Issuu

Think water, think WISA! T

Water& Sanitation

The official magazine of the Water Institute of Southern Africa T

Complete water resource and wastewater management

Africa

Degrémont Committed together to water,

a source of life

TRENCHLESS NEWS & SASTT s Award of Excellence TECHNICAL PAPER Winner of the Foundation for Water Research Award (UK)

THE HOT SEAT

Dr Andre Maartens, sales manager for the Energy Division of Buckman Africa, speaks about its joint venture with QFS P12

July / August 2012 • ISSN 1990-8857 • Cover price R35.00 • Vol 7 No. 4

MEDIA

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CONTENTS Volume 7. No.4 Think water, think WISA! T

Water& Sanitation

The official magazine of the Water Institute of Southern Africa T

Complete water resource and wastewater management

Africa

Degrémont Committed together to water,

a source of life

TRENCHLESS NEWS & SASTT s Award of Excellence TECHNICAL PAPER Winner of the Foundation for Water Research Award (UK)

THE HOT SEAT

Dr Andre Maartens, sales manager for the Energy Division of Buckman Africa, speaks about its joint venture with QFS P12

MEDIA

July / August 2012 • ISSN 1990-8857 • Cover price R35.00 • Vol 7 No. 4

ABOVE Celebrating the provision of safe drinking water to a rural community on the Nkunzana River

eThekwini renovates its pipelines with compact pipe 43 Pipeline technology in Africa 45

TECHNOLOGY Leading the way in leak detection Intelligent pressure management

48 52

AWARDS Top professional training company recognised Nereda wastewater technology pioneer honoured

63 64

Groundwater resources are being investigated as a means of irrigation

Editor’s letter

COVER STORY Committed together to water, a source of life

WISA Outgoing presidential address Presidential speech

7 10

PUBLIC SECTOR Safe drinking water for Mbashe area Bringing safe drinking water to rural communities

20 23

PROJECT Boreholes for Western Cape school fields irrigation

TECHNICAL PAPER Influent characterisation of wastewater

The Accelerating Sustainable Water Services Delivery project

36 38 41 42

REGULARS News international News Africa Trends & products Level of dams Subscriptions

TRENCHLESS NEWS Umjindi Municipality’s water pipeline network gets a facelift SASTT Award of excellence Govan Mbeki sewer upgrade Pipe ramming and directional drilling at Mossel Bay

JULY/AUGUST 2012

20 14 16 56 59 61

Proven Bioremediation Technology SOUTH AFRICA

EDITOR'S LE T TER

Publisher Elizabeth Shorten Editor Debbie Besseling Head of design Frédérick Danton Senior designer Hayley Mendelow Senior sub-editor Claire Nozaic Sub-editor Patience Gumbo Contributors FT Mhlanga and CJ Brouckaert Marketing & online manager Martin Hiller Production manager Antois-Leigh Botma Production coordinator Jacqueline Modise Distribution manager Nomsa Masina Distribution coordinator Asha Pursotham Administration Tonya Hebenton Printers United Litho Johannesburg +27 (0)11 402 0571 Advertising sales Avé Delport Tel: +27 (0)11 467 6224 • Cell: +27 (0)83 302 1342 Fax: 086 502 1216 E-mail: avedel@lantic.net

The sector that makes it happen!

he Water Institute of Southern Africa s (WISA) 2012 conference was an outstanding success and on behalf of Water&Sanitation

Africa, we congratulate WISA and the conference s organising committee for this exceptional achievement.

Publisher

The event coincided with WISA celebrating its 75th anniversary. WISA s new president, Ronald Brown, was inaugurated at the con-

MEDIA Physical address: No 4, 5 th Avenue Rivonia 2056 Postal address: PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)11 233 2600 Fax: +27 (0)11 234 7274/5 E-mail: debbie@3smedia.co.za

ference, and his presidential address, which is published in this issue, focused on the challenges faced by the industry as well as highlighting the successes and failures. A number of community water supply

Debbie M Besseling

projects are highlighted in this issue. The Accelerating Sustainable Water Services

Delivery project was recently launched in the Eastern Cape. This particular project

All articles in Water&Sanitation Africa are copyright protected and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the publishers. The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Water Institute of Southern Africa or the publishers.

provides reliable, safe drinking water though

of Water&Sanitation Africa, the magazine

the application of science and technology

that is so dear to my heart. I raise a toast to

to unserviced communities living in remote

the most wonderful people that I have had

rural areas.

the privilege of working with over the past

The second project is the fulﬁlment of

six years since the magazine s inception.

a promise to King Goodwill Zwelithini

Firstly I thank WISA for the privilege of be-

to provide safe drinking water to a rural

ing the editor of their oﬃcial magazine for

WISA CONTACTS:

community

the past six years. I am proud to have been

HEAD OFFICE Tel: +27 (0)11 805 3537 Fax: +27 (0)11 315 1258 Physical address: 1st Floor, Building 5, Constantia Park, 546 16th Road, Randjiespark Ext 7, Midrand

northern KwaZulu-Natal. Both are ﬁne

associated with this leading Institute and

examples of projects that contribute to

your members. I thank the team that I have

community upliftment.

worked with, including Ave Delport ‒ the

A number of awards are covered in this

most remarkable lady who has such tre-

BRANCHES

issue that recognise our young water

mendous expertise with more than 40 years

professionals. There is the winner of the

in the sector. The team at 3S Media that are

Foundation for Water Research Award

involved in putting together each issue of

(UK) that was presented to the best

this magniﬁcent publication ‒ I thank you for

technical paper at WISA 2012 by a young

your high standards and dedication.

Eastern Cape Chairman: Hennie Greeﬀ Tel: +27(0)41 453 3102 Secretary/Treasurer: Chris Dickson Tel: +27(0)41 507 8200

www.ewisa.co.za

the

Nkuzana

River

Free State Chairperson: D.R. Tlhomelang Tel: +27(0)51 403 0800 Secretary/ Treasurer: Riana Wessels Tel: +27(0)56-515-0375

Southern Africa. The Southern African YWP

To our advertisers, contributors and read-

Professional Development Award, which

ers, thank you for your part in making this

was recently presented to Umvoto Africa, is

magazine what it stands for today.

KwaZulu-Natal Chairman: Chris Fennemore Tel: +27 (0)31 311 8734 Secretary/ Treasurer: Stephanie Walsh Tel: +27 (0)31 302-4077

our young professionals.

Western Cape Chairman: Gareth McConkey Tel: +27(0) 21 712 4260 Secretary/ Treasurer: Eleonore Bondesio Tel: +27(0)21 872 0322

attributed to the company s investment in

strive to achieve the best and until we meet ! n Africa , think WISA Institute of Souther Think water T e of the Water

on ter& Sanitati ica magazin The official T

urce wat er reso Com plet e

ater and was tew

man age men

Afr

Fair Fairwell

again, keep up the outstanding work that

In tthis issue, I leave

is being done in the sector. I wish you all

my position as editor

the best.

egrémont

Committed

together to

a source of

water,

life

Cover opportunity

WISA mission statement m The Water Institute of Southern Africa provides a forum ter for exchange of information and views to improve water resource management in southern Africa.

Endorsed by

The water sector is a small and dedicated community of people who continuously

NEWS TRENCHLESS rd & SASTT s Awa e of Excellenc PAPER TECHNICAL for Foundation Winner of the (UK) arch Award Water Rese

THE HOT SEAT

the manager for rtens, sales speaks Dr Andre Maa man Africa, ion of Buck P12 Energy Divis QFS venture with about its joint

July / August

1990-8857 2012 • ISSN

7 No. 4 R35.00 • Vol • Cover price

MEDIA

In each issue, Water & Sanitation Africa oﬀers companies the opportunity to get to the front of the line by placing a company, product or service on the front cover of the magazine. Buying this position will aﬀord the advertiser the cover story on pages 4 and 5 and maximum exposure. For more information on cover bookings contact Avé Delport on +27 (0)83 302 1342 or e-mail avedel@lantic.net

JULY/AUGUST 2012

COVER STORY

Degrémont

Committed together to water,

A source of life Degrémont is a global specialist in water treatment plants and makes an important contribution towards sustainable development. The company’s South African operations are headed up by Deputy Managing Director, Dumi Luthuli.

ccording to Luthuli, Degrémont s

Degrémont,

core activities are in:

Environnement, is very active in the field of

. design and build

desalination by reverse osmosis.

. operations and services

. equipment design and supply . BOT

(build,

operate,

transfer)/

PPP

(public-private partnership) schemes.

subsidiary

Suez

under a public-private partnership. An important milestone in the develop-

Degrémont has constructed over 250

ment of the Melbourne project is the com-

desalination plants in the world, including

pletion of the planting of the largest green

the Barcelona Plant (largest in Europe at 200 Mℓ/d) and the Victoria Desalination Plant in Melbourne (450 Mℓ/d).

