AWWA MTC64562

Optimization programs that are designed to evaluate operation under typical flow conditions can provide significant value to a utility. In September 2005, the Racine Water Utility (RWU) successfully commissioned a new 50-mgd submerged ultrafiltration (UF) water treatment plant (WTP), one of the largest submerged membrane facilities in North America. Following successful start-up, RWU began a program with a goal of optimizing the day-to-day operation of the facilities. The goals of the RWU optimization program included lowering the operational costs, reducing the stress on the membrane fibers, and increasing the treatment capacity and redundancy. This program has successfully lowered operating costs, while increasing capacity and redundancy for the system. This paper summarizes the results of the efforts made by the Racine, Wisconsin Water Utility (RWU) to optimize the operation of their full-scale UF installation. Includes tables, figures.