Challenge

Siemens Water Technologies worked with an east coast aerospace manufacturer to provide a solution to the perchlorate contamination affecting their facility's drinking water supply for on-site personnel.  In response to new drinking water standards being established by the EPA, the customer sought a system which would treat the contamination and bring the perchlorate levels below its detection limit of 4 ppb.

To assist in the customer's decision, Siemens used its proprietary ion exchange resin computer modeling program.  The program simulates the exchange capacity of the resins and provides operating cost estimates.

Solution

Siemens' solution was to provide a complete service contract which included installation and design of the treatment system.  The system includes four (4) 14" diameter service ion exchange vessels in a lead/lag configuration, periodic monitoring of the system's oepration, spent resin replacement and destruction through waste-to-energy disposal.  The resins are removed from the vessels by Siemens' OSHA-trained service technicians utlizing company-owned specialty sluicing equipment.

Results

From issuance of the purchase order, Siemens completed installation at the customer's site within two weeks.  Siemens acted on behalf of the customer in securing necessary operating permits, which were issued six weeks following site installation.

The installed system operates at 20 gpm, bringing influent perchlorate levels of 400 ppb down to less than 4 ppb.  Most often, the system produces results below 1 ppb.

Download the pdf of this case study