The company concentrates on the following areas of expertise:

Melbourne desalination plant

. drinking water production

One of the most recent projects that

. desalination by reverse osmosis

the company has been involved in is

. wastewater treatment and reuse for in-

the Melbourne plant, Australia s largest

dustrial, agricultural or drinking purposes

seawater desalination project designed

. sludge treatment

RIGHT Melbourne tunnel

. industrial water treatment and production.

BELOW The Melbourne desalination plant

JULY/AUGUST 2012

COVER STORY

LEFT Barcelona Llobregat ABOVE General overview Barcelona

Declared the desalination business of the year in 2010, Degrémont has designed innovative control techniques to prevent discharges of brine having impact on the environment. Brine discharge, considered to be the process's

main

disadvantage

for

the

roof of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

shortages every year (the Gulf States,

environment and marine ecosystems, is

The green roof is an important part of the

Australia,

completely controlled, emphasises Sanz.

plant s design, helping to integrate the

China). Thus, to make seawater (and

Thanks to a system of diffusers capable

desalination plant into the landscape and

brackish water) drinkable, desalination

of diluting salinity quickly, rapid return to

minimising visual impacts on the coastline.

has gradually made its appearance as a

the concentrations of the natural environ-

The reverse osmosis building is the big-

solution for the future, in particular for

ment is obtained. Finally, he notes that

gest of the 29 buildings on the site. Its

countries that have coasts. Two processes,

the waters are discharged at the same

green roof spans 26 000 m2, bigger than the playing surface of the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The completion of planting on this roof is another significant milestone achieved successfully by Thiess Degrémont.

It s

the

Mediterranean

basin,

Degrémont has designed innovative control techniques to prevent discharges of brine having impact on the environment

a credit to the team that the planting distillation and reverse osmosis, are now

months,

widely

challenging

weather

environment, without disturbing it, thus preserveing biodiversity . Faced with increasing shortage of water resources, desalination proves to be a sustainable alternative, able to answer ever increasing

has been completed in just over eight despite

temperature as that of the marine

used.

Desalination

reverse as

needs for household and industrial water. About 40% of the world s population

conditions, said project director for Thiess

osmosis was chosen by Degrémont

Degrémont, John Barraclough. Planting of

it fits into the perspective of sustainable

Global Water Awards reward what the

a second, smaller green roof on the screen

development , says Miguel Angel Sanz,

leaders of the international water sector

and feed building will commence soon.

director of Development and Innovation

has recognised as the most remarkable ac-

The desalination plant s green roof system

at Degrémont for the Iberian Peninsula,

complishments of the past year.

features over 100 000 indigenous ground

Africa and Latin America. This technique

covers, tussocks and low growing shrubs.

operates by filtration of water under

Twenty-five different species have been

high pressure through semi-permeable

carefully chosen to suit the coastal climate

membranes. Less expensive and consum-

conditions of the site.

ing less energy, it represents a more ecological solution that limits greenhouse

Desalination by reverse osmosis: a sustainable alternative

gas emissions.

lives less than 100 km from the coast.

For further information: www.degremont.co.za

BELOW LEFT Racks reverse osmosis, Barcelona BELOW RIGHT Pre-treatment building, Barcelona

Abundant water is present on earth in different forms. However, 97.2% of the water is salt water, and therefore unfit for consumption. Fresh water is therefore a rare resource that should be preserved. It is increasingly unevenly distributed over our planet. While some regions benefit from considerable surpluses, others, on the contrary, are suffering from increasing

In each issue, Water&Sanitation Africa offers advertisers the opportunity to promote their company s products and services to an appropriate audience by booking the prime position of the front cover, which includes a two-page feature article. The magazine offers advertisers an ideal platform to ensure maximum exposure of their brand. Please call Avé Delport on +27 (0)11 467 6224/ +27 (0)83 302 1342 to secure your booking.

JULY/AUGUST 2012

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WISA

Outgoing presidential address

WISA 2012 opening address At the opening of the WISA 2012 conference held in Cape Town, outgoing WISA president Anderson Mluleki Manctywa spoke about the challenges of service delivery and the assistance that WISA provides.

rogramme director, Honourable Minister of

consulting firms, government departments, municipali-

Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa,

ties and so forth.

Director General of Water Affairs Maxwell

The Blue and Green Drop certification, which is indeed

Sirenya, conference chairperson Dana Grobler,

playing a vital role in improving quality of service de-

delegates

from

various

government

departments

livery across the country, is of significance. It is evident

and municipalities, municipal councillors, Councillor Simms, colleagues from the entire water sector, conference delegates and exhibitors, colleagues from the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), WISA members and staff, members of the Local Organising Committee, international

guests

distinguished

guests,

Our country is faced with an increasing demand for water as more and more consumers are linked into the system

ladies

and gentlemen.

that the commitment of municipalities across the coun-

It is my pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the

try is improving since the introduction of this initiative.

Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA), to the WISA

Our country is faced with an increasing demand for

2012 Biennial Conference and Exhibition.

water as more and more consumers are linked into the

WISA is a voluntary non-profit association comprising

system. It must always be remembered that South Africa

water sector professionals, companies, government de-

is a water-scarce country and we therefore need to con-

partments, educational and research institutions, other

serve and use this precious resource sparingly. Service

associations, municipalities and water utilities as mem-

delivery in the water and sanitation sector in both urban

bers. WISA was formed in 1987 when the South African branch of the Institute of Water Pollution Control, originally founded in 1937, was disbanded. WISA aims to represent the South African water sector at national and international levels, by providing platforms for the promotion, integration and application of scientific, engineering and management knowledge in the water cycle through its newsletters, magazines, workshops, conferences, exhibitions and websites. The role of the institute in the sector is to find solutions to the water challenges being faced in Southern Africa. The strength of WISA is in its more than 3 266 members. With such an extensive pool of specialists, the members provide knowledge and advice on a range of important water issues.

WISA

extensively

involved in capacitating the next

generation

young

professionals in the water sector through the Young Water Professionals group. The purpose of WISA is to build expertise, share knowledge and improve quality of life. This is achieved through the reputation of our members working in water and wastewater treatment works, wet industries, research and educational

institutions,

Anderson Mluleki Mancotywa

JULY/AUGUST 2012

WISA

Snap shots from the WISA2012 conference and exhibition that took place at the Cape Town ICC from 6 to 10 May 2012.

and rural areas remains a challenge at lo-

base in the sector compromises compli-

Green Drop assessments, the Department

cal government level.

ance with legislation and this usually re-

of Water Affairs is now in a better position

sults in municipalities facing litigation.

to quantify the funding needed for water

specifically,

issues

relating

rehabilitating and maintaining ageing

support-

infrastructure. It is estimated that R500 bil-

infrastructure, as well as the planning and

ing agriculture and rural development

lion is needed for water infrastructure.

implementation

infrastructure

projects and improving the quality of life

Where is this money going to come from?

projects, are priorities, with water and

in the rural communities will result in re-

Once the water infrastructure has been re-

wastewater quality issues, including water

duced influx to urban areas.

furbished and new projects implemented,

new

quality

services,

quality threats from acid mine drainage

Our government has repeatedly commit-

how will this impact on our operational

and surface pollution, being high on

ted itself to improving water and sanita-

and maintenance budget? These are ques-

the agenda.

tion service delivery to its people and

tions that we need to address as water

With agriculture and rural development

this has to be realised through the efforts

sector professionals.

also high on the agenda, more work needs

of various stakeholders such as those of

to be done in providing water and sanita-

our sector, electricity and energy, public

their

tion services to support these projects in

health and so forth.

efforts from various government depart-

rural areas. Limited human resources skills

Providing

With the assistance of the Blue and

JULY/AUGUST 2012

Managing our water resources to ensure sustainability

requires

concerted

ments, industries, communities, etc. This is

WISA

an effort that needs short-, mid- and long-

development, conservation, management

April 2010 in Durban came to an end and

term perspectives and collectively will be

and control of our scarce water resources.

on 08 May 2012, the two parties signed a

aimed at providing better lives for current and future generations. The formation of the new Process

As WISA celebrates 75 years of its exist-

letter of intent just before our Gala Dinner.

ence in the water sector, I invite you to

This was to strengthen our relations with

join us in celebrating this anniversary. I

our Dutch partners.

Controllers Division within WISA is one of the ways to consolidate the Blue and Green Drop programs and thereby ensuring extended life span of the infrastructure. The WISA 2012 programme is

Lastly, I would like

It is estimated that R500 billion is needed for water infrastructure. Where is this money going to come from?

also drawn in such a way that process

encourage

the

delegates to fully participate in discussions and networking so that knowledge gained dur-

controllers have their dedicated sessions

ing this conference is

for we need to uplift the morale and en-

salute the pioneers and volunteers who

sure that the functioning of this division

dedicated their time to build this institute

I extend my invitation to all of you to

is sustainable.

into what it is today. As we celebrate this

visit the exhibition hall to view and interact

75th Anniversary, we must remember to

with equipment suppliers in the water

build a strong and sustainable WISA well

sector.

