Bench-scale testing is a first step towards determining the impact of potential changes to the treatment process. Bench-scale evaluations of advanced treatment technologies, such as GAC or ozonation, are rapid and cost effective. Current and future treatment processes can be optimized through bench-scale tests.

Past and recent EPA regulations are emphasizing bench-scale testing. Utilities performed bench-scale GAC and membrane tests to fulfill ICR requirements. The Disinfection Byproduct Rule (DBPR) requires jar testing during Step 2 compliance to establish an alternative TOC removal requirement.

A first step towards complying with more stringent regulations or reducing treatment costs is to optimize current treatment processes. For example while maintaining or improving on current turbidity removal, investigating new coagulant types, investigating new coagulant types, doses, or coagulation pH can lead to better TOC and DBP precursor removal through coagulation.

The applicability of advanced treatment technologies (i.e. GAC, ozone, and membranes) can be determined through short-term, cost effective bench-scale tests. Process parameters such as coagulation conditions, EBCT, GAC type, PAC dose, and ozonation conditions can be optimized prior to pilot testing resulting in potential reductions of capital and O&M pilot testing savings. Comparative bench-scale studies can be performed quickly and cost effectively, providing pilot- and full-scale solutions.

MASI Environmental Laboratories has the experience necessary to perform a wide variety of bench-scale tests and to customize and match the testing procedures based on specific needs of any project. If needed MASI staff will suggest the specific bench-scale study in terms of current and future regulatory requirements, costs, and overall treatment objectives.

The rapid small scale column test is used to predict a full-scale total organic carbon (TOC) breakthrough using granular activated carbon at simulated empty bed contact times. The breakthrough data can then be used to calculate the predicted carbon usage rate (UR) for a range of effluent TOC cutoff points on a single contactor basis. Associated costs for GAC can be estimated based on a range of current GAC prices per pound. GAC cost (cents per 1000 gallons) can be estimated to achieve various water quality objectives for disinfection byproduct formation.

Evaluate GAC for TOC and DBP precursor removal

Evaluate GAC for synthetic organic compound (SOC) control – determine applicability of GAC treatment , optimize EBCT, GAC type, and pretreatment.

Optimize GAc performance by evaluating GAC type, empty bed contact time and pretreatment (enhanced coagulation, pH, bio-treatment).

(BDOC) tests

RSSCT Background

First described by Crittenden et al, 1986 - predict adsorptive breakthrough of trace SOCs

Extended to DBP precursors (TOC) - Crittenden et al., 1987, 1991 and Cummings and Summers, 1994.

Conducted in 1% - 15% of the time required for a pilot column study

Optimization of GAC type, EBCT, and pretreatment options

Relatively small sample required

Numerical or analytical models are not required

Conduct enhanced coagulation jar tests to investigate alternate coagulants, coagulation doses, coagulation pH, and their impact on turbidity, TOC, and DBP precursor removal

Conduct isotherm and jar tests to evaluate PAC for taste and odor or SOC control – evaluate carbon type, optimize dose and contact time.

Perform simulated distribution systems (SDS) uniform formation conditions (UFC) or formation potential (FP) testing to evaluate chlorine demand and DBP formation.

Track removal of biodegradable natural organic matter through the treatment process or pilot plant by conducting biodegradable dissolved organic carbon Study Design

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