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Perfect
water company
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Foreword
By Biwater Chairman Adrian White, CBE, DL, D.Univ, C Sci, FCIWEM
Around the World today Governments are seeking to shed the load of huge capital
budgets to supply their growing populations with safe drinking water, whilst disposing
of sewage in a sustainable way. The quick fix of handing over a citys existing water
production only (waterworks) to a management company under a fifteen to thirty year
concession in exchange for a payment from Government of 100% cash for every litre
produced, when Government only receives around 40% from its consumers, is the first
major trap to be avoided. This incentive of all future funding for water production
being raised and paid for by the concessions management company (with government
guarantees) leaves the Government with its greatest asset creamed off and all the
liabilities of water distribution, leaks and tariff collection still around its neck. It is far
better not to relinquish water production for a short term cash or political funding gain
without including the distribution system and revenue collection. This way the
management company is only paid with the money it collects from the consumers.
Payment is then made against results and no Government borrowing or guarantees are
required. This can be the first step for a Government to remove all capital budgets for
water and sewerage from its public sector borrowing requirement as monitored and
recorded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), or the World, European, Asian,
African and Inter-American Development Banks.
So what is the first step on the road to creating the Perfect Water Company? Are there
any more down sides? Well, apart from outright grant aid, money in has to equal
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Foreword
By Biwater Chairman Adrian White, CBE, DL, D.Univ, C Sci, FCIWEM
money out, despite the long period it takes to recover it! This comes down to the
politically indigestible fact that the water tariff must increase annually in line with
inflation and be sufficient to cover all costs including capital expenditure. Banking and
financial experts in Biwater regularly model a tariff structure that can absorb a capital
expenditure equal to many times the annual tariff income. This can be achieved with
low tariff increases in the first two to three years, which have been found to be the
maximum acceptable absorption without causing civil unrest or requiring Government
financial guarantees. One of the most difficult problems to overcome is the vast capital
expenditure required for building a sewerage system, without which a citys raw drinking
water sources could become contaminated. Yes, the Worlds lending agencies will help
and, if they provide thirty-year loans at subsidised rates, then most governments
problems are over. Regrettably the Worlds aid/grant agencies are much more particular
when privatisation is mentioned, and yet, generally, they are the very agencies
recommending the privatisation approach as good planning or good housekeeping.
The reality is that the Worlds lending agencies such as the World Banks International
Finance Corporation (IFC) are obligated to provide funds to privatise utilities at hard
nosed commercial rates. These can be found more onerous than loan funds from a
countrys own bank or a Governments own insurance or investment funds, however, the
benefit is that when the IFC does syndicate a loan, other banks are happier to join in.
This book illustrates that Governments can obtain expert management and off balance
sheet funding for improving and developing their water and sewerage systems without
losing control; without handing over assets; without losing a reasonable annual income;
and without losing a large capital gain when The Perfect Water Company is floated
on its countrys stock exchange in later years.
In conclusion, The Perfect Water Company can be achieved by working with an
expert management company, in joint venture, to ensure continued Government
control in the provision of its populations number one natural need and resource.
I hope that this booklet will show you what perfection means in reality with the options
available to Governments clearly set out with all the benefits and drawbacks.
We, in Biwater, process dozens of such public/private joint ventures every month and are,
or have, operated, managed or owned water and sewerage systems throughout the
World. Please use our experience to avoid the pitfalls, and utilise our strength, to arrange
the finance for your Government to maximise the benefits for your consumer, whilst
minimising the cost to your tax payers.
Introduction to
Biwater
Biwater, formed as Biwater Treatment Co. Ltd in 1968, was the first organisation to
purchase a British water company in the privatisation of British water supplies in the
1980s. This was the purchase of the East Worcestershire Water Company in 1988,
followed by the purchases of the West Hampshire Water Company and the
Bournemouth and District Water Company in 1989.
Biwaters pioneering in the field of water company ownership and management in the
1980s has its earlier precedent in the middle of the last century when private English
companies were the first to be granted concessions to manage water supplies in other
countries in Germany (Berlin) in 1856 and in France (Cannes) in 1866.
In the middle of the last century, Britain still led the World in the provision of not only piped,
treated water, but also in the construction of comprehensive reticulation systems for
sewerage, thereby eradicating or dramatically reducing pollution and disease.
Biwater has embraced most of the famous names of British water and sewerage
treatment and equipment manufacturers, some of which were formed in the middle of
the last century, eg William E Farrer (1896), Whitehead and Poole (1901), Ames Crosta
(1820), United Filters (1925), Clay Cross (1837), Glenfield & Kennedy (1852), Armfield
Engineering (1875), Ham Baker (1901), Wallwin Pumps (1912), The Bournemouth and
District Water Company (1863) and The West Hampshire Water Company (1893).
During its history, Biwater has provided services from its in-house capabilities to all of
the UK water PLCs and Scottish Regional Councils. In fact, Biwater has been a major
supplier to these organisations. It has supplied pipes, valves, penstocks, pumps, control
panels etc as well as complete sewage and water treatment plants.
Biwater now exports to over 60 countries and, operates or manages water and
sewerage companies throughout the World. It has, through its member companies built
over 6,000 water treatment plants and 10,000 sewage and effluent treatment plants,
the majority of which incorporated a period of training and operation.
Introduction to
Biwater
480 million litre a day, Sungai Selangor Water Treatment Plant, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The second largest desalination plant in the World in the 1980s Buwayb Water
Treatment Plant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was designed and constructed by Biwater. It
utilised the latest technology in reverse osmosis, producing 59,000 m3/day (13 mgd) of
potable water from brackish well water. Biwater reverse osmosis desalination plants are
now installed throughout the World and are even installed on cruise liners and in many
of the World's naval fleets. Biwater now has the largest installed capacity of
desalination membranes in the United States of America.
The Worlds largest rural water supply contract is one undertaken by Biwater;
comprising every state in Malaysia (including Sabah and Sarawak); incorporating 134
schemes; covering 600 sites. It was the largest ever population catch-up contract to
supply the majority of people who were without piped treated water (4.2 million
people), at a contract value of over US$1.5 billion at todays prices.
Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water Company, originally owned by Biwater for
20 years, is not only among those with the lowest level of non-revenue water in the
UK, but has also been consistently top of the UKs water quality league table (see
diagrams on pages 6-7)
Biwater has achieved its position as one of the Worlds leading managers and operators
of water supply and sewerage systems, with its dedicated commitment to accountable,
ethical professionalism. Through partnership and transparency, our clients see, by
the reduction of non-revenue water, that Biwater shares not only the reward but also
the risk.
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Introduction to
Biwater
Introduction to
Biwater
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Introduction to
Biwater
Objectives
To Raise Capital and Remove the Capital Funding Burden from Government
Future capital investment requirements for water and sewerage are often enormous,
even for a developed city. This expenditure, in terms of its cost and implementation,
can usually be carried out more efficiently by the private sector than by Government.
Countries in the developed world are now selling their water assets to raise huge capital
funds to put towards debt reduction or to fund new projects.
The developing world is justifiably nervous about selling off assets and therefore looks
to protect itself, however, a Government has many options for raising capital, even if
there are social and political sensitivities over the selling of public property or assets
which are:
Selling a minority interest (say 49%);
Leasing assets for 15-30 years;
Selling 100% of the shares but retaining one golden control share, (this prevents new
owners disposing of their assets or shares without Government permission);
Letting a Concession Contract for 15-30 years (within which the Concessionaire
raises all future funding).
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Training for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 at Subic Water, Philippines
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Role
Government and/or
local authority
Government or
Municipal Water
Specific Services:
Operations and Maintenance,
Customer and Operational Service Targets,
Training, Billing, etc.
Management Contractor
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Lease Contract
The first step towards transferring the full risk and responsibility of operating a water
system is represented by the Lease Contract. The characteristics of a Lease Contract are
summarised below.
A Lease Contract provides Governments and local authorities with a mechanism for
transferring the responsibility for operating a water or sewerage system to the private
sector whilst retaining control and responsibility for investment in the system. A lease
contract is normally applied to a utility which is profitable, as opposed to one whose
operational costs are being supported by the authorities. The normal form of the
contract requires a contractor to assume complete management responsibility for all
system operations. In a water utility this responsibility normally extends from water
treatment and distribution, sewage collection and treatment, to billing and revenue
collection. The diagram below illustrates the basic responsibilities of each party.
Role
Government and/or
local authority
Government or Municipality
Asset Holding Water Company
Lease Company
This diagram shows that the Government or Municipal Water Company retains
ownership of the assets that are needed to provide the service and is also responsible
for capital investment. This type of contract usually has a duration of ten to twenty
years. The specific works that the Lease Company needs to undertake will be defined
in a Contract which specifies that the Lease Company should receive all billing
revenues but make payment to the Government or Municipal Water Company of a
lease fee which is then used to support its capital expenditure. As a result the Lease
Company has greater freedom than a Management Contractor to manage the utility
in the most efficient way to achieve the agreed quantity and quality standards.
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Example
A Lease Contract is formed when a Lease Company is invited to take over the operation
of a water utility. The Lease Company bills and receives revenue from customers. The
revenue is used to meet all of the operating costs for the system and a lease fee is paid to
the owner for the use of the utility assets. The link between revenue collection, operating
costs, and lease fee, provides the Lease Company with a continual incentive to increase the
efficiency of the water supply system.
The tariffs that the Lease Company is allowed to charge for the water supplied are
controlled by the Government or Municipal Water Company through a periodic review
process. The review provides an opportunity for revisiting targets and operating
assumptions; for the Government or Municipal Water Company to recover some of the
efficiency gains that have been made and to adjust the lease fee and thereby the
contribution to capital expenditure by regulating tariff rises according to the contract.
Regulation of these tariffs is sometimes made by an independent regulator. Confidence in
this tariff regulation is important for stability in the review process and the overall
independence of the process. Where there is high confidence in this process, the
Government or Municipality can seek an advance payment of the lease fee annually for
the contract period. During the contract, the Lease Company is required to maintain the
assets which it uses in good operating condition, with allowances made for wear and tear.
The Government or Municipal Water Company may decide to extend or improve the
water supply assets during the term of the Lease Contract. To cater for this eventuality
there is provision within the contract for the scope of the Lease Company's responsibilities
to be increased.
The Lease Contract is widely used in Europe.
Advantages
The Lease Contract is a commonly used method of transferring the risk and responsibility
of operating a water or sewerage system to the private sector. The form of contract is
proven and exists in standard forms that can be readily adapted to specific circumstances.
The introduction of the private sector can provide a continual drive for efficiency which can
be shared between the Lease Company, the customers and the Government or
Municipality. The Government or Municipality retains ownership of the assets used for the
water supply and may secure an income to repay outstanding debt or to provide funds for
future investment. It is common for the Asset Holding Water Company to be paid a 'lease
fee' by the Lease Company to meet these costs.
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Disadvantages
The Lease Contract represents a major transfer of operating responsibility to the private
sector. It is important that there should be good quality information about the water
system which is going to be operated before a Lease Contract proceeds. If the
characteristics and condition of the system are poorly defined it will be difficult to
attract the interest of the private sector, unless the Water Company is prepared to allow
the charges to consumers to be raised to allow for the perceived risks. This is unlikely
to be politically acceptable and as a consequence, it is common for there to be a
detailed study before a project is initiated.
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Concession
If Governments wish to secure new investments for their utilities which are funded and
implemented by the private sector it will be necessary to consider Concessions or for a
particular facility, a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer Contract (BOOT).
A Concession provides a mechanism through which Governments can obtain investment
in infrastructure without providing the funds from their own budgets or through loans
secured using central bank guarantees. Under a Concession a Government grants a private
entity permission to take beneficial use of the existing assets of a utility and for the private
entity to operate and maintain these at its own expense, whilst financing, building, owning
and operating additional facilities to meet future demand and increases in standards whilst
receiving all revenue from customers. The utility, with the new assets financed by the
private entity, are returned to Government ownership after a pre-agreed period of time. A
diagram showing the allocation of responsibilities is provided below:
Role
Government and/or
local authority
Government or
Municipal Water
The diagram above shows that a Special Purpose Company operates the utility, its assets
and current and future responsibilities, including responsibility for the full provision of
services to customers and the financing of new assets. In practice the existing assets remain
in the ownership of the existing utility and all assets are returned to the Government or
Municipality at the end of the Concession.
This type of contract usually has a duration of thirty years. The overall responsibilities of
the Special Purpose Company are defined both by the current and the projected demands
of customers and associated service standards. As a result, the Special Purpose Company
has greater freedom to manage the utility in the most efficient way to achieve the quantity
and quality standards agreed, than in a Lease Contract.
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Example
A Concession Contract requires the formation of a Special Purpose Company which
takes over full responsibility for water systems. The Special Purpose Company employs
all the staff, operates and manages the entire system, receives all revenue, and is
responsible for all future investment including its financing.
The tariffs that the Special Purpose Company is allowed to charge for the services
provided are controlled by the Government or Municipality through a periodic review
process. The review provides an opportunity for revisiting targets and operating
assumptions. The obligations of the Special Purpose Company are onerous and it is very
important that the regulation process for these tariffs is clear and executed responsibly
so as to provide a high level of confidence in the review process. The regulation is
sometimes made by an independent regulator for a Lease Contract, providing a high
level of confidence in the process. The Government or Municipality can seek advance
payment for the rights to the concession.
Concession Contracts are used in Latin America, South Africa and in South East Asia.
Advantages
The Concession is an effective mechanism whereby Governments can secure
investment in infrastructure without providing direct financial guarantees or public
funds. At the end of the Concession a fully operational and well maintained installation
is transferred back, at no cost to the Government or Municipal owner.
In summary, the Concession represents a transfer of financial and operating responsibility to
the private sector, which can have major benefits for the public sector in its quest for greater
efficiency whilst allowing it to retain control of strategy and planning.
Disadvantages
The Concession only transfers a Water Company's responsibilities to the private sector
for a finite period. If Governments wish to transfer the responsibility for all aspects of
water supply and waste treatment to the private sector in perpetuity it will be necessary
to consider Privatisation. The principle characteristics of Privatisation are described later
in this section.
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Role
Government and/or
local authority
Government or Municipality
Water Company
Special Purpose
Company
The diagram above shows that the Water Company continues to operate the water
supply, or wastewater collection system, but that it calls upon the private sector for
specific investment and service requirements such as a bulk supply of treated water, or
the treatment of wastewater. The BOOT Contract normally has a duration of between
twenty five and thirty years. This length of contract is required to provide the private
sector with time to repay the lenders and investors who have funded
the original investment. The Water Department retains the responsibility for monitoring
the performance of the BOOT Contractor but does not intervene in detail about its day
to day operations.
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Investment in a new customer service centre, part of Biwaters original Batam Island water supply
concession project in Indonesia
Example
A typical BOOT involves the award of a contract to a developer or contractor where they
are required to construct a water or wastewater treatment plant with a specified treatment
capacity. The developer/contractor is required to establish a local special purpose company
(SPC), which has the responsibility for executing the contract.
The SPC attracts investment and loans to enable it to finance the construction of the facilities
that are required by the BOOT. The SPC has no specific construction or operations expertise
and as a consequence, it is normal for the SPC to let subcontracts to specialist construction
and operations companies who act on its behalf. The developer/contractor who has
negotiated the BOOT is normally expected to fulfil some or all of these roles.
When the construction phase of the project has been completed the SPC provides the
treatment service and is paid directly by the Water Company from revenues it has collected
from its customers. The payment is normally based upon a charge for each cubic metre of
water treated, although there are likely to be fixed charges or minimum off-take
requirements to ensure that the SPCs fixed costs can be met in all circumstances.
The SPC has a long term responsibility for the service and as a result is vulnerable to the
effects of inflation, interest rates and in some cases exchange rates. It is normal for the tariff
it charges the Water Company to be adjusted periodically using indices that reflect the
movements in its costs such as labour, power, chemicals and finance.
BOOTs have become an established way of securing private sector investment. The
mechanism has been extensively used in the power sector and is now being used to provide
water and sewage treatment facilities worldwide, in particular for desalination schemes.
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Advantages
A Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (back to Government) or BOOT, is an effective
mechanism through which Governments can secure investment in infrastructure
without providing direct financial guarantees or public funds. In addition there are no
payments to be made until the installation is complete and operating to specification.
The advantage of this form of private sector participation is not limited to financial
issues since it also removes the risk of design, construction, cost overruns and
construction management.
Invariably the BOOT Contractor will require a guarantee from the Government to
ensure that its Water Department will honour its commitments under the BOOT
Contract.
During the operations phase there are further benefits arising from the SPC's
responsibility for plant operation and performance. At the end of the BOOT contract a
fully operational and well maintained installation is transferred back to the Water
Company at no cost.
In summary, a BOOT represents a transfer of financial and operating responsibility to
the private sector, which can have major benefits for the public sector in its quest for
greater efficiency whilst allowing it to retain control of customer services, water
distribution / wastewater collection, strategy and planning.
Disadvantages
The BOOT only partially transfers a Water Department's responsibilities to the private
sector and in this regard may not meet all Government objectives. In particular the
responsibility for revenue collection from customers is retained by the Water
Department, as well as the responsibility for staff employment and the investment
associated with services not covered by the BOOT. If Governments wish to transfer the
responsibility for all aspects of water supply and waste treatment to the private sector
it will be necessary to consider Privatisation. The principle characteristics of Privatisation
are described on page 34.
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Circular clarifiers at Binictican Water Treatment Works, one of the works in the original Biwater
concession in Subic Bay in the Philippines
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Raw water intake at Mukakuning, Water Treatment Plant, Batam Island, Indonesia
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Privatisation
Privatisation represents the final stage of transfer of the responsibility for water and
sewerage systems to the private sector. The transfer is normally undertaken by
changing a Water Company into a corporation or by allowing a private company which
has been established specifically for the purpose to take over responsibility from a
Water Company. Whilst the process of Privatisation represents a full transfer of
responsibility there are well established mechanisms through which the Government
can retain control of the standards of service provided to consumers, the tariffs which
are charged and the investment in new facilities.
The normal procedure is to establish an independent Regulator with the responsibility
for monitoring and controlling the performance of the private company. The regulatory
system has been pioneered in England and Wales where it is used to control all of the
country's water utilities. The basic responsibilities of the Government, the Regulator
and the Privatised Water Company are illustrated below.
Role
Legislation, Policy
Government
Regulator
Utility Company
The diagram above illustrates the way in which Privatisation transfers complete responsibility
to a private company (the Utility Company).
A Privatisation arrangement is normally established by the award of a license in perpetuity
to the Utility Company and the sale of the original water companys assets, or shares to the
owners of the Utility Company through a private placement or stock market flotation. The
Privatisation mechanism thus offers an opportunity for Governments to realise the value of
their water supply assets. The terms of the license/contract specify the performance which
is expected from the Utility Company in terms of customer liaison, water quality and any
other criteria which are considered to be important.
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Example
An example of a Privatisation project is where a Water Company that has operated a
water supply or sewage system for a municipality for many years is required to hand
over full responsibility to a private company. The owner of the Water Company, the
Government or Municipality, arranges first the corporatisation of the Water Company,
if this is not already the case, and then arranges its sale to new owners.
Regulatory reviews are established at regular intervals in the order of 5 years. Company
tariffs are established at the reviews using a financial model incorporating the
company's operating costs and its proposed capital expenditure.
Privatisation has been used throughout England and for example, Wales and in Chile.
Advantages
The major benefit of Privatisation to Governments is that it represents complete transfer
of funding and operating responsibility to the private sector without loss of control over
wastewater treatment or water supply quality standards and planning. Privatisation also
represents a method of avoiding the complexity that can exist where there are several
contractual interfaces within a water supply system and allows Government to reduce
the number of its directly employed staff. The regulation process provides the
Government with a secure method of control of the Utility Company but, even more
importantly, it can provide an effective ongoing mechanism for creating efficiency
incentives which are difficult to achieve within public ownership. The Government or
Municipality raises a capital sum through the sale of the Water Company.
Disadvantages
Privatisation can often be controversial politically owing to the sale of publicly owned
assets, but as Mrs Thatcher, Prime Minister of Great Britain famously said,
Governments are not in the business of running businesses.
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Fundamentally, in most low income developing countries water tariffs are rarely set to
recover the full investment and operating costs. The ability and willingness to pay for
water and sewerage services and the lack of political will to implement full cost recovery
tariffs extend, or frustrate the payback in investment in this essential infrastructure.
The above challenges, combined with the inability or low priority of national governments
to invest in water and sanitation, cause project finance to be the single largest constraint
in the realisation of water and sanitation projects. Additionally, over the past decade the
traditional export credit facilities and grant aid, enabling Governments to raise funding for
projects, has substantially reduced.
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Biwater financial experts play a key role in structuring and arranging finance
for strategic investments in water
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Biwater finance experts discuss financing at the San Cristobal site in the Dominican Republic
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Funding
Bonds
Leading
Debt
Equity
Floating Rate Notes
Syndicate Loans
Venture Capital
Mezzanine Finance
Subsidised Finance
Development
Agencies
Export
Grants
Special
Soft Loans
Biwater
Risk Management
Sovereign
Convertibilty
Inflation
Completion
Interest Rates
Operations
Foreign Exchange
Political
Private Sector
Participation
Management Contracts
Lease Contracts
Consessions
Completion
Boot Contracts
Capital Light Structures
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Project
The merging of technical, operational and funding activities ensures that the impact of
each activity is considered. If an investment exceeds requirements, the resultant tariff and
business model are adversely affected, with the project potentially not going ahead. The
business model measures reduced operational cost for changes in design. Where required,
assurance is provided to the lenders through the ongoing involvement of the private sector
until the loans are repaid. It is not unusual to see large construction projects standing
disused and in a poor state of repair.
