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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: David E. Schumacher, P.E.; Superintendent of Water Production
DATE: November 26, 2018
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Five Lime Slurry Dosing Pumps for the Water Production Division.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council authorization for the purchase of Calcium Hydroxide (lime slurry) dosing equipment from ProFlow Pumping Solutions (Blue Island, IL) to upgrade/replace the existing equipment.
BACKGROUND:
The Water Production Division (WPD) utilizes lime slurry in the treatment of the city's water supply. Lime slurry is a crucial treatment chemical used for softening and clarification of the raw source water prior to filtration. Lime slurry provides softening and clarification to the raw water through various chemical reactions. Consistent feed of this solution is critical to successful water treatment. The lime slurry pumps currently in operation are double-disc style pumps which have been used at the City of Aurora Water Treatment Plant since 1992 and are experiencing an increased frequency of mechanical failures. Lime slurry pumps operate continuously, 24/7 without interruption unless they experience a mechanical issue.
DISCUSSION:
Realizing that a need existed to upgrade/modernize the lime slurry pumps, the Water Production Division decided that a performance trial was needed to determine acceptable performance of new equipment before making such a change. New pump styles have been developed which offer advantages in dosing accuracy, predictable maintenance scheduling, ease of maintenance, and minimal maintenance downtime. As such, the peristaltic/hose style pump from Prominent was selected for the trial based upon its beneficial design features. A trial pump was supplied by ProFlow Pumping Solutions, installed by WPD staff, and placed in operation in November, 2017. The trial pump operated continuously and successfully through April, 2018 without interruption, at which time it was purchased. Replacement and lubrication of the hose is the only basic maintenance required. WPD maintenance staff are very satisfied with the user friendliness of the tested equipment and the WPD recommends moving forward with the complete equipment upgrade based upon the success of the operational trial.
The project is approved as a 2018 Decision Package and funds are available in Account No. 510-4058-511-65-01.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Continued use of much older style pumps requires more time consuming maintenance for WPD staff and greater risk to water treatment process control upsets.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the attached resolution be submitted to the City Council authorizing the purchase of lime slurry dosing pumps from ProFlow Pumping Solutions for $42,655.00. It is further recommended that this matter be submitted to the Building, Grounds, and Infrastructure Committee for review and recommendation.
cc: Building, Grounds, and Infrastructure Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Lime Slurry Dosing Pumps for the Water Production Division
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Water Production Division utilizes lime slurry in the treatment of the city's water supply and the lime slurry is delivered to the treatment process via lime slurry dosing pumps; and
WHEREAS, following a successful equipment trial, the Water Production Division seeks to upgrade its lime slurry pumps for improved dosing, maintenance, and reliability in the treatment of the city's water supply; and
WHEREAS, funds are available in the City Budget Account No. 510-4058-511-65-01;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Purchasing Director is hereby authorized to issue purchase orders for five lime slurry dosing pumps to ProFlow Pumping Solutions in a total amount of $42,655.00.