THE PROBLEM

After upgrading to an ultraviolet system for its primary disinfection needs, the Lakota WTP retained its chlorine system to treat recycled water and serve as a backup contingency. It also used bulk bleach for its odor control system. The rising costs of bulk chlorine and the legal obligations of using the hazardous chemical spurred Lakehaven officials to consider new options.

THE SOLUTION

Due to superior microbiological efficacy in many applications, they chose MIOX on-site chemical generation to replace the backup chlorine system at the Lakota plant.  The technology also continues to fulfill its role as a backup disinfection system. Plant personnel are confident the unit was sized to meet the future needs of the plant.

RESULTS

MIOX on-site generators allow for fine dosing adjustments that allow plant operators to optimize the dose for filamentous kill and control foaming. Filter and pipe clogging in the plant’s recycled water system was mitigated. By upgrading to MOS chemistry, Lakehaven has reduced its chemical usage by 30% to 50%, lowering costs and allowing the other biological processes to run optimally. Additionally, the plant has replaced a 12.5% hypochlorite odor air-scrubbing system with the MOS, which has virtually eliminated odor problems.

“Switching to MIOX was a carefully considered decision,” said McCalib. “We knew we needed to address the potential costs and complications associated with process safety management if we were to continue to use gaseous chlorine. At the same time, we had microbiological issues that we needed to address, particularly filamentous bacteria in the secondary treatment system.

“It made sense to go with on-site generation for safety and cost benefits, and after careful scrutiny and evaluation, we chose MIOX because of their excellent safety record and the superior effectiveness of the Mixed Oxidant chemistry.”