The future is no longer construction of the facilities alone. This is becoming increasingly
difficult to finance as investors and lenders are seeking long term sustainable delivery
of services.
Sources of Finance
Due to the low tariff levels which are considered to be politically acceptable, returns on
water and sewerage investments are relatively low with long term paybacks. While there
is political support for water and sanitation projects from developed countries to low
income countries, in reality, the availability of funding is relatively limited. Hence, the
development of a sustainable business plan is an intricate aspect of securing funding for
projects. This places an emphasis on obtaining soft or concessional finance and limiting the
financing risk of the project sponsors and often requires some form of private sector
participation to provide additional assurance to the project sponsors.
Biwater plays a key role in engineering such solutions and arranging affordable finance
for strategic investments in the water and wastewater sectors. Most private sector
initiatives in infrastructure are finance driven and the ability to successfully raise
competitive finance is vital.
Finance for these initiatives may be broadly classified into three categories, although
Biwater does also arrange concessional debt and non-repayable grants:
Senior debt finance
Mezzanine finance (subordinated)
Equity
Finance for an initiative will usually comprise two or more of these broad categories, and
it is important when structuring and arranging the Finance that the objectives of each of
the separate providers are fully understood. A long term lenders needs differ from a long
term investor whose objectives are again different from those of a venture capitalist.
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Biwater, as the sponsor of the private sector initiative, would seek to raise project finance
solely on the technical, commercial and financial merit of the project.
Project Finance may be defined as:
The financing of a project in which a financier accepts the cash flow from the project as the
source of funds from which the loan will be repaid and looks to the assets of the project as
collateral for the loan.
This definition is for totally non-recourse Project Finance although in practice most projects
will be financed on a limited recourse basis, where certain limited assurances or guarantees
will be given by third parties. It is the ability to define the Finance with an acceptable security
structure which allows the lender to lend with confidence that differentiates a successful
Project Financing from an unsuccessful one.
Senior Debt Finance
Senior Debt Finance is available from commercial banks, export credit agencies,
bilateral and multilateral agencies and development banks. Biwater's global presence
facilitates the arranging of Senior Debt Finance from an international range of sources
including large export credit loans and commercial loans in a variety of different
currencies to suit the needs of the project. Finance is also arranged from the bilateral
and multilateral funding agencies and development banks. This often includes grant
funding and concessional loans. Most of Biwater's private sector initiatives involve the
arranging of Finance from a variety of these sources.
In looking to provide Senior Debt Finance the funding institutions are seeking a low level of
credit risk. The business models developed by Biwater as submitted to funding agencies
consider political, currency, commercial and operational risk and seek solutions to mitigate
these risks to acceptable levels.
Our experience in these areas is vital to ensure that the optimum balance between the various
sources of Debt Finance is achieved at the lowest overall cost structure.
Equity
At the other end of the spectrum from Senior Debt Finance is Equity, which represents the
risk capital in any project where, in the event of default, the investors will be the last to be
repaid. The investor is motivated by the potential for capital gains as well as earning
dividends. The return on equity is however higher than Senior Debt Finance, which increases
the cost of funding a project.
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Equity is often the foundation on which other forms of finance can be structured. Lenders
may require equity investment in a project for two reasons, firstly it ties the investors to the
project and secondly it reduces the burden on the cash flow required to support the debt
service repayment.
Biwater is however increasingly structuring Capital Light projects with minimum or no equity.
The ongoing participation of Biwater is achieved through upfront local management and
operational contracts that continue for at least the duration of the loans. This can remove the
high dividend requirement, makes the project more affordable and hence improves the
chance of the project going ahead.
Mezzanine Finance (Subordinated Debt)
Between Senior Debt Finance and Equity lies a third form of Finance, Mezzanine Finance,
which may be considered to be Debt Finance that is subordinated to the Senior Debt Finance
but with preference over Equity. Subordinated Debt has the advantage of being fixed rate,
long term and unsecured and is usually considered by the senior lenders to be equity for the
purposes of assessing the project risk. From the sponsor's perspective Subordinated Debt has
a number of advantages, including the specified timing and amounts of interest and principle
payments. Interest paid on the Subordinated Debt interest is normally tax deductible, an
added advantage over dividends.
Private Sector Participation / Public Private Partnerships
While PSP/PPP is in itself not Finance, under the current financial environment it is a crucial
aspect of enabling the above forms of funding to be secured. The different forms of PPP are
discussed in the following section and their importance in obtaining Finance cannot be
understated. In matching the needs of governments and lenders Biwater will often
incorporate different forms of private sector involvement including capital light partnerships
to attract grants, debt finance, subordinate loans and equity.
Some examples of Biwaters financial engineering that have enabled the fruition of crucial
water projects in difficult markets are:
Khartoum, Sudan: An EPC/Turnkey 200 Mld water treatment plant, transmission,
distribution, storage and water asset management project under a capital light public
private partnership with a 28% Dutch government grant, 24% Development Bank
subordinate loan and 48% export credit finance from Malaysia and South Africa. Project
value - $110 million plus 10 year operations following commissioning of the facilities.
Tamale, Ghana: A Design and Build 25 Mld water treatment plant, transmission and
distribution networks, water asset management and technical assistance financed by a
mixed credit facility including a 53% grant. Project value $60 million.
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These phases may last several weeks or several years depending on the needs and size of
the utility operator. Network management strategies are an iterative process and may have
to go through several cycles to meet the desired outcome. Each of these stages is discussed
in more detail below.
Identification of the Key Issues
At the start of any network management project it is essential to identify the main drivers
of the strategy. These may include poor level of service, lack of raw water reserve,
insufficient water into supply, ageing infrastructure, lack of storage, poor water quality,
future expansion, poor revenue recovery or regulatory pressure. These drivers are often
obvious and can normally be ascertained in a few days with water company personnel.
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Mapping;
Pipe location, diameter, material, age, condition;
Water volume into supply;
Flow and pressure data;
Billing data;
Customer contact history;
Pipe failure repair;
Cost data;
Per capita demand profiles;
Population and industrial growth.
Once data collection is complete it should then be possible to set some realistic
numerical targets by which to measure achievement of the set objectives.
Derivation and Delivery of Management Strategy
Once the business need goals are confirmed the major component of the work is
undertaken on the distribution network. This is discussed in more detail in later sections.
Review of Strategy Goals
At the end of the development of the network management strategy the goals of the
project need to be reviewed before implementing the next stage. It is important to
reassess the overall goals after each stage of the project implementation as the
objectives may change as information and control of the network improves.
The network management strategy should be reviewed at least annually to ensure that
the key business issues continue to be met. However, major changes in direction should
be undertaken with caution as most network management strategies will take more
than one cycle to deliver real benefits.
The Fundamentals
The main tenet of a network management project is to gain control of the network. It
has long been an adage of management text books, If you cant measure it, you cant
manage it. In a distribution network the key variables are flow, pressure and cost. It is
essential to measure where water is going, at what pressure and how much does it cost
to deliver it. This is achieved by setting up a Hydraulic Structure.
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Asset Management
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Asset Management
Asset surveying
In order to fully populate the GIS system it is normal to have to undertake some asset survey
work. The type and extent of the survey work will depend on the goals of the strategy, the
criticality of the asset and the timescale available. Asset survey may be as simple as using a
pipe locator and marking the location of the pipe on a map. More complex methodologies
could involve trial holes, ground radar and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
As part of the asset survey process the opportunity should be taken to collect as much
asset register information as possible. This includes pump characteristics, plant serial
numbers, monitoring equipment makes, serial numbers, estimated replacement dates,
service schedules etc.
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Network Modelling
Once a GIS model of the distribution system has been developed and the key elevation
data has been obtained from the survey process, a computerised hydraulic model of the
distribution system can be developed. The model will allow the distribution engineer to
assess and optimise the current network, analyse changes in demand, optimise the
design of the proposed network extensions and ensure that the system can cope with
re-zoning and expansion.
Models fall into two broad types, strategic and all-mains. Strategic models normally
only contain larger diameter mains, for example those connecting the service reservoirs
and DMAs to the treatment works. They are used for large scale planning purposes
such as new reservoirs or transmission mains. It is normal to create a strategic model at
the start of a strategy to assess large capital projects.
An all-mains model normally contains all pipes in the network over 75mm. Demand is
allocated on a pipe by pipe basis. This type of model is time consuming and costly to
build, but is invaluable in undertaking what if scenarios when designing a change or
expansion to the network.
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Leakage control
Leakage control is most effective when targeted by output from the DMA meters. Once
data is received from a DMA meter the imbalance between the known consumption and
the inflow can be assessed and the leakage level calculated. This is normally achieved by
analysing the flow during the early hours of the morning and making suitable allowances
for legitimate usage.
It is normal to set an Economic Level of Leakage (ELL) that is allowed in a DMA. This is the
point at which it is no longer economic to try to locate and repair leaks in an area.
It will not be possible to provide an accurate estimate of ELL prior to establishment of the
trial DMAs. The ELL is dependent on many cost factors, including the cost of water, the
institutional cost of running the water utility, the accuracy and effectiveness of the revenue
collection system, leakage detection costs, repair costs, reinstatement costs etc. It is not
possible to assess this figure with any degree of certainty until the required data has been
collected. In addition the ELL will change as the project progresses. As the unit detection
and repair costs change as the network is brought under control and the increased revenue
generated by the savings in the network is taken into account the ELL will reduce.
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Rehabilitation Planning
All of the above factors are considered in selecting the most appropriate rehabilitation
technique, which fall into two categories:
Non structural
Structural
Non Structural Pipeline Rehabilitation
This technique is applied where the structural integrity of the pipeline is good, but the
pipe internal diameter has become restricted due to tuberculation (narrowing of pipe
internal diameter over time creating a loss in hydraulic capacity), corrosion or deposits.
The process involves the internal cleaning of the pipeline and the application of a new
non structural lining to the internal wall.
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Less aggressive techniques involve jetting, swabbing and flushing which can remove
soft deposits, but not hard tuberculation.
Cleaning Techniques
Power boring - diameter range 75 - 150mm
to remove debris and encrustations from the pipe.
1
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1.
2.
3.
4.
Boring Machine
Steel Rods
Water/Debris
Boring Cutters
1
2
The Biwater Pressure Scraping technique utilises water pressure to drive a scraper pig through
several kilometers of uniform diameter water main in one operation, generally where this is
600mm or greater.
3 4
1.
2.
3.
4.
Mixer
Hopper
Pump
Control Unit
For mains up to 600mm diameter, a pump located adjacent to the access point delivers the
cement mortar mix to a mobile carriage. The integral carriage unit is complete with a drag
trowel mechanism and is winched through each individual section.
In-situ Epoxy Resin Lining Process
1
2
Key
1. Power pack & pumps
2. Monitor unit
3. Powered hose reel
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Slip lining
Pipe bursting
Soft insertion lining
Pipe moling for service connections
Directional drilling
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Metering
Any water company has to have a means of charging its customer for the water they received
and therefore the service provided. Perhaps the most obvious method of deciding the charges
is by metering the volume supplied and basing the charge on this volume so that the more
customers use the more they pay.
Alternatives Flat rate charge
There are however other possibilities available to the water supplier. Charges can be based on
the size or value of a property or the number of people living there. The simplest but perhaps
most flawed method of deciding charges would be to charge all residential customers the
same using a flat rate charge. A company will wish to consider the overall cost of any charging
system, the degree of fairness which it brings to charging different customers and the effect
the method has on overall water use and therefore investment in infrastructure.
The Perfect Water Company should perhaps have all customers metered so that they pay
for what they use which is totally non-discriminatory. This is probably the fairest way to
charge and is normally essential for industrial customers using water in processes. Customers
will be less inclined to waste water and it is possible to devise tariffs which penalise high
seasonal usage. If all supplies are metered the water company will have much better
information regarding different patterns of use in different parts of the distribution system and
more importantly will be better able to establish how much water is unaccounted for (i.e. lost
through leakage, meter inaccuracy, bad debts, theft or illicit usage etc).
Is it perfect for you?
The inherent deterrent value of payment by visible metered use assumes that widespread
metering will have an impact on overall demand by encouraging some degree of prudence
in water use. The reduction will obviously bring savings to the water company in the areas of
investment in resources, treatment and distribution systems. It will be necessary to attempt
to evaluate those savings as an offset against the cost of installing, reading, maintaining and
replacing meters. The relative cost of labour means that the economic balance will vary in
different countries.
Drawbacks
There are some drawbacks to universal metering. The installation and running costs of meters
are high with an ongoing requirement for a programme of replacement. The meters have to
be read and the customers billed based on their consumption and this requires a relatively
sophisticated billing system and large numbers of staff to read them and administer the
accounts. It is essential to find a low cost, but sufficiently accurate meter and an efficient
method of reading it. Currently technology with outreaders allows one person to read
400 meters a day. New technology, however, is enabling automatic reading from
mobile vans of thousands of meters a day.
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With metering, customers are more likely to query their account and any system based on
volumetric charge may lead to a fraud either as a result of illegal by-passing of meters or as
a result of corruption amongst meter reading staff.
Metering provides uncertainty of income
One further concern regarding charging universally by meter is that the company has some
uncertainty about income. Volumes of water used and therefore income may be affected by
the weather or economic conditions over which the water supplier has no control.
Benefits of flat rate charges
At the opposite end of the scale from metering would be to charge all household customers
on a flat rate basis such that they all pay the same. Such a system is very easy to administer,
simply needing a register of customers and a means of billing them a pre-determined
amount. In addition, a means of defining a household would be necessary so that industrial
users could be billed by a metered account. The advantages are low cost and simplicity but
a flat rate system can be criticised because of its possible unfairness and inability to make any
differentiation between lower and higher users. Any system that does not relate to volume is
less likely to encourage careful use of water and will therefore result in increased investment
in water infrastructure; however revenue collection systems already out of control must start
with such a flat rate basis.
The intermediate option where charges for household customers are linked to a graded tariff
for water use possibly represents a compromise solution. If information is available as to either
the size of house or number of residents perhaps from taxation or rating authorities a
scheme could be derived linking water charge to likely usage. Once the information is
obtained, such a system is relatively easy to administer and of course there are none of the
costs associated with meter installation or reading. The system is fairer than a flat rate system
but ultimately flawed compared with metering. The company would know its income but
there is little incentive for the customer to be prudent in the use of water.
Local influences decide
Clearly a fully metered system provides the fairest charging method, and a visible
incentive for conserving water and therefore helps to minimise the cost of providing
and distributing supplies. It may be that scarcity of water resources will influence the
situation and become a significant factor in the decision making process. The costs of
operating a system with widespread metering are high and the company must decide
on the best way forward taking into account the costs, benefits and any statutory
obligations, so that it may optimise the return on investment made.
Current developments of combining meter reading with gas and electricity are reducing
costs dramatically, especially when utilising one combined bill.
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Billing Systems
Whatever method is chosen for charging for the use of water, it is absolutely essential
that an efficient Billing System is used in order to accurately bill all customers on time;
to collect all monies due as speedily as possible; to take adequate recovery action for
non payment where necessary, and to achieve all at the lowest possible cost.
Interface
It is important that a Billing System is developed within the whole framework of the
business and its relationship with its customer. To this end the Billing System must not
be viewed in isolation from the other operations of the company and suitable interfaces
with other uses must be established. Having said that, however, the Billing System will
be the core and the focal point to all other systems, as these will use the billing database
as a means of providing information in, for example, operation log management
systems, water quality information and other more recent innovations such as
Geographical Information Systems.
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Database
We have already mentioned that the first essential aspect of a good Billing System is to
have an accurate customer database which links in with a property database. In this way
historical information can be generated relating to not only a property and its past use
but also for customers who may have a history of bad debts. This database will be used
for all customer enquiries as a possible one stop shop for convenience.
Software
Equally important as the database is the software itself which enables the billing function
to be efficient. Bills should be sent out on time and reminders, final notices and court
action or any other recovery action can be automatically generated within the billing
timetable. Adequate payment facilities will be offered and the Billing System must be able
to cater for all variables on offer. The billing cycle will start with meter reading which may
be manual through hand held computers which are subsequently downloaded each day
onto a main property database. Recent trends are towards more sophisticated means of
data capture through reading by touchpad or outreader to remote reading by telephone
lines or radio signal. The media in which the information is communicated must interface
with the main billing property database.
Payment
Payment options will vary but the emphasis must be towards more automation. Direct
debits are generally accepted as the cheapest and most convenient form of payment
method and once set up, maintenance of the information can be controlled relatively easily.
Payment by this method is automated through modern link through a bank clearing
system and posting to customer records is automatic by means of a suitable disc or tape.
Other payment methods such as cash, cheque, bank giro and post office giro are generally
more costly to administer, but again transfer of information by tape, disk or web based
technology helps speed up the operation and keeps costs to a minimum.
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Quality Management
Abstraction and supply
Water treatment
Engineering strategy and project management
Distribution
Sewerage and sewage treatment
Scientific services
Environmental protection
Customer services
Billing and revenue collection
Investment in Staff Training and Development can in most cases be just as important as
investment in plant and machinery in ensuring the success of a perfect water company in
terms of meeting its agreed objectives.
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Chemical scrubbing
Biofiltration (peat, fibre, heather etc)
Biological scrubbing
Molecular absorption
The objective of an odour control scheme is to reduce the nuisance to zero. There is little
point in setting extremely stringent standards if these are not essential; which in most cases
they are not. Modelling of potential odour risks can be carried out before a treatment plant
is built to predict the affect on the surrounding environment. Generally good management
by professional operations will be sufficient to minimise odour nuisance.
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Water
Sector
Regulations
Water
Service
Regulations
Authority
(formerly
Ofwat)
Environment
Agency
Department
for
Environment
Food and
Rural Affairs
Water Companies
Customers
Non-Sector
Regulations
Consumer
Council
For Water
Drinking
Water
Inspectorate
Health and
Safety
Executive
Competition
Commission
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Financial
Services
Authority
Finite Limit
The earth and its atmosphere contain large amounts of water but 97% of this is in
saline seawater and much of the remaining freshwater forms the polar ice caps. Thus
only about 0.7% of the earths water occurs in freshwater lakes and rivers, in accessible
aquifers and in the atmosphere. It is the water that takes part in the hydrological cycle
and which fixes finite limits on availability.
Heavy rainfall, which produces high runoff in rivers and good aquifer recharge, usually
occurs in mountainous regions where population densities are low. Flat lowland areas,
which are favoured for both urban development and agriculture, often have relatively
low rainfall.
Population Density
In the UKs Scottish Highlands the population density is a maximum of nine people per
square kilometre and rainfall exceeds 1.6 metres a year, but in South East England there
is a population density of 651 people per square kilometre and the rainfall is only
approximately 0.8 metres per year (data taken from 2001 census). Clearly, even in what
is often seen as a wet country, because of regional variations in both resources and
demand, the availability of water can cause problems particularly in periods of lower
than average rainfall. In reality, the UKs renewable freshwater resources are only 2464
m3/person/year.
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Biwater
Our Products and Processes
Water treatment
Wastewater treatment
Water infrastructure investment & operation
Consultancy and water asset management
Membrane technology and desalination
Structured project finance
Throughout this products and processes section you will see how our diverse businesses
can take care of anything from providing a piped water supply to 4.2 million inhabitants
in Malaysia, to constructing a sewage treatment works for Abu Dhabi, to purchasing
water companies. We pride ourselves on our competitive combination of project
management, technical expertise and independent financial strength. Our businesses
understand the needs of our clients, working in close partnership with them to deliver
clear and effective solutions.
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Water Treatment
111
Water Treatment
Summary
With the emphasis on affordability, Biwater can meet any treatment challenge with
cost effective solutions.
The provision of an entire water supply scheme incorporating major intake works,
pumping stations, pipeline infrastructure, and treatment facilities requires more than
water expertise. Designing and constructing schemes such as those in the Dominican
Republic, Sri Lanka, Sudan and China requires financial engineering, global
procurement and logistics capabilities, civil engineering experience and flawless project
management skills. From planning permission for dams and reservoirs to treatment
processes, effluent discharge and pipelines, Biwater manages the whole process.
The science of water treatment is constantly evolving to meet new legislation and new
environmental challenges. To maintain our position as a market leader, we work closely
with our clients and consultants, to adapt process designs and treatment methods to
meet specific client and environmental needs.
Whether it is a reverse osmosis desalination plant in the United States, or a membrane
bio-reactor in the UK, Biwater's process engineers and technical specialists can develop
a sustainable solution.
Complementing Biwater's water treatment services is a range of innovative, robust
packaged equipment and products. From pre-fabricated reservoirs to on-board
desalination kits for submarines, Biwater can provide the full range of plant and
equipment on a supply only, supply and installation, or with lifetime operation basis.
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General Description:
The Biwater Lamella Tower is a unique concept in the treatment of either surface or
ground water, designed to provide potable drinking water fully in compliance with World
Health Organisation requirements, for both rural and urban communities throughout the
world. After years of successful operation, the opportunity has now been taken to
optimise treatment within the Biwater Tower with 170 already installed worldwide, to
take advantage of lamella settling technology. Established lamella sedimentation
treatment processes are combined with elevated treated water storage in a single tower
unit, providing an energy-efficient system which requires the minimum utilisation of
land. With a range of four unit sizes, populations up to 50,000 can be provided with
50 litres per person per day from a single Biwater Lamella Tower installation. Larger
populations are served using multiple unit installations.