This will, in turn, improve the provision of water and sanitation services. The WISA 2012 conference will allow you to engage in various topical issues

positioned to address the water sector

translated into action.

I wish you all the best for this conference.

challenges facing the continent.

that are critical to the provision of water

The Memorandum of Understanding that

and sanitation services, protection, use,

was signed between WISA and NWP in

JULY/AUGUST 2012

Anderson Mluleki Mancotywa WISA President 2011/12

WISA

Presidential speech

WISA president’s address As WISA celebrates its 75th anniversary, the institute's president, Ronald Brown, spoke of the challenges faced by the industry as well as its recent successes and failures.

onourable

directors

WISA and council members, acting chief executive and

WISA

staﬀ,

senior

fellows, fellows, members, students, patron members, company members, our partners, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I m blessed by your presence and I am very humbled as I address you at the dawn of WISA s 75th anniversary. I deem it my duty as the new president of this great institution to thank my predecessor, the immediate past president, Anderson Mluleki Mancotywa, for the excellent manner in which he served the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) during his term of oﬃce and also for his leadership in making the WISA head oﬃce as Our Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna

eﬃcient as it currently is. Mancotywa and the acting chief executive have facilitated a turna-

Molewa, at the World Water Day in 2011 called on all

round operational strategy that provides a dynamic pas-

South Africans to play a role in protecting and conserv-

sage for me to enter my new portfolio and for others

ing water as a precious and scarce resource . When

to engage the organisation, and I thank them for their

she said those words, she spoke to all of us, and for us

commitment and team eﬀort. By the same token I would also like to welcome Dr Jo Burgess as the vice president and the new members to the board of directors and to the council and thank them for availing themselves to further the objectives of this leading organisation in the

Just imagine South Africa flourishing in the water sector with every citizen having access to clean drinking water

water sector. This is a time of reflection, a reflection for all of us with specific reference to WISA, its role in the water sector and

who have the know-how, the skills and the passion, she spoke into our hearts. When we see headlines like:

in the Southern African water landscape in its entirety.

• Poor sanitation is costly menace to Africa

It s all hands on deck

• Poor access to drinking water

For many years we have had challenges and we are

• Municipalities owe R1.7 billion in water bills

aware of those challenges facing us. We are constantly

• South Africa Water sector needs R573 billion pumped

reminded by civil society, however, that what is missing

into it

are the solutions that we need to overcome these chal-

• Water Scarcity will hit SA, warns activist

lenges in order to prosper. Just imagine South Africa

… we know that we have our work cut out for us and

flourishing in the water sector with every citizen hav-

that we need to address the issues with urgency be-

ing access to clean drinking water, clean rivers, proper

cause our nation depends on us. And when we rally to

sanitation services and infrastructure, clean and pristine

the cause, we find that we can definitely and in an im-

water resources, farmers utilising groundwater with

pactful manner turn the tide, resulting in more positive

confidence and each municipality in South Africa having

headlines such as:

Blue and Green Drop Certification; just imagine this ‒ it

• Water sector overhaul may raise prices (maybe we will

is achievable.

start appreciating this resource)

JULY/AUGUST 2012

WISA

• Durban ‒ recycled sewage water for drinking • DWA refines National Water Resource

take ownership and responsibility. I can

strength to strength while constantly be-

assure you that WISA is prepared to take

ing mindful of the fact that no individual is

the first step and wants to extend an

greater than this organisation.

Strategy

I wish to thank my

• Officials will be fired if they fail to deliver water to the people in the province (Premier David Mabuza, Mpumalanga). I was touched and encouraged by the

My term of oﬃce will deal with the implementation of the WISA Strategic Plans as outlined in the WISA Vision 2015

family and

(Lavinia, Erin)

for

Ethan their

understanding and support over the years as I

story of Funisile Zothe ( One man s bright

undertook

idea puts local community on the map ), a

in the water sector, my

journey

general worker at an Eastern Cape school

invitation to all water sector stakeholders

friends and colleagues who helped me

‒ Three Crowns Junior Secondary School

to join hands with us in a meaningful and

in one way or another along this most

in the Kavali Village, Lady Frere ‒ who is

sustainable way.

invaluable journey, my previous and cur-

the driving force behind one of the most

My term of office will also, like my pre-

rent mentors (I need to mention Tony

innovative renewable energy projects in

decessor, deal with the implementation of

Bowers, thank you Tony) who introduced

the country.

the WISA Strategic Plans as outlined in the

me into this dynamic water sector, my cur-

Zothe has implemented a biogas facil-

WISA Vision 2015. This requires a number

rent employer ‒ Drakenstein Municipality

ity ‒ a technology that produces biofuel

of strategic actions over the next few

(Paarl, Wellington, Hermon, Gouda, Saron

by breaking down organic matter such as

years, which includes:

and Simondium) ‒ for supporting me and

dead plant and animal material, animal

• improving corporate structure eﬀectiveness

donating my time to the sector in a very

dung and kitchen waste. He has as also

• driving membership quality growth

positive manner.

implemented a wastewater treatment fa-

• strengthening corporate governance

cility, a 2 kW wind/solar hybrid system and

• cultivating donor, sponsorship and volun-

12 worm farms at the secondary school.

teer support

In conclusion, I would like to share this following quote with you by Hilary Rodham Clinton: Together, we must work

Thanks go to Eskom for acknowledging

• producing deliverables and operations.

to ensure that no child dies from a pre-

Zothe for his unselfish efforts. It is people

I am not in a position to make any pledges

ventable water-related disease, that no girl

like Zothe that makes us proud South

other doing what is humanly possible

fears going to school for lack of access to

Africans (Source: RéSource Newsletter: 19

through hard work, commitment, dedica-

a separate toilet, that no woman walks six

April 2012). Similar patriotism is needed in

tion, trust and respect. My success is de-

kilometres to collect water for her family

the water sector.

pendent on your support and constructive

and that no war is ever fought over water.

The time has come to form conglomer-

input to our activities. WISA can only be

ates, partnerships and close ties to address

successful through the active participation

I thank you.

the issue of responsibility and account-

of its members.

God bless you all and our beloved South

ability. These functions are not the sole

Thank you for entrusting me with this

duties of government in its endeavour to

responsibility as I will always be humbled

Ronald M Brown

ensure reliable water infrastructure but,

to serve you as we, together, make it

President of the Water Institute of

ladies and gentlemen, we also have to

our main objective to grow WISA from

Southern Africa

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JULY/AUGUST 2012

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HOT SEAT

Buckman

Joint venture gives Buckman a leading edge Buckman has joined forces with Quality Filtration Systems (QFS) in a move set to put the chemical company in an industry-leading position.

ndre Maartens, sales man-

consumption. Now, together with QFS, we are able to

ager for the Energy Division

supply customers with a total solution.

of Buckman Africa, says: As

The new partnership will see QFS oﬀering its engineer-

a chemical supplier we are

ing skills and Buckman its expertise in water chemistry.

o often approached by customers for

Speaking on the venture, Herman Smit, a director at

solutions on eﬄuent and water

QFS says:

Buckman understands that chemicals are not

the

sole

solution.

Today,

customers need both chemicals and technology.

“The new partnership will see QFS oﬀering its engineering skills and Buckman its expertise in water chemistry.” Andre Maartens

From a business perspective, the new venture could see QFS emerging as a ﬁrst-tier contractor and Buckman a supplier, or Buckman as a ﬁrst-tier supplier and QFS a

second-tier backup equipment supplier. Alternatively, customers could buy the equipment from QFS and the chemicals from Buckman. According to Maartens this three-pronged business approach makes us more competitive. Essentially, we are getting rid of the middle man. Buckman has worked with QFS in the past. Together the companies have completed the following projects: • Beaufort

West

Waste

Water

Treatment

Works

2.5 Mℓ/d: Direct reuse of municipal wastewater by ultra ﬁltration and reverse osmosis as the main treatment process (2011). • De Kelders Water Treatment Works 1.6 Mℓ/d: Brackish water treated by ultra ﬁltration and reverse osmosis for potable water (2011).

New technology QFS

brings

wealth

technological

innovation

and know-how. Because of an

exclusive

agreement

distribution

with

Siemens

Memcor ‒ part of Siemens Water Technologies ‒ QFS is able to provide Buckman and its customers with ﬁrst-world technologies, along with experts in a wide range of water treatment applications. QFS still focuses on membrane technology, but deploys innovative products for

JULY/AUGUST 2012

HOT SEAT

applications like potable water filtration, iron removal for potable water, effluent treatment, seawater desalination, mine water treatment, cooling water filtration and sewage treatment.

