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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. Re...
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