The Biwater Lamella Tower has been designed to meet the needs in remote parts of the
world for an easily assembled, compact plant. Each tower is prefabricated, often locally,
in sections, to allow easy transportation and simple erection at site requiring minimal
labour and equipment. The latest design allows the smaller sized towers to be
assembled in the horizontal position and then winched upright prior to erection of a
sectional bolted storage tank placed on the top of the erect tower.
The Biwater Lamella Tower, square in section, is supported by a prefabricated
foundation ring which is cast into a simple concrete base, a system that then requires
only limited site preparation. The accurate prefabrication of the square tower sections
ensures that all alignments are carried out before erection commences. Flanged
connections between tower sections aid simplicity, speed and ease of erection. A
complete set of valves and prefabricated pipework is provided leaving only simple pipe
connections to be made at site.
The Biwater Lamella Tower requires a minimum of maintenance and will continue to
provide safe potable water to the local community for many years.
The treatment process uses conventional lamella sedimentation and filtration
technologies, both well proven, and easily meets internationally accepted quality
standards. Untreated water from a local raw water source feeds the Tower entering into
two lamella sedimentation chambers operating in parallel. The majority of impurities in
the water are coagulated and separated via sedimentation into a sludge which is
drained to waste.
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The water is chemically treated, using displacement dosers (or if electricity is available,
chemical metering pumps) to aid sedimentation and provide disinfection for the treated
water. Following clarification, the water travels down through the external pipework to the
pressure sand filter at the bottom of the tower. After passing through the single grade filter
media the water rises to the storage tank at the top of the tower ready for distribution to
the community. With the storage tank already placed at some height on the tower itself and
the siting of the tower on land that commands a good zone of influence over the
distribution area, gravity distribution will be economic, reliable and effective.
The only operational procedure needed is the periodical draining of the sludge from the
lamella sedimentation chambers and cleaning of the pressure filter by backwashing
with clean water available at the correct pressure and volume from the integral treated
water storage tank. Each routine is accomplished by the operation of a single valve
from ground level.
The Biwater Lamella Tower is:
A unique concept It combines a tower containing robust treatment processes with an
integral treated water storage facility.
Compact It has a small footprint, is efficient in its design offering treatment, storage
with gravity distribution from one site.
Easy to construct and erect Simple bolted construction forms the tower, pipework
and the storage tank.
Affordable With ongoing low cost operation and maintenance.
Tower diameter
metres
Output
m3/hour
Nominal Storage
m3
Overall height
metres
1.5 x 1.5
10.0
56
14.35
14.85
2.0 x 2.0
22.0
87
14.85
15.35
3.0 x 3.0
60.0
126
15.35
15.85
4.0 x 4.0
115.0
171
15.85
16.35
Tower Types
Type 1 - Full treatment with treated water storage
Type 2 - Full treatment without treated water storage
Type 3 - Without sedimentation with treated water storage
The exact arrangement of any Biwater Lamella Tower can be optimised when details
of source water are analysed along with the site conditions and Client Requirements.
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TREATED
WATER
SAND FILTER
RAW
WATER
TO DRAIN
KEY
Raw Water Flow
Treated Water
Treated Water
114
TREATED
WATER
STORAGE
TREATED
WATER
SAND FILTER
RAW
WATER
TO DRAIN
KEY
Raw Water Flow
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Filter Cleaning
Filter cleaning consists of an automated and evenly distributed air scour. The combined
air/water sand filter backwash process is activated as the head-loss increases to a predefined level.
Sterilisation
The water is then sterilised using Chlorine, which is accurately and evenly dosed in the
chlorine contact tank prior to the filtrate being delivered by gravity into the potable
water network. The system enables both pre and post chlorination treatment to be
applied as required.
Chemical Dosing and Electrical Equipment
A control and chemical building constructed adjacent to the process units provides
protection from the elements for the chemical preparation, storage tanks, air blowers,
control and automation equipment. Integral covered pipe and cable trenches provide a
conduit connecting the process equipment to the covered control and automation
equipment.
alum
lime
polyelectrolyte
input
sludge
flocculator
chlorine
sludge
lamella clarifier
dirty backwash
backwash
output
contact tank
sand filter
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Comprising up to four treatment zones, this modular design makes the biPAK an ideal
solution for small to medium communities with populations of up to 30,000, providing
optimised and effective treatment of raw water.
Model
PE
(population equivalent,
200 litres per
metres3/day
person/day)
*Lamella
FBC
Bipak
Bipak
Bipak
Bipak
Bipak
Bipak
Bipak
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
6000
9000
12000
18000
21000
24000
30000
1200
2400
3600
4800
6000
1200
1800
2400
4200
-
Power
Consumption
(KWh/day)
*Lamella
FBC
150
300
450
600
750
150
225
300
525
-
Area
Required
(m3)
250
375
450
650
850
1000
1250
*Optional lamella tube or flat bed clarifier, selection dependant on raw water analysis.
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b. Filtration Equipment
i. Filtromatic Continuous Flow Filters
Key Features:
Up to 70% solids reduction
Optional
air
scour
for
enhanced backwash.
General Description:
The Filtromatic Continuous-Flow
Filter is a low-head, multicompartment, valveless, gravity
filter. It can reduce suspended
solids, by up to 70%. The filter
represents
a
revolutionary
advance in media cleaning
technology. Major advantages
over conventional backwash
filters include:
Continuous-Flow Design - the design means the filter is never out of service, even
during backwash. Since only one cell of the filter is backwashed at a time, all other cells
continue to filter water. This means at least 90 per cent of the filter is still in service
during backwash obviating the need for standby filter capacity.
Backwash Indexing - with the Filtromatic filter the backwash mechanism indexes over
each cell individually, sealing off the cell and backwashing it. The significant advantage
realised by indexing over the individual cells is the fact that all of the media in a given
cell is thoroughly backwashed at the full rate for the full duration of the pump operation.
Vacuum Backwash - this design provides "vacuum cleaner" action at the top of the bed
ensuring uniform backwash of the filter.
Valveless Design - there are no intake or filtrate valves required for the operation of the filter
and no shut-off valves are required for the filter backwash.
Low-Head Loss - the Filtromatic filter can be designed to operate on a pressure
differential as low as 300mm.
Visible Operation - the top of the filter bed is visible during filtration. Therefore, visual
inspection of the media is possible without filter shutdown.
Modular Design - the filter design permits shipment of relatively large, totally
assembled, pre-packaged filters. This means less site labour and less installation time.
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b. Filtration Equipment
i. Filtromatic Continuous Flow Filters
Process Description:
The Filtromatic filter consists of a sand filter bed, divided into a series of individual
cells. Each cell contains media and a nozzle plate filter floor.
A feed channel along the full length of the filter tank distributes flow evenly into the
filter bed. Filtered effluent is collected below the nozzle floor and discharged over a weir
at the end of the filter tank. The void below the filter floor acts as a clean water
reservoir, from which the backwash pump draws filtered water for backwashing.
The backwash sequence is initiated by the rising head in the filter or by elapsed time. A
travelling bridge complete with backwash pump and optional air-scour equipment traverses
the length of the filter, washing each cell in turn. Following completion of the cycle, the
travelling bridge returns to its start position to await the next backwash signal. There are two
standard widths of filter 5m and 3m, the length of the filter being varied to provide the
required filter area. Filter tanks can be constructed in concrete or steel tank packaged form.
Filter Construction:
The filter is available either as a site constructed unit or, in the case of smaller
applications, as a packaged unit. Site constructed units include the bridge and drive,
cells, backwash hood and pump, controls and accessories necessary for operation.
These site constructed units normally contain 10 to 50 cells, each of which may filter
up to 50m3/h, depending on the chosen design and maximum filtering rates. The
packaged units, which include filter tank, cells, bridges, controls, backwash hood and
pump are available with filtering areas from 12.5m3 to 25m3.
Cell Construction:
The Filtromatic filter can be designed with either pre-stressed concrete or fabricated steel
filter cells. The cells may be shipped as complete units, ready for installation in the filter tank.
Since the cells are self-supporting over their entire width, installation is reduced to simply
setting the cells on supporting ledges built into the tank wall and grouting them in place.
Cell floors are smooth and uniform and are fitted with polypropylene nozzles. The nozzles
are of a non-clog design and offer uniform distribution for filtering and backwashing.
Summary:
Up to 70% solids reduction
Continuous flow
Optional Air Scour
Backwash Indexing
Low Head Loss
Fully automatic
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No downtime
Enhanced backwash
Highly effective cleaning
Prevents backwash short-circuiting
Reduced operator input
b. Filtration Equipment
ii. Pressure Filters
General Description:
Pressure Filters are utilised in small to medium scale filter applications where compact
plant and minimal site construction activities are required. Process trains may require
that pressure head be maintained through the filters on to the inlet of downstream
processes, thereby necessitating the use of Pressure Filters.
Biwater undertakes the design and installation of Pressure Filters and the associated
peripheral systems and/or equipment. Filters are designed to suit each application and
include all the features associated with effective downflow Rapid Gravity Filtration,
i.e. Backwash and Airscour cycles (or combination thereof).
Filtration and Backwashing / Scouring cycles may be fully automated by means of
actuated valves and control systems that interface with the peripheral equipment.
Proprietary Biwater Filter Nozzles and suitable Filtration Media are installed on site
subsequent to the Pressure Filters being fixed into position.
The full complement of matching ancillary equipment required for Biwater filtration systems,
includes pipework, instrumentation, pumps and blowers.
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b. Filtration Equipment
iii. Rapid Gravity Filters
General Description:
The removal of Suspended Solids from water is effectively achieved by filtration
through suitable filtration media such as sand with manganese to iron removal and pH
correction media.
Biwater offers a variety of Rapid Gravity Filters, including Up or Down Flow Filters and
Declining Rate or Fixed Rate Filters. Biwater provides the process and detail design for
Rapid Gravity Filters, together with associated control and peripheral equipment such
as pipework, pumps, blowers and instrumentation.
Depending on Commercial and/or technical requirements, filters may be configured to
exhibit the following:
Pipe-Lateral or False-Floor Outlet
Systems
Syphon or Valve Outlet /Backwash
Control
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c. Clarification
i. Clarifiers
General Description:
Gravity Clarifiers are utilised to settle solids in the treatment of both water and
wastewater.
Biwater offers a large variety of Clarifier configurations in order to be able to address
differing conditions.
In principle, water containing settleable solids is introduced to a basin where flow
velocities are reduced such that the solids settle out by gravity. These solids (the sludge)
are then removed by means of various mechanisms and the clarified water allowed to
overflow. The effectiveness of a Clarifier is dependent on achieving even flow
distribution, suitable flow velocities and efficient removal of solids.
For the Water Treatment Sector, Clarifier configurations are offered by Biwater,
including:
Rectangular, Plug-flow Clarifiers
Rectangular, Up-flow Clarifiers
High Rate Clarifiers using Lamella
Separators
c. Clarification
ii. Flat Bottom Clarifier
Clarified water
Sludge
concentrator
Inlet diffusers
Key Features:
Biwaters flat bottomed clarifier is a cost-effective
clarification system with the advantages of:
Low civil construction costs
No power requirements for the process itself
Adaptable for a wide range of raw waters
High performance
Automatic discharge of excess sludge
Consistently high sludge concentration
Flat tank floor allows easy cleaning.
General Description:
Primary treatment of surface waters is provided for with Biwaters range of solids/liquid
separation equipment. A range of treatment options have been developed because water from
reservoir, lake and river sources contain varying amounts of suspended particle sizes. The Flat
Bottomed Clarifier removes flocculant and other suspended matter prior to filtration by holding
the flocculated particles in suspension forming a sludge blanket. This is a natural settlement
process which requires no moving parts and has no inherent energy requirement once the
water has been raised to the inlet level. Together with a low mechanical component and
reduced civil costs it is perhaps the most cost-effective clarification system available.
Biwater has a specialised team of process chemists to establish the optimum chemical treatment
and settlement rate of suspended solids in order to determine the design parameters of the clarifier.
The system distributes inlet water mixed with coagulant, through a series of inlet diffusers
situated above the flat floor of the clarifier. The incoming water flocculates in the lower section
of the tank and passes upwards through the floc blanket. Efficient sludge concentrators are
installed throughout the tank with their rims level with the upper surface of the blanket. As the
solids in the in the floc blanket increase the blanket extends upwards and the surplus blanket
flows into the cones where it concentrated at the base and is intermittently discharged. The
rise rate normally ranges from three to five metres per hour, using conventional coagulants
with the aid of polyelectrolytes, depending upon the water source. The minimum operating
flow is that which will just maintain the blanket. Maximum flow is limited by the extreme
expansion of the blanket. Typically, the ratio of minimum and maximum flows is three to one.
Sludge blanket clarifiers use polyelectrolytes to enable the maximum flow rate to be increased
but, as they also raise the minimum flow rate, the turn down ratio can be increased by
discontinuing polyelectrolyte dosing at the lower water flow rates.
As the name suggests the flat bottomed clarifier tank is a simple, rectangular, vertical sided
structure with a level, flat bottom. Normally raw water inlet channels run along one side of the
tank while the clarified water channels are on the opposite side. Raw water troughs bridging
the tank at intervals carry suspended vertical pipes, feeding the diffusers. These troughs can be
hosed clean when necessary. Troughs carrying clarified water to the clarified water outlet
channel are positioned next to the raw water troughs.
124
c. Clarification
iii. Dissolved Air Flotation
The dissolved air principle relies upon the fact that the solubility of air in water increases
with pressure. In this process air is injected into a small proportion of the treated water
which is recycled under pressure. This highly saturated air/water solution is released into
the flotation tank under carefully controlled conditions to produce a cloud of
microbubbles which envelopes the solids in the feed flow. The hydraulic conditions in the
vicinity of the microbubble cloud promote good bubble attachment and coalescence so
that the solids float rapidly to the surface in the flotation zone.
125
c. Clarification
iii. Dissolved Air Flotation
Flash mixing is necessary to ensure the thorough dispersion of the chemicals employed
in the coagulation process. A secondary flash mixer may be necessary for applications
where a coagulant aid is required.
Flocculation with coagulant before flotation is necessary to remove colour and other
impurities and produce a floc capable of enmeshing colloidal particles which in turn have
good bubble attachment properties. The contact time in the flocculation zone is
governed by the foregoing criteria rather than the production of large floc having
optimum settling characteristics. The flocculation period may range from 10 to 30
minutes before flotation.
Tapered flocculation has been found to be beneficial. Two stages of flocculation are
normally sufficient, depending upon the type of water to be treated. The power input is
highest in the first stage and lowest in the second stage.
Vertical shaft paddle flocculators are suitable for small and medium size plants whilst a
horizontal shaft arrangement may be more economical for larger installations.
Microbubble production is a critical factor in achieving rapid separation and good
product water quality. Recycled water, at pressures at or above 3.0 atm, is released into
the flotation tank at atmospheric pressure. The air injection nozzle has a specifically
designed orifice configuration to control the flow rate, whilst a cover reduces exit
turbulence to ensure the delicate floc is not subjected to excessive shear forces.
The rapid rate of solids/liquid separation achieved in the process allows the use of
comparatively small volumes for the separation zone. However, since the flocculation
period and flotation separation rate vary from water to water, it is necessary to review
the most economical plant configuration from case to case.
Biwater Treatments experience in hydraulic design and plant layout ensures a sound
engineering proposal for each application.
126
c. Clarification
iii. Dissolved Air Flotation
Solids removed in the process accumulate on the liquid surface in the form of an aerated
sludge. This can be removed in several ways and this aspect of the design is reviewed
from case to case against specific project requirements, eg size of plant, requirements for
the final sludge treatment etc. Biwater has recently developed a relatively inexpensive
paddle type of scraper that is located at the beach end of the flotation cell. It has been
proved on many installations to be equally as efficient as other types of scraper at sludge
removal but does not cause the deterioration in clarified water quality that sometimes
occurs on other scrapers when sludge, dripping from returning scraper blades, falls onto
the surface causing knock-down of floating sludge.
Floatation generally produces clarified water of very high quality thereby ensuring the
lowest possible load being applied to the following filters.
The removal of algae in particular is normally considerably superior to that in other types
of clarification systems.
127
c. Clarification
iv. Lamella Sedimentation
General Description:
The efficiency of floc particles
settling in horizontal liquid flow
depends on the area available
for settling. Hence, efficiency
can be improved by increasing
the area. Some sedimentation
tanks have multiple floors to
achieve this. A very successful
alternative has been the
development
of
lamella
sedimentation tanks with
closely spaced inclined plates or
tubes. When plates or tubes are
Lamella Clarifier, Bukit Badong, Malaysia
placed at a 55-60 degree angle
to the horizontal, they provide
efficient settling and allow for solids removal from the plates or tubes by gravity.
As flocculated water rises through the tubes or between the inclined plates, the solids
settle to the inclined surface, where they gradually gain mass and weight and eventually
slide down the incline. In this way, a counter current flow pattern is developed. As the
solids fall from the bottom of the tubes they settle to the floor of the sedimentation tank,
where they can be removed by conventional sludge collection equipment.
Localised velocities caused by thermal currents are damped by the lamella tubes or
plates. Likewise, surface wind currents have little effect because settling occurs within
the tubes or in between the plates.
Biwater has constructed several lamella sedimentation tanks within the last ten years. All
of these tanks are producing excellent clarified water.
The Bukit Bedong Water Treatment Plant in Malaysia was designed and constructed by
Biwater. This water treatment plant is one of the largest in the world, treating 400 Mld
of water per day. The plant comprises six lamella sedimentation tanks, each measuring
30 metres by 12 metres. The sedimentation tanks treat raw water abstracted from a river
source where the turbidity can rise to more than 2,000 NTU during the rainy season. The
clarified water quality is excellent with average turbidity values less than five NTU.
128
d. Turnkey Projects
i. Dominican Republic Water Supply Scheme
Key Features:
Turnkey design and construction of major water supply schemes to the cities of
San Cristobal, La Romana and San Francisco de Macoris
Relief to water stressed area
Export Credit Agency financed
Reduction of population migration
Intake feed from provincial aqueduct
Fast-track solution Lamella clarification
Treatment to WHO standards
Weir intake
Completion of civil works on existing infrastructure.
General Description:
The Dominican Republic Water Supply Scheme was one of the largest water treatment
contracts ever undertaken in the Caribbean. The Scheme consists of three separate
plants, each comprising intake works, treatment works and related pipelines, at San
Cristobal, La Romana and San Francisco de Macoris, which together provides water to
over 1.3 million people.
Works included the construction of an intake and raw water feed mains to new
treatment works with an output flow of 1m3/sec. Works also include the provision of
pump stations and standby power facilities.
129
d. Turnkey Projects
i. Dominican Republic Water Supply Scheme
130
d. Turnkey Projects
ii. Abuja Water Supply System, Nigeria
Key Features:
Biwater has undertaken the
design and simultaneous
construction of two 250 Mld
water treatment plants (Phase
3 and Phase 4).
The project incorporates a
sludge treatment plant to treat
the clarifier sludge from the
existing Phase 1 and 2 works
and the new Phase 3 and 4
works.
Training of the client's staff in
the operation and maintenance
Construction of Abuja Water (500 Mld) Treatment Plant, Nigeria
of the Works is an integral part
of the project.
Biwater has maximised the use of local staff and materials.
General Description:
The project involves the process design, supply and erection of all the civil and electromechanical equipment for the final production of Phase 3 (250 Mld) and Phase 4
(250 Mld) water treatment plants.
Biwaters scope is to connect into the newly laid 3 metre diameter Gurara feed pipeline
to supply water to the existing Phase 1 and 2 and Phase 3 and 4 water treatment plants.
This 3 metre diameter pipeline will also be used to augment the Lower Usuma dam.
Treatment Works Phase 3 and 4 comprising:
Aeration to remove odour and oxidize the soluble ferrous iron to insoluble ferric iron
Drum Screen Chamber
Clarification (sludge blanket clarifier with lamella)
Rapid Gravity filtration
Disinfection within chlorine contact tank
Balance tank
Chemical dosing (aluminium sulphate, lime, polyelectrolyte and chlorine)
Filter backwash return to head of works system
131
d. Turnkey Projects
ii. Abuja Water Supply System, Nigeria
132
d. Turnkey Projects
iii. Chilibre Water Treatment Plant, Panama
Key Features:
Turnkey construction and rehabilitation of existing water treatment plant
New 23,000m3 clearwater reservoir
Providing 948 Mld of potable water serving Panama City
Sludge dewatering by filter pressing
Reliable, safe potable water to WHO Standards.
General Description:
The project involved constructing a new potable water treatment plant sized at 474 Mld
output. Once the new plant was built and put into service, the existing plant was taken out
of service and remodelled to produce the same output of 474 Mld. The new plant emulates
the original plant in process type and involved the construction of five baffle flocculators and
five lamella tube sedimentation tanks and eighteen rapid gravity filters that utilise dual media.
133
d. Turnkey Projects
iv. Oswestry Water Treatment Plant, UK
Key Features:
New inlet works with micro flocculation and enhanced coagulation
Chemical dosing and storage
Rapid gravity filtration. Backwash water recovery to lamella tanks with sludge treatment
Sludge dewatering by filter pressing
MCC panels, standby generation and PLC/SCADA control systems.
General Description:
Improvement works to an existing water treatment plant serving Liverpool from Lake
Vyrnwy. The works are to improve water quality by the removal of Total Organic Carbons
(TOC), these being the precursor for Trihalomethanes (THMs), some forms of which are
carcinogenic. Additional benefits included iron reduction and colour reduction.