Local challenges Operating in South Africa brings about its own unique challenges. Acid mine drainage, coal mine pollutants and poor municipal water works are all real problems facing South Africa s water supply. Still, Buckman and QFS remain optimistic. A lot of the water problems in South Africa can be dealt with using membrane technology, reveals Maartens. He adds: You can use new technologies like ultra ﬁltration and reverse osmosis ‒ processes that reduce the amount of chemicals needed to clean water. Smit explains: We need to understand what is needed and begin to educate people. Next we need to tackle the challenge of acceptability of new technologies. More modern technologies are not always bad. We have to go through the process of showing people that in the long run they will save money.

Going green Buckman continually strives to reduce its carbon footprint on the planet. In a combination of company, community and earth, Buckman aims to lead the ﬁeld in green chemistries. One of the products we have in our arsenal is our Green Toolbox . It is a tool every employee at Buckman has on their computer, which calculates Return on Environment (ROE), says Maartens. The ROE is a tool that takes measureable factors ‒ economical, water and carbon footprint, risk reduction, social

“Buckman understands that chemicals are not the sole solution. Today, customers need both chemicals and technology.” Herman Smit impact and competitive advantage ‒ and determines the value generated for each project. What s more, Buckman s partnership with QFS means the chemical company has taken another step towards becoming more environmentally friendly. By implementing modern technology we are looking to the future, offering more sustainable solutions, says Maartens. For further information contact: +27 (0)11 997 5100 • www.buckman.com

JULY/AUGUST 2012

NEWS

AUSTRALIA

Office of Water to investigate water saving ideas

Murrumbidgee River below the Tantangara Dam, NSW, Australia THE NEW South Wales Oﬃce of Water has received 50 water saving ideas from communities within the Murray Darling Basin. The government wants to reduce the impact of water cuts under the Basin Plan. The state s Water Commissioner, David Harriss says the submissions will now be reviewed to see how feasible they are for Commonwealth investment. Pipelining open channels, irrigation or stock and domestic

International systems, to building infrastructure such as environmental water regulators that keep summer water out of wetlands, which would otherwise be dry. We have had novel ideas including sowing crystals into soils to better retain soil moisture, using evaporative air conditioners more effectively. Meanwhile, Harriss says proponents of new dams in the state need to examine the long-term benefits of such infrastructure. His comments follow a recent decision by Griffith City Council to establish a committee to look at ways to reduce proposed water cuts, including the development of new dams. Harriss says while his office is not discounting dams, their real benefits need to be considered. If you go back through the recent drought, those major dams in New South Wales spilt in 2000 but they didn t spill until 2010. That meant that every bit of inflow was captured by the

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existing storages. So you have to ask yourself what beneﬁt the dams had during those 10 years. And the answer is limited because all that water was being captured anyway. Source: ABC News

CANADA

Clean water tops Canadians’ environment concerns

a huge gap between Quebec, where almost a majority are worried about global warming to a great extent, and Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, where the worry is not as great, he says. Coletto says the numbers should alter the debate over oilsands development, which environmental activists have attacked because of its greenhouse gas emissions. Source: CNews

CHINA

New testing of safer water challenged

FEW CANADIANS are concerned about global warming and the state of the world s rainforests, according to a public opinion survey conducted exclusively for QMI Agency. Canadians are more likely to worry about issues that can aﬀect people in their day-to-day lives, like drinking water, air quality and the contamination of land, says pollster David Coletto, president of Abacus Data. Only 33% of survey respondents said they worry a great deal about global warming and rainforest loss, while 55% said they re very concerned about pollution of drinking water. Just more than half of respondents said they re also very worried about pollution of lakes and rivers generally. There are clear political differences too, with just 17% of those who voted Conservative in the 2011 election saying they worry about global warming. Among NDP supporters, concern was at 45%. We see

NEW STANDARDS will improve quality but concerns still remain, report Wu Wencong and Zheng Jinran. New standards for drinking water will come into force in China on July 1, with the number of quality indicators rising from 35 to 106. While that s almost on par with standards used in the European Union, some experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of the new system. There are about 3 000 water companies in China, and judging by their production technology and quality-testing facilities, most still have a long way to go before they can meet the new standards, says Li Fuxing, director of the Beijing Institute of Public Health and Drinking Water. Meanwhile, Fu Tao, director of Tsinghua University s Water Policy Research Center, says that the number of cities with facilities to test all 106 indicators covers a very small portion of the area served by the industry. Under the reforms, first released in 2006, all treatment plants are obliged to meet Beijing, China

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GAZA

Fuel crisis impacts water and sanitation services

THE CURRENT fuel crisis in Gaza, now in its fifth month, is causing extended power outages that severely disrupt the lives, health and livelihood of the region s 1.6 million residents. It also severely affects the fuel-dependent fishing industry, already crippled by restricted access to Gaza s fishing waters imposed by Israel s blockade. Oxfam s partner, the Coastal Municipal Water Utility, says the situation is critical, with up to 40%of the 1.6 million population under blockade getting water in their houses only once every four days. The situation will get even more critical as summer approaches and demand for water escalates. Without regular supplies of fuel to run pumps, water and sewage facilities, including water wells, sewage pump stations, wastewater treatment plants, desalination units and water lifting stations remain vulnerable to collapse, leaving entire towns exposed to all the ensuing public health risks. Source: IMEMC News

UNITED KINGDOM

Nano-based water treatment solutions

HUMANS CAN T SURVIVE without fresh, clean, drinking water, yet we sprang to life on a planet where 97.5% of water is useless to us. What s left for us to drink is becoming polluted by agriculture, industry and poor water management. By 2030, 3.9 billion people (47% of the predicted population) won t have access to clean water. There is a tiny solution to this large problem: nanomaterials can strip water of toxic metals and dangerous organic molecules, or turn salt water into fresh water. There are also plenty of other nanotech solutions in development. Nanotechnologies that have the best chance are ones we can integrate into existing systems, says Mamadou Diallo, an environmental engineer at the California Institute of Technology. That means, for example, membranes enhanced with nanoparticles that can slot seamlessly into water treatment plants. The Nametech project, which is cofunded by the European Commission and the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, is enhancing ﬁlters already used in water treatment plants with nanoparticles that do speciﬁc jobs. We re adding a wide range of nanoparticles, says project manager Thomas Wintgens of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland in Muttenz. These include: • Biomagentite, an iron mineral, to get rid of chlorinated organic molecules and some toxic metals. • Silver to kill bacteria. • Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide to break down common organic contaminants such as hormones, pharmaceuticals, or manure ‒ all they need to operate is light to shine on them when they are in the water. • Titanium dioxide, which is already widely used in paints and sunscreens so, in principle, the technology is cheap. Nametech is running a small pilot plant to test the membranes. Each 20 cm module can process around a cubic metre of water every hour. But, like other new technologies, it needs to be proven beyond the lab. Source: Guardian

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the new criteria by July 1 this year. Some cities, such as Beijing, quickly achieved that goal, but despite the five-year hiatus, many companies have yet to upgrade their equipment or production techniques. Meanwhile, the number of indicators to test for organic compounds in drinking water will rise from just ﬁve to 53. That means the government has realised the importance of controlling organic pollutants, says Lan. But most water plants fail to meet the target because of outdated production processes. Some experts have asked why it s taken so long for the new regulations to come into force. The 2006 reforms unified the water quality standards in the country s rural and urban areas for the first time. But even as plants in the city struggle to meet the new criteria, those in rural areas face an even tougher challenge because their quality standards have always lagged behind. Source: Chinadaily USA

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NEWS

BOTSWANA

EU finances water utilities

Gaborone, Botswana THE EUROPEAN Union (EU), through Aquaplus Water Company from Belgium, has ďŹ nanced Water Utilities Corporation with P2.85 million Botswana Pula (approximately R3.02 million) for wastewater management. This partnership has excellent prospects for success as the involved people and organisation are confronted with similar challenges daily, making them best positioned

Africa to organise transfer of knowledge and to benchmark for measurement of eďŹ€ectiveness, said the head of the EU delegation, Gerard McGovern, during the signing of the EU and Botswana waste management agreement. McGovern added that through the launch of the project, aimed at building infrastructure for drinking and waste management systems, basic sanitation and hygiene, the intended mission will be achieved. Because access to water and basic sanitation is one of the Millennium Development Goals and key prerequisite to combat diseases, child and maternal mortality, Botswana is entitled to that, he said, adding that the initiative is currently taking place in over 30 countries. Furthermore, McGoven indicated that since 2004 more than 32 million people in developing countries have gained access

Ethiopian school children

to improved water supply and 9.5 million sanitation facilities with the support of EU. He said while it is important to support progress towards improved

ETHIOPIA

Bringing water and sanitation to Ethiopian children

water and sanitation, it is also important to note that the

WATER- AND sanitation-

project is a concrete outcome of

related diseases, particularly

the existing twinning between

diarrhea, are among the top

the city of Francistown and city

three causes of death in

of Genk in Belgium.

