AWWA WQTC64172

Pilot testing of MF/UF systems is often conducted prior to system procurement and detailed design to meet regulatory requirements and to define sizing requirements to meet critical peak flow / temperature combinations. While this pilot testing may provide some information that can be useful in developing operational strategies, often this pilot testing does provide sufficient information to achieve optimized full-scale systems. The focus of this pilot testing is on operation under critical or limiting flow/temperature conditions that are required for system procurement, but which rarely occur in full-scale operation. Practical time limits for MF/UF pilot testing often does not allow for optimization of the average flow conditions that are more typical of full-scale operation. Optimization programs that are designed to evaluate operation under typical flow conditions can provide significant value to a utility. Common goals of MF/UF optimization programs may include increasing treatment capacity, increasing system reliability, lowering operational costs, and reducing the stress on the membrane fibers. This paper summarizes the results of efforts made by the Racine, Wisconsin Water Utility (RWU) and the Manitowoc, Wisconsin Public Utilities (MPU) to optimize the operation of their full-scale MF/UF installations. Includes tables, figures.