituents within the boiler by internal chemical treatment, which involves boiler blowdown and chemical feed to the boiler system."

Chew on that for a minute. "Where a choice is available, the reduction or removal of objectionable constituents by pretreatment external to the boiler is always preferable to, and more reliable than, management of these constituents within the boiler by internal chemical treatment."

As vital and important as internal chemical treatment is to a boiler, consider all the ways it could fail. Would you rather manage hardness in your boiler with internal chemical treatment or by using pretreatment such as a water softener? Think about the benefits of other pretreatment as well.

I've always considered this one particular line within these guidelines to be a very powerful sentence. I've used it to help justify my pretreatment recommendations as third-party support for softeners, reverse osmosis, etc.

2024 Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE or using the dropdown menu.

"Credentials have been one of the most important ways to help promote public health and safety and prevent disease, dismemberment, or death." - Christoph Lohr

Elevate your expertise in water treatment by diving into this enlightening episode, where we explore the realm of certifications and their profound impact on the water treatment community. Join Christoph Lohr, Vice President of Technical Services and Research at IAPMO, an advocate for education and collaboration, as he unravels the world of credentials, codes, and the driving force of litigation in shaping cutting-edge water system designs.

Discover the wealth of educational opportunities offered by IAPMO (The International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials) and how pursuing certifications like ASSE 12080 (Professional Qualifications Standard for Legionella Water Safety and Management Personnel) can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. Christoph delves into the nuances of several certifications, shedding light on their significance for water treaters.

Unravel the debate on pronouncing ASSE's (American Society of Sanitary Engineering) "12080" correctly—hint: it's "twelve thousand eighty." Gain valuable knowledge on the ASSE 12080 certification process, how plumbers and water treaters can learn from one another to improve public health, how to become involved with standards, the buffet of options for plumbing design and installation plumbing codes, and preventing water-borne illness through collaboration.

Furthermore, this episode touches on IAPMO's Water Demand Calculator replacement for Hunter's Curve and its profound impact on pipe size, stagnation, biofilm, and the factors contributing to Legionella growth.

For industrial water treaters, this episode serves as a treasure trove of information, guiding them in selecting certifications aligned with their career aspirations. Christoph's expertise illuminates the importance of certifications in building a knowledgeable workforce for water management programs, ultimately contributing to enhanced public health. Tune in, scale up your education, and embark on a journey towards a more impactful and informed career in water treatment.

Timestamps

01:00 - Trace Blackmore encourages you to get your CWT in 2024

06:25 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald

09:35 - Interview with Christoph Lohr, Vice President of Technical Services and Research at IAPMO, about the importance of credentials for water professionals

55:00 - A bit more about IAPMO (The International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials)

Quotes

"The true benefit of a certification is that it gets everyone speaking the same language. The real strength is that it gets everyone on the same page." - Christoph Lohr

"The plumbing industry needs industrial water treaters and industrial water treaters need the plumbing industry. It's a really symbiotic relationship." - Christoph Lohr

"One of the biggest misnomers that people think about plumbing codes is that they are restrictive. We have to realize when it comes to plumbing design and installation, that plumbing codes are more like a buffet of options than a restrictive methodology." - Christoph Lohr

Connect with Christoph Lohr

Phone: 248.736.4940

Email: [email protected]

Get involved with IAPMO: [email protected]

IAPMO Website: IAPMO.org

UniformCodes.org

LinkedIn: in/christoph-lohr-pe

company/iapmo

Listen to the The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical on your favorite podcast player or on YouTube.

Read or Download Christoph Lohr's Press Release HERE.

IAPMO Links Mentioned

Get involved with IAPMO - [email protected]

The Authority Podcast's episode with Trace Blackmore

AWWA IAPMO 2022 Manual - The Safe Closure and Reopening of

Building Water Systems

IAPMO and AWWA's Recommended Practices for the Safe Closure and Reopening of Building Water Systems

IAPMO's Uniform Plumbing Codes

IAPMO's Water Demand Calculator

ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 12000-2021

IAPMO's Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard (WE•Stand)

Organizations and Articles Mentioned

The Risks of Sizing Plumbing Systems Using Hunter's Curve

Dr. Janet Stout's Special Pathogens Laboratory

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

The International Water Conference (IWC)

