Promoting professional excellence in the water sector
Water& Sanitation The official magazine of the Water Institute of Southern Africa
Complete water resource and wastewater management
Africa
ABECO TANKS
The name that really
holds water
PROJECT Ingula pump station nears completion WASTEWATER Penz Street: meaningful infrastructure investment
IN THE HOT SEAT July
Umgeni Water meets the South African National Standards 241 for drinking water quality and received nine Blue Drop awards in 2012. Cyril Gamede, chief executive, Umgeni Water P11
MEDIA
September/October 2014 • ISSN 1990-8857 • Cover price R50.00 • Vol 9 No. 5
Shrink mine water problems. . .
into a smaller footprint. Nalco Africa helps you reuse, recycle, and conserve water...while reducing your environmental impact. Nalco Technologies empower vigorous and effective mine water management. Throughout Africa, we are showing mine operators how to use less water, recycle more and return clean water to the environment. So you can run a more productive, more profitable and more sustainable mine. Our on-site experts are ready to show you how Nalco innovations can deliver effective, affordable mine water management. Contact Nalco Africa today. And let us start shrinking your mine water problems.
PARTNERSHIP FOR PROFITABLE, SUSTAINABLE MINE MANAGEMENT Nalco Africa Operations Building 14, Ground Floor, Greenstone Hill Office Park Emerald Boulevard, Greenstone Hill, South Africa Tel: +27 10 590 9120 Fax: +27 10 590 9130 nalcoafricareception@nalco.com www.nalco.com/sa Š 2014 Ecolab USA Inc. All rights reserved
CONTENTS
Volume 9. No.5 Promoting professional excellence in the water sector
Water& Sanitation The official magazine of the Water Institute of Southern Africa
Complete water resource and wastewater management
Water and Sanitation Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd (WSSA) is a specialised provider of sustainable water services in Southern Africa
Africa
ABECO TANKS
The name that really
holds water PROJECT Ingula pump station nears completion WASTEWATER Penz Street: meaningful infrastructure investment
ON THE COVER
Rand Water looks to develop African water professionals p4
12 Megadams and Africa: economically viable
REGULARS Editor’s comment Africa round-up Industry news Product news Event
Water & Sanitation Services SA.indd 1
3 15 17 60 63
COVER STORY Servicing the industry for more than 30 years
4
WISA President’s comment YWP – All it takes is one person to motivate a community NEWS Water and Sanitation Summit
6
IN THE HOT SEAT
Umgeni Water meets the South African National Standards 241 for drinking water quality and received nine Blue Drop awards in 2012. Cyril Gamede, chief executive, Umgeni Water P11
July
MEDIA
September/October 2014 • ISSN 1990-8857 • Cover price R50.00 • Vol 9 No. 5
2014/03/26 11:52:53 AM
PANEL DISCUSSION Fiberpipe Group Five Pipes Rare Group Rocla
45 47 49 50
PROFILE Growth through excellence
53
WATER INFRASTRUCTURE Supply assured with Nooitgedacht Water Treatment Works Meaningful infrastructure investment
54 58
7
8
HOT SEAT Umgeni celebrates 40 years
11
OPINION Megadams and Africa: Economically unviable?
12
BLUE DROP Early Days of SA Drinking Water Regulation
19
25
Progress at Ingula
37
Dewatering flooded mine tunnels in South Africa
PROJECT FOCUS Progress at Ingula Water supply link established
25 27
TECHNICAL PAPER Effectiveness of chlorine as a disinfectant
28
LABORATORY Sound practices underpin ERWAT
34
PIPES PUMPS AND VALVES Dewatering flooded mine tunnels in South Africa Xonxa Dam pipeline on track Industry experience underpins new player Over four decades of exceptional quality products and service
37 40 41 43
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
1
water level measurements ‌ be inspired ‌ www.keller-druck.com
EDITOR’S COMMENT
Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Editor Maryke Foulds Head of design Frédérick Danton Senior designer Hayley Mendelow Designer Kirsty Galloway Chief sub-editor Tristan Snijders Sub-editor Beatrix Knopjes Contributors Jo Burgess, S Harichunder, S Mintz, P Moshoane, J Mosomboka, A Netshidaulu, S Nienaber and M Titus Marketing manager Hestelle Robinson Digital manager Esther Louw Client services & production manager Antois-Leigh Botma Production coordinator Jacqueline Modise Distribution manager Nomsa Masina Distribution coordinator Asha Pursotham Financial manager Andrew Lobban Administration Tonya Hebenton Printers United Litho Johannesburg +27 (0)11 402 0571 Advertising sales Avé Delport Tel: +27 (0)11 467 6224 • Cell: +27 (0)83 302 1342 Fax: 086 502 1216 • Email: avedel@lantic.net
The real state of the water industry Controversy seems to follow recent statements made by government officials about the real state of water delivery in South Africa.
R
ESEARCH conducted by Julian
people have access to a tap, they have access
Rademeyer
in
to water. “When we talk about piped water,
Africa Check Report poses the
we are normally referring to infrastructure
question, if, in real terms, more
and people have access to water coming out
and
published
than 94% of South Africans really have
Publisher
Physical address: No 4, 5th Avenue Rivonia 2056 Postal address: PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600 Fax: +27 (0)11 234 7274/5 Email: maryke@3smedia.co.za MEDIA
ISSN: 1990 - 8857 Annual subscription: R300 (SA rate) Email: subs@3smedia.co.za Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.
However, Oliver Ive, a water and sanitation
statements made by the previous Minister
engineer and MD of Amanz abantu Services,
of Water and Sanitation, Edna Molewa, who
a private company involved in rural water
claimed that 94.7% of the population had
supply and sanitation projects, says, “The fact
“access to clean and safe drinking water”.
that someone has a tap doesn’t mean they
It follows claims made in June 2011, by her
have clean water or access to piped water.
predecessor, Bulelwa Sonjica, who told the
“If you put a pump or a service in a village, is
National Council of Provinces that “when the
it still working in five years’ time? Government
government took office in 1994, a mere 62%
will say that they have spent the money on
of households had access to clean drinking
infrastructure and that people have access,
water. Today it is an average of 93%.”
but if you go out and physically check if those
Mava Scott, the previous head of communications for the Department of Water Affairs,
WISA CONTACTS:
What about water quality?
rently have “access to piped water”. The issue
Ive clarifies, “The reality is that everyone in
of water quality is a “separate issue”, he said.
South Africa has access to water because they
More detailed figures are contained in a 2011 general household survey published
BRANCHES www.ewisa.co.za
Free State Chairperson: D.R. Tlhomelang Tel: +27(0)51 403 0800 Secretary/ Treasurer: Riana Wessels Tel: +27(0)56-515-0375
That is a far more difficult question to
of South African households had access to
answer. One of the primary benchmarks of
piped water. Breaking that number down,
water quality in South Africa is the annual
43.3% had piped water in their homes, 28.6%
Blue Drop report released by the Department
had access to water in their yards, 2.7% had
of Water Affairs. It focuses not only on water
the use of a neighbour’s tap and 14.9% had
quality but also on operational aspects of wa-
to make use of communal taps. This suggests
ter service providers, including their risk and
the number of those with access to “piped
asset management and water safety plans. As a pure barometer of water quality, the re-
Access to a tap does not mean access to water
to emphasise, “A town without Blue Drop cer-
There is another issue besides the number
its water is unsafe for human consumption.”
tification does not automatically mean that
of households with access to “piped water”.
The debate continues.
According to Scott, the Department of Water Affairs works on the assumption that if professional
magazine The official
Wa Com plet e
excellence
urce wate r reso
ewa ter and wast
Institute of the Water
man agem
of Southern
Africa
Afri
ent
ANKreaSlly ABECOTheTnam e that
r holds wate PROJECT p station Ingula pum on nears completi WASTEWATER ful t: meaning Penz Stree investment infrastructure
Endorsed by
IN THE HOT SEAT July 2014/03/26
11:52:53 AM
241 nal Standards African Natio s Drop award meets the South ed nine Blue MEDIA Umgeni Water y and receiv water qualit i Water P11 ive, Umgen 5 for drinking • Vol 9 No. e, chief execut price R50.00 Cyril Gamed 7 • Cover ISSN 1990-885 in 2012. er 2014 • Septemb
er/Octob
Maryke Foulds
sector in the water
on ter& Sanitati ca Promoting
WISA mission statement The Water Institute of Southern Africa provides a forum for exchange of information and views to improve water resource management in Southern Africa.
1
to water that is going to be good for health?”
port is problematic. The department is careful
A) is a (Pty) Ltd (WSS Africa South Africa hern tation Services services in Sout Water and Sani of sustainable water provider specialised
Services SA.indd
are alive. The question is, do they have access
by StatsSA. That report stated that 89.5%
water” is lower than that claimed.
KwaZulu-Natal Chairman: Chris Fennemore Tel: +27 (0)31 311 8734 Secretary/ Treasurer: Stephanie Walsh Tel: +27 (0)31 302-4077
Water & Sanitation
the answer is often no.”
figures show that 96.4% of households cur-
HEAD OFFICE Tel: +27 (0)11 805 3537 Fax: +27 (0)11 315 1258 Physical address: 1st Floor, Building 5, Constantia Park, 546 16th Road, Randjiespark Ext 7, Midrand
Western Cape Chairman: Gareth McConkey Tel: +27(0) 21 712 4260 Secretary/ Treasurer: Eleonore Bondesio Tel: +27(0)21 872 0322
taps are delivering water, and quality water,
has communicated that the department’s
All articles in Water&Sanitation Africa are copyright protected and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the publishers. The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Water Institute of Southern Africa or the publishers.
Eastern Cape Chairman: Hennie Greeff Tel: +27(0)41 453 3102 Secretary/Treasurer: Chris Dickson Tel: +27(0)41 507 8200
of that infrastructure.”
access to safe drinking water. This follows on
Cover opportunity In each issue, Water&Sanitation Africa offers companies the opportunity to get to the front of the line by placing a company, product or service on the front cover of the magazine. Buying this position will afford the advertiser the cover story and maximum exposure. For more information on cover bookings contact Avé Delport on +27 (0)83 302 1342 or email avedel@lantic.net SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
3
COVER STORY
Servicing the industry for ABECO Tanks is no stranger to the water storage tank industry and is a name that has stood its ground for over 30 years.
E
STABLISHED
IN
1983,
500 m3 water tanks on 25 m stands
The quality of our steel is still of the
founder, now CEO, Mannie
erected on the north-east coast of
best in the world,” he adds.
Ramos identified a need for
Central America and designed to
water supply to communi-
withstand hurricanes.
They are also undergoing an extensive expansion of their current
ties with limited resources and set
“We do not rest on our laurels
head office location and hope to
about to satisfy this need without
and staying ahead of the pack has
launch and invite their loyal custom-
compromising hygiene, safety or
certainly not been easy,” says Ramos.
ers to its opening early next year.
quality. Over 30 years later ABECO
“Embracing modern technology, on-
ABECO offers full design manu-
Tanks continues to deliver on this
going product evaluation and con-
facture and installation services for
promise, having successfully installed
tinued research and development
ground-level, elevated and circular
over 20 000 tanks across 32 countries.
has ensured that we have remained
galvanised water tanks and has
They are also the only manufacturer
the leading innovators in our field.”
a division that focuses purely on
of pressed-steel tanks that are SABS
ABECO Tanks has recently mod-
special custom tanks. They have
ernised its factory and invested
also paid particular attention to the
One of their many success stories
in the latest equipment, allowing
design of all types of tanks to ensure
includes the erection of the first
them to adapt to the demand in
they are easy to install and transport,
5 million litre modular tank in
the industry.
especially to remote locations where
approved and ISO registered.
Africa as well as raised
“We also only source our steel lo-
resources are limited. All compo-
cally and buy directly from the mills.
nents are also lightweight and easy to handle.
4
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
COVER STORY
more than 30 years
New product offering
systems. Their storage products and
(joint efficiency) is reviewed and is
In keeping with its commitment
services are recognised as the best
subject to uncontrolled field condi-
to deliver uncompromised storage
offered in the industry.
tions, bolted sectional seam analysis
solutions, ABECO has been awarded
The RTP bolt tank design is every bit
the exclusive rights to represent
as stringent as welded tank construc-
Tank
Connections
provide
tion. Once assembled in the field,
tapered
each bolt seam maintains an exact
panel) tanks to the African market.
calculated value as reviewed through
Tank Connections is an industry
four types of analysis and edge
leader
bulk
tear-out. In contrast to field-weld
storage tanks and integrated storage
construction, where a single analysis
precision
of
RTP
and
(rolled
custom-designed
is finite and controlled.
Precision rolled tapered panel tanks are now offered by Abeco Tanks
www.abecotanks.co.za +27 (0)11Â 616 7999
Embracing modern technology, ongoing product evaluation and continued research and development has ensured that we have remained the leading innovators in our field
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
5
PRESIDENT ’S COMMENT
What’s in it for me? WISA is the only professional body solely dedicated to supporting the careers of people working in the Southern African water sector. It is a regional reference point for water professionals.
BELOW Jo Burgess, president of WISA BOTTOM Katse Dam
become a WISA member, or the
benefit you as a member, over and
institute already interests you. What
above the biennial conference and
interests me is finding out what’s in
exhibition? Do your branch and di-
WISA membership for you?
vision(s) provide local, small events?
By now you will have received a
Could you join the branch and/or
survey, asking you for your opinions
division(s) most relevant to you and
about how WISA performs for you,
help provide small, focused events?
what the level of service you’ve
Have you ever used a WISA publica-
experienced is like and the value of
tion, or what would WISA publica-
membership. But the last question is the $64 million dollar question: what services
tional organisations, public enti-
HE STRENGTH and poten-
would you like WISA to offer you
ties and private companies for a
tial of WISA lie in the pro-
as a member? To a greater or lesser
holistic approach to environmental
fessional and geographic di-
extent, WISA already:
issues. Does WISA work with every-
versity of its members, with
• Supports thousands of members
one you think it ought? What about
their knowledge and eagerness to
region-wide. Do we provide the
NGOs, creative organisations and
collaborate and demonstrate the real
kind of support you want and need?
faith groups? Other professional
value of WISA. WISA is represented in
If not, then tell us what would work
bodies, like CESA or SAICE? Where
216 different companies and boasts
better for you.
T
additional
products
and
tions look like in an ideal world? •W orks with government, interna-
are the friends we have not yet met?
almost 3 000 individual members,
•P rovides training and professional
across many disciplines of science,
development opportunities. Are
like-minded organisations across
engineering and the humanities,
there gaps? Would you like to have
the world. Tell us what you think
training
you currently cannot
about the nature of these partner-
among those professions, as
access? Or, are you able to provide
ships, or even whether they have
well as the crucial people work-
training and would love to volun-
ing hard in the engine room of
teer or offer your services, but don’t
the industry.
know who to approach?
and
managers
and
leaders
If you are reading this
•P rovides
magazine, then you may
through
have either already
and
a
forum
for
conferences,
publications.
What
•D evelops
partnerships
with
had any impact on you. •P romotes
excellence
in
water
and environmental management debate
through an awards portfolio. The
events
vast majority of WISA awards are
would
conferred at the biennial conferences. Are there too few – are signal achievements going unrewarded in our community? Or, are there too many; do you feel the awards have lost prestige? Would you do things differently, and if so, how? But when you contemplate that $64 million question, ponder it carefully. What else can WISA do for its members, and what can they do for WISA? Should WISA supply independent advice to governments, academics,
the
media
and
the
general public, for example? Should WISA have direct input into policy developments? What else? If WISA could and should [insert your hot idea here], how can you step up and use your membership to help ensure that [your hot idea] happens? Jo Burgess President – WISA
6
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Y WP
All it takes is one person to motivate a community Young Professionals are taking the lead, writes Shanna Nienaber.
T
HE KWAZULU-NATAL chap-
at a two-day interdisciplinary collo-
together with the aid of the Municipal
ter of the South African Young
quium on water security on 25 and 26
Institute of Learning, which will be
Water Professionals (YWP-ZA)
June 2014 at UKZN. The colloquium
shared with government (local, pro-
immersed themselves in a
was hosted by the South African
vincial and national), civil society and
wealth of exciting activities for the
Young Academy of Science (SAYAS)
academics across the country and in
2014 year. The highlight of which
in collaboration with the School of
the Southern African region with the
was attending the eThekwini Student
Life Sciences. The 60 attendees from
help of SAYAS and YWP.
& Water Sanitation Conference and
various corners of the sector included
facilitating at the Water Security
students,
Colloquium hosted by the University
representatives, municipal managers
In addition to these events, the
of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
and politicians. The colloquium was
KZN YWP-ZA also attended several
designed to specifically address the
career
Passion, motivation and spirit – the dominating features from the 2014 eThekwini’s Water Sanitation Student Conference
themes of public expectations and
as the Mangosuthu University of
municipal
academics,
civil
Taking the initiative
fairs
at
universities,
such
regarding
Technology, University of South Africa
water quality, water reuse, and water
and Durban University of Technology.
security
and
The KZN chapter sees career fairs as
eThekwini hosted their bi-annual
guests
were
Prof
an opportunity to reach out to young
Water
Student
Urmilla Bob (Dean of Research, UKZN),
students by providing them with
Conference at the Durban City Hall on
followed by Prof Roland Schulze with
guidance and advice on their career
20 March during National Water Week
a thought-provoking talk on ‘Water
choices and prospective professional
this year. Suvritha Ramphal, chairper-
Security Dimensions in South Africa’.
careers in the water sector. This year,
son of the KZN YWP-ZA, and Franclyn
The colloquium was organised by Dr
the KZN YWP-ZA signed up over
Samuels, vice-chairperson, were in-
Sershen Naidoo, co-chair of SAYAS,
75 aspiring young professionals, of
vited to be part of eThekwini’s Water
who concluded by emphasising the
whom a number show a keen interest
&
Conference
importance of universities playing a
in becoming active members within
as judges for the schools’ debating
role in finding solutions to national
the region.
competition.
problems such as water security.
and
Sanitation
Sanitation
Student
Participating
schools
obligations
society
governance. welcomed
Invited by
A noticeable trend at this year’s
were tasked with presenting their
Hanke and other young profes-
events was the initiative taken by
stance on water scarcity and water
sionals stressed the significance of
YWPs in approaching companies and
conservation pertaining to the greater
capacitating young professionals and
organisations to present and provide
eThekwini area. The calibre of youth
intergenerational dialogue through-
guidance to underprivileged students
attending this year’s event surpassed
out the workshop. These conclusions
at career days. This is a trend that is
the judges’ expectations, making it
confirmed the colloquium’s major
expected to intensify across commu-
one of the most difficult decisions to
output: a consensus document, put
nities in KZN.
Former YWP-ZA chairperson Inga Jacobs presenting at Durban City Hall, with Cllr James Nxumalo, city manager Sibusiso Sithole, and Suvritha Ramphal and Franclyn Samuels from the KZN YWP-ZA joining her on stage
be made for the event. The passion, motivation and spirit of these young, impressionable minds shone through the day and made it a success. Former YWP-ZA chairperson Dr Inga Jacobs also gave an interactive, motivating presentation to the students, encouraging them to pursue studies and careers in the water sector.
YWP-ZA facilitates discussion at Water Security Colloquium The vice-chairperson of the YWP–ZA, Nora Hanke, facilitated a discussion on ‘Water Governance and Water Security – Challenges and Advances’ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
7
NEWS
Water and Sanitation Summit The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, delivered the opening address at the Water and Sanitation Summit recently. The summit has brought together all major role players and stakeholders within these critical, basic service delivery sectors.