Ethiopia. According to the US

Source: The Botswana Gazette

Centres for Disease Control

JULY/AUGUST 2012

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TRENDS & PRODUC NEWS TS

GHANA

The Berg River Dam

Poor sanitation costs country GHC 420 million annually

Independence Arch in Accra, Ghana GHANA'S ECONOMY loses GHC420 million Ghanaian cedis each year (R1.8 billion) due to poor sanitation, according to a report released by the World Bank s Water and Sanitation Programme (WSP). The desk study, Economic Impacts of Poor Sanitation in Africa ‒ Ghana, found that the 74 % of these costs come from the annual premature death of 19 000 Ghanaians from diarrheal disease, including 5 100 children under the age of five, nearly 90% of which is directly attributable to poor water, sanitation and hygiene. Health-related costs accounted for nearly 19% of the total economic costs, while access time and productivity losses accounted for about 7%. We've known for some time about the impact of poor sanitation on health, but this is one of the first studies to quantify the annual costs incurred because of its prevalence, says Yolande Coombes, senior water and sanitation specialist with WSP. Ghana will not be able to grow sustainably without addressing these costs. The study also found that 4.8 million Ghanaians have no latrines at all and defecate in the open, and that the poorest quintile is 22 times more likely to practice open defection than the richest. Source: Public Agenda

SOUTH AFRICA

Cape’s dam levels a concern THE CONTENT levels of dams serving Cape Town are showing a worrying downward trend and experts have warned residents to take water saving seriously.

Forecasters say winter rainfall will be lower than normal or average this year. Peter Johnstone of the University of Cape Town s Climate Systems Analysis Group says dams are at their lowest levels in five years. It doesn t look like there

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and Prevention, unsafe drinking water, inadequate availability of water for hygiene and lack of access to sanitation contribute to about 88% of deaths from diarrheal diseases, or more than 1.5 million of the 1.9 million children younger than five years of age who perish from diarrhea each year, mostly in developing countries. This amounts to 18% of all the deaths of children under the age of five and means that more than 5 000 children are dying every day as a result of diarrheal diseases. Health indicators show that Ethiopia has serious problems in primary health care and disease prevention. Very high infant and child mortality rates, a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and low life expectancy point to a lack of basic services and under-developed infrastructure. According to Demographic and Health Survey data for children under five in the Amhara region, 51.8% are malnourished; stunting affects 57% and severe stunting affects 29%. In the Amhara region s South Gondar zone, access to safe water is still not assured for many households and a lack of sanitation and poor hygiene practices contribute significantly to children s ill health and constrained opportunities. Johnson & Johnson is partnering with CARE to bring adequate latrines and hand washing stations to 48 schools in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. Thirty new wells will be dug and 15 others will be rehabilitated. Eighteen schools will receive new latrines and hand washing stations and most others will see general improvements. Teachers will be trained to integrate hygiene education into the daily life of their students by developing sanitation clubs that will use music and drama to bring the sanitation message to the broader community. Source: Huffingtonpost

NEWS

Africa

will be lots of rain; it will be normal and below normal until the end of July. If we don t get full dams this year, next year we will have even lower levels. With very little rain forecast for this winter, it appears likely that the situation will worsen next year, Johnstone says. This view has been echoed by local water specialist, Jeremy Taylor. According to the city s website, the six dams which feed the city are collectively 51.1% full. In 2008, the corresponding figure was 63.4%, 61.8% in 2009, 75.3% in 2010 and 51.5% last year. Johnstone adds that he doesn t want to cause alarm, but is cautioning residents to save water. Taylor says there would be an early start to summer this year and a late start to winter in 2013. Restrictions should start now and the city should concentrate on demand-side management and hike tariffs, he adds. Anton Sparks, a consultant to the Department of Water Affairs and the city, says if

dam levels continue to drop, there will have to be an intervention. Peter Flower, city bulkwater manager, adds that water is a scarce commodity throughout the province, but the authorities will only know at the end of October, after the rainy season, what the situation will be. Dam levels are normally lowest at this time of year and, even though average to below-average rainfall is expected this winter, Capetonians could manage by keeping consumption down, Flower adds. Source: iol

ZIMBABWE

Government crafts water policy THE GOVERNMENT is crafting a national water policy in response to the fast deteriorating quality of surface and groundwater sources in the country, Water Resources Development and Management minister, Sipepa Nkomo, has disclosed. The quality of water in Zimbabwe has been a

critical issue in the face of the cholera outbreak that claimed more than 4 000 people countrywide in 2008 and the recent typhoid outbreak in Harare. The policy will address a wide range of issues from urban water supply and sewerage, to rural water supply and sanitation. It will also deal with the development and management of water resources for such uses as irrigation, hydropower generation, industrial and mining development, livestock, poultry and the environment. The quality of raw water in rivers, lakes, wetlands and groundwater, as well as in the many dams and boreholes, is fast deteriorating ‒ mainly because of a breakdown in wastewater treatment facilities, says Nkomo. He explains that the deteriorating quality has an effect on the water that is available for domestic use, agriculture, industry, mining and other activities such as fishing and tourism. Nkomo adds that poor quality of water has wide ranging impact on people's health, environment, the livelihood and welfare

of all Zimbabweans and the national economy. The causes of water pollution are varied and range from discharge of untreated or partially treated sewerage, industrial waste water, untreated mining waste water, to agro-chemicals from farming activities, toxic chemicals used in artisanal mining, wastes from poultry farms, abattoirs, and ranches. Urban run-off and landfills are other major causes of water pollution especially for rivers and groundwater close to urban centres and near solid waste landfills. The run-off carries with it exhaust fumes and particulates from all the vehicular emissions, solid wastes, garbage and human wastes from urban centres, he concludes. Source: The Herald

Zimbabwe city of Harare

JULY/AUGUST 2012

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PROFILE

Water Research Commission

WRC’s five-year strategic plan Now in its 41st year, the Water Research Commission (WRC) continues to pursue its vision to be South Africa’s premier water knowledge resource. Water&Sanitation Africa speaks to Dhesigen Naidoo, CEO of the WRC, about its five-year strategic plan that focuses on the period 2012/13 to 2016/17, which is in line with new Treasury directives.

he water milieu has entered an

the Department of Water Aﬀairs (DWA) ‒ the

• to contribute to international relations

exciting period, both nationally

WRC s shareholder ‒ in its call for main-

• to build capacity to deliver services.

and internationally, with looming

streaming of water as the basis to allow for

The commission s Strategic Framework has

uncertainties around issues such as

economic growth and sustainable develop-

been designed around the WRC Knowledge

climate change and its potential eﬀect on water resources and the persistent need to provide sustainable services to a growing, urbanising population while pursuing a greener economy. The WRC itself is seeing

The WRC remains committed to arming the South African water sector with the right technology, capacity and skills

a number of changes, including the ap-

ment. The WRC strategic plan is designed to

Tree with every project being designed to

pointment of a new CEO and board, among

add value to the DWA s actions to achieve its

enable the achievement of as many of the

others. Thus, the commission has organised

six strategic outcome oriented goals through

tree branches or outcomes as possible and

its strategic plan to respond very directly to

the WRC s research and development enter-

reasonable. Among the core components of

the challenges outlined through its various

prise. The DWA six strategic goals are:

the WRC Knowledge Tree are to:

mechanisms and instruments, says Naidoo.

• to

• inform policy- and decision-making

The WRC remains committed to arming the South African water sector with the right technology, capacity and skills to tackle its present and future challenges through, among others, a meaningful contribution to coordination, cooperation and communication in the area of water research and development, as well as enhancing knowledge

contribute

economic

growth,

rural development, food security and

• create new products and services for economic development

land reform • to promote sustainable and equitable

• develop human capital • empower communities

water resources management • to strengthen the regulation of the

• support transformation and redress • develop sustainable solution.

water sector • to support local government to deliver

Visit: www.wrc.org.za for further information

water services

and capacity building in the water sector,

WRC KNOWLEDGE TREE

and promoting the effective transfer of information and technology. Specifically, the WRC will use its capabilities to support the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs in ensuring the out-

Sustainable development ƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ

TransformaƟŽŶ and Redress

come of environmental assets and natural resources that are well protected and continually enhanced , with the highest emphasis on the ﬁrst output of enhanced quality and quantity of water resources and signiﬁcant contributions of the water components of the other three. These being: • reduced

greenhouse

gas

emissions,

Empowerment of ŽŵŵƵŶŝƟĞƐ

Knowledge generated by the WRC

Inform policy and decision making

climate change and improved air/atmospheric quality • sustainable environmental management • protected biodiversity. This strategic plan is based on the South African government s outcome-based ap-

HCD in Water and Science sectors

proach, where the WRC strives for impact. The commission aims to support the various outcomes and outputs through its research portfolio. In addition, it continues to support

New products and services for economic development

A fundamental part of the operations of the WRC at the beginning of its fifth decade is the construct of the WRC Knowledge Tree