Mechanical Equipment:
Channel/static mixers
Lamellas (angle plate settling tanks)
WRc thickeners
Filter presses
Roots blowers
Submersible pumps.
134
d. Turnkey Projects
v. Malaysian Rural Water Supply Scheme (MRWSS)
Key Features:
Biwater worked in conjunction
with
the
Malaysian
Government to ensure every
key region of Malaysia was
provided with potable
water
Biwater
arranged
the
finance and works to
todays value of USD 1
billion for this project
The project attracted the
largest aid grant ever
provided by the British
Malaysian Rural Water Supply Scheme
Government supplemented
by an export credit guarantee
Biwater maintained the plants and facilities once operational, using locally employed
contractors trained by Biwater specialists
The use of local resources was maximised.
General Description:
Over four million of Malaysia's 14 million population did not have access to piped
potable water. To address this growing problem the Malaysian Government made a
commitment to provide a clean water supply for approximately fifty per cent of its
people living in 'water stressed areas' by the year 2000.
An extensive investigation was undertaken by Biwater and, following approval of its
proposals, it formed a joint venture company Antah Biwater (ABJV). ABJV was
responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the rural water schemes
that covered both Peninsular and East Malaysia.
Biwater was responsible for the construction of 134 schemes. The design for each was
tailored to meet the area it would serve.
A typical scheme incorporated a river intake, a water treatment plant with a capacity of
1500 m3/hr and a distribution system including supply pipework, remote reservoirs and
pumping stations. In addition to the supply schemes, Biwater constructed four large
raw water dams with capacities that ranged from 500,000 m2 to 50 million m2.
135
d. Turnkey Projects
vi. Tortola Water & Sewage Improvement Scheme
Key Features:
Turnkey construction of 10.4 Mld (2.3 MiGD) seawater reverse osmosis desalination
plant at Paraquita Bay
Turnkey construction of a 3 Mld (15,000 pe) biCOM package wastewater treatment
plant to Road Town, completion of the 1 Mld wastewater plant to Paraquita Bay
Installation of 1.83km of a new 400mm diameter sewer force main and rehabilitation of
3 existing sewage pumping stations
Network modelling, reduction of non-revenue water, leak detection and pressure
zoning
Construction of a 2,270 m3 storage reservoir
New 400mm diameter treated water pipeline
Property census, installation of customer billing and SCADA solutions
Operation and Maintenance of Paraquita Bay Desalination Plant for 16 years.
General Description:
Biwater are working with the Water and Sewerage Department, on behalf of the Ministry of
Communications and Works to improve the quality and delivery of drinking water to all
residents of Tortola Island, British Virgin Islands. This includes installing a 10.4 Mld seawater
reverse osmosis desalination plant and a new reservoir, network modelling, installation of new
potable water delivery infrastructure, including leak detection in existing networks.
136
d. Turnkey Projects
vi. Tortola Water & Sewage Improvement Scheme
Biwater will also be rehabilitating the sewage network, building two new sewage treatment
plants and their pumping stations.
These works will ensure an improved water and sewage service for the population of Tortola,
making efficient and sustainable use of their natural resources and ensuring all treated water
and sewage meets, as a minimum World Health Organisation standards.
The completed works will provide Tortola Island residents with efficient and reliable water and
sanitation systems, reduce the cost to government of water from the Paraquita Bay plant by
over 60% for each 1000 gallons (excluding electricity) and help protect the fragile marine
environment around Tortola Island.
137
d. Turnkey Projects
vii. Omdurman Water Supply & Optimisation Scheme, Sudan
Drying beds, Omdurman Water Supply & Optimisation Scheme El Manara, Khartoum
Key Features:
Operation and maintenance of a 200 Mld water treatment plant
One of Sudans first private sector financed water projects
Integrated network management strategy
Maximising social and health benefits
Staff training
General Description:
This contract involved the Construction, Operation and Maintenance by Biwater for the
Omdurman Water Treatment plant.
The Project covers the ten year operation and maintenance of the water treatment
plant to supply potable water to Omdurman City, part of Greater Khartoum for the
Khartoum State Water Corporation (KSWC).
The aim of this project is to maximise the social and health benefits of a supply of clean,
safe, reliable drinking water in a manner that is both sustainable and economically
viable in the medium to long term.
138
d. Turnkey Projects
vii. Omdurman Water Supply & Optimisation Scheme, Sudan
Sudan has been blessed by having one of the World's great river systems flow through
the entire length of the country, the Nile. In fact the Nile system of rivers is actually
three major rivers, the Blue Nile, the White Nile and the Nile.
Scope of Work
Biwater's scope of works was on the El Manara site on the Nile. Biwater will operate and
maintain under a take or pay Water Purchase Agreement the water treatment plant:
139
d. Turnkey Projects
viii. Maldives, Water Supply Scheme, Maldives
General Description:
Design and construction of a full turnkey potable water treatment works for the
Republic of the Maldives. The project sets out to maximise the social and health
benefits of effective sanitation and the supply of a clean, safe, reliable source of
drinking water, using reverse osmosis desalination process, which is both
environmentally sustainable and economically viable. The project incorporates the
provision of project structured finance, developed and arranged under a Biwater Project
Finance initiative. Biwater has incorporated a network management strategy into the
capital works program. Biwater will undertake the design and construction of the entire
potable water distribution network.
Maldives WSS: Summary
Client:
Southern Utilities, Maldives
Location:
South Province
Scope of Works:
Turnkey Construction and operation of water and sewage
infrastructure
Project Duration:
For the duration of the construction loans (10 years)
Work Types:
Operation and maintenance, reverse osmosis desalination,
hydraulic modeling, raw water and distribution network,
wastewater treatment, collector network.
Participation:
100%
140
d. Turnkey Projects
ix. Bacau Drinking Water Treatment Plant, Romania
Key Features:
Full greenfield site potable water treatment plant
Peak flow of 60 Mld
Reliable, safe, water to W.H.O. standards for over 200,000 people.
General Description:
Design and construction of a full turnkey potable water treatment works for the historic
City of Bacau. Bacau is located on the Bistrita River situated at the foot of the
Carpathian Mountains in the province of Moldavia, approximately 300 km north of
Bucharest.
The plant treats a peak flow of 60 Mld of raw surface water pumped from the Poiana
Usului Dam approximately 60 km away and supply gravity fed treated water to more
than 200,000 people.
141
d. Turnkey Projects
ix. Bacau Drinking Water Treatment Plant, Romania
The Treatment Plant is semi-automatic and comprises inlet works with aluminium
sulphate coagulation plus polyelectrolyte and seasonal powdered activated carbon
dosing, flocculation, lamella settlement, rapid gravity filtration, final chlorine and lime
pH (correction) dosing.
142
d. Turnkey Projects
vi. Bacau Drinking Water Treatment Plant, Romania
Wastewater Treatment
143
Wastewater Treatment
Summary
144
Key Features:
Glass fused steel walls
Reduced land area
Practically odourless
Reduced quantity of waste sludge produced
Stable sludge production
No primary settlement
Guaranteed reduction of pollutants to comply with EU effluent discharge
legislations
Handles shock and peak loads
2,500 to 20,000 population with combinations for larger populations
General Description:
The biCOM range of modular compact treatment plants provides a safe, robust and
economical system for the full biological treatment of sewage.
The system utilises the well established process of extended aeration with an integrated
anoxic zone for Nitrogen removal. No primary sedimentation is required and the plant is
capable of taking shock and peak loads. For sensitive zones and irrigation reuse, additional
packaged items can be added to achieve higher effluent qualities namely: sand filters,
chemical dosing for phosphorous removal and disinfection.
145
Biological sludge formed during the purification process is oxidised to such an extent that
the small quantity produced is stable and can be easily processed without odour and
disposed of with the minimum of nuisance.
The aeration and anoxic zones are arranged as an annular circuit surrounding a central
settlement tank. This arrangement considerably reduces the space requirement of the plant.
Oxidation within the system is carried out by means of surface aeration or fine bubble
diffusion and the energy consumption is optimised by the use of automatic dissolved oxygen
control. This provides the necessary oxygen for the activated sludge and maintains flow
velocity in the plant thus preventing settlement. It also serves to break up larger solid
particles and ensures complete mixing.
The design is standardised for a range of population equivalents 2,500 to 20,000 but can
be easily duplicated up to 40,000. Glass fused to steel is used for the main process tanks
ensuring rapid installation, high quality, aesthetically pleasing appearance, long life span and
low maintenance. Construction costs are reduced as the tanks are normally situated above
ground thus minimising excavation with a simple raft foundation usually being sufficient.
The system is easy to operate and maintain and has proved effective for the treatment of
both domestic and industrial wastes.
Load
Power Cons.
kWh/day
Area Required
m3
Pop Equiv
BOD Kg/day
2,500
150
890
750
198
5,000
300
1,151
1,000
432
11
10,000
600
1,630
1,700
770
15.5
15,000
900
2,155
2,500
1,092
19
20,000
1,200
2,515
3,300
1,467
22
146
Key Features:
Concrete or steel tank
Reduced land area
Reduced quality of waste
sludge produced
Handles shock and peak
loads
Practically odourless
For population equivalents
of 100 - 1500
No requirement for return
sludge pumping
General Description:
Sewage treatment in the
Bifad system is achieved via a
fill, aerate and settle / decant function, separated only by time. One tank is used for
the treatment, so this process provides an extremely economical plant and is particularly
suited to the treatment of very variable flows e.g. military camps and small villages.
Bifad using horizontal aeration
Construction is simple and may be either a reinforced concrete or steel tank. The latter
usually showing considerable cost advantages. The tank is frequently situated above
ground, so that site excavation costs are minimal.
The plant is controlled by two level probes and a series of fully adjustable timers, which
are used to control the aeration, fill and settle / decant sequences. Aeration is controlled
in conjunction with dissolved oxygen probes linked to minimum run and stop timers.
Surplussing of sludge from the Bifad is also controlled via a weir and surplussing is
initiated during the decant cycle.
Incoming sewage is mixed and aerated with naturally developed and activated sludge
in the tank, by means of either mechanical floating aerators or fine bubble diffusers.
Sewage treatment using the Bifad system is achieved using a fill, aerate and settle /
decant function, separated only in time. Only one water retaining structure is used, so
this process provides an extremely economical plant for the full treatment of sewage.
147
1.1
40
(TNO)0.75
250
15
100
(TNO)1.5
500
30
7.5
200
(TNO)3
1,000
60
11
400
(TNO)4
1,500
90
11
600
(MIDI)3
Pop Equiv
BOD Kg/Day
100
148
Key Features:
Treatment in one combined
civil structure
Reduced land area
Practically odourless
Reduced sludge tankering
requirements
Handles shock and peak
loads
Avoids cross contamination
Modular system - allowing
for future growth.
General Description:
BiStars are often installed on treatment plants where the population is less than 1500.
The whole assembly of the BiStar has been designed to withstand the stresses
generated by the slow rotating machinery during its 20 year design life.
Sewage from the local village enters the BiStar and discharges into underground
primary settlement tanks located beneath the rotors. A sudden reduction in flow
velocity allows solid matter to settle out in the form of sludge. Partially clarified, the
liquor then passes through transverse 'Bistar' rotors. Naturally forming l bacteria grow
on the surface of the corrugated media, feeding on impurities in the water and
receiving oxygen from the atmosphere further reducing the pollution to within
acceptable limits. The rotors, arranged in series operate within separate G.R.P biozone
basins providing controlled directional flow to ensure maximum treatment efficiency
whilst avoiding cross contamination. In the final stages the remaining solids are settled
out in a single humus settling tank resulting in clear discharge.
149
GRP Cover
Rotation
Humus Tank Sludge Removal
Inlet
Outlet
Biozone
Equalisation
Valves
Stiling Box
Biozone
Equalisation
Valves
Biozone 1
Biozone 2
Benefits:
Stable process up to 6 x dry weather flow
Reduced land area requirements due to compact design
High BOD removal, with no media bridging
Minimum operator attendance
Low installation time
Low power usage
Not visually intrusive.
150
Key Features:
Protects high cost items
Quick and simple to install
Prevents ragging
Remote power pack
Cost effective.
General Description:
The Biwater rotating bar
interceptor (RBI) is convenient
to use in pump chambers and
sewage works inlets to protect
pumps
or
fine
screen
mechanisms from damage by
large, solid objects.
The equipment comprises a series of rotating bars to form a grill with clear spaces set
at 75mm, 100mm or 150mm dependent upon the limitations of solids size capable of
being passed through the pumps. The tubular bars of large diameter rotate at a
peripheral velocity approximately similar to the velocity of flow thereby presenting a
moving surface. Rags and soft solids are encouraged to pass through by frequent
clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation, a movement which also unwraps tailings and
string-like materials which would otherwise tend to build up on the bars causing a
blockage. A scraper mechanism is thus rendered superfluous. The passage of larger
objects is prevented and only infrequent visual checking and removal is required by site
operatives. Each bars rotation is achieved by independent hydraulic units which are
capable of being submerged without damage. The power pack and timer control panel,
which determines the rotation and duration of movement of the bars, can be located
in a remote position away from the unpleasant and corrosive environment of the
interceptor mechanism itself.
Installation is quick and simple usually requiring no site fixings whilst normal
maintenance is minimal. The rotating bar interceptor will fill applications in new as well
as existing channels for the protection of valuable down-stream equipment.
Benefits:
Channel Width (mm) 600 to 3500
Channel Depth (mm) 500 to 6000
Number of bars 3 to 16
Bar Width (mm) 75 or 100
Bar Spacing (mm) 75, 100 and 150
151
Control Panel:
The electrical control panel, fitted with an anti-condensation heater to be mounted
adjacent to the hydraulic power pack contains the direct on-line pump rotor starter,
overloads, adjustable time switches, relays etc. controlling the bar operation.
The Panel has a lockable handle on the front access door which operates the
interlocked isolation switch, a remote/off/auto/selector switch, an ammeter, hours
counter, front replacement indicating lamps to show overload tripped, bar stalled, oil
filter blocked, high oil temperature and low oil pressure/flow.
In addition to the time switches which give controlled reversal of the bars, there is an
8-180 minute initiation timer and an 8-180 second running timer.
Hydraulic Power Pack:
The self contained hydraulic power pack is arranged for local or remote mounting and
comprises a fabricated mild steel oil reservoir tank, side mounted combined oil tank
gauge/thermometer and built in drip tray. The gear type oil pump is directly driven by
a squirrel cage motor and the control valves connected into an integrated circuit
allowing time controlled operation of the interceptor bars.
Summary:
Simple yet effective protection for equipment
Minimal running costs
Quick and simple to install
Nominal maintenance requirements
Robust construction
Reliable operation
152
General Description:
Based upon their extensive experience of sewage screening, Biwater has developed a
vertical bar type backraked screen for use in deep channels. This screen supplements
the range of Biwater rotary and semi-rotary screens available for normal channel
depths. In operation the screen rake enters the bars from the downstream side and
screenings are removed by the tines which are shaped to provide a longer than normal
projection through the bars. When the rake leaves the bars at the upper end, screenings
are retained on the tine rack, and are removed at a suitable discharge height by a
pivoting scraper. A feature of the screen, is the tracking system used to guide the screen
rake away from the bars in the downward path and keep the rake positively engaged
in the upward path. Limit switches control the operation of the reversible drive unit
which is conveniently located at the side of the screen housing for ease of maintenance.
Volume of Screening
Practical investigation at a number of sewage treatment works shows wide variations
in the volume of screenings product per 1000 population.
For example:
Volume of screenings produced per 1000 population per day.
Sewage works A: 0.0312 m3
Sewage works B: 0.0118 m3
Some of the factors influencing these variations are:
Width of spaces between screen bars
Type of sewerage system (combined or separate)
Presence of open channels or ditches in the sewerage system
Eating, cooking and sanitary habits of the Country
Type and volume of industrial wastes discharged into the system
153
General Description:
The Biwater Screenings Press has
been designed and developed as
a result of a detailed investigation
into the specific requirements of
screenings dewatering.
Extensive testing under actual
operating conditions has resulted
in a particularly advanced and
efficient press.
Efficient screening arrests a high
percentage of solid matter in
sewage and this results in rags,
paper, plastics and other items
removed by the screens being
contaminated with faeces and
organic matter.
The Biwater Screening Press
Most
modern
treatment
processes rely on organic matter remaining in the flow, and works are designed
accordingly.
Transportation of screenings after removal from the flow is often unpleasant and
difficult because of the high water content. It is usually necessary to reduce the
moisture content to between 50-60% by weight in order to present the material in a
semi-dry drip free condition.
The Biwater Screenings Press is a screw-type press developed specifically for reducing
the water content of sewage screenings.
Details of the basic model are shown opposite but larger units are designed and
manufactured to suit particular applications.
154
155
General Description:
The removal of water borne
grit and detritus particles from
a flow of liquid is based on the
simple
process
of
discriminating
between
respective sizes by differential
specific gravities. Simple robust
and effective machinery is a
prime requirement.
10mm diameter cross flow installation
156
The design of the dredger type unit reflects clients specifications, but normally includes
a travelling bridge supported on flanged bogie wheels running on a rail track positioned
on the concrete coping wall of the constant velocity channels. The bridge is fitted with
grit dredging pumps, of either the self-priming centrifugal, or submersible type. These
are arranged to discharge lifted grit into a bridge mounted cyclone washer and storage
hopper, or alternatively, into a side concrete launder. This provides gravity flow to a
remote grit classifying system, of the reciprocating rake type.
Cross Flow Tanks
Standard size 2.5m to 10.0m diameter
Flows from 100 litres per second to 1850 litres per second
Particle removal size is approximately 0.2mm
Travelling Grit Dredger
Suitable for 1 to 6 channels
Bridge mounted or submersible pumps
On/Off bridge classifying
Finnchain Channel Dredger
For smaller inlet channels
All plastic/stainless steel construction
Combined Grit/Grease Removal
Based on the spiral flow principal
Travelling bridge type unit
Flows baffled to promote grease separation/flotation
Screw Classifier
All stainless steel construction
Screw sizes 200, 300 and 400mm diameter
Capacities 30, 80 and 120m3/hour
Reciprocating Rake
Inclinations between 11 and 16
Widths 380 and 800mm
Maximum length 20 metres
157
Key Features:
Side wall scrapers
Weir and channel cleaning
facilities
Scum skimming and removal
Steel
centre
support
assembly
Plain,
vee
notch
or
castellated weirs
Double edged weir troughs
Continual or automatic
desludging controls
Peripheral speed choice
Winch-up scraper blades
Settling Tank Scraper
General Description:
Biwater manufactures a complete range of settlement tank scrapers to suit any tank
profile, which are designed to collect and remove any type of sludge. They fall into two
main categories; fixed bridge scrapers and rotating bridge scrapers.
Fixed bridge scrapers have a stationary bridge which spans the tank and a scraper which
is supported and driven from the centre. Rotating bridge scrapers have one end of the
bridge supported and pivoted at the tanks centre while the other end is mounted on an
end carriage that moves around the tanks outerwall. Fixed bridge scrapers can be
provided for tanks with 6m to 20m diameters and rotating bridge scrapers for tanks with
diameters from 6m to 45m.
The scrapers themselves can be designed to fit any floor type and can be either fixed,
trailing or a combination of the two. In addition, chain type scrapers for steep floor tanks,
or hydrostatic draw-off tubes and vee scrapers can be provided for flat floored tanks.
Scraper & Sludge Removal
The type and design of scraper blade arrangement is dependent on the type of sludge to
be removed. Primary or heavy sludge's are usually dealt with by hinged scraper blades
supported from a fixed framework carried from the bridge.
158
For secondary humus or activated sludges, trailing scrapers hinged from a rotating bridge
are usually recommended.
However, hinged scrapers attached to an underwater fixed subframe are sometimes seen
as being ideal as they have advantages of both fixed and trailing blades as well as reduced
wear to blade edges, the weight of trailing parts being much reduced. This type of scraper
arrangement is suitable for all types of sludges, even the heavier primary types.
The effectiveness of sludge removal is also greatly influenced by the speed at which the
scrapers operate. Again the type of sludge is a factor in this. With primary sludge types it
is possible to operate with the tip of the rotating blade travelling at 2.5m per minute,
1.2m per minute being appropriate for lighter sludge.
Scraper Type
6 to 32 diameter
1.5 to 4.0
32 to 40 diameter
2.0 to 4.0
36 to 46 diameter
2.0 to 4.0
3 to 30 diameter
2.0 to 6.0
1.6 to 16 diameter
1.5 to 5.0
3 to 16 diameter
2.5 to 5.0
5 to 24 width
2.0 to 6.0
WRc Thickeners
159
General Description:
Dissolved air flotation (DAF) is a
process that provides the energy
needed for effective flotation in
the form of extremely fine air
bubbles which become attached
to the suspended material to be
removed. This attachment of
bubbles to the particle reduces
the density of the agglomerate,
resulting in enhanced buoyancy,
thus
effecting
flotation.
Chemical conditioning is often
used
to
increase
the
effectiveness of the DAF
process.
The most reliable and positive method of producing bubbles of the correct size and
quantity is to dissolve air into water under pressure and to then reduce the pressure of
the solution. As the pressure is reduced, the air escapes from the solution in the form
of micro-bubbles.
DAF can be divided into two separate sub-processes:
The air dissolving process, which occurs in a saturator vessel
The liquid and solids separation process, which occurs in a flotation tank
Air Saturator
A recycle pump is used to pressurise water and to disperse it into an air cushion in the
vertical saturation vessel. A liquid level controller maintains the air cushion by feeding
a controlled amount of air to the vessel.