T
HE SUMMIT provided an
Innovation Choices, The State of
The Department of Water and
opportunity for all partners
South Africa’s Water Resources, and
Sanitation has taken a new look into
to come together to share
The Role of the Private Sector. The
the way of delivering on its mandate
ideas, experiences, exper-
most immediate of these challenges
– it will remain cognisant of the
is arguably the service delivery issue.
centrality of water in all planning,
tise and capacity. This will go a long way in ensuring coordinated efforts
service
delivery
protests,
while ensuring that people’s dignity is restored.
between not just government role
of which many earlier in the year
players but including the private
turned violent, are overwhelming
In her opening speech, Minister
sector, public entities and non gov-
reflections of the thoughts and
Mokonyane said, “The transformation
ernmental entities.
needs of the people. Even though
and de-racialisation of South Africa
the recent protests were not always
through the provision of water and
the
about these services specifically, poor
sanitation should be fast-tracked. For
Service Delivery Challenge, The Water
service delivery acted as a reflective
us to contribute meaningfully to the
and Sanitation Policy Environment,
catalyst used to bring attention to
realisation of the NDP objectives and
Water Research, Technology and
other matters.
the electoral mandate, we have to
The summit saw a range of topics covered,
8
Basic
including:
Meeting
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
NEWS do things differently. As part of the
We all know that service delivery
must play the necessary roles of
drive towards radical socio-economic
happens at a local level and, in aid of
bringing new, cutting-edge forms of
transformation, we need to ensure
this, the summit has brought togeth-
service delivery.
that solutions to water and sanitation
er the Department of Cooperative
Gatherings such as the Water and
challenges must be about opening
Governance as well as Traditional
Sanitation Summit are therefore
the sector to those that have been
Affairs and the South African Local
critical at this point in our country’s
disenfranchised. This will have to
Government Association as partners.
development. The work of the
done by providing skills develop-
Their roles in coordination will en-
Department of Water and Sanitation
ment and economic empowerment,
sure that these crucial services get
will continue as part of the country’s
as well access to quality water and
to people in time and stay operative
Programme of Action, guided by
dignified sanitation.”
for longer.
the
The issues of water and sanitation
Minister Pravin Gordhan indicated
cut across all spheres of socio-eco-
that cooperation between depart-
nomic life. This therefore requires
ments is vital, and incentive pro-
“the
grammes for municipalities need to
application
integrated
water
of
a
seamless
approach”,
as
be considered. Working with longer-
Mokonyane said in her maiden de-
term plans should encourage a more
partmental Budget Vote speech. In
developmental, maintenance-mind-
order for this reality to come to pass,
ed way of working. “Municipalities
there is a need for all stakeholders
need to use at least 7% of their
in the sector, big and small, to un-
budget for maintenance. We need to
derstand the value they bring to the
also get out of working in silos and
team, but more importantly, they
we must synchronise the grants we
need to be willing team players while
receive to our backlogs, he said.
sharing expertise and capacity. The need for inter-governmental cooperation cannot be underplayed.
National
Development
Plan
and the National Water Resource Strategy-2.
Nomvula Mokonyane, Minister of Water and Sanitation
While maintenance is a non-negotiable
practice,
research
and
development, as well as innovation
9
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Degrémont, a subsidiary of SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT, is the world specialist in the design and construction of water treatment plants and an important contributor towards sustainable development. Degrémont, a subsidiary of SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT, is the world specialist in water treatment plants and as such makes an important contribution towards sustainable development.
COMMITTED TOGETHER TO WATER, A SOURCE OF LIFE
Degrémont’s subsidiary in South Africa previously trading as AQUAZUR, is committed to keep plants running smoothly. The objectives of Dégremont’s Spares Department are mainly to supply the needs of its clients with • The best and affordable quality spares, as per the original designs • Delivering the spares within the best specified delivery period
For PULSATOR Settling tank or similar • Baffles • Lamellar blocks and plates • GRP pipes • Vacuum Fan For AQUAZUR V & T Filters or similar • Nozzles, Washers & Grommets • Partialisation Valves • Clack Valves • Silica Filter Media • Siphon • Slab mould Other Spare parts • Chemical dosing pump • Various pumps • Various valves • Pipes (GRP, Fibreglass, PVC, Steel) • Instrumentation • Air diffuser • Mixer • Membranes • Screening
DESIGN AND SUPPLY OF SPARE PARTS THE WATER TREATMENT SPECIALISTS For this and other Degrémont water treatment plant equipment, contact George van der Merwe, Technical mngr | george.van.der.merwe@degremont.co.za Mornay de Vos, Business Development Manager | mornay.de.vos@degremont.co.za
Tel: +27 (0) 11 807 1983
Fax: +27 (0)10 591 5095
www.degremont.co.za
HOT SEAT
Providing safe drinking water for the people of KZN In July this year Umgeni Water turned 40 years old – a remarkable milestone in the history of the organisation.
F
OR FOUR decades, Umgeni
• Ugu District Municipality
Ngquza Hill Local Municipality within
Water has been abstracting
• Harry Gwala District Municipality
OR Tambo District Municipality).
raw water, treating it and
• uMgungundlovu District Municipality
delivering it as safe drinking
• Msunduzi Local Municipality.
tion have essentially remained un-
water to six municipalities which, in
A total of 435 million m3 of potable
changed; however, legislative reform
turn, supply this water to an estimated
water per annum (1 191 Mℓ/d) is sup-
over the years has allowed it to also
4.8 million consumers. The water
plied to these customers.
undertake commercial activities as
The core functions of the organisa-
produced by Umgeni Water meets
Umgeni Water’s infrastructure assets,
added-value services to its customers.
the South African National Standards
in support of its potable water busi-
While there has been diversification of
241 for drinking water quality and, as a
ness, comprises:
its role, the organisation remains com-
consequence, received nine Blue Drop
• approximately 746 km of pipelines
mitted to its mandate and to its crucial
awards in 2012 for excellence in water quality management in partnership with its customers.
and 66 km of tunnels
role in socio-economic development.
• 14 impoundments, of which six
Umgeni Water’s effective implemen-
are managed on behalf of the
tation of its mandate has enabled it
The role Umgeni Water plays in pub-
Department of Water and Sanitation
to positively impact on the growth
lic health is of particular importance in
and two on behalf of the Ugu
of KwaZulu-Natal and the lives of its
preventing water-borne diseases and
District Municipality
people. In recognition of its role and
other illnesses, and the treated water
• 13 water treatment works, of which
contribution to the provincial econo-
that flows through the pipelines of
two are managed on behalf of
my and society at large, Umgeni Water
Umgeni Water is among the finest in
the Ugu District Municipality, an
has, over the years, received a number
the country.
additional 14 small water treatment
of prestigious awards and accolades.
Umgeni Water was established in
works and 10 borehole schemes are
The 40th anniversary of Umgeni Water
June 1974 in terms of Government
managed on behalf of the iLembe
is an important event in the history of
Notice No 114. Headquartered in
District Municipality.
the organisation, the province, and its
Pietermaritzburg, it initially had a staff
The organisation also treats bulk
complement of four and customers
wastewater totalling 31.8 million m3
that included the cities of Durban
per annum (87 Mℓ/d) and in support
and
of this operates five wastewater
Pietermaritzburg
and
water
users in the corridor between the two
Cyril Gamede, chief executive of Umgeni Water
water users. www.umgeni.co.za
treatment works.
cities and in the Midlands. Present-
The organisation will grow in terms
day Umgeni Water is the largest
of institutional reform and re-align-
water board in KwaZulu-Natal and
ment proposed by the Department
the second largest organisation of its
of Water and Sanitation. Umgeni
kind in South Africa. It has a service
Water will become a
area ten times larger than its original
fully
size, with 900 staff members and six
entity, serving six ad-
municipal customers.
ditional
fledged
regional
municipalities.
Umgeni Water operates in accord-
Four of these munici-
ance with the Water Services Act (Act
palities are in northern
108 of 1997) and the Public Finance
KwaZulu-Natal (uThukela
Management Act (Act 1 of 1999), and
District
is categorised as a national govern-
Umzinyathi
ment business enterprise. It reports
Municipality,
directly to the Minister of Water and
District
Sanitation. The organisation derives its
and
revenue from the sale of bulk potable
Municipality)
water to its six customers:
are in the Eastern Cape
• eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
(Alfred
• iLembe District Municipality
Municipality
Municipality, District Amajuba Municipality
Newcastle
Nzo
Local
and
two
District and
the SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
11
OPINION
Megadams and Africa:
Economically unviable?
Most large-scale dam projects do more economic harm than good due to poor or dishonest planning, writes Samuel Mintz of AlertNet Climate.
T
HEIR
skyrocketing
What they found is that in most
ergy demand and avoid boosting
situations, large hydropower dams
climate-changing
from
are likely to be too expensive and
growth in the use of fossil fuel energy
emissions
take too long to build to deliver a
plants. As climate change brings
“positive, risk-adjusted return.” This
more irregular rainfall, dams in some
is something dam project planners
regions also are seen as a way of stor-
should be able to predict if they
ing water, controlling water flows and
compared their plans with historical
managing droughts and floods.
records of dam construction, accord-
costs
Taylor said four out of every five
could play a role in crippling
dams in the world are today used
“Basically, what planners of dams
the fragile economies of
primarily for water management,
today do not do is benchmark their
some developing countries,
with many also providing energy to
plans against the actual outcomes of
nearby communities.
already completed dams,” he said. “If
according to a study by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School.
ing to Flyvbjerg.
The benefits of these projects
they did, they would see that large
are a matter of some debate. The
dams almost always overrun their
Hydropower
Oxford report claims that the results
projected costs and schedules, some-
Association, said he disagreed with
produced by big dams are hard to
times
many of the report’s findings.
measure and rarely make up for big
he said.
Richard Taylor, executive director of
the
International
Countries
around
the
world,
costs and long timelines.
by
considerable
amounts,”
An example is Brazil’s controversial
from Laos to Ethiopia, are pushing
A group of researchers at Saïd
Belo Monte Dam, which was initially
ahead with plans for mega-dam pro-
Business School evaluated the viabil-
given a $14.4 billion price tag but is
jects, after a 10-year hiatus in which
ity of modern megadam projects. Led
currently projected to cost $27.4 bil-
such projects were seen as poor
by Bent Flyvbjerg, a leading expert on
lion by the time it is finished.
choices for solving problems and
megaprojects and economic decision
Dam planners’ projected budgets
funding largely disappeared.
making, they studied 245 dams built
have not gotten any more accurate
between 1937 and 2007 for an article
in the last 80 years, the report said
in the journal Energy Policy.
– Flyvbjerg called this a “surprising
In part, the surge in dam building is designed to help produce “green”
12
hydropower to meet growing en-
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
OPINION result. You would expect profes-
he said. According to Taylor, the
as the World Commission on Dams
sionals in the field to improve their
project cost includes consideration
report did almost 15 years ago.
predictions. Our data goes back 80
of
years for dams and 70 years for trans-
including
port projects, and shows very clearly
environmental management.
no improvement.” Taylor, the hydropower association
all
associated social
programmes, programs
justify this re-emergence of the large number of large-scale dams being
project at the end of the process
constructed around the world? What
and compare the difference
certain
is not comparing apples with
predictions
have
in
fact
tation around project development,
“We wanted to see, is there any new evidence that would actually
“To look at the total cost of the
executive director, said that he is gotten better. “The scope of expec-
and
The surge in dam building is designed to help produce green hydropower to meet growing energy demand
apples,” he said. The Oxford report suggests
the knowledge and understanding
that
that exists today, is way in advance
companies look into smaller,
of what it was in the last century,
more
where a lot of this data was taken
replace the role of megadams in
we find is that there is no evidence
from,” he said. “It would be really
supplying what Flyvbjerg called a
to support doing that. The evidence
erroneous to imply that no learning
“power-hungry world.”
shows the exact opposite, just as we
has taken place.”
governments flexible
and
projects
to
He said that projects like those in
saw 20 years ago,” he said.
Where and how do project plan-
Norway, which feature small dams
“We do hope that things can
ners go wrong, as they supposedly
or turbines in tunnels, can be much
change; we don’t take it as a given
have been doing since the 1930s?
more efficient and, importantly, deliv-
that megadams have to continue,
According to the study, they make
er needed energy much more quickly
and we do hope that our study may
two main errors in their predic-
compared
help change things for the better.”
tions: they either succumb to over
which can take decades to complete.
to
megadam
projects
Peter Bosshard, the policy director
optimism, which Flyvbjerg says is
Large dam projects also often lead
of a US-based organisation called
a natural human tendency, or they
to displacement of communities, and
International Rivers, said that the
deliberately and strategically misrep-
can provoke protests, as has hap-
report, which he referred to as
resent their project in order to gain
pened with indigenous communities
the “most thorough independent
approval or funding.
in Brazil who will lose some of their
evaluation of large dams ever,” is a
territory to the Belo Monte Dam.
“damning indictment” of the dam
There is “strong evidence that misplaced political incentives and
Taylor, however, said there is no di-
agency problems lead to flawed
rect correlation between the scale of
“Even after following large dam
decision-making,” the report said. The
dam projects and sustainability, and
projects for the past 20 years, I was
dual problems of “delusion” and “de-
said that a “concentrated, centralised
stunned by its findings,” he said.
ception” often complement and ex-
solution” is often the most efficient
acerbate each other, the report said.
way to deliver energy.
In a press release issued by the
the
year
“Their evaluation also refutes the frequent assertion that dam builders
World
have learned from past mistakes.
authors, Flyvbjerg said that the two
Commission on Dams released a
Fortunately, renewable energy al-
categories of inaccurate predictors
comprehensive
report
ternatives are readily available, and
can be divided into “fools” and “liars.”
about the role of dams around
governments are well advised to
the
prioritise them in their future energy
“Fools are the reckless optimists
In
building sector.
world,
2000,
the
350-page
highlighting
sugges-
who see the future with rose-tinted
tions for creating more efficient
glasses,” he said. “These forecasting
hydropower
dam-
However, Taylor said that he be-
fools ignore hard facts and uncer-
aging report caused a long lull in
lieves final costs and even cost over-
tainty, betting the family silver on
megadam building.
runs do not necessarily dictate the
projects.
The
strategies,” Bosshard added.
gambles with very low probability
However, that trend has turned
wisdom of a project. “It’s a risk that
of success. Liars deliberately mislead
around recently and construction has
has to be managed, and I believe that
the public for private gain, fiscal or
picked up again.
the sector is getting better at doing
political, by painting overly-positive
Flyvbjerg said that he hopes his
prospects of an investment, just to
team’s work can have the same effect
get it going.” he
“incredibly
found
that
offensive”
implication and
cited
the report as making a common mistake about evaluating project planners’ estimations. “In their data analysis, they’ve assumed
“The wisdom of the investment is to take the life cycle of that project,
Taylor, of the dam industry, said that
that,” he said.
that
the
construction
engineers’ estimate for construction is the project cost. It’s not,”
DAM UPDATE By the time it is finished, the Belo Monte Dam being built in Brazil’s Amazon will cost $27.4 billion, and China’s Three Gorges Dam is set to cost the Asian superpower $26 billion over the next 10 years. In Pakistan, building the Tarbela Dam boosted the countr y’s external debt by 23% between 1968 and 1984.
and ask, ‘Is that going to be putting society in a better place to manage the future?’ Dams, and particularly hydropower projects, provide a very prudent way to manage our future, working with nature best as we can to make sure that we can provide the vital services of energy and water.”
Source: allafrica.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
13
bidim
R
AFRICA ROUND-UP
INFRASTRUCTURE NEWS from around the continent
in association with
KENYA Rights to safe water and sanitation a must While
have to walk into the bush at night,” she stressed.
The State Commissioner for Health,
He explained, “The government,
Dr Joe Akabike, says that so far,
through DAWASA, is determined to
120 cases of the disease have been
end water scarcity in the city, with
reported. The commissioner says it
a population of 4.5 million, and
is necessary to alert the public of the
preparation for the work has already
time to turn the law into reality for
LIBERIA LWSC alarm over water theft The managing director of the
presence of the disease in the state,
begun, including construction of a
the millions who do not enjoy these
Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation
so that people take precautionary
new clarifier.”
fundamental rights, an independent
(LWSC), Charles Allen, reveals that over
measures, advising them to maintain
United Nations human rights expert
5 000 residents are illegally receiving
good hygiene, which includes regular
laying water pipes from Upper
said at the end of her mission to
a water supply from the country. Allen
washing of hands as a means of
Ruvu to the Kibamba and Kimara
the country.
says, based on LWSC’s data, the entity
avoiding contact with the disease.
areas, Mwang’ingo said an Indian
has a total of 11 000 customers across
Following the outbreak of the
company, Megha Engineering and
Kenyans have rights to safe water and sanitation on paper, it is now
“Kenya is in a critical transitional
Referring to the phase of
moment for the provision of
the country, out of which 6 000 are
disease, officials of the state Ministry
Infrastructural Limited, is doing the
water and sanitation,” Catarina de
duly registered and have paid their
of Health have swung into action
work. It is expected to be completed
Albuquerque, the Special Rapporteur
sewer service charge, while the rest
to educate people in various local
in September 2015. This phase will
on the human right to safe drinking
continue to engage in illegal activities.
government areas on how to avoid
cost $58.48 million.
water and sanitation, said in a
He points out that the institution is
contracting the virus.
desperately trying to stabilise services
a model on an international level due
and focus on customers. “We have
ment has provided 400 preventive
from Upper Ruvu to Kibamba, with a
to the constitutional recognition of
been vetting the customer database
tools that would protect health
1 200 mm width covering 20 km, and
water and sanitation as human rights.
and 6 000 confirm to be registered for
workers and train people on ways of
another new pipeline from Kibaha
water supply,” he adds.
preventing the virus.
Tanita to Kibamba and Kimara, with a
“However, there is still a long way to go to realise the human rights to wa-
Like other basic social services, safe
According to him, the state govern-
Other components of the project
statement. “Kenya is often invoked as
Akabike, speaking on the reported
include construction of a new pipeline
width of 1 000 mm covering a length
ter and sanitation for all. Much more
drinking water still remains a serious
outbreak of the dreaded Ebola
has to be done to translate the law
challenge to the post-war nation
disease in Lagos, says it is necessary
The project will also involve the
into reality for the millions of Kenyans
despite 10 years of peace. Allen states
to warn the people, especially Igbos
construction of new reservoir tanks
for whom these human rights are still
that some residents are receiving
who travel a lot, to be careful. He
with the capacity to reserve 10 million
only a mirage.”
water that is not registered, which is
explains that symptoms of the disease
litres of water and the renovation of
against the law. He warns that if illegal
include malaria, fever and diarrhoea,
two reservoirs in Kimara.
De Albuquerque urged the Kenyan
water receivers do not go to register
informing the people that Ebola is yet
parliament to adopt the Water Bill,
or update their status, LWSC will shut
to have medical cure.
and the government to subsequently
down the entire process and turn
develop a new national water and
them over to the police.
Following her 22 to 28 July visit,
of 10 km.