Emerging Water Technology Symposium (EWTS)

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

NASEM's article Management of Legionella in Water Systems

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer

Manual of Water Quality for Plumbing Industry Professionals and Building Managers

The Environmental Science, Policy and Research Institute (ESPRI)

American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)

ASPE Engineering Methodologies to Reduce the Risk of Legionella in Premise Plumbing Systems

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI)

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Water In Healthcare Facilities: The Public Health And Economic Nexus

International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH)

Other Links Mentioned

CWT Prep Course found at Scalinguph2o.com/CWTprep

Mary Ann Dickinson of the Alliance for Water Efficiency (A4WE)

Episode 3 with Tom Tinney

Episode 294 with John Mullen

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

Books Mentioned

The Three Ages of Water: Prehistoric Past, Imperiled Present, and a Hope for the Future by Peter Gleick

The Crux by Richard Rumelt

Let There Be Water: Israel's Solution for a Water-Starved World by Seth M. Siegel

Drop By Drop with James

In today's episode, I have a challenge for you. My challenge is… to test for phosphate in your makeup waters.

You may be very surprised by what you find. Municipalities frequently add phosphate-based products for corrosion, scale, and staining control. Unknown sources of phosphate can certainly throw a boiler or cooling tower program out of control. Start with the orthophosphate test. If polyphosphates are used, you may need to run a digestion procedure or have your lab do it. Lastly, calling your municipality to ask if they use phosphate-based products in their water may actually be the first place to start. Don't let an unknown phosphate source throw your water treatment program out of control.

2024 Events for Water Professionals

Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE or using the dropdown menu.

"With water, everybody loses or everybody wins." - Emily Lewis

Embark on a transformative journey into the intricate world of water management with Emily E. Lewis on the latest episode of Scaling UP! H2O Podcast. Join us as Emily, Director and Shareholder, Co-Chair of Clyde Snow & Sessions' Natural Resources and Water Law Practice Group, unravels the complexities of water law, making it not just informative but relevant to your daily life as a water professional.

In this episode, Emily shares her wealth of expertise, garnered from advising a diverse clientele, including individual water right owners, municipalities, and mining companies. As the Utah Water Banking Project Manager and host of the Ripple Effect podcast, Emily brings a unique perspective that transcends the confines of Utah, offering insights that resonate with water professionals nationwide.

Delve into the future of water management as Emily discusses regulations, permits, and laws related to groundwater and water access. No need for legal jargon; Emily breaks down the role of water attorneys, offering practical insights into water laws, discharge and runoff permits, and the delicate balance between water quality and quantity.

This isn't just theory; Emily addresses the real challenges you, as water treaters, face daily – from increasing water demands and population growth to the pressing need for innovative water management strategies. Gain the tools to have meaningful conversations with customers, stay abreast of local water legislation, and empower yourself to contribute when water laws are on the table in your state.

Emily shares real-world examples, such as the Utah Water Banking Project, showcasing how a drought-stricken state overcame water challenges with inventive marketing strategies. Learn from a century of water management in Utah and understand the unique water challenges faced by water management of the Great Salt Lake.

Discover collaborative efforts between industrial water treatment teams and legal experts, providing you with a roadmap to shape effective water policies. For Emily, water access is not just about wins and losses; it's about collective victories and shared successes.

Timestamps

01:00 - Trace Blackmore shares the best unexpected Christmas gift he got

06:00 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

09:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald

12:30 - Interview with Emily E. Lewis the Director and Shareholder, Co-Chair of Natural Resources and Water Law at Clyde Snow & Sessions

Quotes

"The ability to drop a well and get more water is getting more and more limited, and physically the water is not there, and then legally it's a heavily regulated space these days." - Emily E. Lewis

"With water, everybody loses or everybody wins." - Emily E. Lewis

"In the West, we are in an acute water crisis. We do not have very much water and we have ballooning populations and ballooning needs. As we grow, where are we getting the water to support our new growth?" - Emily E. Lewis

"In Utah, 70% of our water is used by agriculture and so we are working hand in hand with our agricultural partners to try and figure out ways to make those operations as efficient as possible because we really want to also keep our agricultural community. You know the solution is not to dry up Ag. The solution is to work with Ag." - Emily E. Lewis