JULY/AUGUST 2012

PUBLIC SEC TOR

Eastern Cape

Safe drinking water for Mbashe area The Accelerating Sustainable Water Services Delivery project was launched in March in Mbelu, Eastern Cape. Water&Sanitation Africa magazine takes a look at the project that was a joint initiative. he main objective of the initiative,

water services are vulnerable to water-

technology, underpinned by community

which was started under the leader-

borne diseases from unsafe drinking water,

mobilisation processes.

ship of the Department of Science

as evidenced by the number of cholera

Communal water stations, located close

and Technology, the Department

outbreaks in the Eastern Cape. These

to traditional collection areas at a river,

of Water and Environmental Aﬀairs, and

communities are geographically scattered

provide safe drinking water at points in the

the Amathole District Municipality, is the

and diﬃcult to reach with conventional

villages. To assist with improving health and

provision of reliable, safe drinking water to

water services. To alleviate the immediate

wellbeing, the project included hygiene

unserviced communities living in remote

need for safe drinking water, this initiative

promotion and education activities. In roll-

rural areas through the application of science

provides interim relief by augmenting,

ing out the project, the CSIR was responsible

and technology.

not replacing, municipal water services.

for the technological interventions, while

relatively

The project aﬀords communities access to

the Human Sciences Research Council

isolated poor rural communities without

safe drinking water through appropriate

concentrated on community mobilisation

The

core

problem

that

and training. The project benefits households in Mbelu, Cwebe, Ntilini and surrounding villages. They previously relied on untreated water from springs, rivers or dams, and often shared their water resources with domestic animals. The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom; the Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi; and the Executive Mayor of the Amathole District Municipality, Nomasikizi Konza, attended the launch. We view this project with the importance it deserves as it is a human rights issue. Water access and the ability to deliver it to our communities is the main obligation of the Amathole District. The initiative speaks to our mandate as a water services authority and we will be undertaking it to ensure that we sustain this and work together with our counterparts to do more for our villages, said Konza. The initiative was born out of a realisation that although considerable progress has been made in water provision to rural communities, some villages were highly unlikely to get piped water in the immediate future owing to their remote locations. Also, the fact that the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera could be reduced significantly if communities had access to clean

LEFT The Accelerating Sustainable Water Services Delivery project provides reliable, safe drinking water to unserviced communities living in remote rural areas through the application of science and technology

JULY/AUGUST 2012

ABOVE The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom and the Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, attended the launch

water, and the resources used for treating such diseases could then be channelled into more productive areas to stimulate development. The hallmark of this project is partnership and community mobilisation. Our main goal is to ensure that our people from the rural communities do not have to worry about their next drink of clean water. For many rural women a good part of the day is spent collecting firewood and water. We believe that bringing potable water a little closer to the people will have a huge impact on quality of life, said Hanekom. Three villages from the Amathole District Municipality (Cwebe, Ntilini and Mbelu) were chosen as pilot sites for technology interventions. These consist of: (a) communal water stations (b) guidelines for groundwater protection at springs and boreholes in the communities (c) household-based ceramic filters for the purification of water at the home. The communal water stations were installed at the source (river) so that the community could continue to use their traditional paths to fetch drinking water. The participation and buy-in of local communities is critical to the success of any community-based project. As a result, community members were trained in the operation and maintenance of the water stations and there are prospects for employment with the local district municipality. The district municipalities have committed to monitoring the water quality at the water stations, as well as provide support for the maintenance of these stations. There are also opportunities for economic development, as it is envisaged that the manufacture of the filters, especially the pot holders, could ultimately be done in villages. According to Mabudafhasi: We recognise that we need creative solutions to deal with the remaining service delivery challenges and ensure that all citizens receive drinking water that has been treated to acceptable levels. Appropriate technology in this instance means that the methods used to extract and supply water to communities must be cost-effective, relevant to the area, easy to use by community members, culturally and socially acceptable, easy to maintain, and friendly to the environment.

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PROJEC T

KwaZulu-Natal

Bringing safe drinking water to rural communities On 20 April 2012, the Thebe Foundation – in association with the Bongi Ngema– Zuma Foundation – fulfilled a long-held promise to King Goodwill Zwelithini to provide safe drinking water to a rural community on the Nkunzana River in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

his initiative is a result of the leading-edge tech-

Current puriﬁcation methods

nology provided by Headstream Water Holdings,

Boiling water will purify water enough to drink; however, all

an associate of Thebe s Power and Infrastructure

this does is cook everything to an edible stage, which will

division, and a sponsorship by FX Africa Foreign

impact on the taste and smell. Water puriﬁcation tablets are

Exchange, a subsidiary of Thebe Tourism Group. The project aims to assist the South African government address the country s water provision backlogs by making it easier for rural households to access water from rivers and ensure that the water is clean and free of

Nearly 900 million people in the world do not have access to safe drinking water, of which an estimated 300 million are in sub-Saharan Africa

waterborne diseases. Mokgethi Tshabalala, CEO of Thebe Foundation, was delighted to be part of this initiative aimed at making a dif-

expensive and produce safe, albeit foul-tasting water. For

ference to rural communities. This is a tangible example

high-quality, great tasting water, filtration is the best option. Water purification via filtration offers the advantage of a

of how the Thebe Group, through the Foundation, con-

higher quality and better tasting water simply by running

tributes to the upliftment of local communities, he said.

through gradually smaller and smaller ﬁlters until the out-

Clean water as a basic human right In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared clean drinking water and sanitation a human right essential to the full enjoyment of life and all other human rights. According to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, nearly 900 million people in the world do not have access to safe drinking water, of which an estimated 300 million are in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to continued lack of access to improved drinking-water sources, 2.6 billion people lack access to basic sanitation.

BELOW Launch of the water purification system in KwaZulu-Natal by the Thebe Foundation in association with the Bongi Ngema–Zuma Foundation

put is pure, bacteria-free water. Advances in ceramic filters with activated charcoal have made water filtration more effective and less costly because they are reusable. Not all water filter systems are created equal though, and some are expensive, complex and of limited efficacy, depending on the technology deployed.

The technology As part of the initiative, the foundation gifted over 160 ceramic candle ﬁlter (CCF) units to community members

Approximately 1.5 million children under five years die every year as a result of diseases linked to lack of access to water and sanitation. South Africa has made significant reforms to adopt an integrated approach to water resource management (IWRM), where water security for poverty alleviation and growth features as a national priority. This movement was crystalised in the National Water Act of 1999, which described water access as a fundamental human right. (The South Africa-Netherlands Water Network: www. waternetwork.co.za) Today, 88% of South African households have access to water services compared to 59% in 1994, and 73% of households have access to basic sanitation compared to 48% in 1994. However, fresh water availability is at a critical stage due to the scarcity and seasonal nature of natural water resources, unchecked development, poverty and limited financial resources. As a result, over 4 million people in South Africa do not have access to clean water.

JULY/AUGUST 2012

PROJEC T

rollers to accompany the

framework to support the excellent work

ﬁlter units.

being done across the group.

The Hippo roller is a

Andre Bouwer, CEO of FX Africa Foreign

South African innovation

Exchange, said: FX Africa is honoured to

that allows an individual

be involved with the Thebe Foundation s

to transport more than

support of such a special project. Access to

90 ℓ of water across un-

clean water is a key necessity in our lives,

even terrain with relative

and one which we take for granted. We are

ease. The Hippo roller

privileged to have had the opportunity to

comprises a strong drum

assist the community of Nkunzana River

and handle and when

by providing the Hippo water rollers that

full,

will improve and make a diﬀerence in their

has

eﬀective

weight of only 10 kg on level ground, allowing even

children

ABOVE King Goodwill Zwelithini and Thebe Foundation’s CEO Mokgethi Tshabalala

Justin Moore, CEO of Headstream Water

roll

Holdings, said: Our mission is to make a

the water home safely.

meaningful contribution towards the ef-

Approximately

000

ﬁcient use of water and energy resources

Hippo rollers have been

in sub-Saharan Africa by providing high-

distributed

worldwide,

quality, practical and sustainable technolo-

directly beneﬁtting in ex-

gies to protect the environment and uplift

cess of 250 000 people.

communities. These CCF ﬁlters are based

Traditionally,

daily lives.

com-

on one of the most eﬀective and advanced

munities had very little

ﬁltration technologies available and will

options when it came to

provide an immediate positive impact in

collecting water from a

communities aﬀected by polluted water.

river, and many people suﬀer signiﬁcant health risks as a result of

Headstream s Just Water ﬁlters

walking many kilometres balancing heavy

The CCF units distributed by

20 ℓ buckets on their heads. The Hippo

Zwelithini to community members of

in Nkunzana village who draw water from

roller saves time and energy and prevents

Nkunzana village are among the most

the Nkunzana River for household use.

premature ageing of the spine and hair

advanced in the world, having been inde-

The units were assembled and supplied by

loss ‒ both occupational hazards if you

pendently proven to remove more than

Headstream, a company that focuses on

regularly bear heavy items on your head,

99% of disease-causing pathogens found in

the provision of innovative solutions for the

said Tshabalala.

river water.

provision of water treatment infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa. The CCF system comprises two 20 ℓ plastic containers mounted on top of each other and ﬁtted with a dome shaped, silver impregnated ceramic candle ﬁlter designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and some viruses found in surface water. This in turn is covered by a cloth that traps

Once home, the water can be decanted

The patented ﬁltration technology was

into the CCF ﬁlter system which has

developed by Just Water Filters, a private

been proven to remove more than 99%

sector humanitarian aid agency headquartered in Austin, Texas.