The Upper Ruvu water treatment plant project, which is undertaken by VA Tech Wabag, is expected to be
be translated into real action at
years, water has been a big issue
TANZANIA Water infrastructure set to improve The Dar es Salaam Water
county level.
in Liberia but, with management’s
and Sewerage Authority (DAWSA)
and affordability of water supply
intervention, Monrovia is currently
has promised to end water scarcity
and sanitation services in order to
noted that only 30 per cent of Kenya’s
receiving 12-hour water supply. “We
in the country’s commercial capital.
improve public health and well-being
population has access to improved
have completed the design of the
DAWSA is basing their promise on
in a city prone to outbreaks of
sanitation, while 13 per cent of people
White Plain Plant and work will begin
the ongoing expansion project of the
water-borne diseases.
still have no choice but to defecate in
in October 2014,″he explains. Kakata,
Upper Ruvu water treatment plant.
the open. “This is a daily indignity for
in Margibi County, is the only place
over 6 million people,” said the expert.
in the entire country that receives
Week in Dar es Salaam last month,
the next decade. It also continues to
24-hour supply.
acting director for technical services at
be the one city in Tanzania to which
DAWASA Romanus Mwang’ingo said
villagers flock for better opportunities.
NIGERIA Cholera kills five; 120 cases reported Five people have been
the project, which began in February
Westerners and Asians are also settling
this year, will cost $39.19 million.
in Dar es Salaam, and the surge of
of the right to sanitation, but also a
killed by the outbreak of cholera at
pleted the capacity from the plant
to implement laws better accommo-
serious threat to public health and
Ayamelum Local Government Area of
will reach 196 million litres from the
dating the growing population of Dar
the security of women and girls who
Anambra State.
current 82 million litres.
es Salaam and its suburbs.
sanitation strategy, which should
A news release on the visit
In Turkana county, which De
According to him, for the past two
Albuquerque visited during her mission, over 80 per cent of the population practise open defecation. “This is not only an absolute denial
Speaking with East African Business
He said once the project is com-
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
completed next month. The Dar es Salaam project is intended to improve the accessibility, quality, reliability
Dar es Salaam is projected to have over five million inhabitants within
foreigners has put pressure on officials
15
South Africa
SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
Ingérop South Africa is a multi-disciplinary consulting engineering and project management company with more than 120 qualified personnel involved in various projects throughout Africa. As a member of the Ingérop Group of companies - a long established privately-owned French consulting engineering firm currently employing more than 1,500 permanent staff members – we have immediate access to international expertise and technologies enabling us to continuously provide our clients with innovative and appropriate world-class solutions. Established in 1957, Ingérop South Africa has developed strong capabilities to serve both the public and private sector clients in the fields of: infrastructure, public transport, energy, water, environment and socio economic studies. Our range of services include consulting and feasibility studies on any subject relevant to our disciplines, design and construction supervision, as well as commissioning of works on major projects. Corporate Social Investment (CSI) is another key element of the company's business strategy. Our CSI initiatives are aimed at establishing and sustaining positive social development in our surrounding communities. With education being one of our primary CSI focus areas, we continuously concentrate on improving and uplifting previously disadvantaged schools.
Ingerop South Africa supports the MH Joosub Senior Secondary School in Lenasia
Hatfield Station, Pretoria
LJVBPL Raccordement de Laval – West France
Cahorra Bassa Dam, Mozambique
Vidin Calafat Bridge, Bulgaria
Head Office: Block E, Edenburg Terraces, 348 Rivonia Boulevard, Rivonia P.O Box 3867, Rivonia 2128, Tel: (011) 808 3000, Fax: (011) 808 3001, jhb@ingerop.co.za Offices situated in South Africa: Gauteng, Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal & Limpopo Also present in: Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique and Senegal
INDUSTRY NEWS
Upping rural sanitation Anglo American’s Isibonelo operation invests R27 million to improve sanitation in host communities. “At Anglo American, we aim
Isibonelo operation
to ensure that local communi-
and the Govan Mbeki
ties benefit from our presence
Municipality have signed a
in the area. This includes
memorandum of agreement
improving service delivery by
focused on improving
enhancing the capacity of local
sanitation in the communities
municipalities,” said Isibonelo
of Lebohang and Emzinoni in
mine’s general manager,
Mpumalanga. Signed in April
Dirk Miller.
2014, the agreement signals
“This project will improve
the launch of a R27 million
community health and living
infrastructure development
standards and provides an ex-
project that forms part of the
ample of what can be achieved
mine’s social and labour plan,
through partnerships between
which was agreed with the
the private and public sectors,”
local municipality.
he continued.
Existing sanitation infrastruc-
about this initiative. This type
16 is in poor condition and,
of partnership will benefit
after numerous instances of
the people, who want to see
equipment malfunction, parts
development,” said Councillor
of the structure are either
Sakhile Mahlangu, a member
defective or show clear signs
of the mayoral committee for
of deterioration. The mine will
planning and development at
replace the existing sewer line
the Govan Mbeki Municipality.
cost of R22 million.
Black-owned businesses based in Lebohang and
The second component of
Prof Jan Maree takes top honours
“The municipality is excited
ture in Lebohang Extension
and main outfall network at a
Charlie Fawell
A
NGLO American’s
Emzinoni will carry out the
S
outh Africa experiences significant environmental
Prof Jan Maree, Rand Water Chair in Water Utilisation
pollution from sulphur waste
and the team leader of
the project involves a R5.7 mil-
work to facilitate employment
(liquid, solid and gas) but the
the Treatment Group at
lion replacement of two of
creation and skills transfer.
slush that is produced when
the Tshwane University of
the four failing pump stations
Both projects are due for com-
water is treated by mines
Technology in conjunction with
in Emzinoni.
pletion by the end of 2014.
contains valuable deposits that
its industrial partner on the
are lost.
project, Key Structure Holdings,
The Western, Central
ABOUT ANGLO AMERICAN Anglo American, headquar tered in the UK, is one of the world’s largest mining companies and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Anglo American’s por tfolio of mining businesses spans bulk commodities – iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal and thermal coal; base metals – copper and nickel; and precious metals and minerals – in which it is a global leader in both platinum and diamonds. Anglo American is committed to the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all its businesses and geographies and to making a sustainable difference in the development of communities around its operations. The company’s mining operations, extensive pipeline of growth projects and exploration activities span Southern Africa, South America, Australia, Nor th America, Asia and Europe.
developed a cost-effective
and Eastern Basins of the
solution for the treatment of
Witwatersrand produce
acid water and brines.
200 million litres of acid mine
“Our focus was on minimising
water. During desalination
the treatment cost of mine
of saline water, large brine
water. The team developed a
streams are also produced. In
process where limestone could
addition, the fertiliser industry
be used for the removal of the
produces 15 000 tonnes
most prominent components
of waste gypsum per day
in mine water. In the case of
as sulphuric acid, which
the slush processing, we aimed
is used for the processing
to recover the value products
of phosphate rock into
inside, such as sulphur and rare
phosphoric acid.
earth metals,” says Maree.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
17
BLUE DROP
Early days of SA drinking water quality regulation Initial efforts in drinking water quality management in South Africa focused on the monitoring of drinking water quality in order to manage it and ensure a safe drinking water supply. Maryke Foulds looks at how early efforts have ensured water quality today.
W
ITH
THE 2004 in-
system was availed to all WSAs with
preventative management, as cor-
troduction of formal
funding from the fiscus and, together
rective actions are initiated only after
regulation
South
with new regulatory pressure ap-
drinking water quality monitoring
Africa, a survey was
plied, 100% of municipalities were
indicates that limits have been ex-
conducted among municipalities to
undertaking drinking water quality
ceeded. By the time that water quali-
determine the extent of drinking wa-
monitoring by 2007.
ty monitoring indicates that there are
in
ter quality monitoring. It was a shock-
While this was a tremendously
health-related contaminants present,
ing fact to discover that more than
successful feat, the department was
a water treatment process failure
50% of the water services authorities
not comfortable with the renewed
has occurred and many people may
(WSA) did not monitor the quality
prominence of monitoring alone and
already have been exposed.
of tap water provided to their re-
thus went in search for regulatory
spective constituencies. In response,
innovation, which would allow for
water quality failures in Delmas
initial regulation objectives were to
a more proactive stance towards
also emphasised the shortcomings
improve the monitoring records.
ensuring the supply of safe tap water.
of the traditional drinking water
This was achieved mainly through
There was also increasing recognition
quality management and regulatory
the introduction of the electronic
that monitoring drinking water for
approaches.
Water Quality Management System
compliance was not sufficient to
water quality fraternity also focused
as a means to improve drinking
guarantee the quality and safety of
on
water quality management but also
our water supplies. A significant lim-
relied
to allow the department access to
itation of the monitoring-alone ap-
results to inform decision-making.
information, which improved regu-
proach was that it promotes reactive
The drinking water quality failure of
lation efficiency. This open-sourced
management, rather than proactive,
Walkerton (Ontario, Canada) in 2000,
The
2005
and
drinking
Internationally,
output-based
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
2007
exclusively
regulation on
the that
monitoring
19
Clean solutions in your process automation. Water is Our Life Struggling to improve your water processes and reduce operational costs? Facing challenges in increasing your plant safety and availability? Do you need assistance with your process instrumentation to achieve Blue or Green Drop status? Count on the People for Process Automation to optimise your water process and support you globally as a long-term partner: • Improved plant safety and availability via reliability, simplicity and a wide range of products, services and solutions will reduce your water and wastewater treatment costs. • Optimising your internal water processes throughout the entire life cycle by improving maintenance cost transparency and energy efficiency. • W@M supports your risk and failure management based on continuous, up-to-date information about your assets, saving you time and increasing the efficiency of your business process
Endress+Hauser (Pty) Ltd Phone +27 11 262 8000 Fax +27 11 262 8062 info@za.endress.com www.za.endress.com
BLUE DROP when thousands of people were hospitalised and five people lost their
The 2005 and 2007 drinking water quality failures in Delmas also emphasised the shortcomings of the traditional drinking water quality management and regulatory approaches
lives due to a massive drinking water quality failure, necessitated a rethink on the reactive manner in which the quality of drinking water was being managed and regulated. The subsequent hearing resulted in a watershed judgement from Judge O’Connor which formed the foundation for the water safety plan concept. The World Health Organization (WHO) documented a more proactive and holistic approach to drinking water quality management in their 2004 guidelines, which was advocated globally by both the WHO and International Water Association. From this
the
‘catchment-to-consumer’
drinking water quality management concept was developed. In recognition of the limitations of the monitoring-only approach and
international
thinking,
the
best
practice
Drinking
Water
Quality Framework for South Africa was prepared in 2005, based on a preventative risk management approach, which is comprehensive from catchment to consumer. This ap-
and standards, as well as internation-
inception of the programme and
proach promoted an understanding
al best practice.
an increase in the number of water
of the entire water supply system, the
Certification
supply systems certified with the
events that could compromise drink-
Programme has had a significant
prestigious Blue Drop was noted.
ing water quality and the operational
positive effect on the drinking water
The number of certified systems im-
control
optimising
quality sector of South Africa and
proved from 23 (2009) to 39 (2010).
drinking water quality and protecting
promises to be the catalyst for sus-
• There was a significant improve-
public health.
tainable improvement in drinking
ment
water quality management.
average Blue Drop score. Average
The
necessary
Drinking
for
Water
Quality
The
Blue
Drop
Framework for South Africa was
recoded
in
the
national
scores increased from 53% in 2009
updated in 2008, and the concept
Blue Drop statistics to date
of incentive-based regulation was
• Two Blue Drop assessment cycles
introduced to the water sector on
have been completed since the
to 70.7% in 2010. • Overall
drinking
water
quality
compliance improved over a rolling
11 September 2008, at the National
Blue Drop Scores
Microbiological Compliance
Chemical Compliance
Physical Compliance
Eastern Cape
79.40%
97.30%
99.20%
99.00%
Free State
48.50%
97.40%
99.60%
98.80%
Gauteng
85.54%
99.50%
99.70%
99.60%
KwaZulu Natal
65.91%
97.30%
98.90%
96.50%
and the Green Drop Certification
Limpopo
54.95%
92.90%
97.90%
98.90%
Programme for Wastewater Quality
Mpumalanga
65.42%
89.00%
97.40%
98.90%
Management Regulation. This incen-
Nor th West
66.01%
97.00%
99.30%
99.30%
tive-based
Nor thern Cape
46.87%
93.10%
99.30%
98.90%
was locally developed for uniquely
Western Cape
92.45%
98.20%
96.20%
99.00%
South
National Average
70.75%
97.30%1
99.50%2
99.00%2
Municipal Indaba in Johannesburg by the Minister of Water Affairs. The concept was defined by two programmes: the Blue Drop Certification Programme Quality
for
Drinking
Management
regulation
African
Water
Regulation
programme
challenges
within
drinking water quality management.
1
It is a programme that allows for proactive management and regulation of drinking water quality through the introduction of excellence requirements based upon legislated norms
2
icrobiological compliance will remain the main benchmark for DWQ per formance M measurement. The National Standard (SANS 241:2006) sets a target of 97% while the Blue Drop excellence target is set at 99%. With the drive to enhance data credibility (through the “step ladder” approach towards accreditation and implementation of water safety plan informed monitoring programmes), it is expected that these compliance figures would slightly decline, yet the target will remain 95% as set in the national standard.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
21
Geared Motors \ Drive Electronics \ Drive Automation \ Industrial Gears \ Services
1THREAD_6738_WAT
We drive heavy industry
The new SEW girth gear – flexible concepts for diverse combinations Girth gears - the latest offering in our industrial gear range - are used to drive large, rotating systems such as dryers, rotary kilns or horizontal mills. Traditional girth gears generally consist of two to four segments that are assembled together for processing. In contrast, SEW-EURODRIVE girth gears are split into several identical segments in order to keep the component parts short and easy to handle. We deliver not only girth gears, but the entire drive package! Main advantages: ∙ Guarantee flawless casting quality on critical areas ∙ Individual segments of girth rings are interchangeable ∙ Only damaged individual parts need to be replaced instead of changing the whole ring ∙ Handling of each individual segment is easier ∙ Segmented design enables easy and cost-efficient transportation Tel: +27 11 248 7131 Web: www.sew.co.za
Visit us at Electra Mining Nasrec Expo Centre Hall 6 Stand J 20 15-19 September 2014
BLUE DROP 12-month period. Microbiological
application
compliance improved from 93.3%
za/mywater).
(http://www.dwa.gov.
Blue Drop Certification Programme to acknowledge excellence in drinking water quality management in
to 97.5%, while chemical com-
• This regulation, where the public is
pliance improved from 98.9 %
empowered with a source of infor-
South Africa.
to 99.5%.
mation, allows the public to apply
The programme is designed with the
• The programme gives prominence
pressure for improved drinking wa-
specific intent to encourage and facil-
to water safety planning, as the
ter quality management. Improved
itate a turnaround in non-compliant
basis for proactive, risk-based drink-
media access to information has
municipalities, to acknowledge those
ing water quality management. In
also resulted in improved reporting
who are achieving and maintaining
2009, only nine systems had water
of drinking water quality and has
standards of best practice and ex-
safety plans in place, while in 2010,
minimised sensationalist reporting.
cellence, and to bring credible and
154 systems were incorporated in a
• The DWA Drinking Water Quality
current information to the South
water safety planning process.
Regulation unit has also established
African public.
Even though significant progress has been made, there remain considerable challenges in the field of drinking water quality • There
has
been
a
significant
good relationships with the DWI
in
the
credibility
(Drinking Water Inspectorate, UK),
of monitoring programmes and
enhancing the credibility of the
enhancement
the influence of the water safety
local regulation programme.
planning process now ensures that
• The Department of Water Affairs
monitoring is based upon the risk
serves as a member of WHO’s
assessments that inform drinking
International Network of Drinking-
water quality management.
Water
• Decision-makers now have a great-
Regulators
where
inter-
national trends in regulation are
er focus on drinking water quality
defined and discussed.
management and this has resulted
Even though significant progress has
in positive budget revisions at mu-
been made, there remain considera-
nicipal level. National Treasury now
ble challenges in the field of drinking
requires municipalities to incor-
water quality. Tackling these will re-
porate Blue Drop and Green Drop
quire a focused regulatory approach
planning into their business plans.
as well as intensified municipal
• Improved public engagement with
management commitment to ensure
drinking water quality manage-
improvement.
ment has also enhanced accounta-
generally occur in the domain of the
These
challenges
bility of responsible authorities. The
management and operation of treat-
Blue Drop System allows municipal-
ment technology, due to the lack of
ities to promote their drinking wa-
adequate process controlling skills.
ter quality to a wider audience via
The Department of Water Affairs is
the My Water search-engine-based
implementing the incentive-based
23
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Change that
doesn’t cost the earth
ENVIRONMENTAL S
ENVIRONMENTAL S
O
L
U
T
I
O
N
S
O
L
U
T
I
O
N
S
www.i-cat.co.za 086 112 ICAT
Welcome to the future – a future of Mwangaza We are all writing a part of the script which tomorrow’s society will play out.
At Royal HaskoningDHV we would like the title to read: ‘Welcome to the future’ -
and for our chapter in that script to read ‘Mwangaza’ - a Swahili word which means
‘light’. Together with our partners and clients we consider how we can create a welcoming future - developing efficient and smart living.
Whether switching on a light, travelling to work or drinking a clean glass of water - the solutions and work of our engineers surround us, making lives better and
brighter. Our work contributes to the sustainable development of communities. Together, we deliver innovative sustainable answers to today’s challenges.
Royal HaskoningDHV is an independent, international engineering and project management consultancy.
royalhaskoningdhv.com/za
PROJEC T FOCUS
Progress at Ingula
The multibillion rand Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme, like many around the world of this magnitude and complexity, has suffered delays, not least the site closure ordered by the Department of Labour after last year’s tragic accident that claimed the lives of six construction workers.
H
OWEVER, progress has
Ingula is a peaking hydropower
been made since the
station comprising an upper and a
incident in October last
lower dam, separated in elevation
year
under-
by 480 m, and an underground
Jacques du Plessis from consultants
ground and above-ground facilities.
powerhouse located 116 storeys
Royal HaskoningDHV, one of the
underground
excavated
three firms of consultants that
Scheme is now in its seventh year
underground caverns, housing 4 x
make up the design and construc-
of construction and had it not been
333 MW Francis-type turbines.
tion supervision team, Braamhoek
The
Ingula
on
both
Pumped
Storage
in
two
from Bramhoek Dam to Bedford, in readiness for the next peak event. Construction
senior
supervisor
for the tragic accident and closure,
An underground labyrinth of inter-
one of the four 333 MW reversible
connecting tunnels extends 6.5 km,
recent
pump turbines would be undergo-
and 3 km of access tunnels and a
“Underground work is proceeding
ing commissioning at this time. The
number of shafts allow water to be
apace with the concrete lining in
Eskom project is located between
released from the upper Bedford
the tailrace and headrace tunnels
Ladysmith
and
Dam and delivered to the turbines
completed; the cavity and consoli-
will have a generating capacity of
producing power, before being cap-
dation tunnel grouting is about 75%
1 332 MW available during periods
tured in the lower Bramhoek Dam.
complete and concrete slip-forming
of peak demand and to supplement
During off-peak times the turbines
at one of two 91 m high surge
base load when necessary.
are reversed, pumping water back
chambers has commenced. All civil
and
Harrismith,
Open loop pumped hydro storage technology
Consultants Joint Venture, explains
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
progress
milestones.
25
PROJEC T FOCUS
Access to the transfer tunnel
works in the transformer hall have been completed and the machine hall
and
room
are
underground nearing
control
completion,”
The pumped storage scheme consists of an upper and lower dam; both are approximately 22 million m3 water capacity
he explains.
