| Abstract |
Six water-soluble polymers were investigated to determine their effects upon aquatic flora and fauna, flow characteristics of watewater, and the operation of a wastewater treatment plant. It was found that the polymers and gels, in the magnitudes tested, were not toxic to bacteria, algae, or fish, and did not act as a nutrient for algae growth. Based upon calculations obtained from flow test data, a maximum flow increase of 2.4 times the flow prior to injection could be obtained is a constant head was maintained. Laboratory flow test data indicated that if flow rates were held almost constant prior to and during polymer injection, a reduction in the static head occurred as a result of friction reduction within the fluid. The most effective polymers in providing energy reduction were Polyox Coagulant-701, WSR-301, and AP-30; however, AP-30 required higher polymer concentrations to obtain equivalent flow characteristics. In field tests on a 24-inch diameter line, it was found that polymer concentrations of between 35 and 100 mg/l, decreased frictional flow resistance sufficiently to eliminate surcharges of more than six feet. Based upon an economic analysis, the average annual cost of new construction was approximately five times the cost of using polymers during peak storm-flow periods. (Author) |