Sludge Production
Sludge thickening occurs in the float blanket. The buoyant sludge and air bubbles force
the surface of the blanket above the water level inducing drainage of water from the
sludge particles. The float is collected by a rotating float skimmer driven by a centrally
mounted geared motor.
160
Float Removal
The Biwater float removal mechanism is designed with adequate capacity to remove
quantities of float between maximum and minimum volumes and minimum amount of
water carry-over. The depth of submergence of the skimming blades, the speed of
operation; the blade spacing and the type of beaching plate have also been considered
in this design.
Thickening Applications
Dissolved air flotation is applied to thickening sludges from conventional activated
sludge processes, biological nutrient removal, activated sludge, modified aeration
systems, and aerobic digestion. Combinations of primary and trickling filter sludges as
well as some alum sludges, have been effectively thickened by dissolved air flotation
(DAF). Today many municipal and industrial waste treatment plants, employ DAF
thickening.
Performance Concentration - The concentration of thickened sludge is a function of the
buoyant force of the sludge blanket, detention time in the blanket, and the
characteristics of the sludge. Tests have shown that normal waste activated sludge
concentrates to 4-8% total solids. Sludges with a high sludge volume index (SVI) or
aerobically digested waste activated sludge will float well but may produce slightly
lower concentrations of 3%-4%.
Removal Efficiency - In most cases 98% removal of suspended solids can be expected
with flotation aids. Without flotation aids, removals in the area of 80-95% should be
expected with lower unit loadings.
161
General Description:
The
biological
oxidation
process by horizontal rotor
aeration works through the
mixed flow principle. A rapid
turbulence of the ditch
contents mixes influent with
air. It is simple, inexpensive,
and efficient.
Biwaters range of horizontal
aerators cater for small
Horizontal Rotor Aerator
community treatment plants up
to major installations serving 250,000 population or greater. All horizontal aerators are
non-clog design, rugged construction, with high efficiency operating characteristics.
Three rotors are used in Biwater ditch systems, with the MINI rotor being the smallest,
the MIDI an intermediate size and the MAXI the largest. The design of Biwaters
horizontal rotors ensure high oxygen transfer rates as well as complete mixing and
circulation velocities with a minimum expenditure of power. The proven operating
characteristics mean that the rotor installations are simple, inexpensive and efficient.
The Maxi Rotor
Able to provide in excess of 9.0Kg dissolved oxygen/m/hr with correct selection, the
MAXI is of rugged construction, with a vigorous turbulence rotor. It has a diameter of
1,000mm and is manufactured in standard lengths of 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 metres.
Intermediate lengths can be manufactured.
Installation of a 9m,
45 kW Maxi Rotor
Rotor Dia
MINI
3.5KgO2/m/hr
700mm
1.5 to 11.0
MIDI
4.5KgO2/m/hr
850mm
7.5 to 18.5
MAXI
9.0KgO2/m/hr
1000mm
22 to 45.0
Summary:
High oxygen transfer rates
Configuration enables nitrification/denitrification control
Complete mixing and circulation velocities through aeration tanks
Robust, rugged construction and non-clog design
Maximum aerosol and splash protection
Dissolved oxygen monitoring and variable speed motors available
163
Power (kw)
General Description:
The Biwater Simplex Aerator and the Biwater TMA Aerator are vertical shaft surface
aerators which provide a mechanical means of oxygen transfer to sewage or industrial
effluent. Manual, or any required degree of automatic control can be provided,
164
Summary:
The Biwater Simplex Aerator and the Biwater TMA Aerator have the following:
Good maintenance access
Dissolved oxygen monitoring and variable speed motors
Complete mixing and circulation velocities through aeration tanks
Robust rugged construction
Non-clog design
Splash protection can be provided
165
General Description:
Biwater aerators incorporate
design characteristics that have
evolved from the most
researched aeration process in
the world.
Vast practical experience on an
international scale, allied to
research with the aid of
exceptional test facilities has
yielded a wealth of experience
that has been used to build one
of the most reliable aerators
available.
90kW Aerator
Aerators are available in floating or fixed versions with diameters up to 4m, absorbing
from 3kW to 200kW power.
Control
Manual, or any required degree of automatic control can be provided, including
adjustment of aeration intensity by dissolved oxygen monitoring. This when linked with
stop/start operation or with variable speed motor control enables optimum
performance of the aeration plant to be obtained at all times. Consequent reductions
in power consumption result in considerable energy savings.
Non Clog Design
Open aerator blades radiate from a central hub and debris can not accumulate in the
aerators. The efficiency of the aerator is thus maintained without the need to clean the
blades.
Mounting Arrangements
The aerators are mounted on polyurethane filled floats secured by a rigid tubular
framework arranged to ensure stability. They are suitable for use in simple rectangular
tanks or channels which can vary in size and arrangement. The floating assembly is
moored by UV resistant ropes and a power supply cable to the motor is suspended on
floats at the water surface.
166
General Description:
The anaerobic digestion of
organic sludge is one of the
most widely accepted methods
of conditioning a slurry to
reduce its volume, render it
inoffensive and minimise
pathogenic bacteria. Process
efficiency is dependant upon
several factors, the most
important
being
the
homogeneity and temperature
stabilisation of the system and
its contents.
Twin Digesters with Jacketted Gaslifts
167
General Description:
The principle of operation of
the Biwater Dry Seal Gas
Holder can be described as that
of a piston displacement gas
holder. A moveable piston
floating on the confined gas
rises and falls with changes in
volume of the stored gas.
A concrete, fabricated steel or
GRP tank contains the piston
and the annular space between
the piston and the tank is
completely sealed by a
Biwater Dry Seal Gas Holder
synthetic rubber coated fabric
seal. This seal is clamped and
bolted between bars at the periphery of the piston after being coated with sealing
compound to form a gas tight connection. A similar seal is formed where the fabric is
clamped to the top of the wall of the tank.
The piston is protected from the weather by a simple roof over the tank. Support pillars above
the tank wall provide additional volume and the frame is clad and fitted with a door to
provide access to the top of the piston. This area is completely ventilated.
When the gas holder is empty, the piston rests on the bottom of the tank. As gas enters the
tank, the piston rises and is centralised by a vertical tube (piston rod) that is located in a
tubular guide fixed to the rafters of the tank roofstructure. Rollers allow the piston rod to
travel centrally in this guide.
A mechanically operated pallet type vent valve is opened by the piston when it reaches the
limit of its travel thereby venting gas to the atmosphere. The piston travel is linked to a level
gauge on the side of the tank. Condensate that may form under the piston, accumulates in
a drain sump in the floor of the tank and is piped to the exterior via a water trap. Pressure
within the gas holder is obtained by loading the piston with suitable weights. The main
advantage of the dry seal gas holder is the absence of water in the tank which allows the gas
to be stored in a dry state, minimising corrosion problems. Purging is also a simple matter with
the dead space being reduced to less than 1% of the tank volume when the piston is in the
bottom position. Biwater Gas Holders can be provided in GRP construction as small gas
buffers and in concrete or steel construction for storage volumes of up to 3,000 cubic metres.
168
c. Turnkey Projects
i. Eastbourne Wastewater Treatment Works, UK
General Description:
Eastbourne Marine Treatment
Works is sited below sea level
between the sea and urban
development. This wastewater
treatment works treats waste
for a population equivalent of
130,000, sited only 30 metres
from the sea on one side and
50
metres
from
urban
development on the other. It
demanded creative thinking at
Eastbourne Marine Treatment
Works and the above ground
structure was designed to
resemble
a
Napoleonic
Eastbourne WwTW, UK
c. Turnkey Projects
i. Eastbourne Wastewater Treatment Works, UK
Box Construction
The box is adjacent to the English Channel and the geological strata is principally sand
and shingle to approximately 20m below ground level. To counteract flotation, 199,
900mm diameter concrete tension piles to a depth of 43.5m were constructed. A
further 36 bearing piles, 1500mm and 1800mm in diameter to the same depth
provided support to the structure during construction by means of steel columns
inserted in 20 of the larger piles. These took the load of the roof beams and slabs and
were subsequently concreted to form permanent columns in the box. All the piles were
constructed by auger with bentonite used to stabilise the ground prior to insertion of
steel reinforcement and concrete placed by tremmie. The walls were constructed by the
diaphragm wall technique, again with bentonite to provide support to the excavation.
27 tee panels, each 5.4m wide with a 3.4m tee and 1m thick were constructed to a
depth of 27.5m into the underlying gault clay at the deep end of the structure, while
43, 5.4m by 1m thick flat panels 24m deep were provided the shallower depth. Each
tee panel has a 33 tonnes reinforcement cage and requires 240m3 of tremmied
concrete, the flat panel has a 19 tonne reinforcement cage and 130m3 of concrete.
Displaced bentonite from piling and diaphragm wall operations was recovered, desanded and used again. Capping beams to the diaphragm walls together with a beam
grillage and flat slab were constructed, the beams and slab being supported on the
plunge columns. Once the beams and slab were constructed, excavation in a "top
down" construction sequence was undertaken and a base slab constructed with a 3m
step in it at the change of depth. During construction a mobile lamella pilot plant was
brought in to provide test results from the incoming wastewater.
Ancillary Processes
Within the superstructure ancillary processes are housed. Sludge is treated by two
separate centrifuges, again with the addition of polymer. The sludge is thickened from
1% dry solids from the Lamellas to initially 5% (storage of 900 cubic metres is provided
within the works) and subsequently to 30% for disposal as a sludge cake. The
superstructure also contains all the control and monitoring equipment for the works,
enabling it to be operated totally automatically.
170
c. Turnkey Projects
i. Eastbourne Wastewater Treatment Works, UK
The ventilation and odour control system is a major part of the project. This involves a
two stage wet scrubbing system to achieve the very stringent odour standards required.
An air movement of 250,000 cubic metres per hour is passed through the works and
discharged from the highest point of the building.
All this has been achieved on and under one of the most popular tourist beaches in the area.
Control System
The control system at Eastbourne is a standard Biwater ICA package designed to
operate and monitor all automatically controlled plant. This is done by using networked
Allen Bradley PLCs and a Wonderware In Touch SCADA system. However for this
installation special consideration was given to the layout of the system and its
integration with the hardware ie MCCs and instrumentation.
Eastbourne WwTW, UK
171
c. Turnkey Projects
ii. Mafraq Wastewater Treatment Works, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Key Features:
At the time of construction it
was the largest sewage
treatment of its kind in the UAE
Irrigation water supplied to the
City of Abu Dhabi and
surrounding region in order to
continue
the
planned
environmental planting regime
Exceeded all expectations of
final effluent quality
3 year M & E supply and
installation
Equipment specially selected
and tested to perform in one
of the Worlds harshest
environments
Population served 392,000
General Description:
The project included the construction of a sewage treatment works for the City of Abu
Dhabi and its surrounding environs in the United Arab Emirates. The new works was to
be designed to take all the increasing flows from the City and also allow the existing
works to be taken out of service for refurbishment.
The sewage treatment plant was designed for the treatment of an average flow of
164 MLD, involving, screening, grit removal, mixing and aeration with returned
activated sludge, secondary settlement and sludge removal with tertiary treatment via
rapid gravity filters. Further sludge treatment was achieved through primary sludge
digestion and mixing, with gas removal and flare off, together with secondary sludge
digestion. Stringent final effluent qualities were to be ensured as all the final effluent
was to be pumped back into the City of Abu Dhabi in order to provide irrigation water
for the continuation and expansion of the extensive green projects being undertaken
by the Government of Abu Dhabi.
Equipment provided had to undergo vigorous review in order to ensure that it would
be capable of long service in one of the harshest environments on earth.
As well as providing an extremely high quality effluent to be used for irrigation around
the City of Abu Dhabi, the final effluent has been used to provide a green oasis around
the plant which is now home to a wealth of wildlife. Because of the important nature
172
c. Turnkey Projects
ii. Mafraq Wastewater Treatment Works, Abu Dhabi, UAE
of the plant, the original design recognised the need for an on site mosque. The mosque
was duly built and set in a landscaped area that has now matured to full effect. Due to
the high profile of the treatment plant and the fact that the existing Mafraq treatment
plant was to be taken out of service for refurbishment, the new works underwent
extensive trialling under a validation process. This validation process was undertaken on
all the process plant for 30 days on a 24 hour a day basis. During this validation period
the plant performed entirely as expected and met or exceeded the Clients expectations.
Main Items of Plant
Vertical Bar Screens - Two duty, one standby mechanically raked, with a maximum
flow through each of 2,050 l/s
Detritor Scrapers - Two 12 metre diameter with a maximum flow through each of 2,050 l/s
Primary Settlement Tanks - Six 37 metre diameter, four arm, full bridge, centre drive,
each with a flow of 683 l/s
Anoxic & Aeration Tanks - Twelve anoxic lanes leading to twelve aeration lanes
containing a total of 24 anoxic mixers and 60 vertical shaft aerators
Sludge Screw Pumps - Three 2.3 metre diameter return activated sludge screw pumps
Secondary Settlement Tanks - Twelve 32 metre diameter, four arm, full bridge, centre
drive, each with a flow of 342 l/s
Primary Sludge Digesters - Eight, each with a dedicated sludge recycle pump and
scum breaker compressor. Gas take off going to 1 floating roof surplus gas holding
tank prior to disposal through three flare off burners
Secondary Sludge Digesters - 32, each with floating arm draw off valves
Rapid Gravity Filters - Twelve tertiary treatment plant filters each with a flow of 342 l/s
Mafraq WwTW: Summary
Client:
Location:
Project Type:
Scope of Works:
c. Turnkey Projects
iii. Abu Dhabi Sewage Treatment BOOT, UAE
General Description:
Biwater International, together with
Emirates Utilities Company Holding
(EUCH), a partnership of Al Qudra
Holding of UAE and Kharafi National of
Kuwait reached financial close on the
Abu Dhabi Sewage Treatment BOOT
project on 17 June 2008.
The project involves the construction
and 22 year operation of the
300,000 m3/day Wathba Sewage
Treatment Plant (STP) in Abu Dhabi
and the 80,000 m3/day Saad STP in Al
Abu Dhabi Sewage Treatment BOOT
Ain. The Project Company (Al Etihad
Biwater Waste Water Company) that
owns and administers the contract, is a
partnership of an ADWEA subsidiary (Al Etihad Waste Water Company) and
Biwater/EUCH.
The two new Sewage Treatment Plants at Wathba and Saad receive raw sewage flow
with a from networks operated by Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC)
and are contracted to return treated flow to the ADS SC effluent pipeline under the
following conditions:
Turbidity = 2.0 NTU, BOD = 10mg/l, SS = 10mg/l
Construction and commissioning of the plants are due for completion in 2011and in
2033 this will be transferred to Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC). The
Wathba STP is located within 12 kilometres of the Mafraq STP that was formerly
constructed by Biwater in the 1990s under a conventional EPC contract for the
Municipality of Abu Dhabi.Wathba: Average daily flow 300,000 m3/d with a
population equivalent of 1,265,000 Saad: Average daily flow 80,000 m3/d population
equivalent of 564,267
Abu Dhabi: Summary
Client:
Location:
Scope of Works:
Project Duration:
Completion Date:
Plant Capacity:
Work Types:
Participation:
c. Turnkey Projects
iv. Beetham Wastewater Treatment Works, Trinidad
Key Features:
Due to increased economic
development,
population
growth, and increasing levels
of tourism, Trinidad, and
Tobago's national Water
Supply
and
Sewerage
Company (WASA), recognised
that a new treatment plant
that
met
stringent
environmental standards was
required
The plant is designed to treat
180 Mld but must be
capable of hydraulically
passing 225 Mld, of
domestic wastewater for the
Overview of the Beetham WwTW under construction
Greater Port of Spain
population of approximately
400,000 people
The design of the plant is an activated sludge process, with extended aeration,
secondary clarification and ultra-violet disinfection. Waste sludge treatment is
achieved using anaerobic digestion and natural dewatering/ drying
Provision for a Phase 2 expansion of the plant has been made for flows of 255 Mld
The use of local staff and materials was maximised
General Description:
Construction of the plant began in 2001, and the project site is based on a mangrove
swamp. To protect as much of the wetlands as possible existing reclaimed land was
used for the temporary site offices rather than more mangroves being cleared. The
existing pumping station has been refurbished rather than construct a new facility,
which has both environmental and economic benefits.
Following the award of a variation contract to treat 0.9 Mld of high loading Chemical
Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) effluent from the
Angostura distillery, it was necessary to incorporate additional anaerobic digestor
capacity and increased aeration power to the Wastewater Treatment Works design.
The New Beetham works was designed to withstand Zone 3 earthquakes, as well as
the weight of heavy mobile construction equipment. Over 2000 piles, with an average
175
c. Turnkey Projects
iv. Beetham Wastewater Treatment Works, Trinidad
length of 25 metres, have been driven into the ground to meet the necessary
earthquake zone requirements. Extensive lateral and seismic testing on the load bearing
of the site, as well as the load bearing capacity of the piles supporting the plant, had to
be undertaken. The result is a uniform fill of two metres with a one metre blanket on
top of low permeability.
Main Items of Plant
Preliminary treatment: step screens and vortex grit removal
Secondary aerobic treatment: Two Bioreactors complete with front-end anoxic zones
and mechanical surface aerators and four Final Clarifiers (39m diameter)
UV system - disinfection of final effluent
Combined digestion of waste sewage sludge and distillery effluent: Two covered
anaerobic lagoons pH correction system for distillery effluent. Sludge recycle and
supernatant return Biogas handling system complete with waste gas burner
Digested sludge treatment: Sludge dewatering lagoons Sludge drying beds
Feed, transfer, recirculation and discharge pumping and pipework
Site water systems - process wash water and fire system
Power supplies including substations, switchgear, cabling and emergency generator
Complete control and monitoring system (MCCs, SCADA, instrumentation)
All operations and control buildings including fully equipped onsite laboratory
176
c. Turnkey Projects
v. Managua Wastewater Treatment Works, Nicaragua
Key Features:
An engineer, procure, construct
(EPC) contract for the design,
construction and five year
operation of the Managua
Wastewater Treatment Works,
Nicaragua.
The plant has been designed
for ease of operation, minimal
footprint and optimal power
consumption.
Design of Managua Wastewater Treatment Plant
General Description:
The project involves:
screening
combined aerated grit and grease removal
primary lamella plate settlement and sludge removal
secondary treatment trickling filters
secondary lamella plate settlement and sludge removal
sludge treatment through anaerobic sludge digestion and mixing, with gas removal
and flare off
sludge dewatering is by filter belt press
The project includes the construction of a protective dyke around the perimeter on the
site to guard against floods during periods of heavy rain. An air conditioned
administration building is included and operator training during commissioning. Flow
from the new collector system, installed throughout Managua City, arrives by gravity
and pump assistance at the new pump station, and is raised by this pump station to the
inlet of the new works. The plant is also equipped with a septage receiving station,
which receives residue from septic tanks. The residue is delivered to the plant by tanker.
The septage is received and runs by gravity to the inlet pump station where it is pumped
to the inlet of the works.
Thickened sludge from the sludge thickeners is pumped to four unheated, fixed roof,
mechanically stirred digesters. The thickened sludge stays in the digesters for 20 days
and the methane produced is flared off. The digested sludge is transferred to the sludge
processing area by pumps, where it is dosed with polymer, and fed through two belt
presses to reduce it to sludge with a solid content of between 20% and 25%. The
177
c. Turnkey Projects
v. Managua Wastewater Treatment Works, Nicaragua
pressed sludge is then transferred off site for agricultural use. The plant is powered by
electricity from the National Grid, via two transformers and two motor control centres,
(one located in the control building and the other in the workshop/store). Should a
mains power failure occur, two standby generators start to maintain operation of the
plant automatically.
Main Items of Plant
Intake Works: Automatic 6mm vertical bar screens - three duty, one standby, plus
one standby 25mm screen manually raked, with a maximum flow through each of 1,188 l/s
Grit Removal Rectangular Channels: Three channels 24 meters long with a bottom
scraper and pumped grit removal. Maximum flow per channel 1,188 l/s
Primary Settlement Tanks: Lamella plates - nine 22 meter long, seven meters wide,
with reciprocating scrapers in each tank, each with a maximum flow of 396 l/s
Intermediate Stage Pumping Station: Three variable speed canister pumps, (one duty,
one assist, one standby) maximum flow rate per pump 1736 l/s
Trickling Filters: Plastic media: six filters 35 meters diameter, 5.1 meter high. One
rotating arm distributor per filter
Final Settlement Tanks: Lamella plates - eight 22 metres long, 9.6 meters wide, with
reciprocating scrapers in each tank, each with a maximum flow of 430 l/s
Final Effluent Pumping Station: Three fixed speed pumps (one duty, one assist, one
standby), maximum flow rate per pump 1,720 l/s
Two Gravity Thickeners: 20m diameter with rotating two arms scraper
Sludge Digesters: Four fixed roof digesters each with three internal mixers. The
surplus gas is sent to disposal through one flare off burner. The digested sludge is
dewatered in two belt presses. The sludge is dried to approximately 25% solids and
is suitable for use in agriculture
Managua WWTW: Summary
Location:
Managua, Nicaragua
Client:
Empresa Nicaraguense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados
Project Duration:
30 months
Plant Capacity:
182 Mld
Participation:
100%
Scope of Works:
EPC and 5 year Operating and Maintenance (O&M).