26
“The first turbine shaft and runner
In addition to office space, the
counted. However, construction of
were taken underground recently.
building accommodates the ex-
the upper Bedford Dam, completed
Two generator transformers have
ternal control centre for the power
in 2011, robbed them of their histor-
been installed and mechanical and
station. The visitors’ centre, which
ic nesting ledges, causing Eskom to
electrical fit-out work is underway.
comprises a small office wing, a
construct a massive artificial nesting
Above
operations
cinema, various display halls, an au-
site to compensate for the loss of
and maintenance on the intake
ditorium and facilities wings, is also
their originals,” he explains.
structure are nearing completion
complete. The surrounding area
The dam is expected to fill to ca-
as is the stop-log
will be landscaped with indigenous
pacity during 2015 for the first time
INTERESTING FACTS
storage facility at
plants to minimise the visual impact
and the hope is that before then the
• The design of Bedford Dam made provision for wetland protection, landscape aesthetics and ar tificial bird cliffs. • Three million m³ of rock were excavated • Excavations created the largest mud-rock cavern in the world, totalling 200 000 m³. • Animal and plant fossils dating back 255 million years were discovered indicating that the region was covered by an inland fresh water lake many millennia ago.
the outlet,” says
of the surface buildings.
birds will discover the new nesting
ground,
the
Du Plessis.
“Amid all this heavy engineering
site themselves. Several dummies
work, Eskom is conscious of its
were placed in the new site to en-
administra-
environmental responsibilities and
tice them to relocate. The change
building,
in particular the site’s bird life,”
in habitat due to the construction
whose basement
enthuses du Plessis. More than 275
of the dams is being monitored by
has direct access
bird species have been sighted at
conservation staff and already new
to
main
Ingula, including all three crane
species are moving into the area.
tunnel leading to
species that although rare, are
Anticipated completion and oper-
the underground
regularly seen there. “The endan-
ation of the first of the four turbines
power
The double-storey tion
the
station,
gered southern bald ibis is another
is expected by May 2015, with the
has also recently
resident of the conservation area
remaining units coming on stream
been completed.
and thirty breeding pairs have been
over the following 12 months.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
PROJEC T FOCUS
Water supply link established Global engineering-consultancy firm SMEC has been awarded the detaildesign and site-supervision contract for Phase Two of the Vlakfontein Canal rehabilitation project, which is an important water-supply link to coal-fired power stations and petrochemical plants located in Mpumalanga.
T
HE THREE-YEAR contract
days of storage, and during the
According to Smook, the canal
was awarded to SMEC South
rehabilitation period, it has to rely
cannot be out of commission for
Africa by the DWA following
on water pumped back from the Vaal
prolonged periods of time, and
the completion of phase
Dam through the Vresap pipeline.
therefore Phase One of the rehabil-
one of the project in September
Eskom has storage available in the
itation of the Vlakfontein Canal over
2013. SMEC's scope of involvement
Trichardtsfontein
however,
the first three years entailed the re-
includes;
this dam is not allowed to be drawn
habilitation of the fill sections which
down to below 50% capacity."
had a higher risk of failure. "The aim
project
management,
construction site supervision and
Dam,
reporting, design of canal sections,
According to Smook, water sup-
of the Phase Two of the project is to
preparation of working drawings,
plied from the Vaal Dam is distribut-
rehabilitate the remaining fill sec-
geotechnical investigations and as-
ed to Sasol first. "There is currently
tions of the canal as well as all the
sessment of structures.
not enough capacity to supply both
cut sections," he continues.
The
Vlakfontein
Canal
system,
Eskom and Sasol. Periodic augmen-
constructed in the 1970s and situated
tation via the Vlakfontein Canal is
a
At any given time, SMEC boasts
between Standerton and Secunda,
required and construction must be
eight
is a vitally important strategic com-
programmed to take cognisance of
on the Vlakfontein rehabilitation
ponent as it supplies water to two of
this. Should the Vaal Dam system
project. Smook admits that the
the country’s largest energy suppli-
fail, the canal must be put back in
project has faced a number of
ers – Eskom and Sasol. The system
operation within two to three days.
challenges to date. “Heavy rainfall
pumps water from Grootdraai Dam in
Construction planning must also be
in recent months has disrupted
Standerton to the Vlakfontein Canal
done to allow for this contingency,”
construction work. What's more,
at a rate of 5.7 m3/second.
he continues.
a project of this scale is also
team
of
between
engineering
four
and
professionals
Once the water reaches the canal, it
Smook points out that a major
gravitates to the Grootfontein pump
aspect of Phase 2 is the design and
station. It is then pumped to the
construction of all the cut sections.
These challenges have been over-
Knoppiesfontein diversion tank, and
"A number of execution options
come thanks to the project team’s
distributed through two sets of pipe-
were investigated in detail, however
in-depth expertise and experience,
lines to Bossiespruit Dam for Sasol
the one that proved to be most
combined with the strong working
and Trichardtsfontein Dam for Eskom.
efficient and cost effective was al-
relationship
SMEC
South
Africa
bound to encounter logistical and procurement challenges."
between
all
parties
Function
ternating wet and dry periods in the
involved in the project. "As a result,
Manager for Water and Environment
canal by undertaking construction
I am optimistic that the project will
Dolf Smook reveals that both com-
in the dry periods, and refilling the
be completed within the provision-
panies require a 99.5% assurance
storage dams by pumping during
al deadline of September 2016,"
level. "Sasol only has a couple of
wet periods.”
Smook concludes.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
LEFT Inlet to pipe bypass Phase 1 MIDDLE Placing of lining for canal Phase 1 RIGHT Completed section before bridge rehabilitation Phase 1
27
TECHNICAL PAPER
Effectivenesss of chlorine as a disinfectant An investigation into the effectiveness of chlorine as a disinfectant was conducted due to the challenges experienced in the operation of wastewater treatment plants operated by Lepelle Northern Water and general experiences within most municipal sewage works. By A Netshidaulu, P Moshoane and J Mosomboka of Lepelle Northern Water
chemical agent, intensity and nature of physical agent, pH, temperature, number of organism, type of organism, age of organism, nature of suspending liquid, and chlorine demand. However, several reports have described problems in water and wastewater chlorination, e.g. where poor disinfection was observed though sufficient disinfectant was present in the water. It is therefore suspected that the required dose of any disinfectant is unlikely to be economically viable and upstream changes and optimisation to the plant will be needed. It is also worth noting that the South African Department of Water Affairs’ (DWA) general and special permits for discharge wastewater effluent into the water course calls for 0.25 and 0 mg/ℓ, respectively, for chlorine residuals.
D
Due to this pressing need to comply
ISINFECTION OF water
According to Momba, the current
to effluent discharge limitation of
removal,
disinfection practice and guideline
non-detected free chlorine in the
killing
in terms of chlorine residuals was
effluent (that is, chlorine residual
micro-
found not to be sufficient for the re-
is toxic to aquatic life and, even
organisms and is used to achieve
moval of the target pathogens, since
after dechlorination, effluent may still
the standard for faecal coliforms as
high levels could still be detected
contain carcinogenic and toxic com-
stipulated by South African general
in the final effluent in inadequate
pounds) and the cost of chlorination
and special limits for treated sewage
wastewater treatment.
based on the high dosage required,
implies
the
deactivation of
or
pathogenic
effluent. Various methods of disin-
28
Sewage-related
microorganisms
different
there is a growing interest in the ap-
fection are available, including phys-
demonstrate
sensitivities
plication of disinfectants other than
ical (e.g. ultraviolet radiation) and
to chlorination and these patterns
chlorine (predominantly chlorine di-
chemical processes (e.g. chlorine,
of sensitivity are dependent on the
oxide and ozone) for the disinfection
bromine and ozone). Chlorine has
species of chlorine present, contact
of wastewater effluent in particular.
been the dominant disinfectant for
time and the dose of chlorine applied.
Warriner et al. find that among the
wastewater. It offers a reliable reduc-
It is mentioned in various sources
chemical disinfectants they tested,
tion of pathogenic microorganisms
that in applying the disinfection
chlorine is the dominant agent for
at reasonable operating costs and
agents or means, the following fac-
either water or wastewater disin-
can be easily applied, measured
tors have to be considered: contact
fection, and is usually the economic
and controlled.
time, concentration and type of
choice for disinfection of wastewater
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
TECHNICAL PAPER effluent, especially if dechlorination is
after 30 minutes of contact will be
or faecal coliforms can be achieved at
not required.
insignificant. However, Gehr further
chlorine dosage concentration less
Achieving the general or special
suggests that, at high concentrations
than what is required for breakpoint
faecal coliform standard while not
of organic matter, disinfection could
chlorination to produce residual.
exceeding the chlorine residual limit
also occur after this time, provided
of 0.1 and 0 mg/ℓ, respectively, is of-
that the initial chlorine dose was high
Purpose of this work
ten not possible without abnormally
enough to satisfy the chlorine demand
There are lots of challenges in opti-
large contact tanks and lowering
of the sewage and establish a residual.
mising upstream processes as well
the chlorine residual limit further
Since a dosage of as low as 0.034
as the disinfection process of mu-
will aggravate this situation. There is
to 0.2 mg/ℓ free chlorine could be
nicipal wastewater treatment plants.
therefore a need to look at chlorine’s
enough to disinfect microorganisms
It is important to look at options to
optimised
its
up to 99% inactivation and the sug-
reduce chlorine demand and redirect
economics, compared with other
gestion that up to 3-logs of inactiva-
chlorine dosing to its primary aim
alternative disinfectants.
tion of E. coli or faecal coliforms could
of inactivation of microorganisms
during
be obtained even before the ozone
without
disinfection of wastewater effluent is
demand was met, this calls into
met. Thus, this study evaluates the
unrealistically high. Much chlorine is
question the concept of the product
impact of contact time and chlorine
wasted because it reacts with organic
of residual concentration and contact
residual concentration, which display
and inorganic matters at which chlo-
time as a governing parameter for
the effectiveness of chlorine as a
rination is not primarily aimed.
wastewater disinfection performance.
disinfectant for wastewater effluent.
The current practice of disinfection
Therefore, the problem statement is
The required results and information
therefore warrants the need to satisfy
as follows: optimum microorganism
was obtained by studying specific
the chlorine demand before disinfec-
inactivation in wastewater disinfec-
wastewater treatment plant effluent.
tion can proceed. Gehr suggests that
tion can be achieved without any
The results of the study introduce
if there is little organic matter in the
need to first satisfy and/or meet chlo-
another significant factor for the chlo-
sewage, the disinfection reaction will
rine demand. That is, the wastewater
rination process, which is turbulence
be fast and additional disinfection
effluent discharge standard for E. coli
or mixing at the point of dosage, and
Chlorine
effectiveness
dose
and
demand
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
chlorine
demand
being
29
TECHNICAL PAPER
FIGURE 2 FIGURE 2: Effect of mixing after one minute of contact time FIGURE 3: Effect of mixing after two minutes of contact time FIGURE 4: Effect of mixing after three minutes of contact time
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 4
this should assist municipal manage-
samples for chemical analyses. The
meters respectively. Ammonium was
ment to adopt the prescribed way to
samples were placed in coolers con-
analysed using a DR/2500 spectro-
induce and maintain compliance and
taining ice packs and transported to
photometer. COD was determined
reduce the cost of chlorine dosage
the Lepelle Northern Water laborato-
using
in general.
ry at Ebenezer water treatment plant
method
for analyses within six hours after
coliform (E. coli) was analysed by the
Materials and methods
sample collection. These analyses
IDEXX Quanti-Tray standard method
This work only assessed the effect of
were conducted to obtain baseline
and chlorine residual was analysed
the suspended solid, chlorine dose
information
performance
using a HACH pocket colorimeter.
concentration
time,
of these plants. Samples for bench
Chlorine concentration was deter-
which have direct physical impacts
scale investigations were collected in
mined by the DPD free and total
on applying, mixing or turbulence at
thoroughly cleaned non-sterile 20 ℓ
chlorine method.
the point of disinfection. Neumann et
plastic containers.
and
contact
al. indicate that bacteria inactivation
The
on
the
Burgersfort
WWTW
was
8 000.
determination
Enumeration
of
Discussion
is quantified as a function of disinfect-
monitored during the study period.
In the batch reactor experiments, the
ant exposure. Other factors that also
Chlorine demand results, as obtained
free chlorine concentration was gen-
have an impact on the effectiveness
in the laboratory test, were compared
erally observed to undergo two phas-
of disinfection were not verified.
with the dosing concentrations ap-
es of decay, consisting of an initial
It can therefore be concluded
plied by process controllers on-site
phase of relatively fast decay kinetics
that, in this study, experiments were
and the bacteriological quality of the
followed by slower decomposition.
performed under a limited number
wastewater discharged.
However, most wastewater treatment
of conditions and thus the effects of
plants employing chlorination add
temperature and pH on the inactiva-
2. Laboratory investigations
the chlorine as an aqueous solution
tion kinetics of bacteria with chlorine
The methodology applied for bench
through a diffuser at the head of the
remained fully characterised as well
scale investigations was as follows:
chlorine contact basin with little or no
as the diffusion rate of chlorine under
effective mixing. Before the chlorine
2.1 Bench scale investigations
stream is mixed throughout the mass
2.1.1 Chlorine solution preparation
of the incoming wastewater under
1. Study site
and analysis
these transport conditions, reactions
The Burgersfort wastewater treat-
The chlorine solution used in the
competing
ment works (WWTW), serving the
experiments was made from HTH
process results in the formation of
town of Burgersfort
different conditions.
with
the
disinfection
in Limpopo,
and chlorine gas diluted with distilled
chloramines, other by-products and a
treats on average 3 Mℓ of wastewater
water to obtain a stock solution of
rapid depletion of free chlorine.
per day with the capacity of 1.5 Mℓ/d.
about 600 to 800 mg/ℓ free chlorine
In Tables 1 and 2 , inactivation was
It is a conventional sewage treatment
concentration measured by HACH
observed to occur in two rates; that
works. Results of wastewater samples
pocket colorimeter.
is, the initial rapid kill followed by
collected on monthly basis between
30
colorimetric
slower kill. For each applied chlorine
June 2011 and October 2012 from the
2.2 Analyses performed
dose, the highest inactivation rate
raw water, effluent from secondary
Samples were analysed for ammoni-
was obtained during the first five
sedimentation tanks or humus tanks,
um, COD, pH, turbidity, E. coli (indica-
minutes of contact time, which
and final effluent discharged into
tor organisms) and chlorine residual.
could be due to the presence of free
the water course, were referred to.
Measurements for pH and turbidity
chlorine residual not yet reacted with
Samples were collected in sterile
were done according to procedures
chlorine-demanding substances. The
bottles for bacteriological analyses,
described
Methods
subsequent slower kill could possibly
which were done on final effluent.
for the Examination of Water and
be attributed to the formation of less
New and thoroughly rinsed unsterile
Wastewater, using the Metrohm 827
potent combined chlorine residual
2 ℓ plastic bottles were used to collect
pH Lab, and HACH 2100P Turbidity
as a result of reactions between free
in
Standard
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
TECHNICAL PAPER chlorine residual and chlo-
disinfectant
rine-demanding
substances
benefit of this finding is that it
exposure.
(mainly NH3). Mixing as anoth-
would be possible to achieve
er important factor for chlorine
the wastewater standard for E.
disinfection among those that
coli at a dosing concentration
have been well considered to
less than what is required
date (i.e. contact time, concen-
for
tration and type of chemical
Longley reports on a survey
agent, intensity and nature of
of the chlorination facilities of
physical agent, pH, tempera-
several wastewater treatment
ture, number of organism, type
plants discharging into San
of organism, age of organism,
Francisco Bay and found that
nature of suspending liquid,
plants introducing chlorine at
and chlorine demand). Longley
a point of turbulence demon-
reveals that rapid mixing of
strated
chlorine with wastewater may
coliforms removals.
breakpoint
The
chlorination.
consistently
higher
achieve a required degree of
Adequate wastewater treat-
disinfection while using less
ment is important to avoid
chlorine.
mixing
ineffectiveness of disinfection
devices that ideally should be
There
are
and, in the design of chlorine
able to homogenise the chlo-
contact tanks, the principle
rine solution and wastewater in
concern must be to achieve
a fraction of a second.
maximum disinfection efficiency with a minimum chlorine
Conclusion
residual, which requires rapid
There is usually greater oppor-
initial mixing.
tunity to meet standardised E.
The
current
conventional
coli and total coliforms limits
methods of chlorine addition
for discharging effluent into a
do not take advantage of the
water course, at an acceptable
short time free chlorine is avail-
cost for chlorine disinfection,
able since there is no mixing at
when dosage is applied where
the point of dosage to optimise
there is turbulence.
the chlorine exposure to mi-
The intensity at which the
croorganisms. Chlorine reacts
chlorine dose is mixed with
very rapidly at pH values of 6 to
the wastewater effluent during
9 and the process is essentially
chlorination affects the rate
complete in a few seconds,
at which E. coli is killed. The
which is why mixing or tur-
higher the intensity of mixing
bulence at dosage is required
the less chlorine is required.
to make full use of the briefly
However, the impact is sig-
available free chlorine.
nificant only at lower dosing
Based on the results of this
concentrations. Higher dosing
study, in practice, the current
concentrations
compensate
cost of disinfection by chlorine
for the lower turbulent/mixing
can be reduced by 50% since
energy at the dosing point.
inactivation can be reached at
It could thus be concluded
less than 50% of the chlorine
that the inactivation of E. coli
dose required to meet chlorine
as an indicator bacterium is
demand. This will create the
enhanced by increased mixing
possibility of the effluent dis-
energy at the point of dosing.
charged into the water course
The mixing suggested the importance
of
disinfection
in
the
initial
rine. Therefore, mixing chlorine
a
at the point of dosage can
penetrating power for the free
constitute a new, very efficient
residual chlorine to diffuse into
method of disinfection.
the
providing
having nil (0 mg/â„“) free chlo-
microorganism
clumps,
causing the rapid kill during the
initial
contact
period.
Therefore bacteria inactivation is quantified as a function of
*This is an edited version of the full paper. Please contact maryke@3smedia.co.za for the full article.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
31
We make water analysis simpler www.hach.com
HACH SOUTH AFRICA Tel.011 708 3705 salesza@hach.com
LABORATORY
Process optimisation by Real-Time Control Wessex Water is investing around £20 million at Taunton sewage treatment works (STW) to improve the facilities for wastewater and sludge treatment. Monitoring technology The LDO sc dissolved oxygen sensor employs an optical luminescence method for calibration- and drift-free measurements. Once the construction work is complete, there will be four new lanes, each with three zones; so a total of 12 LDO probes will monitor dissolved oxygen. In addition, two Solitax ts-line dip probes will measure mixed liquor suspended solids content in the aeration lanes and the solids content of the returned activated sludge.