Connect with Emily E. Lewis

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.clydesnow.com

Utah Water Banking Project

LinkedIn: in/emily-e-lewis-4a50321b

company/clyde-snow-&-sessions

Emily also teaches Water Law for Professionals at the University of Utah

Listen to Ripple Effect – A Podcast Putting Water in Context HERE

Read or Download Emily Lewis' Press Release HERE

Utah's Five Key Milestones to Successful Water Marketing

Links Mentioned

Water Marketing Strategy Report

The Ripple Effect Podcast

Natural Resources and Water Law Practice Group - Clyde Snow

Ep 166 Reading The Raven

Undone (The Sweater Song) by Weezer

State of Utah's Water Rights Handbook

Kevin Mercer - RainGrid, Inc

Aquacycl - Industrial Wastewater Treatment Solutions

Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta

John Wesley Powell - Former Director of the United States Geological Survey

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

Books and Articles Mentioned

A Mystery of Mysteries: The Death and Life of Edgar Allan Poe by Mark Dawidziak

Betz Handbook of Industrial Water Conditioning (9th Ed) by Betz Laboratories

The New York Times' Uncharted Waters: America Is Using Up Its Groundwater Like There's No Tomorrow

New York Times Opinion: Getting Real About Coal and Climate by Paul Krugman

Natural Law and Prior Appropriation in Water Law (Page 46) by Robert W. Adler

Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Beyond the Hundredth Meridian: John Wesley Powell and the Second Opening of the West by Wallace Stegner

Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner

Drop By Drop with James

In today's episode, we're thinking about the carbonic acid, bicarbonate, and carbonate distribution as a function of pH. Now, I sometimes have the memory of a goldfish, but this is one time I get to claim to have a photographic memory by saying, "Oh yes, that is found in the graph on page 6 of the 9th edition of the 'Betz Handbook of Industrial Water Conditioning.'" I don't know why the exact page number has always stuck with me, but I cut my teeth on this book, and apparently parts of it adhered to my brain.

Anyway, as gaseous carbon dioxide dissolves into water, it reacts with the water molecules to form carbonic acid. This carbonic acid can depress the pH of the water, but being a weak acid, it won't lower the pH below 4.3 by itself. If we raise the pH of the water, you will see the carbonic acid gradually start to transform into bicarbonate ions or HCO31-. This transformation is complete at a pH of about 8.3. If we keep raising the pH, we see this bicarbonate then transforms into carbonate ions or CO32-. By simply adjusting the pH of the water up and down, these three species of carbonic acid, bicarbonate, and carbonate can be converted from one into the other.

Now, alkalinity is the acid absorbing property of water, and as we just heard, these bicarbonate and carbonate ions are absorbing acid. Typically, when we talk about alkalinity, we are talking about bicarbonate and carbonate ions, although there are other ions that can impact alkalinity as well, such as hydroxide.

You may have recognized the key pHs I mentioned previously: 4.3 and 8.3. Those just happen to be the pHs where the Total Alkalinity and P-Alkalinity endpoints are, respectively. These are two of the tests you use to measure alkalinity in water.

All this is shown in that graph I mentioned before found on page 6 of the 9th edition of the "Betz Handbook of Industrial Water Conditioning." It's found in Figure 1-2, actually. I'll be sure to share a link to the graph for Trace to include in the show notes of this episode.

Understanding the carbonic acid, bicarbonate, and carbonate distribution as a function of pH is important for many reasons, such as when trying to reduce alkalinity with a degassing tower, troubleshooting why carbon dioxide is found in RO permeate, understanding how alkalinity impacts scale forming potential, and more.

2024 Events for Water Professionals

Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE or using the dropdown menu.

Welcome to a groundbreaking episode of Scaling UP! H2O, where we delve into the innovative world of Legionella pneumophila management in evaporative cooling water systems. Loraine Huchler, P.E., CMC®, FIMC of Martech Systems, joins our host Trace Blackmore to unravel the complexities and share valuable insights from her technical paper titled: "Managing Legionella Using an Innovative Bacterial Control System and Rapid Genetic Legionella Testing."