Population Served:
1,000,000
Raw Effluent:
BOD 322 mg/l, Suspended Solids 193 mg/l
Final Effluent:
BOD 90 mg/l, Suspended Solids 80 mg/l
Work Types:
Wastewater Treatment Plant, Operation & Maintenance,
Pipework and a Protective Dyke
178
c. Turnkey Projects
vi. Minworth Sewage Treatment Works, UK
General Description:
Minworth Sewage Treatment
Works is Severn Trent Water of
the UK, largest sewage
treatment works which treats
the sewage from a population
equivalent of 1.75 million. The
works also treat the sludge
from a population equivalent of
2.5 million which is made up of
the works indigenous sludge,
sludge transferred by pipeline
Minworth Sewage Treatment Works
from the nearby Coleshill
Sewage Treatment Works and
sludge imported to the site from smaller treatment works sites.
The works were extended and improved by two major schemes. The first phase
addresss site discharges and provides additional storm water storage capacity. The
second phase addresss a requirement for stricter discharge ammonia consent by the
provision of additional activated sludge plant capacity and existing aeration plant
upgrade. In addition to the main phases, the work includes for a number of other
schemes across the site including replacement, refurbishment and improvements to
existing assets identified by operational and maintenance risk assessments and three
schemes to enhance the output of the site power generating station.
The scheme comprises of a number of phases:
New biological nutrient removal / aeration plant with eight final settlement tanks:
New biological nutrient removal activated sludge plant constructed for phosphate
removal to take 16% of works flow - 1.98m3/s
Biological nutrient removal plant is four Lanes 122m long by 22m wide
Flexible anaerobic/anoxic section
Sanitaire diffused air aeration pipework and diffusers
High volume blowers due to the volume of air
Eight 35.5m diameter final settlement tanks
3/4 bridge scrapers to be installed
All necessary Instrumentation Control and Automation (ICA) and Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
179
c. Turnkey Projects
vi. Minworth Sewage Treatment Works, UK
Refurbishment of existing activated sludge plant (provision of additional 4.4 million m3/day air):
Refurbishment and re-housing of 14 blowers
New high volume switchroom
New Transformer 11kV to 415V
Replacement of dissolved oxygen probes and ammonia monitors
Re-use/replacement of air pipework
All necessary ICA and SCADA
Primary Sedimentation Tanks:
22 reinforced concrete conical bottomed Primary Sedimentation
Tanks, 30.0m internal diameter complete with half bridge scrapers, de-sludgeing &
odour control
Six sludge transfer pumping stations (one for each bank of four primary settlement tanks)
Six local motor control centres each dedicated to a bank of four primary settlement tanks
All necessary ICA and SCADA
Associated distribution chambers, feed/effluent pipelines, channels and culverts
Roads around all structures, with drainage to liquors return pumping station
500m Inlet carrier channel and inlet works:
Twin feed channel, including flow control flumes
Eight travelling fine screens
Four shaftless screw compactors & screw conveyors screenings handling equipment
Four 13m internal diameter cross flow grit settlement tanks
Works returns pumping station
Primary flow distribution
Settled sewage pumping station
Two steel clad buildings housing the motor control centres for the inlet works and
settled sewage pumping station
High voltage power distribution network including sub-stations
All necessary ICA and SCADA
Associated chambers, feed pipelines, channels and culverts
Inlet works concrete roads, hardstandings and associated drainage
Conversion of rectangular primary tanks to storm tanks
Minworth WwTW: Summary
Client:
Severn Trent Water
Location:
Birmingham, UK
Scope of Works:
Optioneering, Outline design, Detail design, Turnkey
construction and Commissioning
Population Served:
1.75 million
Plant capacity:
1070 Mld
180
c. Turnkey Projects
vii. Piatra Neamt Wastewater Treatment Works, Romania
General Description:
The
contract
for
the
reconstruction, extension and
upgrading of the Piatra Neamt
Wastewater Treatment Works
(WwTW) was signed between
Biwater International (Europe)
and the Central Finance and
Contracts Unit (within the
Romanian Ministry of Public
Finance) in October 2005. The
Client is the Public Utility
Company CJ Apa Serv S.A.
Piatra Neamt Wastewater Treatment Works
c. Turnkey Projects
viii. Stonecutters Island Sewage Pumping Plant, Hong Kong
General Description:
The contract is for the expansion
of the existing Stonecutters
Island Sewage Treatment Works
in Hong Kong. The works are
divided into six sections which
include the construction of the
main pumping station (MPS2),
the
extension
of
eight
chemically enhanced primary
treatment
tanks
(CEPT),
associated
buildings
and
facilities.
This Contract plays a critical part in the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) Stage
2A Scheme for the expansion of the existing Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment
Works. The works include the construction of a new main pumping station, eight
numbers of new chemically enhanced precipitating treatment (CEPT) tanks and
associated buildings and facilities. Under this Contract, BML is responsible for the
design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of mechanical and electrical
plants and equipment for the new main sewage pumping station. Upon successful
commissioning, the new main sewage pumping station shall be able to handle a
maximum pumping capacity of up to 2,764,800m3/day. Moreover, associated sludge
scraping facilities and sludge pumping facilities will be provided to the new CEPT tanks.
The existing high voltage and low voltage electrical power supply systems and the
distributed control system (DCS) will also be upgraded to suit.
Upon completion of this Contract in 2016, Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works
will be able to handle the maximum incoming sewage collected from all Preliminary
Treatment Works upgraded under HATS Stage 1 Scheme and HATS Stage 2 Scheme.
Main sewage pumps and associated pipework and valves at the Main Pumping
Station No. 2;
DN3600 knife gate valve and associated pipework at the Interconnection Valve Chamber;
HV and LV switchboards at the Switchgear Building;
Sludge scraping system and scum collection system for the new CEPT tanks;
Aeration system for the new CEPT tanks;
Distributed Control System (DCS) for the new works;
Upgrading of the existing distributed control and data acquisition system
Expert system for the new works;
Deodorization system for the new works.
182
c. Turnkey Projects
ix. Sha Tin Wastewater Treatment Works, Hong Kong
Key Features:
Rehabilitation and extension
of the existing treatment
works
Treatment of 340 Mld
wastewater, via a three stage
existing treatment plant
Anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic,
biological nutrient removal
activated sludge process
Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works
General Description:
The Shatin Sewage Treatment Works Stage III Extension comprised the rehabilitation and
extension of the existing treatment plant and is now providing a high quality effluent
discharge in Victoria Bay in accordance with the strict effluent standards set by the Hong
Kong Government. The works included design, supply, delivery, installation, testing and
commissioning of the M & E installations in various sections of the Works, involving;
grit removal system, chemical dosing system, sludge collection and removal system for
the primary and final sedimentation tanks, air diffuser aeration system, surplus
activated sludge thickening system, anaerobic sludge digestion system and sludge
dewatering system. Biogas generated from the anaerobic sludge digestion is used to
provide hot water for the existing anaerobic sludge digestion tanks that in turn
generate electricity to power the plant.
Installation includes:
A grit removal system
A chemical dosing system
Sludge collection and removal system for the primary and final sedimentation tanks
An air diffuser aeration system
A surplus activated sludge thickening system
An anaerobic sludge digestion system
A sludge dewatering system
Process
Dry weather flow (summer 2004) 250 Mld/day
Dry weather flow (winter 2004) 230 Mld/day
Dry weather flow (summer 2011340 Mld/day
Dry weather flow (winter 2011) 308 Mld/day
Peak flow 1020 Mld/day (three x dry weather flow/summer 2011)
BOD5 = 57,000 kg/day
Population Equivalent (0.06kg/day) = 950,000
183
c. Turnkey Projects
x. Yen So Park, Vietnam
Key Features:
Design,
supply
and
construction of a 200 MLD
sewage treatment plant
Treating 50% of Hanois
wastewater
Biological Sequencing Batch
Reactor (SBR) process
Training
184
c. Turnkey Projects
xi. Guinness Industrial Wastewater Treatment Works, Nigeria
Key Features:
Biwater secured two effluent
treatment
contracts
in
Nigeria, one at the Benin
Guinness Brewery and one at
the Ogba Guinness Brewery
Both contracts utilise the
internationally
renowned
Paques process
Both breweries benefit from
customised design to meet
on-site space constraints
CIRCOX reactor requires a
footprint of 5m diameter,
compared to the traditional
aerobic activated sludge
reactor of 2,500m3
General Description:
Biwater secured two turnkey contracts for effluent treatment at Diageos Guinness
breweries at Ogba and Benin in Nigeria. At both the breweries a customised design
approach was needed to meet the very strict space constraints on site as well as the
stringent effluent discharge standards and bio-solids production. The two treatment
works consist of buffering, calamity tank, anaerobic treatment, aerobic treatment,
clarification and sludge handling. The combined anaerobic/aerobic wastewater
treatment plant comprise of a Paques BIOPAC IC and Paques CIRCOX aerobic at the
Benin brewery and standard activated sludge technology at the Ogba site.
Anaerobic treatment is used to reduce the bulk of the Chemical Oxygen Demand
(COD) by up to 80% with an aerobic polishing step removing the remaining COD
fraction. Anaerobic technology has the capacity to handle very high COD/Biochemical
Oxygen Demand (BOD) loads in the effluent, while producing a very small amount of
sludge. It also requires a very small footprint on site, as the IC Reactor is typically a
vertical cylindrical tank 6.5 m in diameter. The reduced power consumption in this
process is a further benefit.
A standard aerobic activated sludge plant has been designed for the Ogba brewery
following anaerobic treatment, whereas, the aerobic CIRCOX technology has been
used at the Benin site, due to extreme space constraints.
185
c. Turnkey Projects
xi. Guinness Industrial Wastewater Treatment Works, Nigeria
Process description:
The influent from the brewery is screened and then retained for a period of time in an
equalisation/preacidification tank. Here the pH of the influent is continuously
monitored and corrected while the acidification process takes place. Nutrients can also
be dosed at this point, to enhance the anaerobic process, should the effluent not
contain sufficient nitrates or phosphates. The effluent quality into the treatment works
is continuously monitored for pH, temperature and COD loading and, if any
unacceptable effluent is detected, this is automatically routed to the calamity tank. This
effluent is then re-introduced to the process over time.
The conditioned wastewater is pumped into the recirculation tank from where the effluent
is recirculated through the IC anaerobic reactor. The recycle tank provides an environment
for treated effluent from the IC reactor and raw effluent to mix and stabilise for a period of
time. Effluent from the recycle tank is pumped into the bottom of the reactor, where it is
combined with the internal recirculation line. The mixed effluent percolates through the
special granular sludge blanket in the bottom of the reactor and the COD in the effluent is
thoroughly mixed with the granular sludge. The COD is broken down into primarily biogas
(containing approximately 80% methane and 20% CO2) with some new cell growth. The
gas is stripped off in settler modules in the IC Reactor and is utilised for internal recirculation,
providing a "free" mixing source for better retention and contact with the sludge, prior to
being burnt off to atmosphere or recovered for use on the plant. Due to the quality of the
gas produced, a large energy recovery is available to the end user, if required.
The treated effluent overflows from the IC reactor back to the recycle tank and/or the
aerobic treatment process. At the Ogba site, the overflow from the recycle tank enters the
traditional aerobic aeration basin, where the balance of the COD is removed by introducing
oxygen into the effluent using vertical mounted aerators. From the aerobic reactor the
treated effluent is settled in a settling tank, where the majority of the solids are removed
for dewatering and the final treated effluent is of a suitable quality for discharge to river.
At the Benin site, the overflow from the IC reactor flows into the Circox high rate
aerobic reactor where the balance of the COD is removedby introducing oxygen into
the effluent via blowersto a vertical cylindrical vessel. The CIRCOX reactor contains
granular sludge enabling a high upflow velocity and efficient breakdown of the COD
with very little sludge production. The treated effluent then flows from the CIRCOX to
a Biwater Dissolved Air Floatation (DAF) unit, where the excess solids are removed for
dewatering. After the DAF unit, the final treated effluent is of a suitable quality for
discharge to river. The sludge from both processes is treated with polyelectrolyte and
then de-watered using a Solids Technology belt filter press. The dried sludge, of
approximately 16% dry solids, in then removed from site for disposal.
186
c. Turnkey Projects
xii. Anheuser-Busch Brewery Effluent Treatment Plant, USA
General Description:
The Anheuser-Busch Company
contracted Biwater - Advanced
Environmental Water Technologies,
Inc., Bibb & Associates and Watkins
Constructors to design and build a
five (5.0) MGD Nano Filtration
plant to treat well water and
produce high quality process water
for the Anheuser-Busch brewery.
Biwater - AEWT was commissioned
to design the overall plant process
and to provide the complete
membrane system, including all the
pretreatment, chemical systems,
post treatment and control systems.
The plant consists of four (1.33) MGD trains, with each train consisting of 36 -8 side
entry FRP pressure vessels operating at a recovery range of 75-85%.
The plant utilizes DOW Chemicals membrane NF-90 in the first stage and NF-70 in the
second stage. As one of the largest industrial R.O. facilities producing R.O. water for
beer making, the Anheuser-Busch plant is a model for efficiency of space utilization and
operation.
Biwater AEWT, Inc. has supplied a total plant capacity of more than 421 MGD to date.
Anheuser Busch Brewery: Summary
Location:
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Client:
Anheuser-Busch
Project Duration:
2 years
Scope of Works:
Design, supply and construct of 4 No. 1.33 million US gallon
skid mounted reverse osmosis units treatment of industrial
effluent from the Anheuser-Busch Jacksonville facility.
Work Types:
Reverse osmosis, nano filtration, pressure vessels,
industrial pre treatment
Participation:
100%
187
Membrane Technology
Membrane Treatment
Summary
Ultrafiltration
Nanofiltration
Reverse Osmosis
Water
Monovalent Salts
Multivalent Salts
Viruses
Bacteria
Suspended Solids
Membrane Application Matrix
Effluent Treatment
Water Reclamation
Water Re-use
Desalination
Softening
Colour/Organics Removal
Process Water Make-up
Cryptosporidium Removal
Nitrate Removal
Clarification
MBR
MF
UF
NF
RO
189
a. Turnkey Projects
i. El Paso Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis Plant, USA
General Description:
Biwater AEWT Inc., the number
one supplier of municipal
membrane treatment plants in
the USA and one of the largest
suppliers in the world, has
supplied the largest inland
desalination plant to the City of El
Paso in the United States.
The $95 million project which
includes the plant, the well
field, a technology and education center and injection wells to dispose of the salty
concentrate left behind. The plant operating cost is estimated to be approximately $4.8
million per year. The joint facility produces a total water supply of 104 Mld by blending
56 Mld permeate from Biwater AEWT's reverse osmosis plant with raw 'blend' water
to meet project water quality goals. The facility is able to use the vast quantity of
brackish water within the Hueco Bolson, an underground aquifer that has been
designated a priority groundwater management area by the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission.
Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis Plant El Paso, Texas
The plant is needed because fresh water is currently being extracted from the Hueco
Bolson - the sole water supply for Fort Bliss and provides approximately 40 percent of
El Paso's municipal water supply.
The Hueco Bolson holds about 33 billion m3 of brackish water that must be treated to
be drinkable. The El Paso Desalination Plant could soon lead the way for a long-term
water strategy in the United States.
El Paso, Texas: Summary
Location:
El Paso, Texas
Client:
City of El Paso
Project Duration:
20 months
Completion Date:
September 2006
Plant Capacity:
56.7 Mld
Scope of Works:
Turnkey construction of water membrane plant
Work Types:
Reverse Osmosis Desalination
Participation:
100%
190
a. Turnkey Projects
ii. Seychelles Desalination Project
General Description:
Biwater companies in the UK, South
Africa and Malaysia combined their
expertise in a USD29 million project to
alleviate seasonal water shortages in the
Seychelles. The contract was for the
design, construction and commissioning
of four reverse osmosis desalination
plants on the main islands Mahe,
Praslin and La Digue with a capacity
of 8.4 Mld, with provision for future
expansion to 12.75 Mld. South Africa
based Biwater Pty was the lead contractor and project manager, responsible for mechanical
engineering, with the UKs Biwater Treatment Limited designing the reverse osmosis system
and completing the process and electrical design.
The plant draws seawater through a copper-nickel alloy screen by means of vacuum assisted
intake pumps. The copper-nickel alloy inhibits the growth of organisms on the screen. An
air sparge system also assists in keeping the screen open together with chlorine dosing to
control the growth of organisms in the pipeline. The seawater is filtered through pressure
sand filters to remove suspended solids. As a final polishing step and backup system, the
water is then filtered through cartridge filters en route to the membrane stacks. High
pressure pumps drive the filtered water through the membranes, the heart of the reverse
osmosis process. The ultra-pure desalinated water from the membrane stack is piped to the
rehardening process, where the water is passed through a magnasphere and limestone bed
to add hardness back into the water. The water is finally disinfected to inhibit the growth of
pathogens, and pumped to the storage reservoir. The water is then drawn from the storage
reservoir and enters into the existing distribution system. The brine from the membranes is
returned under pressure through energy recovery turbines, which reduce high pressure
pump energy input requirements by 30%. The brine is then discharged into the sea.
Seychelles: Summary
Client:
Location:
Project Type:
Scope of Works:
Total Capacity:
Population Served:
Project Duration:
a. Turnkey Projects
iii. Paraquita Bay Seawater Desalination Plant, British Virgin Islands
Key Features:
Turnkey construction of a 10.4 Mld
(2.3 MiGD) seawater reverse
osmosis desalination plant.
Installation of a 400mm diameter
treated water pipeline
3
Construction of a 2,270m storage
reservoir
Operation and maintenance for 16
years.
General Description:
Biwater are working with the Water and Sewerage Department on behalf of the the
Ministry of Communications to construct the 10.4 Mld Paraquita Bay sea water reverse
osmosis desalination plant as part of the British Virgin Islands Water Infrastructure Project.
Combined with the associated treated water pipeline, reservoir and network modeling of
the existing network, Biwater will provide improved water quality (WHO standard) and
optimum delivery of the potable water service for the residents of Tortola Island.
192
a. Turnkey Projects
iv. Buxton Wastewater Treatment Works, UK
Key Features:
Replacement of the existing
sewage treatment works at
Buxton
with
a
new
Membrane Bioreactor Plant
The scheme is driven by the
Fishery consent of 15:25:5/10
(Biological Oxygen Demand:
SS:NH3) as part of the
European Union Urban &
Wastewater
Treatment
Directive. In meeting the new
Fishery
consent,
the
discretionary
River
Quality
Buxton WwTW, UK
Objective (RQO) of 15:25
(BOD:SS) will also be met
Whilst the high effluent quality requirements could be achieved using
conventional processes, one of the many attractions of the MBR is its small land
area requirement
General Description:
The existing plant comprised of Primary Settling Tanks and Trickling Filters which were
located further down the valley on a separate site. There was a small amount of land
available on the other side of the river within the valley which was just sufficient for an
aeration tank though not sufficient for any Secondary Clarifiers. A conventional works
could not be accommodated on the available land. The existing Primary Settling Tanks
were re-used for the Works redevelopment.
193
a. Turnkey Projects
iv. Buxton Wastewater Treatment Works, UK
Buxton WwTW, UK
The original trickling filters will be demolished once the new MBR is operational and the
land will be re-developed. The Aeration Tank has been designed to enable it to be
adapted for de-nitrification if the discharge consent is modified in the future.
The high effluent quality achieved with an MBR enables the effluent standard to be
achieved with considerable security.
Buxton: Summary
Client:
Project Type:
Flow:
Loading:
Final Effluent Quality:
194
a. Turnkey Projects
v. Charnock Wellfield Restoration Project, Arcadia WTP, Santa Monica
General Description:
Biwater
AEWT
(BAEWT)
successfully completed the
design, supply, and construction
of the water treatment system
for
the
Arcadia
Water
Treatment Plant: Charnock
Wellfield Restoration Project in
the city of Santa Monica, CA.
195
a. Turnkey Projects
v. Charnock Wellfield Restoration Project, Arcadia WTP, Santa Monica
196
a. Turnkey Projects
v. Charnock Wellfield Restoration Project, Arcadia WTP, Santa Monica
General Description:
The Biwater system was based
on a two stage design that
utilised Energy Saving Nanofiltration
(ESNA) membranes which was
selected to be the most cost
effective solution for the city.
Process Description:
The Boca Raton plant is designed
to treat shallow ground water
with a TDS less than 500 mg/l
TDS to remove hardness, colour,
and other contaminants to meet
Florida drinking water quality
standards.
197
a. Turnkey Projects
vi. Microfiltration Water Treatment Plant, Lye Oak, UK
General Description:
Mechanical and electrical, civil design, supply
and installation of Lye Oak microfiltration water
treatment plant, Lydden, Kent. Installation of a
cryptosporidia barrier for raw water sources from
three boreholes.
The works were being undertaken for Folkestone
& Dover Water Services Ltd on a site that is
environmentally sensitive as it is classified as an
area of outstanding natural beauty, surrounded
by areas of ancient woodland with an adjacent
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The project included; process system and
performance design, civil and building work layout design, design, supply, delivery,
construction, erection, commissioning, testing and putting into service of:
Lydden, Kent, UK
Folkestone & Dover Water Services
7.5 Mld
Turnkey construction of water membrane plant
Microfiltration
100%
198
199
200
Operating Parameters
Design Feed TDS
Maximum Recovery
45%
Nominal Rejection
95-98%
Operating Temperature
Design Temperature
25C (77F)
201
Instrumentation
Flow Meter
Conductivity
Permeate
PH
Feed
Pressure
Materials of Construction
Frame
Cartridge Filter
Membrane Elements
Membrane Housing
FRP
Schedule 80 PVC
Duplex 2205
Enclosures
NEMA 4
Optional Features
Allen Bradley control system
Multi-Media filters
Clean-in-Place (CIP) units
Chemical feed systems
Transfer pumps and storage tanks
60Hz or 50Hz Systems.
