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The Properties of Storage Tank Sediment
Citation:
Lytle, D., S. Lippitt, K. Dawson, AND C. Muhlen. The Properties of Storage Tank Sediment. Small Systems Webinar Series: Tank Mgmt & Distr. Sys. Optimization, Cincinnati, OH, July 31, 2018.
Impact/Purpose:
The talk will be presented at EPA’s small systems webinar. The intent of the talk is to share with attendees, the properties of storage tank sediment collected from tanks across the United States. Specifically, density, porosity, particle size distribution, visual appearance and elemental composition were determined. Conditions in storage tanks (e.g., low flow, dead zones, water quality changes, etc.) can result in the deposition of sediment (all matter that has accumulated at the bottom of the tank). Solids entering from the DS such as corrosion by-products. Precipitation of minerals from water inside and outside of tank. Some sediment may have aesthetic and public health concerns if mobilized. Interest in modelling sediment transport. Trace contaminants can accumulate in sediment. Biological contaminants can accumulate and grow in “protective” sediment layers. There is a need to better understand the make-up (properties and composition) of storage tank sediment to improve our ability to predict sediment mobility and improve overall drinking water quality. Collect and characterize storage tank sediment from the US. Appearance (color, shape, etc.), Size distribution, Density and porosity, Elemental composition, Microbiology. Sediment samples were collected by tank cleaning crews or water utility staff. Collected in sterile bottles using sterile scoops. Bottles containing sediment were filled with tank water and shipped to EPA within 24 hours on ice. Solids were split for materials and microbiological analysis. Solids were air dry in a fume hood for 48 hours. Solids were characterized: visual and microscopic examination, color, density, porosity, size distribution, SEM, XRF.
Description:
Conditions in storage tanks (e.g., low flow, dead zones, water quality changes, etc.) can result in the deposition of sediment (all matter that has accumulated at the bottom of the tank). Solids entering from the DS such as corrosion by-products. Precipitation of minerals from water inside and outside of tank. Some sediment may have aesthetic and public health concerns if mobilized. Interest in modelling sediment transport. Trace contaminants can accumulate in sediment. Biological contaminants can accumulate and grow in “protective” sediment layers. There is a need to better understand the make-up (properties and composition) of storage tank sediment to improve our ability to predict sediment mobility and improve overall drinking water quality. Collect and characterize storage tank sediment from the US. Appearance (color, shape, etc.), Size distribution, Density and porosity, Elemental composition, Microbiology. Sediment samples were collected by tank cleaning crews or water utility staff. Collected in sterile bottles using sterile scoops. Bottles containing sediment were filled with tank water and shipped to EPA within 24 hours on ice. Solids were split for materials and microbiological analysis. Solids were air dry in a fume hood for 48 hours. Solids were characterized: visual and microscopic examination, color, density, porosity, size distribution, SEM, XRF.