The challenges of combating Legionella in cooling water systems are vast, but Loraine introduces us to a game-changing on-site, on-line, rapid genetic test method for Legionella and an ingenious plasma disinfection system (PDS). These advancements not only address the longstanding issues of ineffective biocide treatment strategies but also provide timely Legionella test results.

In this educational interview, Loraine guides us through the results of a comprehensive laboratory study conducted on a model cooling tower. She discusses the application of the on-site, rapid genetic test method for Legionella and shares findings from a subsequent study conducted on a cooling tower at a corporate headquarters of a medical device company. The documented validity of the results highlights the practical value of these innovative approaches.

Tackling key questions, Loraine provides practical insights into Legionella growth techniques, testing methods, biofilm management, and effective treatment strategies. Delving into the specifics, she addresses fundamental queries such as how to measure biofilm, assess treatment method effectiveness, determine Legionella testing frequency, and manage challenges like low flow or dead legs.

Throughout the conversation, Loraine maintains a positive and educational tone, offering not only valuable information but also actionable advice for water treaters worldwide. Her expertise shines as she shares conclusions drawn from her research and provides insightful recommendations for biofilm management and Legionella risk mitigation.

Curious about the key takeaways from Loraine's study? Join us on the Scaling UP! H2O podcast to uncover the groundbreaking discoveries and practical applications that will reshape your approach to Legionella management. Tune in today for a journey into the future of water treatment.

Timestamps

01:00 - Trace Blackmore challenges you to set annual goals this January

08:30 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

12:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald 13:45 - Interview with Loraine Huchler P.E., CMC®, FIMC about her technical paper titled: "Managing Legionella Using an Innovative Bacterial Control System and Rapid Genetic Legionella Testing."

44:12 - Lightning round questions

Quotes

"If you don't have biofilm, you don't have Legionella." - Loraine Huchler

"Biofilm is insulating; it's 4-5 times more insulating than calcium carbonate." - Loraine Huchler

"I was surprised by the efficacy of the nonthermal plasma." - Loraine Huchler

"Dead legs are a known hazard for Legionella." - Loraine Huchler

"Biofilm causes a lot of health problems and increases your electrical costs." - Loraine Huchler

Connect with Loraine Huchler P.E., CMC®, FIMC

Phone: 609.865.8151

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.martechsystems.com

LinkedIn: in/loraine-huchler

Twitter: @WaterTalk

Read or Download Loraine Huchler's Press Release HERE

Published Articles by Loraine Huchler P.E., CMC®, FIMC

TP22-24: Managing Legionella Using an Innovative Bacterial Control System and Rapid Genetic Legionella Testing

IWC 23-33: Passivation in Steam Generating Systems

Operating Practices for Industrial Water Management, Influent Water Systems by Loraine Huchler

Loraine will be presenting her paper, Design Guide: Compatibility of Materials of Construction for Evaporative Cooling Water Systems, at the 2024 Annual Conference and CTI Expo in Houston, Texas. To register, go HERE.

Links Mentioned

Ep 345 Scaling UP! Relationships: Navigating the Waters of Connection

Ep 344 Toasting Triumphs: Reflecting on A Year of Water Wisdom

Ep 339 with Jane Kucera - Reverse Osmosis

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

2024 Events for Water Professionals

Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE or using the dropdown menu.

Books Mentioned

Audible

Operating Practices for Industrial Water Management, Influent Water Systems by Loraine Huchler

The Sum Of All Fears by Tom Clancy

Companions In Christ by Reuben Job

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington

Reverse Osmosis: Industrial Processes and Applications 2nd Edition by Jane Kucera

Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam by Vivek Ramaswamy

Drop By Drop with James

In today's episode, we're asking "What if?" What if a cooling tower's blowdown valve gets stuck open. What would happen? Sure, the conductivity would probably start to drop. Would the cooling tower basin be completely drained? Why or why not? What is the size relationship between the makeup water line and blowdown line? Is there one? What could cause a cooling tower blowdown valve to get stuck open? How could you diagnose this problem remotely? How could you be alerted to this problem remotely? What would you recommend to recover from this situation? What would be the impact upon the water treatment program if the blowdown valve for a cooling tower got stuck open? Are some valves more susceptible to failure than others? In the event of an electrical failure, should a cooling tower valve be chosen that fails open, closed, or last position? These are some things to think about when asking yourself, "What if?"