“I cannot think of a better way to celebrate Its primary objective is to bring instant relief 20 years of commercial success than by the launch of a community development initiative to communities aﬀected by natural disasters such as this" Vusi Khanyile or manmade pollution

large particles such as grass and leaves

and have thus far de-

and reduces turbidity, rendering the water

of disease-causing pathogens found in

clear and opaque. The bottom container is

river water to produce water that is safe

ﬁtted with a tap that dispenses about four

for drinking.

ployed their ﬁlters in 57 countries. The beauty of the CCF unit lies in its combination of simplicity and eﬃcacy.

litres of treated water per hour and the ﬂow

King

From the outside, the unit resembles two

rate can be increased by using a hand pipe

Stakeholders

20 ℓ plastic containers mounted on top

if required.

Thebe Group Chairman, Vusi Khanyile, said:

of each other. The diﬀerence lies in the

Eight members of the community have

I cannot think of a better way to celebrate

unique dome-shaped, silver impregnated

been trained in the assembly, care and

20 years of commercial success than by

ceramic candle ﬁlter in the heart of the

maintenance of the ﬁlters with further train-

the launch of a community development

system, which prevents the growth of

ing and follow-up visits scheduled.

initiative such as this. I am very proud

bacteria (mitosis) by providing a hostile

of Headstream and FX Africa Foreign

environment for all microbiological organ-

Hippo water rollers

Exchange for embracing the aims of the

isms. The ﬁltration eﬃciency is 0.2 micron,

Given that transportation of water to these

Thebe Foundation and ensuring the suc-

thereby

households can be a back-breaking and

cess of this particular initiative. I have great

all bacteria from polluted water for the

time-consuming task, Tshabalala turned

hopes that the foundation will be able to

provision of clean drinking and cooking

to Thebe subsidiary, FX Africa Foreign

drive the overarching group strategy on

water. According to one independent

Exchange, to sponsor 100 Hippo water

community development and to create a

test: What this means is that even with

JULY/AUGUST 2012

guaranteeing

the

removal

PROJEC T

very poor-quality input water, the water

• 99%

all

produced by the Just Water system is up

known bacteria

to 40% more pure than standard United

and

States (US) municipality water supplies and

causing patho-

better quality than almost all bottled wa-

gens in water

ter.

(www.majorpandemic.com/2011/11/

m o n o l i t h i c - j u s t - w a t e r - c e r a m i c - f i l t e r. html?utm_source=BP_recent)

disease-

are removed • good ﬂow rate ‒ produces up

The CCF unit is extremely simple to

to 4 ℓ of clean

operate: the dirty river water poured into

water per hour

the top container is gravity fed through

(gravity ﬂow)

the ﬁlter to the bottom container, which

• annual/semi-

is equipped with a plastic tap that dis-

annual

penses clean drinking water. There are no

replacement

chemicals involved and no need to boil

• once in use,

the water before use. Ceramic elements

ﬁlter will last 6

may be cleaned 100 or more times with a

to 8 months

soft brush or damp cloth. The simple gravity drip system can generate up to 50 ℓ of clean water over a 12-hour ﬁltration process, providing clean cooking and drinking water for a family of 10 daily. The main advantages of the system are:

ﬁlter

• minimal maintenance: wipe with clean,

ABOVE Thebe Foundation’s CEO Mokgethi Tshabalala with Xoliswa Motsohi, Project Co-ordinator for Thebe Foundation

damp cloth • reasonably priced and available in various configurations and sizes. The CCF Just Water filter unit has been tested by the Tshwane University of

• US National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard 42 • US National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard 53

• it s easy to install

Technology and Johns Hopkins University

• British 5750 Quality Standard

• it accepts water from ﬂoods, lake, rain,

and is manufactured to meet:

• United Kingdom Water Research Council

well, tap, river or stream

• ISO 9002 Quality Standard

JULY/AUGUST 2012

(WRC) Performance Standards.

PROJEC T

Groundwater

Boreholes for Western Cape school fields irrigation A firm of consulting engineers and scientists has carried out feasibility studies for 15 new schools in the Western Cape to establish whether enough groundwater is available for borehole irrigation. Debbie Besseling speaks to SRK Consulting about the project.

s part of efforts by the Department of Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape to reduce the amount of water abstracted from rivers and dams, groundwater

resources are being investigated as a means of irrigat-

RIGHT Drilling of the successful borehole at a new school in the Western Cape

drill

each

borehole, test the water

and

install

the pump ‒ in the long

run

this

ing sports fields and other open spaces at newly built

cheaper than tap-

schools in the province.

ping into municipal

According to Leon Groenewald, principal hydrogeolo-

water for irrigating

gist at SRK, the company recommended that 12 of the

large areas.

schools take the process further ‒ by drilling production

ensure

the

boreholes and conducting pumping tests to establish

highest chance of

the sustainable yield of the boreholes. Once this is

striking groundwa-

done, we are in a position to make recommendations

ter, it is vital that

about how much water can be sustainably abstracted,

the

says Groenewald.

includes a hydro census and detailed geophysical sur-

He adds that eight out of the nine boreholes drilled so

vey before drilling begins, explains Groenewald.

far have sufficient water for irrigation; the sustainable

It s essential that the person interpreting the data

yields of the boreholes range from 0.83 to 8.3 ℓ/s.

from the investigation has experience in these kinds

While the initial costs of developing the infrastructure

of projects, so that we avoid drilling dry boreholes,

to abstract groundwater is fairly high ‒ about R180 000

he adds.

JULY/AUGUST 2012

Th e N a me t h a t Re a lly H o ld s Wa ter ABECO

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www.abecotanks.co.za

investigation

Africaâ€™s leader in natural resource and development solutions

The groundwater investigation is com-

Apart from alleviating the pressure on

pleted in the early stages of the contract

dams to supply water to these schools,

so that the yield of the borehole can be

the schools green areas provide a calming

assessed, to determine the water require-

atmosphere and restful surroundings for

ments of the playing fields, which causes

the learners to relax and talk to one an-

a problem if higher than the actual supply.

other and to play games. It also improves

This problem can be overcome by

the aesthetic look of the surrounding

installing a number of storage tanks,

suburbs, which are often characterised

Groenewald adds.

by dull, sandy scenery, and helps prevent

The tanks are filled

during the night and drained during the

wind erosion.

day by the irrigation system that allows the quantity of water extracted per day to be measured at no more than 20 000 â„“.

BELOW 28 â„“/s blowyield of borehole drilled at the Fisantekraal Primary School

Tel: +27(0) 11 441 1111 www.srk.co.za

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PROFILE

ERWAT

DNA-targeting water testing ERWAT was one of the first South African laboratories to implement DNA-based methods like the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in water testing. Water&Sanitation Africa speaks to Nico van Blerk, microbiologist at ERWAT, about this specialised facility.

he initiative to implement advanced technology to support the microbiological

laboratory

was

taken following a water-related

Salmonella outbreak during which the ERWAT laboratory provided the analytical services. Using standard culturing methods there are several disadvantages. First, culturing methods are laborious and time consuming, typically requiring 3 to 7 days to complete. Second, culturing methods are known to lack sensitivity and particularly selectivity making it difficult to successfully isolate and correctly identify pathogens such as Salmonella and

Vibrio cholerae. Receiving a large number of urgent samples, especially during the outbreak, the laboratory was overloaded. This led to the question whether there was a better and faster way to do pathogen detections and the subsequent decision to establish a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory.

Real-time PCR and HRM basics Signiﬁcant advancements regarding DNA

FIGURE 1: Identification of positive PCR amplification of a Salmonella specific gene target using HRM curve analysis

binding dyes and PCR instrumentation now allow for the PCR process to be observed

compare the Tm of an unknown PCR product

and monitored in real time. Real-time PCR

to that of a known PCR product (positive con-

is even more sensitive and allows for post-

trol) and identify the unknown PCR product

ampliﬁcation analyses of the PCR products

on a sequence level, as shown in Figure 1.

such as identiﬁcation using High Resolution Melt (HRM) curve analyses.