Documentation Included
Operation and maintenance manual
Control narrative
Drawings: piping and instrumentation, electrical and general dimensional
202
MODE L
MODEL
Permeate rate:
Concentrate Rate:
Feed Rate:
SWRO
SWRO-550
-550
SWRO-1090
SWRO-1650
Manufacturer:
Quantity:
HP Pump HP and Type:
Boost Pump HP and Type:
Fedco
2
75 kW (100 Hp) TEFC
7.5 kW (10 Hp) TEFC
Fedco
2
150 kW (200 Hp) TEFC
14.9 kW (20 Hp) TEFC
Fedco
2
186 kW (250 Hp) TEFC
29.8 kW (40 Hp) TEFC
Model:
Manufacturer:
Quantity:
Design Flow Rate:
PX-220
ERI
1
40.9 m 3/hr (180 gpm)
PX-220
ERI
2
40.9 m3/hr (180 gpm)
PX-220
ERI
3
40.9 m3/hr (180 gpm)
Membranes quantity:
Memb. housing style:
Banking Arrangement:
42
7 element long, 4 port
6, parallel
84
7 element long, 4 port
12, parallel
126
7 element long, 4 port
18, parallel
RO.Zs05-40XK
40 (102 cm)
22 per change out
RO.Zs05-40XK
40 (102 cm)
54 per change out
RO.Zs05-40XK
40 (102 cm)
108 per change out
4.0 flange
3.0 flange
3.0 flange
2 Bar, minimum
7 Bar, oil -free
1428 m 3/day (261.9 gpm)
220/380 VAC, 3 -phase, 50Hz
220 VAC, 1 -phase, 50Hz
6.0 flange
3.0 flange
6.0 flange
2 Bar, minimum
7 Bar, oil -free
2,857 m 3/day (524.1 gpm)
220/380 VAC, 3 -phase, 50Hz
220 VAC, 1 -phase, 50Hz
8.0 flange
4.0 flange
6.0 flange
2 Bar, minimum
7 Bar, oil -free
4,285 m 3/day (786.1 gpm)
220/380 VAC, 3 -phase, 50Hz
220 VAC, 1 -phase, 50Hz
221 cm (87 )
196 cm (77 )
823cm (324 )
221 cm (87 )
196 cm (77 )
823cm (324 )
221 cm (87 )
229 cm (90 )
823cm (324 )
257 cm (101 )
196 cm (77 )
533 cm (210 )
257 cm (101 )
196 cm (77 )
533 cm (210 )
257 cm (101 )
196 cm (77 )
533 cm (210 )
Cartridge Filter:
Filter Length:
Filter Quantity:
Inlet:
Permeate:
Concentrate:
Inlet Water Pressure:
Air Pressure:
Drain to be Sized for:
Power:
Control Circuit:
Membrane/ERD Skid
Height:
Width:
Depth:
Weight Estimate for
fo r
Shipping Purposes:
Pump/Prefilter Skid
Height:
Width:
Depth:
Weight Estimate for
fo r
Shipping Purposes:
Membranes:
Summary
Biwater AEWT's SWRO Series Reverse Osmosis Systems can either be designed and
built as skid mounted units, or containerised units for fast and easy site installation.
203
General Description:
Single pass, single stage, twelve
pressure vessels total. Each pressure
vessel contains 7 thin film
composite elements in series for a
total of 84.
The System produces 1,091 m3/day
(45 m3/hr, 200 gpm) of product
water at 40% recovery.
Key Features (BAS)
Container designed for overseas
transportation
High Pressure Centrifugal RO
Feed Pump w/380/460V 3 phase
50/60 Hz TEFC motor
VFD for Booster Pump & Feed Pump
Valves: Permeate diversion valves, diaphragm valve for ERI reject out, isolation
butterfly valves.
Operating Parameters
TDS
Recovery
36-40%
Nominal Rejection
>98%
Operating Temperature
SDI15
<3
Membrane Rejection
99.6%
Note:
Temperature and high salinities will
reduce system productivity.
Instrumentation
Flow Meter
Conductivity
Gauge Panel
Four low and three high pressure readings available via 5 way
Pressure Gauges
Pressure Switch
RO pump
204
Materials of Construction
Power Distribution Panels
NEMA 12
Control Enclosure
NEMA 4X
Membrane Housing
Schedule 80 PVC
Membrane Rejection
99.6%
Zeron 100
Polyethylene
Parflex
Options Available
A: Pretreatment Container with multimedia & cartridge filters (SWRO PT-2725C)
480L x 96W x 6H
B: ASME Code stamped pressure vessels
C: Post-treatment degasifier
D: 380 V, 3 Ph, 50 Hz fuse, A/C, lighting kit
E: pH meter and H SO4 chemical feed 2
F: NaOCl pretreatment chemical feed
G: SBS chemical feed
Summary
Biwater AEWT's SWRO Containerised Series allow for quick and easy site
installation. They lend themselves to remote sites for the construction industry,
industrial, oil and gas industry and for emergency supply.
All necessary equipment required for independent operation is provided, given the
necessary pretreatment precautions are taken.
205
General Description:
Single pass, three vertical pressure filters total. Each pressure
vessel contains anthracite and sand media.
System produces 2725 m3/day (114 m3/hr, 500 gpm) of
filtrate suitable as feed for the reverse osmosis (RO) system
SWRO-1090C (1090 m3/day production).
Standard Features
Container designed for overseas transportation
Three 84-inch (213 cm) diameter pressure vessels, rated at
100 psig (6.9 bar)
Three 22-round cartridge filter housings, rated at 150 psig
Manual butterfly valves for control of service/backwash
sequences.
Operating Parameters
Design Temperature
25C (77F)
Product Flow
< 10 NTU
3-7 gpm/ft2
12-15 gpm/ft2
2.5 gpm/TIE
Note:
Required 4.8 bar (70 psi) minimum customer constant pressure to filter inlet.
Temperatures will impact BW loading rates. Exceeding the feed turbidity/TSS limit will
shorten run times.
Instrumentation
Flow Meter
Pressure
206
Materials of Construction
Media Filter Vessels
Piping
PVC Sch 80
Ball Valves
Butterfly Valves
Optional Features
Air scour feature available with Chem-Aire ABS piping.
Physical Data and Dimensions:
Dimensions: 480 L x 96 W x 96 H (12,192 mm L x 2,438 mm W x 2,438 mm H)
Weight: 34,500lbs (15,650 kg) dry.
Summary
This specification defines the integrated design requirements for the Biwater
AEWT SWRO pretreatment line of containerised systems for the Industrial, Power
and Municipal markets.
All necessary equipment required for independent operation is provided given
the necessary pretreatment precautions are taken.
This SWRO PT-2725C pretreatment container is designed perfectly for the
SWRO-1090C seawater reverse osmosis system.
Optional configurations available based on application requirements.
207
Operating Parameters
Recovery
65-85%
Nominal Rejection
95-98%
Operating Temperature
Design Temperature
15.6C (60F)
16-18 GFD
Membrane Rejection
99.6%
Instrumentation
Flow Meter
Permeate, concentrate
Conductivity
PH
Feed
Pressure
Pressure Switch
Materials of Construction
Frame
Cartridge Filter
Membrane Elements
Membrane Housing
FRP or 316L SS
Schedule 80 PVC
Enclosures
NEMA 12
Options Available
Allen Bradley control system
Vortex flow meters
Soft starters
Variable frequency drives
Multi-media filters
Clean-in-place (CIP) units
Chemical feed systems
Transfer pumps and storage tanks
50Hz or 60Hz systems
Documentation Included
Summary
Biwater AEWT BWRO Series Reverse Osmosis Systems are designed and built for
rigorous industrial duty operations which demand reliable equipment. Completely
packaged and assembled in corrosion proof powder coated steel skids, BWRO
Series systems are factory tested prior to shipment and incorporate the latest
technology.
209
12
4 element long, 4 port
1 1 1
M embranes quantity:
M emb. housing style:
Banking Arrangement:
210
Height:
W idth:
Depth:
Shipping W eight
Estimate:
Inlet:
Permeate:
Concentrate:
Inlet W ater Pressure:
Air Pressure:
Drain to be Sized for:
Power:
Control Circuit:
Housing M odel:
Cartridge Filter:
Filter Length:
Filter Q uantity:
76 (193 cm)
46 (117 cm)
194 (493 cm)
4500 lb (2040 kg)
3.0 flange
3.0 flange
1.5 flange
30 psig, minimum
100 psig, oil- free
133 gpm (30.2 m3/ hr)
O ption: Ask Factory
O ption: Ask Factory
BW RO -818
Cartridge Filtration
36
6 element long, 4 port
3 2 1
SS24009
O smonics/ Tonkaflo
1
60 Hp (45 kW ) TEFC
200 gpm (45.4 m3 / hr)
270 psig (18.6 Bar)
76 (193 cm)
46 (117 cm)
274 (696 cm)
Skid
3.0 flange
3.0 flange
1.5 flange
30 psig, minimum
100 psig, oil- free
200 gpm (45.4 m3 / hr)
O ption: Ask Factory
O ption: Ask Factory
24
4 element long, 4 port
3 2 1
76 (193 cm)
46 (117 cm)
194 (493 cm)
2.0 flange
1.5 flange
1.0 flange
30 psig, minimum
100 psig, oil-free
67 gpm (15.2 m3/ hr)
O ption: Ask Factory
O ption: Ask Factory
HX-0740-3.0-V -316
RO .Zs01- 40XK
40 (102 cm)
7 per housing, 7/ change out
SS8516
O smonics/ Tonkaflo
1
25HP (18.6 KW ) TEFC
75 gpm (17 m3/ hr)
240 psig (16.5 Bar)
M odel:
M anufacturer:
Q uantity:
M otor HP and type:
Design Flow Rate:
Design boost pressure:
SS12512
O smonics/ Tonkaflo
1
40 Hp (30 kW ) TEFC
150 gpm (30.2 m3/ hr)
260 psig (17.9 Bar)
BW RO -550
100 gpm (550 m3/ day)
33 gpm (180 m3/ day)
133 gpm (730 m3/ day)
BW RO - 275
M O DEL
Permeate rate:
Concentrate Rate:
Feed Rate:
76 (193 cm)
80 (203 cm)
194 (493 cm)
4.0 flange
3.0 flange
2.0 flange
30 psig, minimum
100 psig, oil- free
267 gpm (60.6 m3 / hr)
O ption: Ask Factory
O ption: Ask Factory
HX-0740-3.0-V -316
RO .Zs01- 40XK
40 (102 cm)
7 per housing, 14/ change out
48
4 element long, 4 port
6 4 2
AS40407
O smonics/ Tonkaflo
1
60 Hp (45 kW ) TEFC
300 gpm (68.1 m3 / hr)
220 psig (15.2 Bar)
BW RO -1635
76 (193 cm)
80 (203 cm)
274 (696 cm)
4.0 flange
4.0 flange
2.0 flange
30 psig, minimum
100 psig, oil-free
400 gpm (90.9 m3/ hr)
O ption: Ask Factory
O ption: Ask Factory
HX-0740-3.0- V-316
RO .Zs01-40XK
40 (102 cm)
7 per housing, 21/ change out
72
6 element long, 4 port
6 4 2
AS40409
O smonics/ Tonkaflo
1
75 Hp (56 kW ) TEFC
400 gpm (90.9 m3/ hr)
250 psig (17.2 Bar)
BW RO -2455
99 (251 cm)
80 (203 cm)
274 (696 cm)
6.0 flange
4.0 flange
3.0 flange
30 psig, minimum
100 psig, oil- free
600 gpm (136.3 m3 / hr)
O ption: Ask Factory
O ption: Ask Factory
108
6 element long, 4 port
9 6 3
AS40409
O smonics/ Tonkaflo
2
75 Hp (56 kW ) TEFC
600 gpm (136.2 m3 / hr)
290 psig (20.0 Bar)
Key Features
Container designed for overseas
transportation
Reverse osmosis configurable
process flow to meet various
water demands; two pass or two
train operability in a single system
1-micron cartridge filtration for
superior protection of reverse
osmosis elements
Two filtration vessels including
activated carbon media for free
chlorine removal
Three injection ports for chemical
addition.
Operating Parameters
Power
Connection Type
Inlet
Recovery
60-75%
Permeate
Design Temperature
50F (10C)
Concentrate
2-inch (5 cm)
Operating Range
50-85 F (10-30C)
CIP Inlet1
60 PSIG (4 bar)
Nominal Rejection
95-99%
Trailer Length
40 ft (12.2 m)
Trailer Height
9.5 ft (2.9 m)
Trailer Width
8 ft (2.4 m)
211
General Description:
Improved performance of reverse osmosis systems with Biwater AEWTs well
formulated range of Antifoulant/Antiscalents, Cleaners, Microbiocides, and Pre and
Post Treatment Chemicals.
Note:
Application Manual and Product Data Sheets for more application detail at
www.biwater-aewt.com
All Products are manufactured with NSF certified Drinking Water additives; ANSI/NSF
Standard 60
All Products ended with letter P (Potable) have NSF certification under ANSI/NSF
Standard 60
Feed rate dosages can be fine tuned using the Hyd-RO-Dose Software
General Description:
Available in 208, 114 or 57 litre plastic drums and in 23 or 19 litre plastic containers.
Product ID
Form
Components
Application
CaCO3 CaSO4 BaSO4 Metals
SrSO4
SiO2 Dispersancy
Chlorine
Oxidizer
Tolerance
SCALE-GON
100P
Liquid Phosphonate blend
Good
SCALE-GON
120P
Liquid Phosphonate blend
Poor
SCALE-GON
170P
Liquid
Key:
= Excellent
Phosphonate
Polymer blend
= Good
Excellent
= Fair
212
= Not recommended
General Description:
Cleaners are available in 5 and 23 litre plastic containers.
Microbiocides are available in 208, 114 or 57 litre plastic drums and in 23 or 19 litre
plastic containers.
Organic
Biwater
chelant &
AEWT Powder polyphos400
phate blend
Organic
chelant, pH
Biwater
buffer &
AEWT Powder
polyphos410
phate blend
Biwater
AEWT Powder
460
Chelates,
polyphosphate &
organic
cleaner
compound
blend
Biwater
AEWT Powder
470
Organic
chelant,
polyphosphate, pH
buffer &
surfactant
blend
Low
3.0+/-0.5
Low
3.0+/-0.5
TFC pH during
Cleaning
Application
Micro-biological
CA
Foulant
Metals
Colloidal Particles
Suspended solids
Form
Hardness Salts
Product
ID
High
10+/-0.5
Neutral
7.5+/-0.5
Biwater
AEWT
150
Liquid
Isothiazoline
based
Microbiocide
N/A
Microbiological fouling
and control
Biwater
AEWT
160
Liquid
DBNPA
based
Microbiocide
N/A
Microbiological fouling
and control
213
General Description:
Biwater AEWT 330 Powder is available in custom containers including 100 and 400
pound, non-returnable fibre drums. 23 litre containers are available by special order.
Biwater AEWT 340 Liquid is available in 208, 114 or 57 litre plastic drums and in 23 or
19 litre plastic containers.
Product ID
Form
Application
Powder
A powdered product designed to neutralise and remove chlorine in the feed water.
Liquid
A liquid product designed to neutralise and remove chlorine in the feed water.
Available in 208, 114 or 57 litre plastic drums and in 23 or 19 litre plastic containers.
Product ID
Form
Application
Liquid
Liquid
Liquid
Liquid
Liquid
214
Flow (m3/d)
No. of Modules
BI-MBR-225
225
20
BI-MBR-480
480
20
BI-MBR-960
960
20
BI-MBR-1440
1,440
20
215
Consultancy Services
Consultancy Services
Overview
CONSULTANTS
217
Consultancy Services
Engineering
218
Consultancy Services
Design
Process
Chemistry
Mechanics
Electric and instrumentation control automation
Civil and structures
Architecture
219
Consultancy Services
Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation (EICA)
220
Consultancy Services
Scientific Services
General Description:
Biwater Consultants provides a
range of laboratory and scientific
services, which includes the on-site
testing and treatment facilities for
water, wastewater and sludge. We
employ qualified process scientists,
chemists and technicians who have
considerable experience in providing
client
orientated
investigative
programmes. These include the
optimisation of a new treatment
process or a treatability review of an
original source.
We have mobile and easily transportable laboratory units. Each unit is fully equipped to
enable wide ranging analysis and treatability studies to be carried out. The organic
loadings to the plant can be accurately determined, along with the flow volumes, which
helps to give improved understanding of the process. Existing processes can be
optimised by auditing the operating regime, which can lead to significant reductions in
running costs.
Heavy metal analysis can be carried out using a state of the art Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer (AAS). This can detect the presence of toxins such as Cadmium,
Chromium and Mercury.
The laboratory is equipped to analyse the following:
pH, alkalinity, total hardness and turbidity, Biological Oxygen Demand and Chemical
Oxygen Demand
Suspended solids, total dissolved solids, organic and volatile solids content
Moisture content and conductivity of sludges
Sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, aluminium, silica, lithium and copper
Cadmium,Chromium (Total and Hexavalent), Lead, Mercury, and other metallic elements
Calcium hardness, magnesium hardness
Carbon dioxide, ammoniacal nitrogen and kjeldahl nitrogen
Nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, sulphates, sulphides, free and total chlorine measurements
Water treatment studies, sewage treatment studies
Microbial analysis, sieve analysis, oil and grease, stirred sludge index and sludge viscosity
Pesticide analysis, yeast/mould counts and water samples to conform to
EEC regulation 80/77.
221
Consultancy Services
Regulatory Reporting
General Description:
The utility sector is a highly
regulated market, in economic and
environmental terms. This places
high demands upon both Regulators
and
regulated
companies.
Regulators need to establish systems
that deliver the intended market
outcomes. The companies need to
invest heavily in systems and
processes to deliver the information
required by Regulators.
Regulatory reporting
222
Consultancy Services
Clean Water Network Management
223
Consultancy Services
Clean Water Network Management
As well as steady state modelling, Biwater can model surge effects in systems. This not
only allows the design of treatment works, pumps and trunk mains to be optimised, but
allows the Engineer to test drive the system and identify potential operational problems.
Biwater Consultants provide a comprehensive range of clean water network services:
Planning and implementation of water network management strategies
Asset mapping, valuation and condition survey including GIS
Analysis of consumption and revenue optimisation
Leakage control systems
Leak detection services
Network analysis (all mains and strategic model building)
Rehabilitation design
Design of pressure managed areas and audit of pressure control valves
Flow and pressure measurements, survey and equipment hire
Transmission and trunk mains hydraulic performance and surge pressure analysis
224
Consultancy Services
Wastewater Network Management
225
Consultancy Services
Wastewater Network Management
226
Consultancy Services
Industrial Services
With a full range of design and installation services under one roof, Biwater activities
already include:
Specialist treatment
Abstraction and discharge control
Abstraction and discharge analysis
Data verification and asset survey
Field measurement and investigation
Process evaluation and optimisation
Environmental impact studies
Management of leakage
Asset survey and GIS, clean water and wastewater network management, engineering,
EICA and scientific services activities currently offered to water companies, are all
offered to industrial and commercial clients. Each project draws on the key skills within
Biwaters multidisciplinary teams to ensure that a cost effective, quality solution is
delivered, from one day leakage control exercises to the design and commissioning of
process solutions.
Biwater clients outside the water industry already include local, national and
international commercial organisations and government agencies. Diverse sectors such
as railways, airports, highways, ports, bus/train operators, non-water utility companies,
blue chip companies and supermarket chains have formed part of our extended client
listing.
227
Consultancy Services
Asset Survey and Geographic Information Systems
Asset Management, UK
The basis of any good investment decision is good information. Without good
information on the location and condition of assets, the targeting of investment
becomes riskier and less effective. Biwater Consultants have developed an integrated
approach to the collection and management of data that has repeatedly demonstrated
long term cost savings.
We offer a wide range of Asset & Data Management, such as:
Assessment of internal and external stakeholder needs to develop integrated data
strategies
Development of Company wide Data Management Strategies, covering all business
systems Asset Registers, GIS, Works Management, Finance and Customer
Relationship Management
Support to companies in the design and roll-out of new IT system functionality
Support to companies in the design and delivery of new business processes
Design and management of corporate level data improvement programmes
Corporate level data migration and integration
Corporate level data cleansing
228
Consultancy Services
Asset Survey and Geographic Information Systems
229
Consultancy Services
Asset Location & Mapping Services
This data is stored in a database for easy management and client handover upon
completion.
Methods of Location
Radiodetection: Biwater Consultants use the latest technology to detect buried assets.
Both active and passive methods are used to ensure all possible detectable services are
located. Radiodetection uses the principles of electromagnetics to detect underground
utilities. This principle works on the basis that a current flowing along a conductor
creates a magnetic field which extends around the conductor. A receiver coil can be
used to detect the amplitude of this magnetic field.
Ground Penetrating Radar: Radiodetection techniques are unable to detect nonmetallic buried services including plastic water and gas pipes and clay drainage pipes.
To overcome this, the use of Radiodetection and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is
often combined. GPR is able to detect non metallic as well as metallic pipes. It will also
give an indication of the location and depth of buried services but will not identify
them.
There is a growing interest in and need for asset management worldwide, and Biwater
Consultants is uniquely placed to assist in meeting the challenges involved. We have
experience in and understanding of preparing asset management plans, and our staff
are fully trained and equipped for undertaking asset surveys.