P
Real-Time Control
RIOR TO the implementa-
• dry weather flow of 30,595 m3/d
The Hach Langer RTC is implemented
tion of the DWF Scheme, the
• sanitary parameters –
on an industrial PC that communi-
STW was comprised of an
BOD•SS•AmmN of 15:30:3 mg/ℓ
cates with an sc controller network
inlet pumping station and
In addition to the upgrade of the
and the local PLC. The RTC system de-
balance tank, coarse and fine screens,
sewage treatment facilities, a third
termines the most efficient aeration
a detritor, primary settlement tanks, a
anaerobic digester (AD) is also being
level and continuously feeds DO set
conventional ASP and biological filter
built at the Taunton works.
points to the PLC, which controls the
beds, final and humus tanks, and final
“This will increase our capacity generate
renewable
blowers. This means that under RTC,
effluent lagoons. The construction
to
energy
DO set points are no longer ‘fixed’,
work involves the creation of a new
and further reduce our electricity
instead they ‘float’ according to the
four-lane ASP to replace the existing
bill,” says Garry Orford. “The power
load. The RTC modules continuously
16 biological filters. To facilitate this,
generation of the AD plants is fairly
deliver set points to the PLC, which
one of the lagoons and four of the
stable, but the energy demand of
applies them to the process.
filters are being taken out of service
the treatment plant varies accord-
The N-RTC also constantly reads the
to create space for the new works.
ing to the load, so there will be
NH4N concentration at the outlet of
Process optimisation of the new ASP
occasions where we can sell energy
the aeration lane. This value provides
stage will be achieved through imple-
back to the grid, and others where
a feedback control loop and ensures
mentation of Hach Lange’s Real-Time
we will continue to have a power
that the DO concentration is fine-
Control (RTC) system, which monitors
requirement. It is essential therefore
tuned to achieve the desired ammo-
influent ammonium concentration
that we use this power as efficiently
nium set point at the end of the ASP.
and dissolved oxygen concentrations
as possible.”
along the aeration lanes, providing
LEFT Belfour Beatty Regional civil engineering provided the civil works BELOW Wessex Water has ambitious long-term objectives of carbon neutrality
Aeration to achieve the biological
RTC in industrial processes is com-
more efficient control of the fine
monplace.
However,
bubble diffused aeration. The meas-
monitoring
represents
greater
tensive process at activated sludge
urement of other quality parameters
challenge because of its physical
plants because blower power con-
in the process train provides feedback
and chemical variability. Historically,
sumption can represent over 50% of
to the RTC. A reduction of up to 15%
wastewater monitoring technology
total costs at some plants. However,
energy usage is anticipated as a result.
was prone to drift (especially galvanic
in addition to the advantages of the
Following completion of the new
dissolved
and
process optimisation system, four
works, the site will meet the following
required a high level of maintenance,
new Sulzer high-speed HST-20 turbo
consent conditions:
so RTC was not feasible.
compressors are being installed.
oxygen
wastewater
oxidation of ammoniacal compounds
a
monitors)
to nitrate is the most energy-in-
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
33
LABORATORY
Sound practises underpin ERWAT In recent years, the market has put pressure on industry in general to produce products and services that are increasingly sound in terms of quality, safety and the environment. Maryke Foulds speaks to Alison Chapman, executive manager of laboratories at ERWAT, to discuss some of the most pressing issues. How does the ERWAT Laboratory ensure that quality and safety are consistently considered?
requirements during a
Ensuring consistent quality is
requirements and procedures
paramount to our operation
are applied successfully
and ERWAT Laboratory is ISO/
within the ERWAT laboratory.
IEC 17025:2005 accredited by
These activities include
the South African National
internal assessments, analysis
Accreditation System (SANAS)
of ‘unknown’ samples,
and currently has 35 chemical
proficiency testing, certified
and 8 microbiological
reference material and quality
methods. Such accreditation
control samples that total
contributes positively
approximately 100 000 per
as follows:
year. Other activities include
• by providing a reliable,
technical training, maintenance
What is the importance of initiatives such as the Blue and Green Drop Certification Programmes to industry?
internationally
of instrumentation, ensuring a
The South African Constitution
for drinking water quality in
recognised service
suitable working environment
states that everyone has the
South Africa and provides
and regular reviewing
right to have access to an
guideline levels for a range of
of documentation.
environment that is not harmful
water quality characteristics.
• ensuring technical competence of laboratory employees • improved confidence and control within the laboratory • a well-documented system
Ongoing quality activities ensure that the quality
to their health or well-being.
ERWAT Laboratory’s
The South African National Standard 241 Drinking Water Specification is the definitive reference on acceptable limits
As an ISO 17025 accredited
competent and dedicated
This includes a constant supply
facility, ERWAT Laboratory
team ensures that an
of clean, safe drinking water.
Services is providing accredited
The primary responsibility for
effective, efficient service is
results to the company’s 19
with a comprehensive
provided to both internal and
the provision of safe drinking
wastewater treatment works as
audit trail
external customers.
water rests with your water
well as Ekurhuleni Metropolitan
services authority (WSA). WSAs
Municipality and a number of
and safety, we believe a
have a legal responsibility to:
private customers.
A typical SANAS accreditation
safe environment is vital,
• monitor the quality of drinking
cycle for testing laboratories
especially in a laboratory where
takes five years wherein
various reagents are used
assessments are done on an
for the analysis of potentially
18-month basis and include
toxic samples.
• heightened awareness regarding quality.
34
surveillance assessment.
When it comes to health
water provided to consumers • compare the results to national drinking water standards • communicate any health
Explain the importance of laboratories in the water value chain Water and water-related
risks to consumers and
problems are globally
appropriate authorities.
affecting the health of
two surveillance audits
The well-being of our
and one re-assessment.
employees is of utmost
A re-assessment visit
importance and measures
Blue and Green Drop
humans and animals and
involves a comprehensive
ensuring safety include
Certification, an incentive-based
ISO provides global tools to
re-examination of the
having competent safety
regulatory approach introduced
help us manage our shared
organisation’s accredited
representatives within the
by the Department of Water
water resources equitably
activities and will be similar
laboratory, who report
Affairs, intends to monitor
and durably. Through the
to the initial assessment.
to district management
the drinking water quality as
application of the ISO 17025
SANAS checks for continued
and, ultimately, central
well as waste water treatment
standard, accurate chemical
compliance with accreditation
safety meetings.
effluent countrywide.
and microbiological results
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
LABORATORY
WATER Water Supply | Water Treatment | Industrial Water Management Minesite Water Management | Water Reuse & Recycling Chemistry and Geochemistry | Numerical Modelling
Water management for sustainable business
can be used with confidence
and ERWAT Laboratory
to facilitate sustainable water
was granted continued ISO
management, increase water
17025 accreditation.
potential and help alleviate
aware of water quality and
What sort of development and training of laboratory personnel do you have?
related illnesses, it is evident
Competent staff are a valuable
that there is a link between the
asset to the company and a
credibility of quality analysis
requirement of ISO 17025 is to
results and good water quality.
ensure that staff who operate
water scarcity. As people are becoming more
South Africa is a water-scarce
specific equipment, perform
country and to ensure proper
tests, evaluate results and sign
management of our water,
test reports are competent. An
accurate information and
objective of ERWAT Laboratory
credible results are required
is to ‘ensure a high level of
to determine the quality and
competence of staff members
therefore assist in preventing
to adequately perform their
environmental pollution.
duties’. ERWAT Laboratory staff are trained on technical- and
Tell us more on the recent certification at ERWAT
quality-related issues on
ERWAT Laboratory underwent
accordance with pre-defined
a surveillance assessment
schedules. Skills transfer
in March 2014 where one
ensures less dependence on
new method, turbidity, was
supervising staff, maintains
added to the 42 accredited
a high morale, improves
methods. Two microbiological
productivity and ensures a
and five chemical staff
safer environment.
members were assessed as new technical signatories
WorleyParsons has a strong track record in delivering innovative solutions utilising pipelines, groundwater and membrane technologies and sustainability modelling for cost-effective water solutions.
an ongoing basis, and in
Over the past year, training of ERWAT Laboratory staff included:
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
35
- Over 30 years’ experience - Deep local knowledge - Global expertise - BBBEE Level 2
43
countries
166
www.worleyparsons.com
offices
37,500
people
LABORATORY areas and storage for
ERWAT implements a
chemicals and samples,
standard operating procedure
ensuring a suitable, safe and
regarding the manner of
sustainable environment.
storage and discarding of
It is a requirement of ISO
data, storage time, responsible
17025 that the laboratory
person and locality of storage.
environment facilitates
A laboratory information
conditions that do not
management system was
invalidate results or adversely
implemented, which, using
affect the quality of any
passwords, allows different
measurement and that these
levels of access. All results
conditions must be monitored
go through a process of
and controlled.
verification and reviewing by
Some testing environments,
chemists/microbiologists and
such as the microbiology
then control chemists and
In your mind, what is the optimal laboratory layout and design?
and sludge sections of the
microbiologists.
The layout of ERWAT
growth and thus special
one person was trained on
Laboratory takes into
techniques and mechanisms
five methods
consideration the requirements
are implemented to prevent
What is the process for acquiring laboratory equipment and its adequate maintenance?
of the specific test to be
microorganisms from entering
Before acquiring any
20 quality-related training
undertaken, bench space
aseptically protected areas.
equipment, the laboratory
sessions and one person
required for equipment as well
declared competent
requirements for administrative
in the laboratory between
determine if there is a demand
areas, environmental
areas and incompatible
for the specific equipment. This
conditions, sample-handling
activities to prevent cross-
is then budgeted for two to
contamination. Continuous
three years in advance, should
checks are done to monitor
the purchase demonstrate to
contamination regarding
be financially viable. Supply
microbial growth.
chain management policies
• chemical section: 69 employees were trained on 131 determinands • microbiological section:
• quality section: presented
• client services: four staff members were trained.
laboratory, may be more conducive to microbial
There is effective separation
personnel do an evaluation to
are then followed to acquire
Please discuss methods and procedures used for analysis and how they are developed and validated
the instrument. There is a
Methods for analysis used
unnecessary analysis
in the laboratory are mostly
interruptions. The laboratory
based on international meth-
also strives to keep backup
ods. Before introducing any
instrumentation for continuity
method, it must go through
where possible.
scheduled maintenance programme for all equipment in the laboratory, curbing
a process of validation, which confirms that specific requirements are fulfilled and the method is fit for use.
How do you ensure that data is properly managed and credible?
How do you make sure appropriate chemicals and reagents are used and controlled? It is essential to make use of the appropriate chemicals as specified in the laboratory’s
ISO 17025 specifies that
methods. ERWAT Laboratory
all data shall be subjected
procures its chemicals from
to appropriate checks in
ISO accredited and reputable
a systematic manner and
suppliers. Stock levels are
that procedures must
monitored on a continuous
be in place to ensure
basis to ensure the availability
that data is protected
of chemicals at all times.
regarding the integrity
Methods are validated using
and confidentiality during
high-quality reagents to
data entry or collection,
reduce the uncertainty of
storage, transmission and
measurement, contributing to
data processing.
the accuracy of results.
36
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
PIPES, PUMPS AND VALVES
Dewatering flooded mine tunnels in South Africa
Powerful double-suction submersible motor pumps remove 1.5 million litres of water per day from disused mines in Johannesburg.
dewatering flooded mine tunnels. It is a problem in all disused mining
Central Basin site, Johannesburg
districts. Even in the Ruhr district, pumps run day and night to drain water from the tunnels. Since 2010, consulting engineering company
S
RWE has gradually replaced existing
OUTH AFRICA is currently dealing
acid
The execution of the project was
pump models with the highly effi-
mine
delayed by four years however,
because under-
and it was only in spring 2014 that
In the Ruhr, pure water is drained
neath the old gold mining
two powerful submersible motor
from the pits. In Johannesburg how-
city of Johannesburg is a lake that
pumps were installed in the middle
ever, acid mine water is an ongoing
contains heavily contaminated wa-
of Johannesburg city centre, in the
problem. Rainwater seeps into the
ter, which spreads horizontally and
Central Basin, with each pump capa-
tunnels and reacts chemically with
vertically into the abandoned pits of
ble of bringing 1 500 m3 (1.5 million
residual minerals like pyrite, produc-
the former gold mines.
litres) of water to the surface per
ing corrosive sulphuric acids. In the
Meanwhile, the water line has
hour. With 60 million litres of water
worst-case scenario, this can result
reached a critically high level, as de-
per day, it’s a never-ending task:
in a pH value of 2, which is enough
termined by the specialists from the
“The water never stops flowing,”
to cause lasting damage to humans
Schwäbisch Gmünd-based company
says engineer Dieter Schmitz. He
and the environment.
Andritz Ritz, which was given the first
heads the mining business develop-
Because of this corrosive acid, the
order to drain the mine water in 2010.
ment division and has experience in
Johannesburg pumps had to be
drainage
with
cient submersible motor pumps.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
37
FEATURE
PIPES, PUMPS AND VALVES
TOP Customer approval – Andritz Ritz test bed, Schwäbisch Gmünd ABOVE Cutaway view HDM – double-flow submersible pump completely redesigned. The design is based on proven heavy duty mining (HDM) technology, which uses the concept of a double-suction pump. The thrusts produced are offset by the counter-rotating arrangement of the impellers and the pumps run without axial thrust, giving a properly maintained pump a service life of 10 to 15 years. The pumps for Johannesburg are a tailor-made, customised design, built for this special individual application. It took one year from the placing of the order for this special construction to its arrival at the test bed for its first trial run. Part of the new system is an encapsulation of the submersible motors. This technology enables the creation of an internal pressure higher than the external pressure, preventing the intrusion of the corrosive water and the components inside the motor being attacked and possibly destroyed. At the same time, the water being drained is used to cool the motor by means of a heat exchanger. The engineers spent weeks developing the sophisticated technology needed to encapsulate the motor so it could withstand the higher internal pressure. “For us, this system
38
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
PIPES, PUMPS AND VALVES is an improvement on our tried and tested HDM technology, which now needs to prove itself,” says Schmitz. This technology also allows them to tap into new markets, because, according to Schmitz, acid water is a huge problem worldwide. The first two pumps have been running since 26 June 2014. These 21 tonne behemoths, each 15 m long with a 1 m diameter, were installed side by side in March, 5 m apart, but could only be started after completion of the water treatment plant. Freely suspended on 430 m long duplex steel pipes, they transport the acid mine water to the surface and onwards into an adjacent treatment plant. Here, through the addition of lime, the pH value
stations, which will each be devel-
force the water level in the flooded
is raised, the acid is neutralised and
oped at the mines’ disused extrac-
mines back from its current level of
the heavy metals dissolved in the
tion shafts. In addition to the Central
200 m to a depth of 1 000 m and
water are absorbed and precipitated
Basin in Johannesburg’s city centre,
keep it there, then being able to be-
as hydroxides.
invitations to tender for the Eastern
gin mining gold and gold ore in the
The South African authorities are
and Western Basins are currently in
drained upper layers of the mines
planning a total of three pumping
progress. The long-term goal is to
once again.
Installation of the pumps in Johannesburg, March 2014 Image directory ANDRITZ Ritz, ‘Acid Mine Drainage’ application
NE
W
E
BO
OK
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Case studies and thought leadership on new technologies, innovations and best practice in water management
WATER INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT Covering the major developments and application of water management in Southern Africa’s municipal sector and the mining industry. Technology in engineering and water metering Water in energy Water in mining Water in infrastructure Water treatment Major developments, application of water reuse and management in Southern Africa’s municipal sector and mining industry.
39
PIPES, PUMPS AND VALVES
Xonxa Dam pipeline contract on track Leading civil engineering and construction group Esor’s Pipelines Division is on schedule to complete the installation of a 22.3 km DN600 cement-mortar-lined steel water pipeline from the Xonxa Dam to Queenstown Water Treatment Works.
T
HIS
PROJECT,
awarded
in November 2012 by the Chris Hani District Council,
organisation on an important project like this.” Special
require-
ments on the project include demar-
Dam Transfer Scheme and Bulk
cating and ensuring the protection
Water Supply project initiated by the
of two very old trees and the pres-
FROM ABOVE Esor Pipelines is on schedule to complete the installation of a 22.3 km pipeline from the Xonxa Dam to Queenstown Water Treatment Works
Chris Hani District Municipality in the
ervation of a collection of Bushman
Eastern Cape. The project will address
paintings on the rock faces near the
The Xonxa pipeline project is part of the greater Xonxa Dam Transfer Scheme and Bulk Water Supply project initiated by the Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape
the current water supply shortfall
mountainous section, as well as an
within the municipality and open up
ancient Bushman stone tool factory
an urgently needed supply of bulk
at the summit. Stringent safety proce-
potable water to indigent areas in
dures have ensured that the project
and around Queenstown.
recorded more than 253 530 LTI-free
The 22.3 km Xonxa pipeline will run from Xonxa Dam to the Queenstown Water Treatment Works
Esor’s scope of work includes site
hours by mid-March.
clearance for the new pipeline, con-
Supplementing the Esor core pipe-
nections to the pump station delivery
line project team of 30 skilled person-
line intake and reservoir intake, as
nel, including operators, coded weld-
well
as
road
and
river crossings. The route for the pipeline includes two surface sections. One is a 900 m long concrete encased
section
traversing the base
The project will address the current water supply shortfall within the municipality
of the hill opposite
ers,
foremen
and
supervisors, are 165 local labourers that have been recruited and trained in various facets of pipeline construction. Esor
Pipelines
operates mainly in
the Xonxa Dam, with the other
the gas and petrochemical, water,
portion being only 100 m in length
stormwater and sewerage sectors.
but going over the mountainous rise.
With specialist expertise in laying and
This 100 m piece of the pipeline is to
welding steel pipelines as well as in
be supported on concrete plinths.
pipeline
The difference in elevation from the
mechanical, linings and coatings, the
pump station to the top of the moun-
division services both public and pri-
tain section is 400 m static.
vate sector clients. A fully equipped
refurbishment,
including
Ian Foord, Esor Pipelines’ site agent
workshop and yard to support fleet
says, “This is our first project for the
maintenance operates on-site at the
Chris Hani District Council and we’re
business unit’s head office.
delighted to be partnering with such a progressive and forward-thinking
40
environmental
is part of the greater Xonxa
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Currently Esor expects to conclude the project in September 2014.
PIPES, PUMPS AND VALVES
Industry experience underpins new player Although a relatively new company in the South African pump market, Corde Africa’s operations are underpinned by the more than three decades of industry experience its owners Errol Cornelius and Debby McLellan have invested in the business.
C
ORDE
AFRICA
was
than
adopting
a
one-size-fits-all
in
Italy,
that
launched with the core ob-
approach, our products have been
offer
jective of providing quality
hand-picked to suit local conditions.
performance and
products and services to
customers,”
says
Cornelius.
“Since we opened our doors in
excellent
real value for money.
“The
March 2013, our customer base
Corde Africa also supplies uPVC
South African pump market is well
has expanded rapidly and we’ve
borehole pipe columns which have
established and highly competitive,
recently appointed wholesalers in
a number of technical advantages
but we’re already differentiating
the Western and Eastern Cape and
over
ourselves through the quality of our
are in negotiations to set one up in
borehole piping, being lightweight,
products, the flexibility of our servic-
KwaZulu-Natal”
easy to transport and corrosion-re-
traditional
galvanised
iron
Corde Africa, recently introduced
sistant. The uPVC alternative has
“Corde Africa is not tied to any
two new product ranges to the
the highest specifications in the
particular brand of pump and this
local pump market. The first is an
industry. Its smooth walls ensure
allows us to source pumps across a
expanded range of Evak sewage
water flow at low friction losses,
wide variety of suppliers, which are
and drainage pumps. It has also in-
contributing to a high water-to-wire
appropriate to the skills levels of
troduced a range of Corde borehole
ratio and reduced energy costs, and
both installers and operators. Rather
motors, manufactured by
it is resistant to solids build up.
es and our quick reaction times.”
Sumoto
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
The smooth walls of uPVC borehole pipe columns ensure water flow at low friction losses, contributing to a high waterto-wire ratio and reduced energy costs
41
PIPES, PUMPS AND VALVES
Over four decades of exceptional quality products and service Hansen Industrial Transmissions South Africa (HIT-SA), an acknowledged and respected supplier of aerator and mixer drives to the local water treatment industry since 1969, continues to be a significant player in the industry. Now HIT-SA has announced the addition of new products to their portfolio.
