Pump Systems Training for Water and Wastewater

Two leading Pump Associations, the Hydraulic Institute and SWPA, joined forces to present a pump Technical Training Seminar specifically designed for pump system end-users and operators in the water and wastewater sector. This is advantageous as water and wastewater utilities are often challenged by knowledge gaps on pumps.

Category: Blogs, Training, Pump System Training, Water/Wastewater June 27, 2022

HI and SWPA joined forces to hold a first-of-its-kind comprehensive training seminar for optimizing wastewater pump systems

By Matthew Derner, Manager, Business Development, Education and Training Resources for the Hydraulic Institute

Two leading Pump Associations, the Hydraulic Institute and SWPA, joined forces to present a pump Technical Training Seminar specifically designed for pump system end-users and operators in the water and wastewater sector. This is advantageous as water and wastewater utilities are often challenged by knowledge gaps on pumps. Many individuals in this sector are mechanically inclined but usually learn the nuances of pump systems on the job without formal preparation. Most of these utilities have been around for as long as a century and there is also no increase of knowledge beyond what predecessors pass along. Technical knowledge is passed without many opportunities to update legacy practices with new key considerations, assessments, and resources to right-size and optimize pump systems for energy and cost savings.

Importantly, the lack of proper training can result in lost energy savings opportunities. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, drinking water and wastewater plants are typically the largest energy consumers, often accounting for 30 to 40 percent of total energy consumed. Overall, drinking water and wastewater systems account for approximately 2 percent of energy use in the United States, adding over 45 million tons of greenhouse gases annually.[1] By incorporating energy efficiency practices into their water and wastewater plants, utilities can save 15 to 30 percent, which equates to thousands of dollars with payback periods of only a few months to a few years. Trainings like the one HI and SWPA are providing stand to play an important role in helping engineers and operators brush up on the fundamentals while also gaining the latest insights on how to enhance system performance and apply smart water solutions.

The two-day training event featured more than 10 instructors – each sharing product and application specific knowledge in 18 training sessions designed to increase understanding of pumps, specific applications, and system interactions. This training will share best practices regarding troubleshooting common issues in Water/Wastewater pumping applications in addition to the formal training, hands-on exposure that will be available on select equipment at table-top exhibits. Participants will leave this seminar with understanding of how pumps, motors, drives and controls interact, are tested and used in water and wastewater facilities, as well as how to improve operations, identify and address common performance issues.

Below is a list of additional key takeaways.

Understanding of Water Treatment Plant Pumps and their Applications
Knowledge on applying Pump Curves, System Curves and NPSH
Expertise on Pump Testing and Acceptance Grades
How to identify and troubleshoot common operating problems
Motor, Drive, Controls & VFD Fundamentals
Vibration, Water Hammer and System Performance Basics
The role for specific purpose pumps: pressure sewer, chopper and grinder pumps

This training opportunity took place June 23-24, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. You can explore more of HI’s Energy Efficiency resources, details on PSAP certification and other tools here.

[1] https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-water-infrastructure/energy-efficiency-water-utilities