230
a. References
Client:
Project Value:
Project Type:
Key Features:
Key Points:
Project Includes:
a. References
Client:
Project Value:
Project Type:
232
b. Optimisation
Introduction
The management and optimisation of assets has become a key area in the development of
the water and sewerage sector worldwide. Development Banks, Governments, and
Municipal Utilities are recognising the importance of optimising existing systems to maximise
the benefits of production and treatment-related capital investment. Biwater Consultants is
able to offer all the related consultancy services, and with a practical edge; the ability to
implement recommended works differentiates Biwater from typical consultants, and is a key
benefit that we can offer to Clients. This is achieved by drawing upon both the operational
experience gained through the ownership and/or operation of a number of utilities
worldwide, and also from past and current stand-alone optimisation projects undertaken for
water and sewerage utilities. Given its worldwide presence, we ensure that each project is
developed to suit the local conditions, understanding that a one size fits all approach does
not suit regional differences. Biwater promotes a total approach, recognising that, for
example, in systems with insufficient water, reducing leakage must be linked to ensure that
the commercial system can register and invoice the associated increase in consumption, and
the long-term utility demand investment planning takes into account the reduced leakage
level and increased revenue. For clarity, however, the available services are generally divided
into three main areas: Commercial, Technical, and Administrative, which are described below.
Commercial
Management and operation of billing and customer information systems
Tariff design
Census of users/connections
Customer database updating and design
Linking of customer database to supply system districts
Analysis and review of existing billing systems
Design, installation and commissioning of billing systems
Analysis and review of existing customer information systems
Design, installation and commissioning of customer information systems
Analysis and review of existing customer meters
Installation of customer meters
Customer meter reading, route design and billing
Biwater focus on the importance of utilities operating current and correct customer
information and billing systems. Customers who are served to a high standard are more
willing to pay, and correct invoicing maximises the revenue to the utility. With poor service
and incorrect invoicing, utilities can find themselves within a failure spiral. They would suffer
high incidences of non-payment, leading to reduced investment, leading to deteriorating
levels of service, higher levels of non-payment, etc. which has an obvious effect on the ability
of the utility to undertake any necessary investment with which to improve levels of service.
233
b. Optimisation
Biwater Consultants has the experience and ability to undertake all works relating to the
commercial section of a utility, from executing customer censuses in order to update utility
customer information and billing systems, through the analysis of existing systems to the design,
installation, and commissioning of new customer information and billing systems, and ultimately
to the actual administration of such systems. Further, we can design and execute meter reading
routes, carry out meter reading and invoicing of customers, and recommend and install suitable
types of customer meters. Accurate customer meters and meter reading are critical to the revenue
of a utility, and Biwater can ensure that the investment in this area realises its maximum benefits.
Technical
Management & operation of water supply systems
Water audits (IWA)
Design, installation and commissioning of water supply system districts/zones
Design & implementation of active leakage control policies and leakage management
Level of leakage calculations (WRC/BABE)
Leakage detection
Leakage repair
Network modeling and analysis (water, sewer storm and sanitary, water quality, pond,
hydrology, water hammer)
Asset management planning
GPS network surveys
Analysis and review of existing GIS
Design, installation and commissioning of GIS
Analysis and review of existing SCADA systems
Design, installation and commissioning of SCADA systems
Biwater promotes the execution of water audits based on the IWA methodology. This allows any
utility to gain a measure of comparison with other utilities, both regionally and on a worldwide
scale, and quickly indicates the key areas that can be optimised. Further, such water audits give
a comparison of actual leakage levels to unavoidable levels. Leakage levels drive demand-related
investment. If the levels can be reduced, investment can be delayed, invariably resulting in
financial savings for a utility. The basis of accurate and effective leakage control is the existence
of discrete hydraulic districts within a water supply system. Biwater therefore promotes the zoning
of systems and can undertake the design, installation and commissioning of such zones, as well
as the subsequent related leakage management and the design and implementation of active
leakage control polices, including the calculation and monitoring of leakage levels using WRC
(Water Research Commission) and BABE (Burst And Background Estimate) methodologies.
Biwater can also undertake the associated leakage detection and repair, with services ranging
from the supply of equipment and key personnel to train utility personnel, to the supply of full
leakage detection and leakage repair teams.
234
b. Optimisation
As a further aid to operational control, Biwater can provide the following services: GPS
network surveys to confirm asset location, system modeling of both water and
sewerage systems and the updating and/or design, installation and commissioning of
GIS.
Biwater can also provide systems which link the system model and GIS (Geographic
information Systems), to give total graphical control of any system, as well as the
design, installation and commissioning of SCADA systems to give remote, supervisory
control of key system elements.
Asset management planning is another key area in the administration of utilities. The
knowledge of current asset data, including value and planned date of
replacement/rehabilitation is critical to the effective operation of a system, be it water
or sewerage. Biwater can produce asset management planning reports for utilities for
any determined planning horizon, utilising many of the previously described activities
to produce the necessary standard of source data to allow accurate analysis,
forecasting, and control.
Administrative
The following services are available for the administrative areas of utilities:
Management & operation of water & sewerage utilities
Business planning for utilities
Analysis & review of management & control structures
Institutional strengthening
Advances in the commercial and technical areas of utilities must be properly monitored
and controlled. Biwater is able to advise utilities on short, medium, and long-term
business planning, taking into account all commercial, technical, and administrative
aspects of the utility to ensure long-term viability of the water supply and sewerage
services.
Optimum management and control structures allow the free flow and easy access of
key data. Biwater provides services to undertake the analysis of existing structures, to
identify critical points within them, and to help a utility in the implementation of
necessary changes. This can be achieved by acting in a management consultant role,
and/or by providing key members of staff to the utility for a period of time to train local
staff, hence ensuring the continuation of robust managerial and operational control.
235
b. Optimisation
i. Panama City, Panama
Key Features:
Supply & installation of a
Graphical Information System
(GIS)
Installation of 110,000 metres of
supply pipeline
Supply & installation of 196,000
micro & macro meters
Census of 250,000 customers
Detection and repair of over
3,500 network leaks
Design of hydraulic zones across
the Clients entire distribution
network.
Panama Canal
General Description:
Panama City is home to nearly half of the country's 2.9 million people and like other
cities that have experienced rapid population growth, providing its citizens with access
to clean water is a major problem.
Biwater International, was awarded the two year contract in July 2003 by the Instituto
de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Nacionales, (IDAAN), to provide optimisation of the
distribution network via management and consultancy services, including survey and
digital mapping of Panama City, Colon, Arraijan and La Chorrera.
The network modelling of the IDAAN distribution network and the subsequent
identification of network inefficiencies will provide the Client with tangible efficiencies.
This coupled with installation of new mains and meters, a new commercial system,
location of illegal connections and training to staff to provide fast, effective leak
detection and repair will have a significant impact.
Biwaters expertise is providing IDAAN with an optimised solution to their network
requirements, providing a manageable, effective network with improved access to
water for more people.
236
b. Optimisation
i. Panama City, Panama
Panama: Summary
Location:
Client:
Project Duration:
Scope of Works:
Work Types:
237
b. Optimisation
ii. Tamale, Ghana
Key Features:
Supply & installation of a
Graphical Information System
(GIS)
Construction of a Strategic
Network Model
Design & Installation of 96,400
metres of distribution pipeline
Development of a hydraulic
structure for the Clients entire
distribution network
Design & Implementation of
District Metered Areas (DMA)
Detection and repair of leaks
Customer Categorisation and Per
Capita Consumption Study
Client training and customer
education
General Description:
The water supply for Tamale and the surrounding region is abstracted from the White
Volta River. Water is treated at an existing 20 Mld water treatment plant before being
pumped along a 450mm main to the treated water storage compound. The Tamale
distribution system currently suffers from an acute shortage of water. Rationing is in
effect, with areas receiving water for two to two and a half days per week.
The Biwater project upgraded the intake works, added 25 Mld to the water treatment
plant and a new 700mm transmission pipe to a new service reservoir, which will feed
the town by gravity. The project will also strengthen and extend the distribution system
with 94km of pipe.
Alongside the construction project, Biwater Consultants implemented an Integrated
Network Management System (INMS) which enabled the reduction in non revenue
water. Additionally, this approach facilitates targeted programmed investment,
maximising the return on capital investment in the distribution network. The
programme was undertaken in three phases.
238
b. Optimisation
ii. Tamale, Ghana
Ghana: Summary
Location:
Client:
Project Duration:
Scope of Works:
Work Types:
Tamale, Ghana
Biwater Contracting BV
24 months
Development of a water distribution management
strategy
Geographical Information System (GIS)
Hydraulic modelling
Non revenue water (NRW)
District metering areas (DMA)
Leakage surveying
PCC and customer categorisation
239
Infrastructure Ownership,
Investment & Operation
241
Key Features:
194,000 connections
242
BWHW has one of the lowest unit operating costs in the water industry in England and
Wales due to a low rate of leakage and a 99.9 percent water quality compliance level.
BWHW has OHSAS 18001 health and safety certification, ISO 9001 quality assurance
and ISO 14001 environmental management accreditation for all its activities. It is one
of very few UK Water Companies to have earned the Governments Charter Mark for
excellence in public services and also provides home emergency insurance services,
plumbing, printing, fishing and mooring facilities.
Demand for Water - The company actively promotes sustainability and water efficiency in
its own operations and by its customers. The area served has a very high summer peak
caused by garden irrigation and an influx of tourists to its popular seaside resorts. Demand
management is a key issue and the company has an active metering programme.
Project Management - The company is a vertically integrated public water supplier
organised on functional lines. Capital expenditure is managed by an in-house team of
project engineers. Day to day operational functions are managed internally utilising
both direct staff and contract staff working in partnership. Each five years the company
produces a long term business plan which is reviewed by the Regulators to set the
investment plan and price limits for the following five year price review Asset
Management Plan (AMP) period.
Revenue Collection - Metered customers are billed six months in arrears and
unmetered customers are billed in advance. The Company offers a variety of easy-pay
options and assistance to those customers who have difficulty in paying, including a
monthly budget plan. Despite not being able to disconnect domestic customers for
non-payment by law, the collection rate is high. The Company operates a fully
integrated billing and collections software system.
Summary
Location:
Client:
Project Type:
Project Duration:
Regulator:
Population Served:
Production Capacity:
243
Key Features:
Southeast of China
Population served 150,000
30 year water concession
Located in the southeast of China on the straits of Taiwan, Fuzhou City is the Capital
of the Fujian Province. Fuzhou has a population of 6.6 million, of which 2.43 million
live in the urban area. Fuzhou Economic and Technical Development Zone (ETDZ) is
located 10 kilometres east of Fuzhou city and was established in 1985. This zone was
one of the first of 14 ETDZs in the coastal areas of China. To date the total foreign
investment within the ETDZ is US$4.7 billion including industries such as electronics,
biochemical, pharmaceutical, mechanical, textile and food processing.
244
In 2003, CJV (Fuzhou CWC) was establish between The China Water Company (CWC)
and ETDZ Water Company to develop and operate the water treatment facilities which
supply water to the ETDZ including industry and 150,000 domestic users. The facilities
consist of two plants with a combined capacity of 125 Mld and 93 kilometres of
distribution network, which is mainly gravity fed. Raw water can be obtained from two
sources. Normally the plants draw water from the Baimei reservoir, which is located 12
kilometres from the plant and has a storage capacity of 15 million cubic meters. In the
event of drought, water can be drawn via a pumping station from the Ming River which
is adjacent to the treatment plant.
The treatment plants consist of:
Mixing and flocculation using ploy aluminium chloride
Clarification with travelling bridge sludge collectors
Filtration
Chemical dosing
Clean Water Storage
Fuzhou CWC has successfully adopted an ISO 9001 quality management system to
construct and operate the plant. Since operation commenced under Fuzhou CWC, the
company has benefited from a number of changes that have been implemented,
including:
Technical support automatic monitoring and control of the water plant and network
Implementation of advanced management policies and procedures
Training initiatives
Improvement of the health & safety environment by introducing enhanced safety
measures
Emergency response plan which has proved invaluable during typhoons
Summary
Location:
Project Duration:
Population Served:
Production Capacity:
Southeast China
30 years - owned by Biwater until 2010
150,000
125 Mld
245
Key Features:
Population served 220,000 (varies with tourist arrivals)
The first privatised water and sewerage system in the Philippines
Biwater arranged non-recourse project finance - the first for a project in the
Philippines
New billing system implemented
General Description:
This pioneering project for the privatisation of both the water supply and sewerage
services for Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City in the Philippines was won by
Biwater and its local joint venture partner. A local joint venture company, Subic Water
& Sewerage Company Inc. (Subicwater), was established together with the Subic Bay
Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Olongapo City Government to undertake the
project by means of a thirty year concession contract.
Subicwater took over the operation and maintenance of the existing assets and is
undertaking extensive refurbishment work, upgrading treatment works, pipework
rehabilitation and the extension of water distribution and sewerage networks.
Subicwater arranged non-recourse project finance - the first for any project in the
Philippines. No government guarantees were required. The commercial efficiency of the
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water supply and treatment operations has improved considerably and reduction of
unaccounted for water (leakage) has been a top priority. All existing Filipino employees
were retained by the new company. Links between private and public sector agencies
have been strengthened as a result of the concession.
Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City are located approximately 100 kilometres
northwest of Metro Manila. The Freeport is the site of a former US naval base. Growth
in demand for water from an increasing population and industrial development has
created a need for investment in new infrastructure.
Subicwater was the first privatised water and sewerage system in the Philippines, and
is paving the way for environmental and ecological benefits in this extraordinarily
beautiful part of the world. Subicwater took over the operation and maintenance of the
existing assets serving these areas and is investing in new installations and the
refurbishment of existing facilities. Emphasis was placed on operational efficiency. A
high priority was given to standards of customer service and the installation of a
modern billing system. Subicwater worked on building its core values and increasing the
competencies of its staff. Subicwater was also successful in becoming an ISO certified
water company. Subicwater has obtained ISO 9001:2000 for product/service quality,
environmentally friendly ISO 14001:2000 and health and safety OHSAS 18001:1999.
SBMA appointed an independent Regulatory Board to monitor the quality of service
and oversee the prioritisation of capital expenditure. Subicwater improved the
treatment and disposal of effluent through a two-phase programme. Initially, low-tech
solutions were introduced, a second phase introduced an advanced wastewater
treatment system followed by the expansion of the sewerage network.
At the end of the concession period ownership of an improved, efficient, and
well-maintained water supply and treatment facility will revert to SBMA and
Olongapo City.
Summary
Location:
Client:
Project Type:
Project Duration:
Regulator:
Population Served:
Production Capacity:
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Key Features:
The Batam Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) introduced the private sector to
assist with the development of infrastructure facilities to match the growth in
development. This not only brought in international expertise but also prevented a debt
burden on the Government of Indonesia through the use of Private Finance. BIDA
awarded Biwater and its local joint venture partner, Bangun Cipta Kontraktor (BCK) and
Syabata Cemerlang, a 25 year concession contract in 1995 to operate, manage and
develop the water facilities on the island. The partners set up a local company, Adhya
Tirta Batam (ATB), to fulfil its concession obligations. Cascal and BCK acquired Syabata
Cemerlang shareholding in November 2002 and now equally own ATB.
ATB serves a population of over 700,000 people through 120,000 metered
connections. Meter audit and leakage teams ensure that ATB maintains meters in a
functional, accurate and secure manner. Over the first ten years of operation ATB
reduced leakage from 49% to 27%. Further investment is being implemented to
reduce non-revenue water to twenty-five percent, and even lower, over the remainder
of the concession period. Specialist training to local staff at ATB formed part of the
initial technology training. ATB is responsible for operational activities from raw water
extraction, treatment, distribution, and customer services such as billing and collection
during the concession period. Capital investment also forms an important part of ATBs
responsibility. The client, BIDA, is benefiting from high investments by ATB, and
receives payments for raw water abstraction, asset rental and a 15% royalty on
declared dividends.
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The water supply on Batam Island comprises seven water treatment plants, two of
which ATB has been constructed since taking over the concession. Production capacity
has increased from 850 litres per second to 2,085 litres per second through both the
construction and refurbishment of existing water treatment plants. The new treatment
plant in Duriankang will be expanded in stages to cope with the increasing demand for
water. Already producing one thousand litres per second, the plant is designed to
accommodate up to three thousand litres per second in the future. Construction of new
transmission mains, pumping stations and storage reservoirs will allow for upgrades as
required. Over the first ten years of the concession contract, 350 kilometres of new
water mains were installed.
Asset management planning techniques have enabled targeted investment in the water
supply network. Through the use of network modelling, data logged district metered
zones and detailed consumption analysis and forecasting, non revenue water is
controlled and the spectacular expansion has been efficiently managed. Despite the
enormous increase in production volumes, excellent water quality is maintained by
continuous sampling of the treatment plants and distribution system. In total, the
companys central laboratory analyses over 3,300 samples per month. ATB is
continuously striving to improve customer service. The year 2002 saw the opening of
a new customer service centre located in Batam centre. ATB has also developed a
unique bill payment service for its customers, expanding the number of payment points
to include branches of local banks. In 2004 ATB introduced their Water Kiosk scheme
to provide drinking water to small communities consisting of very poor families. ATB
provides bulk water to the water kiosk and then the families manage the distribution
for themselves at a very small charge.
Summary
Location:
Client:
Project Type:
Project Duration:
Population Served:
Production Capacity:
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Key Features:
Population served 335,000
Losses reduced by 6 Mld
91 kilometres of new main have been layed
1250 temporary jobs created
General Description:
In 1996, Nelspruit Town Council took the decision to involve the private sector in
service delivery. This was taken just after the New Council came into power with a
revised demarcation, which at that time increased the area of jurisdiction from 36,000
to 335,000 people. Biwater focused the concession on improving and expanding
service delivery in the townships. In the first two years of operation ninety-one
kilometres of new water mains were laid as well as eighteen kilometres of sewers. At
the same time thousands of unregistered connections were found and many household
and mains leaks repaired. This has substantially reduced wastage and losses and the
savings have enabled delivery of service to other areas not previously supplied. Over six
mega litres of water per day have been saved to date; over 8,000 broken meters have
been replaced and a further 15,000 new meters have been installed to provide new
house connections and formalise existing unauthorised supplies.
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A new six million litre per day Sewage Treatment Works has been built in Matsulu
replacing the old pond at a cost of R8.3 million and the existing Sewage Treatment Works
at Kanyamazane has been refurbished at a cost of R3.3 million. The water supply to Matsulu
West has been changed from a chlorinated river supply to a fully treated potable supply.
The Concession has created permanent jobs, employee numbers rising from 158 at the
start to 250 today. The capital works has also created around 1,250 temporary jobs.
Local offices have been established throughout the concession area to provide easy
access for customers to pay their bills, raise queries, deal with complaints and report
leaks. A training centre has been established that runs in-house courses to raise basic
skills and also provides training for the community in Computer Literacy, Business Skills
development and Water Care.
Water Supplied/Demand
During the first two years of the concession the total water supplied into distribution
fell from 66 Mld to 60 Mld, despite an increase of over 30% of customers supplied.
This was achieved by reducing non-revenue water in Nelspruit and the surrounding
townships by a faster response in repairing reported leaks, by fixing leaks on customers
property and by tackling unregistered connections.
Revenue Collection
Revenue collection in Nelspruit town continues to be excellent. In both the townships
and rural areas revenue collection was a major problem but is now steadily improving
following service level improvements.
Traditional political protests involved non-payment of water bills and a change in
culture was required under the new democratic regime. Teams of specially trained staff,
called facilitators have worked intensively in the villages and townships educating,
discussing and encouraging the regular payment of water and sewage bills. Using a
variety of new and imaginative methods, ranging from formal meetings with elected
representatives, to street theatre and sports sponsorship, the message of paying
regularly is being accepted and payment rates are steadily increasing.
Summary
Location:
Client:
Project Type:
Project Duration:
Population Served:
Production Capacity:
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
25,786.10
25,944.48
26,103.24
26,262.38
26,421.89
26,581.79
13,213.31
13,358.40
13,504.29
13,650.98
13,798.46
13,946.73
9,025.83
9,168.00
9,311.38
9,455.96
9,601.74
9,748.71
6,934.67
7,076.51
7,219.96
7,365.01
7,511.66
7,659.90
5,682.04
5,524.57
5,969.12
6,115.67
6,264.21
6,414.70
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Glossary
Glossary
Aerobic
Presence of oxygen
Anaerobic
Absence of oxygen
Aquifer
Archimedean screw
Bilateral
Biofiltration
Biological scrubbing
Biological system
Biosolids
BOD
BOO
BOOT
BOT
Borehold system
Calibration
Capital gains
Cavitation
Centrifugally
Cement mortar
Chemical scrubbing
Glossary
Clarification
Commercial loan
Concession
Collateral
Cross subsidy
Desalination
Digital map
Dividends
DMZs/DMAs
Epoxy Resin
Equity Partners
Export credits
Flotation/Floated
Franchise
GIS
Grit Removal
Guarantee
Glossary
Hydrological cycle
ISO9000
Joint Venture
Leveraged leases
MBR
Membrane Bioreactor
Minimum offtake
Molecular absorption
Monopoly business
Multilateral
Offshore taxation
Polygon analysis
PZT
Primary sedimentation
Glossary
Private sector
Public sector
Regulator
Reticulation
Reverse osmosis
Screening
Secondary humus/sludge
Sludge treatment
Soft loan
Stop testing
Tariff
Tertiary treatment
Tuberculation
Utility
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The
Perfect
water company
www.biwater.com