A
S A RESULT of the acqui-
relationships through the delivery of
sition of Belgium-based
tailor-made solutions and services.
Hansen Industrial Trans-
“The water industry is no exception
missions, by Japan-based
and our long-term business relation-
Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Hansen
ship in the water treatment sector
Transmissions South Africa is able
has secured us an enviable reputa-
to offer industry a much broader in-
tion for supplying an exceptionally
dustrial gearbox product portfolio.
high-quality product range and im-
In addition to the Hansen P4 and I4
peccable service,” comments David.
product ranges, HIT-SA now offers
According
to
Hit-SA
MD
Fritz
the Paramax range of gearboxes to
Fourie, “We have set the standard
South African and African markets.
for performance in this highly de-
The Paramax range of products, as
manufactured
by
Sumitomo
Drive Technologies in Japan and
manding industry where industrial gearboxes are required to operate around the clock, free of failure.”
China, is no stranger to the South African market. “In keeping with a
New Sales, After Sales
transitional agreement, due to ex-
As part of an ongoing restructuring
In line with global
pire in early 2015, HIT-SA will focus
process designed to augment our
restructuring, HIT-SA
on new business opportunities in
levels
and
continues to stream-
the region, while a long-standing
business growth, HIT-SA has divided
line the organisation
distributor will continue to support
the organisation into two distinct
with
established
custom-
divisions, namely New Sales, re-
phasis on processes
ers,” says David Main, sales and
sponsible for all new business, and
pertaining to order,
marketing
After Sales, responsible for spares,
quality
repairs and field service. According
time management.
Paramax manager
of
Hansen
Transmissions SA.
to
of
customer
David,
“This
service
restructure
specific
and
em-
lead-
has
Water and sanitation
resulted in a user-friendly customer
Growth in footprint
In addition to the special design
interface allowing a quick response
“As part of the global business strat-
elements of the industrial gearbox-
on technical, sales, commercial and
egy, HIT-SA is looking outside South
es, the HIT-SA service ethic, which
other matters.”
African borders for opportunities
supports precision engineering and
to drive business growth. It is our
design to guarantee superior-quality
Global infrastructure
products, is well known and highly
Sumitomo
has
and further afield – Central, East
respected in the industry. As one of
restructured its global infrastructure
and West Africa,” says David. “This
South Africa’s foremost suppliers
dividing
Technologies
strategy may include regional part-
of drive solutions to industry, local
division into three global regions,
nerships or investment in branches
municipalities, mines and govern-
namely
Middle
and service centres.” Large projects
ment departments, HIT-SA prides
East and Africa), Asia, including
across the industry remain a ma-
itself on building long-term business
Australasia and the Americas.
jor focus.
Heavy
the EMEA
Drive
intention to service the SADC region
Industries
(Europe,
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
TOP A Hansen P4 water treatment installation ABOVE A Hansen P4 aerator drive hard at work BELOW David Main, sales marketing manager
43
PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURE Rui Caldeira
FIBERPIPE
W
Technical services manager
hat specialist technical services does your company deploy and how are they all coordinated?
successes. Were there any challenges, and how were they overcome? One of the
into the surround-
pipes do not corrode
ing water table
and have a very
advantages of using GRP pipes
joints. In a joint effort between
RC Our technical staff provide
is that you can easily combine
our Cape Town branch man-
engineers with design
materials and different joining
ager, Heinrich Mostert and the
information and best practice
methods. In a recent project,
consulting engineer, they de-
principles. Field staff train
we had to combat a river
signed an integrated pipe and
contractors at the start of
crossing and with the help of
manhole that connects to the
a project and oversee the
our field representative and the
sewerage pipe line using the
through the ring
installation of the pipes, offering advise where needed. This all contributes to a quality installation, which contributes to the life expectancy of the pipeline.
GRP pipes are maintenance-free and unless the pipes are damaged prior to installation, the pipeline will outlive the people installing them
smooth bore, which lends to this statement.
What challenging work environments have you encountered and how did you overcome them? Are there any innovative solutions that you would like to mention especially for rural African conditions? We have recently encountered a project that required a pipeline to be installed through a section of a game reserve, which means that very
Concerning research and development, what innovations do you bring to the water and wastewater industry?
contractor, we designed a stable
normal jointing method. In this
little to none of the flora could
crossing on the unstable bed of
case it was the Reka Coupling
be disturbed. This means that
the river using a combination of
used in the Flowtite pipe.
the trucks could not deliver the
Fiberpipe manufactures the
range of GRP pipes, using bends
Flowtite brand of GRP pipe
and butt welds to ensure a sta-
under licence from Flowtite
ble installation. Fortunately, the
Technologies. They have an
non-corrosive properties for GRP
R&D department in Norway that
pipes are an added advantage,
is constantly busy with new developments in the market.
the Flowtite and biaxial Vectus
pipes to the installation point and could not be transported
allowing a long lifespan of the
How will your company’s service and maintenance agreements benefit the proposed project, placing a special emphasis on the quality of the end result?
pipes under water.
Fortunately GRP pipes are
in turn, also created jobs for the
In another project, we had
maintenance-free and unless
local community.
the design of the pipe and im-
a client looking for a solution
the pipes are damaged prior
provements in the raw materials
to prevent long-term leak-
to installation, the pipeline will
have managed to increase the
ages in sewerage manholes.
outlive the people installing
design life cycle of Flowtite GRP
Historically, manholes are made
them. Installation is key in
pipes from 50 to 120 years.
with cement rings and, with the
this regard and, if the pipes
acidic tendencies of sewage,
are installed according to our
the concrete slowly breaks
installation guide, no main-
down and the sewage leaks
tenance will be required. GRP
Over the years, small changes in
Please tell us about some recent projects and
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
by heavy equipment. Due to the lightweight nature of GRP pipes, these could fortunately be carried by the local community to the installation point, which,
LEFT Flowtite and Vectus GRP pipes stored on site BELOW Customised manhole being transported on site. They are made to clients' specifications with Flowtite GRP pipes
45
PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURE Gerald Blackburn
GROUP FIVE PIPES
General manager, Group Five Pipes
What have been some of your most recent projects? • We have manufactured 8.6 km of 3.5 m diameter thin-walled pipe. Trapezoidal stiffeners hold the support pipes, negating soil pressures and stopping the pipe from buckling inwards if there is a vacuum within. The pipes were 19.2 m long, weighed
C
ould you give some background on the company GB In 1991, Group
16 tonnes each and were to make pipes up to 3.5 m
on thick walls, pipe stability can
polyurethane coated and lined.
in diameter.
be achieved by using a thinner
• We completed two jobs for the
wall thickness and ‘stiffening’
Department of Water Affairs
the pipes at regular intervals
in Limpopo, which required
built its first steel pipe factory.
What innovation does G5P bring to the industry?
along the pipeline.
50 km of 813 mm to 914 mm
The factory was built in seven
G5P's factories have a quality
G5P's design and research
months and set up to make
assurance programme and
covers not only pipe-making
36 km of 2.4 m and 1.6 m
a computerised pipe record
equipment, but other areas of
diameter pipes required by the
and control system, which
pipe manufacture such as the
Cape Town City Council. After
has enabled the factories to
coating and lining of pipes.
completing that contract and
be listed for quality control in
another small contract for 4 km
terms of ISO and API.
Five Pipes (G5P) designed and
of 950 mm diameter pipes, the
In addition to making pipes
diameter pipe. The pipes were polyurethane coated and epoxy lined. • G5P supplied 33 km of 850 mm to 1600 mm pipe to Umgeni Water’s Umshwathi
and building pipe factories, G5P
job where we also constructed
offers a service for the design of
and maintained three pipe
What are the challenges to the pipe industry at the moment? In addition
the pipes needed for a pipeline. the available steel grades, the
coated pipes to Rand Water’s
to designing, building and
cost of steel and the potential
O6 pipeline, which is a 18.4 km
What events have shaped where the company is today?
running pipe factories, G5P is
savings by using thin-walled
long, 2 132 mm diameter pipe
actively involved in research
pipes fitted with external
and to WBHO’s Mooi Mgeni
There have been numerous
into ways of reducing the cost
stiffening rings.
pipeline for TCTA, which
events and undertakings that
of pipelines. The biggest cost is
have moulded the company
that of steel.
factory was closed because no further pipes were required for the Cape Town area.
into what it is today:
The design takes into account
G5P's pipe design offers an economic solution to the
storage yards. • We fabricated Bituguard-
totals 23 km of pipe ranging from 660 mm to 1 820 mm
When designing pipes,
selection of pipes for a pipeline,
• In 1993, G5P was awarded a
the steel thickness has to
and the company has been able
contract to fabricate 35 km
be sufficient to withstand
to save considerable costs for
Pipelines, at Lower Thukela in
of 2.96 m diameter pipes for
the internal pressure from
clients who have previously had
KZN, with 30 km of 914 mm
Rand Water. G5P established a
the liquid or gas inside the
pipeline designs.
diameter pipe.
factory at Meyerton.
pipeline. Pipes also have to
• In 1994, G5P set up a second
in diameter. • We also provided Esor
be designed to carry ground
Johannesburg pipe-making
force and movement as well as
line to manufacture 2.16 m
buried pipeline; its design must
diameter pipes for the
consider the pipeline being
supply of pipes required by
empty and having a vacuum.
Rand Water. was reopened to make 20 km
How should you choose your pipe? The controlling factor
of 1.8 m diameter pipes.
when selecting wall thickness
• In 1995, the Cape Town plant
• G5P has been awarded some
for a large-diameter pipe is the
70 contracts to make steel
stability of the pipe walls from
pipes and has manufactured
a combination of ground forces
some 540 km of pipe using
and internal vacuum. This is
240 000 t of steel.
offset by making the walls very
• The Meyerton operation has recently been enlarged
thick, which will have an impact on the price. Rather than relying SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
47
HEAD OFFICE: 011 906 8000 DURBAN: 031 902 2440 RARE PLASTICS: 016 362 2868 ZAMBIA: 00260 973 417 496 info@rare.co.za I www.rare.co.za
TRUSTED PIPELINE PRODUCTS • • • • • •
Suppliers of carbon steel pipes, flanges and fittings Manufacturers of HDPE pipe. Sizes available from 110mm to 1000mm PVDF supply and installation Double containment HDPE piping Pipeline installations Cost effective water treatment solutions
PLASTIC LINING
•
Pipeline repair and rehabilitation
•
HDPE lining of new and existing steel pipelines
PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURE Wally van Coller
RARE GROUP
H
ow do your pipes, pumps and valves aid in the construction of water and wastewater reticulation?
CEO, Rare Group
is fast becoming a desired pre-
filtration processes
mining operations.
treatment option and, in specific
with lower
Via the relationship
cases, a final treatment solution.
osmotic pressures. A trial is currently
with our plastic lining services at many
implemented at a major coal
mines, water treatment
mine over a three-month period
opportunities are discovered.
and the expected success here
We are working with the
will provide mines an innovative
European Union to implement
joint. Rare Plastics manufactures
Concerning research and development, what innovations do you bring to the water and wastewater industry? Rare Water
pre-treatment or final treatment
solar-driven water treatment
flexible HDPE pipes that are
Treatment does not specialise in
solution for metal- and sulphate-
units along rivers to produce
ideal for dolomitic areas, as
basic research and development.
rich wastewater.
drinking water of acceptable
the flexibility of the pipe and
Each wastewater stream has its
the joint ensure no leaks occur
own specific challenges and that
when there is movement in the
is why we have a developmental
soil. This butt-welded jointed
approach to this industry.
method can be used across
The development is aimed to
our entire range of 110 mm to
provide our clients with a tailor-
1 000 mm pipes.
made solution.
WvC The preferred methods to join HDPE pipes are either electro-fusion or butt welding, as this ensures a permanent
international standards.
How will your company’s service and maintenance agreements benefit the proposed project placing a special emphasis on the quality of the end result?
In one innovative case, the sludge produced from a copperand cobalt-contaminated waste stream was sold, offsetting the capital and operational costs of our electro-coagulation solution.
Apart from efficient basic
Rare Water Treatment provides
What specialist technical services does your company deploy and how are they all coordinated? Rare Plastic
water disinfection units, Rare
a ‘build, operate and maintain’
Water Treatment provides
solution where the client enters
innovative solutions via
into a service agreement to
variations in electrochemical
pay for treated water and
What specialties does your company bring to operating efficiencies in the water sector? Electrochemical
Lining offers interference-fit
water treatment. These include:
the client can then focus on
water treatment has inherent
HDPE liners into existing
• electro-coagulation
the core competencies of its
efficiencies such as:
pipelines, thereby extending
• electro-reduction
main business.
•T he process is absolutely
the life expectancy of that
• electro-flocculation
line. Interference fit means the
• electro-aeration
transactions, we will provide a
outer diameter of the liner is
• electro-flotation.
full service on the technology
10% to15% greater than the
The most exciting recent
and electrode maintenance/
inner diameter of the host
developments have been
replacement if required.
• No undesired ‘spectator’
pipe. The host pipe material
the industrial applications of
can be steel, ductile iron, clay,
advance oxidation potential
• Fast and flexible
cement or fibre cement. The
with non-sacrificial mixed metal
lining can be installed in new
oxide electrodes.
What challenging work environments have you encountered and how have you overcome these? Rare Pipeline Services are also
• Solutions are remotely
On fully purchased
or used pipelines. Flanged
the Rare Plastic Lining process,
Please tell us about some recent projects and successes. Any challenges and how this was overcome?
resulting in pipelines with
Rare Water Treatment has
less joints and a much lower
made good progress with an
probability to develop leaks. The
electrochemical process that can
lining of pipelines can be done
remove metals from acid mine
in situ, which offers a significant
water while simultaneously
cost advantage.
reducing the sulphate content.
spools can be manufactured, but lengths of 500 m can also be continuously lined using
Additionally, Rare Water
The advantages are:
Treatment provides water
• low operating cost
cleaning technology quite new
• green technology with low
to the Southern African region. Electrochemical water treatment is a cost-effective, low-carbon-
scalable. No big, upfront investments in unused capacity. • Sustainable solutions since power requirements are low. chemicals. implementation with fast, redeployable solutions. • Easy operation.
involved in Ghana and Zambia.
monitored and operational
Metal contamination is a
intervention can take place.
problem along most rivers near RIGHT A containerised advance oxidation potential plant is prepared to be shipped to Africa BELOW This existing pipeline is being prepared to be lined in situ with HDPE liners, offering a significant cost advantage
power requirements • small footprint with minimal civil requirements
footprint process that requires
• fast implementation.
short implementation times
The clear fluid from this
with minimal civil preparation.
operation yields an ideal feed
Direct treatment of water with
for final adjustment or polishing
little to no adding of chemicals
via reverse osmosis and ultraSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
49
PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURE Servaas Le Roux
ROCLA
Civil engineer
Justin Kretzmar Sales engineer
How do your pipes aid in the construction of water and wastewater reticulation? SLR & JK Rocla’s
minimise on-site work and
wing-wall installation would
through design. This implies
innovations do you bring to the water and wastewater industry? Rocla has been in
main focus within the water
take anywhere from 15 to 60
that Rocla is able to take
the industry for 97 years and
and wastewater reticulation
minutes depending on the
design responsibility for large
the company has subsequently
sphere is on buried conduits
size and complexity of the
bespoke projects and thereby
been involved with many
and their various supporting
installation, with alternate
fast-track the design phase
innovations that are considered
components. While many
in-situ options taking anywhere
of projects.
to be the norm within the
of the products that Rocla
from one to three weeks,
manufactures are fairly
depending on the same factors.
overall construction costs. As an example, a typical
Such projects include mine
piping industry. These include
vehicle crossings, stockpile
CAC linings on spun pipes
tunnels and inverted culvert
and HDPE linings on vertically
channels for industrial sites.
cast pipes.
to the sale of products and
What specialist technical services does your company deploy and how are they all coordinated? Rocla prides
after-sales support.
itself on being able to not
three years, initiated a few
only accommodate requests
ranges of products that are
simplifying processes within
for bespoke products through
now marketed as part of the
the construction industry to
manufacturing, but also
standard range.
standard in the industry, Rocla strives towards giving excellent service in terms of technical advice in the run-up
Rocla also strives towards
In the same way that Rocla approaches bespoke projects, the company has, in the past
Some of these products are
How will your company’s service and maintenance agreements benefit the proposed project placing a special emphasis on the quality of the end result? As precast concrete product
rainwater harvesting tanks,
suppliers, Rocla does not have
an oil and petrochemical
specific service or maintenance
separator system, pipe and
agreements in place. We do,
culvert wing walls, Rebloc
however, pride ourselves in the
barriers and Alfabloc retaining
fact that we provide quality
wall blocks.
products and excellent service, and are known to stand by
Concerning research and development, what
our products should anything go wrong.
FAR LEFT Ecorain water harvesting tanks LEFT Culvert wing wall BELOW Pipes on site OPPOSITE Invert culvert channel
50
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURE
The model that has to be set up for such an installation is much more complex than for a typical installation What challenging work environments have you encountered and how have you overcome these? Over
A strong foundation for infrastructure success
Concrete Culverts
model that has to be set up for such an installation is much more complex than for a typical installation.
the past six months, Rocla has
An inverted culvert system
What specialties does you company bring to operating efficiencies in the water sector? Rocla products
presents the end user of the
can be used for fresh water
system with the opportunity
supply, wastewater disposal,
of cleaning it from the top and
jacking installation (in order
is, as such, an excellent way
not to disturb traffic flow) and
of dealing with stormwater in
many other precast concrete
industrial or rural areas. There
products that supplement
are, however, design issues
the afore-mentioned. A
to consider.
relatively new innovation is
been involved with the design and manufacture of various inverted culvert applications.
The vertical and horizontal
ROCLA is Southern Africa’s leading manufacturer of pre-cast concrete products for infrastructure, including pipes, culverts, manholes, roadside furniture, retaining walls, stock troughs, poles and other related products.
the use of precast concrete
vehicle loads of an inverted
elements to create rainwater
culvert installation are
attenuation and harvesting
not dampened through
systems. These systems are
fill material as is the case
being prescribed on new
with a typical installation.
housing developments and
The subsequent bending
seem certain to become a
moments and shear forces
standardised commodity
are thus much higher. The
in future.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Where time-critical installations of culvert crossings are required, then the ROCLA Precast Culvert Base Slab is an ideal solution. It is designed and manufactured to suit the ROCLA Precast Concrete Portal culverts and is profiled to suit these specific types of culvert which complete most projects.
Tel: 011 670 7600 | www.rocla.co.za
ISO 9001: 2008 certified SABS mark on applicable products
51
Rocla is a subsidiary of ISG, a leading supplier of innovative infrastructure products to the construction and mining markets in Southern Africa.
Portable Green Drop Monitoring Kit
Portable Blue Drop Monitoring Kit
A portable test kit comprising simpleto-use hand-held instrumentation, ideal for ensuring compliance in line with the Green Drop Certification program.
A Blue Drop test kit for SANS 0241 compliance testing anywhere from catchment to consumer.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS MULTIPARAMETER 7500 PHOTOMETER Parameters Measured Over 100 parameters and methods available User interface On-screen prompts available in English, French, Spanish, Italian and German Results Units g/l, mg/l, ppm, mmol/l, μmol/l Test Cuvettes Automatic centering for cylindrical cuvettes from 12 – 20mm OD
COMPACT CHLOROMETER Test Range 0-5 mg/l Accuracy ± 0.1 @1mg/l Wavelength 530nm
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PALINTEST 800 MULTIPARAMETER METER Test Range pH -2 to 16 Conductivity 0-199mS (Autoranging) TDS 0-199.9ppt (Autoranging) Temperature 0-100˚C Accuracy pH ± 0.01 Conductivity ± 1% (full scale) + 1 LSD TDS ± 1% (full scale) + 1 LSD Temperature ± 0.3˚C MICRO 600 DISSOLVED OXYGEN METER Test Range 0 – 19.99mg/l (0-100% saturation) Accuracy ± 1.5% (full scale) PTH 8100 Green Drop Kit Kit Contents Multiparameter Photometer Palintest 800 Multiparameter meter Micro 600 Dissolved Oxygen meter All the accessories required including USB lead, glass cuvettes, sample container, 10ml syringe, test tube brush and crush rods. Calibration solutions for pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen. All supplied in a hard case with reagents for 50 Nitrate, Nitrite, Phosphate and Ammonia tests and space for more.
PALINTEST 800 MULTIPARAMETER METER Test Range pH -2 to 16 Conductivity 0-199mS TDS 0-199.9ppt Temperature 0-100˚C Accuracy pH ± 0.01 Conductivity ±1% (full scale) + 1 LSD TDS ± 1% (full scale) + 1 LSD Temperature ± 0.3˚C COMPACT TURBIMETER Test Range 0 – 1050 NTU (or FAU) Accuracy 2% of reading Measuring System QuadoptiX™ measurement at 860nm (ISO 7027 compliant) PTH 8099 Blue Drop Kit Kit Contents Compact Chlorometer Photometer Palintest 800 Multiparameter meter Compact Turbimeter All the accessories required including 5 glass cuvettes, sample container , 10ml syringe, test tube brush , crush rods, instruction manual, a pack for creating de-ionised water, Silicone Oil and Chlorometer Check Standards. Calibration solutions for pH, conductivity and turbidity (SDVB) All supplied in a hard case with reagents for 100 Free and 100 Total Chlorine tests.
Potatech®+ Intermediate Portable Water Quality Laboratory The single incubator version of the Potalab® + advanced level test kit, the Potatech® + features a complete set of digital instruments but remains lightweight and extremely portable for rural and remote water monitoring. Wagtech Incubator with standard test protocols and audible prompts, petri dish racks, high performance Lead Acid battery with capacity for at least 5 cycles per charge, mains charger with international adaptors, vehicle socket battery power lead, crocodile clip power leads; Membrane Filtration assembly, bronze disc, pistol grip vacuum pump with no-kink silicone tubing, 5 Media Measuring Devices (MMDs), 38.1g Membrane Lauryl Sulphate Broth, 5 Pasteur pipettes, hand lens, forceps, 20 Aluminium re-usable petri dishes, 200 sterilised and sealed membrane filters, 200 absorbent pads, absorbent pad dispenser, steel sampling cup, sampling able Polypropylene 250ml beaker, quick start prompt cards, sterilisable integrated work surface Photometer 7100 and light cap, 6 photometer cuvettes, photometer reagents for 200 tests for Free and Total Chlorine, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate Compact Turbimeter, SD VB calibration standards, 4 Compact Turbimeter sample cuvettes, silicone oil, cleaning/oiling cloth Pocket pH Sensor and pH calibration buffers Pocket Conductivity Sensor with conductivity calibration standard Cuvette brush, 2 Dilution tubes, crush/stir rods, De-ion pack, instructions The Potatech® + is an ideal resource for the testing of water quality in rural communities and is supported by a full range of consumables and technical advice.
Tel: +27 11 971 0400 | Fax: +27 11 394 3436 | www.improchem.co.za Head Office 1 Pinelands Hill Business Park, Maxwell Drive, Founders Hill, Gauteng 1645
PROFILE
Growth through excellence Palintest, a leader in the manufacture of water testing instruments, kits and chemical reagents, is growing its presence across Africa in partnership with Improchem , part of the Speciality Chemicals Cluster of AECI. By Mark Titus
P
ART OF THE successful
• advanced turbidity/total suspend-
Halma PLC group since
ed solids turbidimeter, using the
1983, Palintest traces its
Palintest QuadoptiX measurement
roots back to the 1870s,
system for accurate and stable tur-
with the Wilkinson & Simpson manufacturing facility in Newcastle, UK.
bidity readings • reliable chlorine (free and total) measurement system using the in-
has launched unique sensor tech-
ternational standard method (DPD)
nology devices for monitoring dis-
developed by Dr Palin
sample preparation or the addition
•a variety of operating and reading modes, including total suspended solids • f ull data log including time, data, op-
Over the past five years, Palintest
infectants that remove the need for
•a complete kit that is highly portable
• rapid measurement for pH and conductivity with robust probes.
of reagents, and designed a new
erator ID, sample ID and calibration record for GLP compliance.
Wagtech potable water test kits In
2011,
Palintest
acquired
the
Wagtech brand of water test kits, which for over 20 years have been the
portable Turbidity and TSS meter that
Palintest Green Drop kit
preferred supplier to UN organisations
uses patented Palintest technology
A portable test kit comprising simple-
and NGOs operating in the WASH
to deliver unparalleled accuracy and
to-use handheld instrumentation, ide-
sector. Wagtech kits are designed spe-
reliability. The company has also ac-
al for ensuring compliance with the
cifically for potable water monitoring
quired Wagtech, supplying portable
Green Drop Certification Programme.
in remote locations where access to
drinking water safety test kits in wide-
Designed to aid operational moni-
spread use throughout the world; the
toring, the kit can also be customised
preferred choice of all leading UN
by selecting from 100 additional
combined
organisations in the WASH sector.
Palintest parameters for use with the
physico-chemical test kits designed
Photometer 7500.
to cover the complete range of tests
The next big move for Palintest is to increase its reach throughout Africa,
The key features include:
fixed-site laboratories is not available. The
Wagtech
brand
includes
microbiological
and
needed to determine the quality of
in partnership with Improchem, which
• Customisable photometer for in situ
already has companies throughout the
and rapid measurements of phos-
WHO guidelines.
continent and is capable of providing
phate, nitrate and ammonia, using
kits include:
Palintest test methods.
•P otalab – twin incubator, advanced
the best support possible for all water quality monitoring requirements.
• Waterproof and robust electrochem-
The Palintest product range com-
ical meters for measuring critical wa-
prises muti-parameter photometers,
ter quality parameters including pH,
chemical reagents, electrochemical
conductivity and dissolved oxygen.
meters, in addition to the following
drinking water sources according to Variations of the
microbiological and physic-chemical test kit •P otatech – single incubator, advanced kit in a compact design • Potatest – single incubator, emer-
Portable turbidity and TSS meter
gency response test kit.
The measurement of turbidity as-
With its impressive product range,
Palintest Blue Drop kit
sumes a pivotal role in a wide number
which has proved to be an invaluable
A Blue Drop test kit for SANS 0241
of applications and as a result it is
asset
compliance testing anywhere from
the most common measurement
monitoring across Africa, Palintest
catchment to consumer.
used in qualitative assessments of
is determined to expand its African
water suitability.
footprint even further in order to
product highlights:
This portable kit consists of simpleto-use
hand-held
Mark Titus, Regional Sales Manager, Palintest Products
to
potable
water
quality
instrumentation
The Palintest compact turbidity
make safe drinking water a reality for
ideal for routine drinking water mon-
meter utilises a unique and patented
as many people as possible. Palintest
itoring and compliance with the Blue
Quadoptix optical bench system to
and Improchem, as industry leaders,
Drop Certification Programme. This
generate unparalleled accuracy for
have a responsibility to assist in
kit has been well received within the
a hand-held device, and an intuitive
creating
market place and sales continue to
on-screen menu structure and simple
future
for
grow. Ease of use, reliability and tech-
test protocol combine to allow for
water
across
nical support from both Improchem
effortless and reliable turbidity read-
African continent.
and Palintest have been the reasons
ings, whatever the application. The
why customers are using these kits.
key benefits include:
The key features include:
• ISO 7027 certification
a
cleaner drinking the
www.palintest.com www.improchem.co.za
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
53
WATER INFRASTRUC TURE
Supply assured with Nooitgedacht Water Treatment Works six filters are operated on overload. The Water Master Plan 2006 (WMP), adopted by the NMBMM Mayoral Committee on 22 August 2007, took into account the findings and recommendations made by various previous DWAF studies. This WMP recommended that, to augment the future bulk water supply to the NMBMM, the water supply from the Orange River Supply Scheme (ORSS) shall be an increased by extending the present Sundays River Supply Scheme. Originally,
in
1990,
the
gravity
pipeline from Scheepersvlakte Dam was sized on an average daily transfer capacity of 280 Mℓ/day (based on the assumption that some 50% of the 568 Mℓ/day provided for Port Elizabeth, by the 1971 White Paper:
Additional supply sources are urgently required to meet the growing water demands of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM). Maryke Foulds looks at the background of this project, as well as some of its highlights and challenges.
Orange River Development Project, would in the long term still be allocated to the NMBMM). However this allocation was reduced in the latest DWAF and NMBMM study, which recommended that the NMBMM must apply for an amended water licence for abstraction of water from the ORSS, increasing its present registered water
ABOVE Lifting reservoir pre-cast roof beams BELOW Olifantskop reservoir wall second lift
S
use of 17.0 million m3/a (46.6 Mℓ/day)
INCE
2008,
metro
Background
to 58.3 million m3/a – which equates
num-
The Nooitgedagt WTW is sited on
to an average of 160 Mℓ/day. This is
severe
the right bank of the Sundays River
the capacity on which the design
and is supplied with raw water from
of the proposed Nooitgedagt WTW
The Nooitgedagt Water Treatment
the Scheepersvlakte Balancing Dam
upgrade and the Low Level Scheme
Works (WTW) receives its raw water
on the left bank, via some 9.1 km of
are based.
from the Gariep Dam, which is situ-
1 470 mm diameter gravity pipeline.
the
has
experienced
ber
of
years
a of
drought conditions.
The WTW was originally planned to
of the Nooitgedagt/Coega Low Level
border and therefore not affected by
have four phases, each with a treat-
Scheme and consists of the following
local droughts.
ment capacity of 70 Mℓ per day, giving
main elements:
a total treatment capacity of 280 Mℓ
•e xtension of the Nooitgedagt WTW
per day. During 1993, the first phase (now
54
The proposed extension forms part
ated on the Free State-Eastern Cape
from present average capacity of 70 Mℓ/d (peak 91 Mℓ/d) to an average
known as the High Level Scheme) of
capacity of 160 Mℓ/d (peak 210 Mℓ/d).
the Nooitgedagt WTW was completed
•a low-lift pump station and rising
with a capacity of 70 Mℓ/day (with 20%
main (1.2 m diameter by 19.1 km)
hydraulic peak capacity, 84 Mℓ/day).
sized for a transfer capacity of
During 2008, two additional Pulsator
120 Mℓ/day at a pumping head of 122
clarifiers were built but only one was
m. The pipeline will follow the high-
equipped and made operational. This
lift pipeline route until some 3.6 km
increased the treatment capacity of
from Nooitgedagt and then turn east
the WTW to a peak of some 100 Mℓ/
on a new route to Olifantskop some
day. At this flow, however, the existing
15.5 km away
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
WATER INFRASTRUC TURE • balancing storage constructed on the farm Olifantskop
existing High-Level Scheme by an additional 90 Mℓ per day. The scope
• a 1.4 m diameter gravity pipeline
of the work includes civil, mechan-
to the Coega IDZ boundary for the
ical and electrical work for the new
future main off-take point into the
low-level pump station and to up-
IDZ. From here the pipeline, reduced
grade the capacity of the Nooitgedagt
to 1.2 m in diameter, will be routed
WTW by an additional 90 Mℓ per day. It
along existing farm boundaries and
also includes upgrading the electrical
road reserves until it meets the pres-
transformer and switchgear at the
ent 800 mm diameter pipeline off-
WTW, construction of bulk pumping
take from the Grassridge/Motherwell
and gravity water pipelines between
pipeline to Coega Kop reservoir. A
the WTW and Coega/Motherwell,
new off-take from this Olifantskop
construction of a 10 Mℓ and a 45 Mℓ
gravity pipeline will feed water into
reservoir
Finally,
drought relief funding of R1.6 billion
the existing 800 mm pipeline to
civil, electrical and mechanical works
applied for. To date, DWAF has
Coegakop reservoir. From this point,
for new booster pump stations at
committed to providing R450 million,
a 1 m diameter by 4.2 km long pipe-
Motherwell and Bloemendal, to allow
undertaking to provide an additional
line will follow the same route and
for transfer of water from Nooitgedagt
R123 million for the first phase. Talks
servitude as the present 1.1 m diame-
to the western parts of the metro, will
are currently being held between
ter by 18.7 km Grassridge pipeline to
also be included.
DWAF and NMBMM regarding the
the Motherwell reservoir.
at
Olifantskop.
The estimated total project cost of
balance of funding needed.
The Low-Level Scheme is so termed
the Low-Level Scheme is estimated
because the water will be pumped
to be in the region of R747 million.
Fitting into the existing facility
to the Olifantskop reservoir, which
NMBMM does not have the fund-
The original treatment process com-
is at an elevation 90 m below that of
ing for the project and therefore
prises the following:
the existing Grassridge reservoir. The
approached
Low-Level Scheme will augment the
fund it as part of the emergency
National
Treasury
to
Sludge pipelines
The raw water supply from the Scheepersvlakte
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Balancing
Dam
55
WATER INFRASTRUC TURE into the rising main to the Grassridge
•u pgrading of the chlorine-dosing
reservoir. Three high-lift double-stage
system including new lifting equip-
900 kW centrifugal pumps have been
ment, chlorine drum stands, dosing
installed in the building with a fourth
equipment and associated pipework,
plinth for future installation.
leak detection and isolation system
Originally the extension to the WTW
•u pgrading of instrumentation for
was to be implemented under one
better plant monitoring and control
phase. Tenders were called for during
•u pgrading of the SCADA system by
May and June 2010 but could not be
specialised nominated subcontractor.
awarded at the time due to lack of
Third phase (future)
sufficient funding.
This final phase should increase capac-
Sludge pump station
First phase (2011)
ity from 130 Mℓ/day to 160 Mℓ/day in
The project is now being implement-
24 months.
ed in phases. The first phase, which
Construction activities:
passes through a strainer and then
commenced in 2011, saw the upgrad-
• c onstruction of one additional
to the flash mixer structure. The
ing of the sludge-handling system,
flow rate is controlled at the entry to
construction of additional sludge
the flash mixer and the flow is then
lagoons, construction of a return-flow
split into four separate streams. The
pump station, refurbishment of the
primary coagulant for the removal
mechanical and electrical compo-
of suspended solids is added to the
nents of the backwash balancing tank
turbulent mixing chamber. Provision
and one Pulsator-type clarifier was
for polyelectrolyte dosing has been
equipped and made operational.
made, should it become necessary.
A cross-connection between the ex-
on the eastern side, which includes a clear well • c onstruction of one additional backwash balancing tank • i nterlinking pipework.
Clarification takes place in four
isting and new rising main at the ex-
As for the Olifantskop reservoirs, the
isting high-level pump station at the
first 10 Mℓ reservoir is under construc-
type clarifiers. The clarifiers are fitted
Nooitgedagt WTW was constructed
tion, with completion expected by
with inclined plate settlers near the
to allow two pumps to deliver water
October 2014, and a 45 Mℓ reservoir
surface to improve their settling effi-
through the High-Level Scheme and
is to be tendered before the end of
ciency. The sludge produced by the
two pumps to deliver water via the
the year.
solids separation process is conveyed
Low-Level Scheme.
Finally, with regards to the low-level pipelines,
the
rising
main
from
Nooitgedacht WTW to Olifantskop
where it is transferred to a 3 Mℓ clear
Second phase (current/tendering) This phase is intended to increase capacity from 84 Mℓ/day to 130 Mℓ/day in 18 months.
well, constructed underground below
Construction activities:
Motherwell reservoir and Coega IDZ is
the filter block. Backwashing of the
• c onstruction and commissioning of
being commissioned.
filters is performed by pumped water
six additional filters on the western
from the clear well in combination
side (no clear well required). The
New equipment utilised
with pressurised air scouring. The
additional
Afri-Coast
backwash wastewater is conveyed
the existing ones from operating at
unique, automated self-cleaning raw
under
overload. The new filters will be con-
water strainer for the Nooitgedagt
structed adjacent the existing ones
WTW that replaced the original strain-
• c onstruction of the low-level pump
er. The strainer removes large solids,
station. A cross-connection from
fish and weeds that may be present
in
the High-Level Scheme feeds water
in the water. The old strainer required
the clear well. Pre-
into the Low-Level Scheme rising
the WTW to be shut down for a day
chlorination in the
main. This is an interim measure
every three months or so to allow for
clarifiers, and before
until the low-level pump station has
manual cleaning. The new strainer
filtration, is carried
been constructed
is self-cleaning, a process that takes
ter is filtered through six 70 m2 rapid gravity sand Filters. The filtered water is collected in the lower filter gallery,
gravity
to
the
backwash
balancing tank. Chlorine-dosing disinfection facilities
are
after
out
provided
filtration
to
algae
discourage growth
in
the process. The sludge from dled in 23 sludge ponds.
Water
filters
would
prevent
• r efurbishment of the existing administration building • r efurbishment and replacing of me-
the clarifiers is han-
56
additional clarifiers • c onstruction of six additional filters
320 m2 vertical upward-flow Pulsator-
to the sludge ponds. The clarified wa-
Raw water strainer
flash mixer • c onstruction of two
chanical and electrical components
reservoir and
has
been
commissioned,
completed while
the
gravity main from Olifantskop to
Engineers
designed
a
approximately 15 minutes. Manual cleaning
and
inspection
is
now
limited to approximately once every 12 months.
of the existing six filters •u pgrading of the ferric chloride
Project challenges
is
dosing system, including new dosing
As with any civil project of this
distributed by the
pumps, pipework, valves, instrumen-
magnitude, there are many chal-
final pump station
tation and dilution weirs.
lenges that present themselves. The
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
WATER INFRASTRUC TURE Nooidgedacht WTW has already faced
• Roof
sheets
removed
must
be
a number of challenges with many
replaced with new steel sheeting
more lying in wait. Some of the more
before end of day. Roofs may not be
significant challenges facing the civil
left open overnight or on non-work-
contractor include:
ing days. The roof to the existing
• The existing treatment works is a
transformer building is a priority and
critical component of the bulk water
must be replaced as early as possible.
supply to the metro and must be
• Work to replace roofs may not be
kept operational at all times. Window
done during times of inclement
periods for planned shutdowns will
weather and high winds.
be agreed with the NMBMM and may
• Access to the treatment works must
actually have to be aborted or post-
be maintained at all times. Chemicals
treatment capacity to 160 Mℓ/day.
poned at short notice depending on
are delivered in tankers on a regular
Water supplied from Nooitgedagt
the operation of the entire bulk water
basis and these cannot be impeded.
WTW will be available to the whole
supply system to the metro pre-
• A separate contract for the supply
of Port Elizabeth via the Motherwell
vailing at the time. Shutdowns may
and installation of pumping and
reservoir, and the Motherwell and
have to take place outside of normal
electrical equipment for the low-lift
Bloemendal booster pump stations
working hours.
pump station will be let. The civil con-
• The civil and mechanical contractors
tractor will be required to complete
Treatment capacity of the works?
will be required to work in close
the pump station building, including
The recommendation was made to in-
liaison with each other, especially
the installation of the gantry crane,
crease the capacity of the Nooitgedagt
for the construction of the filters.
before installation of the pumps
WTW from 90 Mℓ/day to 160 Mℓ/day.
The civil contractor will be required
and equipment can commence. Any
Capacity of existing infrastructure:
to receive, from the mechanical con-
costs associated with delays caused
• Pulsators = 105 Mℓ/day
tractor, certain items to be cast into
by the civil contractor will be for the
• Filters = 84 Mℓ/d
concrete walls and floors.
civil contractor’s account.
•F errifloc storage and dosing =
• The filter floors will be constructed by
Sludge ponds construction
140 Mℓ/d
the civil contractor under the direct
Treatment and service area
supervision of the mechanical con-
The Nooitgedagt WTW receives raw
tractor. This is a critical component
water from the Orange River, through
•B ackwash facilities = 140 Mℓ/d
of the work with fine tolerances and
400 km of canals and tunnels that
•S ludge drying ponds = 70 Mℓ/d
must be done correctly.
supply
• Power supply = 500 KVA
Scheepersvlakte
Balancing
•C hlorine storage and dosing = 140 Mℓ/d
• Special care must be taken to prevent
Dam, located adjacent to the Sundays
pollution or fouling of the existing
River. A 1 400 mm diameter gravity
filters during construction.
pipeline supplies raw water from
Technology suppliers and products
• The existing roof sheets contain
Scheepersvlakte Dam to the WTW. The
Investigations into the use of ultra-
asbestos. All legal requirements and
pipeline is sized for a daily capacity of
sonic equipment in the pulsators
health and safety precautions must
280 Mℓ/day. The Nooitgedagt WTW
to control algal growth are being
be strictly adhered to. Material con-
is intended to have an ultimate ca-
undertaken. The use of UV for bacteria
taining asbestos must be disposed
pacity to treat daily average water of
control between the pulsators and
of at the EnviroServ hazardous waste
approximately 200 Mℓ/day. However,
filters is also under investigation. Pilot
disposal site. Cost of disposal is to be
the existing second phase and future
installations for both these technol-
included in the rates. Proof of dispos-
third phase extensions are intended
ogies will be included in the second
al will be required.
to increase the current 84 Mℓ/day
phase of the upgrade.
57
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
5354
Tanks
TM
A premium product made by SBS Water Systems (Pty) Ltd TM
Industry Leaders in Water Storage Solu�ons Contact us today for professional service:
+27(0)860 482 657 info@sbstanks.co.za
www.sbstanks.co.za
WATER INFRASTRUC TURE
Meaningful infrastructure The Drakenstein Local Municipality opened the new Pentz Street sewerage pump station in Wellington, with a capital investment of R63 million.
agriculture sector relying on Berg River water. The Drakenstein Local Municipality appointed Neil Lyners & Associates to investigate the problem and make recommendations to address it. The new pumping station is designed to last 50 years and handle an eventual effluent inflow of 1 150Â mÂł/s. Two pumps are currently installed, though four will be required to cope with the eventual inflow. The two current pumps are sufficient at present and, as they can handle the inflow for the foreseeable future, save costs. The pumps will pump the effluent from the pumping station to the Wellington wastewater treatment works (WWTW) via two 600 mm diameter rising mains.
T
The Pentz Street pumping station
HIS IS A proud accomplish-
many years. It was identified that the
forms part of a greater integrated
ment for the municipality
ingress of stormwater and rainfall
wastewater treatment system in
as it will increase its service
into the sewer system was the main
Paarl and Wellington. Flow from the
delivery to the town of
contributor to the high peak flows
Wellington WWTW can be diverted
Wellington and it creates the capac-
experienced
high-rainfall
to the Paarl WWTW and vice versa,
ity for the town to expand and de-
events. Various studies were un-
should flows to either works increase
velop. Mayor Gesie van Deventer of
dertaken to implement mitigation
or if flow to one of the works must
Wellington pointed out that water
measures, but unfortunately imple-
be reduced for maintenance pur-
is essential to life and clean water
mentation was unsuccessful and the
poses. A future WWTW is planned
provides for a healthy environment.
high ingress of water and peak flows
for Paarl South and, similarly, flows
The new sewerage pump station
continued. This resulted in sewage
to this new works could be diverted
will significantly improve the health
overflowing into the lower-lying
in future to the Paarl WWTW or effec-
of the environment and community
homes a number of times per year.
tively also to the Wellington WWTW.
of Wellington, putting an end to
Sewage eventually found its way
This redundancy is required to re-
past problems.
into the Berg River, which caused
duce the risk of sewage overflowing
The overflow of sewage at the old
high levels of pollution and created
into the Berg River.
Pentz Street pumping station creat-
a health hazard that threatened the
The civil and structural contract
ed problems for the municipality for
export fruit market and the entire
commenced on 27 November 2011
during
58
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
58
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
investment and was done in two phases. Phase 1 took nine months and Phase 2, one month. The mechanical and electrical contract was done between the two phases. Phase 2 consisted of the site works
Whatever you need, Rescue Rod has quality equipment backed up by fast, efficient, productive service!
around the building (completion of the dams, paving, access roads and fencing). The surrounding community has been kept up to date with the project and the impact of the construction since the inception of the project, via the councillor, public meetings and letters to the residents. The agricultural sector, through the irrigation board, which previously raised many concerns relating to the performance of the pumping station, was informed of the extent of the project and its progress. This tremendously improved the relationship between the Drakenstein Local Municipality, the agricultural sector and other role players concerned with water quality of the Berg River, and fostered a spirit of cooperation. During the construction period, the number of job opportunities created for the broader local community ranged from 23 to 42. The jobs ranged from general workers, semi-skilled workers, artisans and operators. Infrastructure upgrading and development is key in the development and growth of every municipality. The Drakenstein Local Municipality continues to invest in the development of its towns to create the best opportunities and excellent services for its residents. The completion of this pump station is just one example of our commitment to service delivery and striving towards a place of excellence. It brings the municipality one step closer to achieving Green Drop status.
BELOW From left to right – Deon Louw, Drakenstein executive manager for infrastructure services; Johann Mettler, Drakenstein municipal manager; Gesie van Deventer, executive mayor; Councillor Albertus Buckle; Johan Rademeyer, MAYCO member and Ronald Brown, senior engineer: waste services
Landscaping and beautification will be done soon in consultation with the Wellington Beautification Committee. Van
Deventer
explained
that
Wellington is an important component of the Drakenstein economy and when the present upgrading of the adjacent Stokeryweg, with an investment of R32 million is completed, the surrounding area should see much more economic activity. She thanked the residents in the surrounding areas for their patience and cooperation during this process.
Drain Cleaning Services Septic Tank Services Directional Drilling Wet & Dry Vacuuming Water Tankers Waste Management Services CCTV Inspections
Contact us now on 010 040 3219 for more information or for a FREE SITE INSPECTION SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
59
www.rescuerod.co.za • info@rescuerod.co.za
RR008G
WATER INFRASTRUC TURE
Sensitive but strong
PRODUC T NEWS
OPTISYS SLM 2100
Pinning down the sedimentation process A new optical measuring system for sedimentation profile measurement and continuous tracking of sludge blanket has made its way onto the South African market.
Accurate flow measurement for partially filled pipes? The TIDALFLUX 2300 F from KROHNE has got you covered. Backed by over 90 years of expertise in flow measurement, there’s a KROHNE meter for every job. The TIDALFLUX 2300 F reliably measures flows in pipes filled to between 10 % and 100 % of their inner diameter. Even fat and oil floating on the surface are not a problem for the TIDALFLUX 2300 F – its capacitive sensors are integrated into the liner and are never in direct contact with the liquid. Featuring a sturdy polyurethane lining, the TIDALFLUX 2300 F is also perfect for demanding wastewater environments. Ex approvals to ATEX and IECex Zone 1 are available as an option. When a rugged job demands a high degree of precision, the TIDALFLUX 2300 F performs and never quits. KROHNE – Water is our world. KROHNE South Africa 8 Bushbuck Close Corporate Park South Randtjiespark, Midrand Tel.: +27 113141391 Fax: +27 113141681 Cell: +27 825563934 John Alexander j.alexander@krohne.com www.za.krohne.com
B
RINGING THE NEXT level of technology to the local market, Krohne introduces the OPTISYS SLM 2100 optical measuring system. It allows for reliable tracking of sedimentation layers in indus-
trial and municipal applications, as well as sludge blanket measurement in clarifiers and sludge thickeners in sewage treatment plants. OPTISYS SLM 2100 is the successor of the OPTISENS OAM 2080 sludge blanket measuring system, but has been completely re-engineered to extend its area of application to sedimentation processes. It uses an optical suspended solids sensor, which is submerged into the basin. Unlike ultrason-
OPTISYS SLM 2100 is the successor of the OPTISENS OAM 2080 sludge blanket measuring system, but has been completely re-engineered ic-based sludge level meters, the optical measuring principle is not subject to echo returns from walls or separating zones, as well as signal damping by fluff or floating sludge. The OPTISYS SLM 2100 is the first sedimentation measuring system to offer three measuring modes: measurement of sedimentation profile, two-zone monitoring and zone-tracking. For sedimentation profile measurement, the system directly measures the suspended solids concentration at all heights as the sensor travels through all layers of the medium. The twozone monitoring feature enables it to monitor the heights of two predefined concentrations, e.g. fluff and sludge. It can be used to prevent sludge washout into the next stage.
60
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
PRODUC T NEWS
OPTISYS SLM 2100
C
M
Y
For continuous level measurement of a predefined concen- CM
tration, also known as zone-tracking, the optical sensor moves
within the medium until it detects the concentration and
MY
follows or tracks this zone continuously. This can be used, for CY example, to monitor the change of the sludge blanket level CMY when depumping the sludge. Here, OPTISYS SLM 2100 can replace two measurements commonly used in this application:
K
with an ultrasonic level meter, disturbances of sludge blanket can lead to false measurements or even loss of signal for the ultrasonic device. To compensate for this, an additional turbidity measurement is installed in the depumping line. Both can be replaced by the new OPTISYS SLM 2100. The integrated signal converter of the OPTISYS SLM 2100 is the well-known MAC 100 multiparameter converter for analytical measuring devices. It shares the same operating concept as Krohne’s flow and level signal converters and thus supports quick familiarisation. Krohne is the only measuring-instruments manufacturer to offer a common operating concept for both physical and analytical parameters. OPTISYS SLM 2100 has two 4 mA to 20 mA outputs that communicate height and concentration according to the selected measuring mode. Inputs include a rake-guard switch that protects the sensor from being caught by the rake. Maintenance mode and interim measurements can be started remotely via digital inputs. Both sensor and housing are made of stainless steel. The protection rating IP54 housing has a built-in fan to cool down electronics in hot environments. It also houses a heater for cold conditions to prevent the cable and mechanics from freezing. There is also an optional integrated spray-cleaning system that cleans both the sensor and the transport cable following each measuring cycle, keeping maintenance costs to a minimum. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
61
PRODUC T NEWS
Rapid results with new TVS pumps With a lead time of only two weeks, the new TVS pumps will provide customers with faster solutions, resulting in allround greater customer value.
T
HE NEW TVS range from Xylem Water Solutions South Africa is the perfect solution for urgent applications that need immediate attention, with a turnaround time of only two weeks – from order to delivery – the
TVS range promises a quick solution and customer satisfaction. The TVS range can be installed both vertically and horizontally and has been designed for use in the mining, municipal and agricultural sectors. The TVS series of stainless steel submersible pumps provides the customer with reduced life cycle costs, increased energy savings and higher customer value. Life cycle costs, which are mainly influenced by energy consumption, have been reduced by Xylem’s new optimised hydraulics (a dynamic wear ring design), as well as incorporating investment castings with higher-quality surface finishes. Other factors that influence a pump’s life cycle cost are maintenance and installation, as well as corrosion and wear due to abrasive particles in the water. The stainless-steel-casted components of the TVS pumps provide high corrosion and wear resistance. The pump component geometry designed by finite element analysis, combined with extensive testing, led to an efficient design concept with minimised weight and machining, and ultimately an improved price-performance ratio. As a result, the cost of this stainless steel pump compares favourably with the price of a conventional cast iron pump. The dynamic wear ring design, which reduces internal losses and avoids corrosion and blockage during standby, is another quality feature. The shaft’s conical locking sleeves and pump coupling in duplex steel also attribute to the pumps’ quality as they reduce corrosion, improve reliability and simplify maintenance. Other higher-reliability design features include slide bearings in each stage, which guarantees improved smooth operation and lubrication grooves. The TVS pumps can be fitted with an optional Hydrovar unit, which optimises performance and protects against unwanted operation conditions, extending the lifespan of the unit. The TVS pumps also have an integrated non-return valve that reduces installation costs, while the Hydrovar option eliminates expensive bypass lines or control valves. The powerful TVS series manages pump flows of up to 520 m3/h. It is available in two material versions: the standard AISI 304, usable in all water
62
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
EVENT
A game changer The finals of Aqualibrium, the exciting SAICE-Rand Water Schools Water Competition 2014, was held at the SciBono Discovery Centre in Newtown, Johannesburg on 25 July 2014.
I
T NEVER FAILS to excite the
Seokedzi Mothoka, Masuila Phihlela
teams, spectators and every-
and Alvin Seakamela of Dendron
body involved. This competition
Secondary School. The three winning
strengthens
teams and their educators shared the
initiatives
to
encourage learners to take mathe-
prize money of just over R17 000.
matics and science to enable them to choose one of the top-priority scarce
Firsts
skills on the government’s list, i.e. civil
This year the winners of the regional
and other engineering disciplines, as
competitions came to Johannesburg
well as water-related careers.
from as far as Bloemfontein, Cape
The new streamlined equipment
Town, Buffalo City (East London),
was developed by Professor Kobus
Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth),
van Zyl of the University of Cape Town
Kimberley and Dendron, Limpopo,
and creator of the water distribution
to battle the local winners for top
network concept for the competition.
honours. Many of the teams were
The competition illustrates to partic-
flown to Johannesburg and provided
ipants the realities many municipali-
with accommodation at a quality ho-
ties face in curbing water losses.
tel – an experience these learners and
The 2014 champions are Brackenfell
educators will never forget! For many,
this event would not have been
High Scool from Cape Town, with
this was their first experience of flying
be possible.
team members Angelique le Roux,
and visiting a big city.
As a direct result of this competition,
Aldo Siegling and Bennie van Eeden.
Without the major sponsorship of
there are presently three students
Second place went to the Winnie
Rand Water, the naming-rights spon-
studying civil engineering. These
Mandela Secondary School tean from
sor, the Water Research Commission
young people from disadvantaged
Tembisa, consisting of Gugulethu
(WRC), Marley Pipe Systems, SMEC,
backgrounds are determined to make
Mokhwebane, Lerato Dhlamini and
the Water Institute of Southern Africa,
a difference in their communities. We
Collen Rapelego. In third spot were
DPI Plastics and Bosch Stemele,
just have to continue with these kinds
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Watching in anticipation – the team from Tswelopele Secondary School in Tembisa. The grid, with the bucket representing a township, suburb or village
63
EVENT judged on how well they execute the task – working on a penalty points system. They have a period of about an hour in which to design, construct and operate their network.” This competition exposes learners to the practical application of processes that influence their daily lives,
ABOVE The winning team from Brackenfell High School from left to right: Angelique le Roux, Stanford Mkhacane (SAICE President 2014), Aldo Siegling, Lefadi Makibinyane (Rand Water board member and CESA CEO), Johan Nieuwoudt (educator) and Bennie van Eeden RIGHT In third place was Dendron Secondary School from Limpopo. The team members were Seokedzi Mothoka, Masuila Phihlela and Alvin Seakamela, with educator Vincent Mokobane, second from the right
ABOVE Winnie Mandela Secondary School came second, with team members Gugulethu Mokhwebane, Lerato Dhlamini and Collen Rapelego and educator Steven Ngwane at the back, second from the right, alongside representatives from Rand Water and SAICE
which is how water gets to their homes. They are made aware of the intricacies involved in the design of water distribution networks and the actual water delivery to households. The grid used for the water distribution network is on a background that depicts the entire water cycle.
Engineering (SAICE) team comprises
It intrigues learners, as well as ed-
Prof Kobus van Zyl from UCT and
ucators, who find it a very helpful
Marie Ashpole and Fridah Mahlangu
educational tool.
from SAICE National Office.
The competition creates awareness regarding the issues surrounding
of projects in order to make a differ-
Background
water in South Africa. It spreads the
ence to the scarce skills situation and
Both SAICE and Rand Water cele-
message that water is a precious
the lives of many people.
brated their centenaries in 2003 and
commodity, the use of which should
For a second successive year, the
as part of these celebrations they
be reduced, recycled, reused, re-
Aqualibrium initiative had the hon-
launched this joint competition for
spected and conserved. Through this
our of being chosen as one of four
high school learners. Since then the
competition, SAICE and the WRC,
finalists in the National Science and
competition has been streamlined
the current major sponsor, took the
Technology Forum (NSTF) and BHP
and has gained momentum in appli-
responsibility of spreading the news
Billiton Awards, the oldest and most
cation.Water distribution systems are
that water should be used wisely,
prestigious awards in South Africa,
important to supply safe and clean
infrastructure should be maintained
in the category where an individual
drinking water.
and that new infrastructure should be
or team is recognised for their out-
“The teams are tasked to design a
standing contribution to science, en-
model water distribution network to
created to provide potable water to
gineering, technology and innovation
distribute three litres of water equally
This initiative has to continue. Only
through science communication and
between three points on the grid
in this way can we assure that the
through creating science awareness.
using two different diameter pipes
quality of life of all South Africans will
The South African Institution of Civil
and connection pieces. They are then
improve in in future.
those without.
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Abeco Tanks Afri-Infra APE Pumps
58 8
Hansen Industrial Gearboxes
42
Rocla
51
I-Cat Environmental Solutions
23
Royal HaskoningDHV
24
ImproChem
52
Ingerop South Africa
16
SBS Water Systems
57
14
SEW-Eurodrive
22
The Rare Group
48
ThyssenKrupp
55
Umgeni Water
10
Aquaplan Water Treatment Engineering
61
Kaytech
Atlas Copco
18
Keller AG für Druckmesstechnik
Corde
41
Krohne South Africa
60
Mather & Platt
63
Degrémont
64
OFC
9
2
Endress & Hauser
20
NALCO
Fiberpipe
44
NewElec
62
Group Five Pipes
46
Quality Filtration Systems
38
WorleyParsons Water RSA
Rainbow Reservoirs
36
Water Purification Chemical &
Rescue Rod
59
Plant (WPCP)
Grundfos
IBC
Hach SA
32
IFC & 31
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Water & Sanitation Services
OBC 35
29
POWER PACKS WITH SMALL FOOTPRINTS THE NEW GRUNDFOS BMSX BOOSTER RANGE
More power – less energy Our BMSX system with isobaric pressure exchanger can lower the energy consumption of your water treatment system to as little as 2 kWh/m3. It is uniquely designed for seawater and brackish water desalination, and features components made of super stainless steel, polymer and ceramic, making it extremely resistant to its operating environment. The compact design makes it a perfect fit for any water treatment system, and it is super-efficient and highly dependable regardless of the application. Go to www.grundfos.com and find out how your water treatment system can save energy with the new BMSX system. Grundfos South Africa Tel: 010 248 6000 www.grundfos.co.za
Water and Sanitation Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd (WSSA) is a specialised provider of sustainable water services in Southern Africa