Accredited detection assays

DNA-based detection methods ‒ a powerful alternative to culturing

DNA molecules consist of two strands

As of 2012, the ERWAT PCR laboratory of-

bound to one another by hydrogen bonds

fers three SANAS accredited real-time PCR

The phenotypical characteristics of all

between the individual building blocks

detection assays. These are for the detec-

living organisms, including bacteria are

comprising each strand. Using heat, these

tion of Salmonella enterica, Shigella species

programmed by their DNA. Therefore the

hydrogen bonds can be broken causing the

and/or entero-invasive E. coli (EIEC) and

genes in a particular species of bacteria

separation of the two strands and subse-

toxigenic Vibrio cholerae (cholera causing)

are unique and provide a useful marker to

quently the melting (denaturation) of the

in water samples. These assays are not only

detect and identify the species.

DNA molecule.

useful in routine monitoring of water sources, but great-

PCR is designed to copy (amplify) a spe-

The melting temperature (Tm) of a DNA

ciﬁc region of DNA. It employs a special

product is related to the sequence thereof.

enzyme (DNA polymerase) to incorporate

Using this property of DNA molecules and

during

the individual building blocks of DNA

the capability of specialised instrumentation

disease outbreaks.

(nucleotides) onto a template of the tar-

to accurately monitor the melting process,

geted region creating an exact copy of that

the identity of a product formed by PCR

region. Repeating this procedure 30 to 40

ampliﬁcation can be determined. HRM

times results in millions of exact copies of

curve analysis is used to accurately

assist

investigations

water

the targeted DNA, making it possible for detection and identiﬁcation. Today, PCR is a commonly used technique in molecular biology laboratories ‒ from research to forensic, medical and food laboratories. The advantages of using PCR detection assays instead of culturing are that PCR is more sensitive, highly selective for the For further information visit: www.erwat.co.za

pathogen targeted and much faster ‒ accurate results are achieved in less than 24 hours.

JULY/AUGUST 2012

TECHNICAL PAPER

Wastewater

Influent characterisation of wastewater from wastewater treatment plants receiving industrial effluent by FT Mhlanga* and CJ Brouckaert

At the recently held WISA2012 conference, an award was presented to the best paper at WISA 2012 by a young Southern African. This paper was the winner of the Foundation for Water Research Award (UK).

ioprocess modelling is increas-

problems, additional measurements, beyond

plant operations and in research1. At a

ingly used in design, modiﬁcation

those standardly applied in sewage treatment,

fundamental level, a model may be a con-

and troubleshooting of waste-

are required. Since inﬂuent characteristics

ceptual image of how a system functions,

water treatment plants (WWTPs).

vary from one catchment to another, this

which alone cannot provide sufficient

Characterisation of the inﬂuent wastewater

paper presents and compares results obtained

information about the behaviour of the

to a WWTP is an important part of develop-

from inﬂuent wastewater characterisation

actual system. To learn more about the

ing such a model. The characterisation re-

from three municipal WWTPs (two of which

system, a pilot plant can be constructed.

quired for modelling is more detailed than

are operated by eThekwini Water Services)

However, the pilot plants may have limita-

that routinely employed for monitoring

that receive a combination of industrial and

tions of time and resources, which prevent

WWTP operation.

domestic wastewater. The inﬂuent characteri-

exploration

sation involves the determination of the vol-

solutions of the system, hence the turn to

the sources within the catchment served

umes and concentration of the carbonaceous,

mathematical models that allow relatively

by a particular WWTP, and the presence of

nitrogenous and phosphorus fractions in the

more exploration of the feasibility space2.

industrial eﬄuents can cause the wastewater

wastewater and other constituents present

The modelling of biological wastewater

to be signiﬁcantly diﬀerent from purely

in the wastewater. This paper focuses on the

treatment systems has developed from

domestic eﬄuent. eThekwini s wastewater

carbonaceous fraction in the wastewater.

fundamental concepts to mathematical

Wastewater

characteristics

depend

all

potentially

feasible

models. The IAWPRC, later IAWQ and now

treatment system is one of the most affected by industrial eﬄuents in South Africa.

Introduction

IWA

Where industrial pollutants cause particular

Bioprocess modelling is fundamental in

task group2, 3 has introduced an activated

designing

BELOW The Foundation for Water Research Award was presented to F Mhlanga at the WISA 2012 conference

and

managing

(International

Water

Association)

wastewater

sludge model suit (ASM1, ASM2, ASM2d,

treatment plants (WWTPs). The process

ASM3 and other models), which provide

models of WWTPs find application in

researchers

forecasting, fault detection, monitoring

standard set of basic models for biological

and

practitioners

with

wastewater treatment processes. These standard models may be used as building blocks for more complex biological processes. Wastewater characterisation generates input data for the bioprocess models.

Wastewater characterisation Wastewater characterisation is crucial in process modelling because the quality of the model s predictions depends on the wastewater characterisation4. Wastewater characteristics have a signiﬁcant impact on the performance of the activated sludge unit, particularly for nutrient removal systems5. A single characteristic may have such impact as determining whether or not a system designed for excess phosphorus removal will in fact remove phosphorus5. Hence a detailed knowledge of the

JULY/AUGUST 2012

TECHNICAL PAPER

composition of inﬂuent going into the

materials processed in that catchment

Hammarsdale. All the WWTPs receive a

wastewater treatment system is essential

area. Some industrial eﬄuents can contain

signiﬁcant portion of industrial eﬄuent

for the development of a reliable model. In

high organic matter, readily biodegradable,

to treat.

the context of modelling WWTPs, wastewa-

largely inorganic or potentially inhibitory.

Marianridge WWTP is part of uMhlatuzana

ter characteristics are not only important

Total suspended solids (TSS), biological

Works situated about 25 km from Durban.

for activated sludge system modelling.

oxygen demand (BOD5) and COD values

Marianridge WWTP receives a nominal

Simulating the performance of other unit

may be in the tens of thousands mg/ℓ6.

average of 8 Mℓ/d, of which about 30% is

operations also depends on appropriate

Industrial eﬄuents may also be severely

industrial wastewater and 70% domestic

wastewater characterisation5.

nutrient deﬁcient and contain high concen-

wastewater. The physical unit operations

Wastewater characteristics depend on

trations of heavy metals. The ﬂow pattern of

consist of screens and grit chambers. The

the sources within the catchment served

industrial eﬄuent streams can be very dif-

biological reactor is operated as an ex-

by a particular WWTP. The presence of in-

ferent from that of domestic eﬄuent since

tended aeration basin, which is followed by

dustrial eﬄuents can cause the wastewater

the former would be inﬂuenced by the na-

secondary treatment in secondary settling

to be signiﬁcantly diﬀerent from purely

ture of the operations within a factory such

tanks. The ﬁnal eﬄuent from uMhlatuzana

domestic eﬄuent.

as shifts, whether a batch or continuous

Works is dosed with chlorine before it is

processes is used and other factors.

released to Umhlatuzana River8.

Domestic eﬄuent is discharged from sanitary conveniences in residential, commercial,

Chemical characterisation of municipal

Hammarsdale WWTP is situated in a sub-

factories and various institutional properties.

wastewater is concerned with three major

catchment of the Umlaas River called the

Domestic eﬄuent constitutes of primarily

constituents:

and

Sterkspruit River. Hammarsdale is located

water (approximately 99%) together with or-

phosphorus compounds7. However this

in KwaZulu-Natal between Durban and

ganic and inorganic constituents6. Variations

paper focuses on the organic fraction of

Pietermaritzburg. The Hammarsdale WWTP

in domestic eﬄuent characteristics across a

the wastewater. The organic compounds

is a modiﬁed Bardenpho process with a

given community tend to be relatively small,

include carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

volumetric design capacity of 27 Mℓ/d.

organic,

nitrogenous

although variation across communities can be more readily detected. Industrial eﬄuent varies in compositions depending on the type of industry and

After secondary settling, alum is added to

Experimental Eﬄuent

samples

the eﬄuent, which then enters a maturawere

collected

from

tion channel before discharge into the

three WWTPs: Marianridge, Darvill and

Sterkspruit River9. Darvill Wastewater Works

JULY/AUGUST 2012

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is situated on the eastern boundary of Pietermaritzburg. The wastewater treatment works receives all domestic and industrial

No need for Maintenance

eďŹ„uent from Pietermaritzburg-Msunduzi TLC area10. The works were upgraded between 1992 and 1994 to a capacity of 60 Mâ„“/d and the process was upgraded from an activated sludge to a biological nutrient removal plant10. Hourly samples of inďŹ‚uent were drawn from the inlet of the WWTP and kept refrigerated until 24 samples, representing the composition of the wastewater during each hour of the day, were collected. A ďŹ‚ow-weighted sample was made from the hourly samples. The total COD of the composite sample was determined using the procedure outlined in Standard Methods (1995)11 and then the COD fractionation was carried out using procedures presented in these methods. The reliability of the results from the COD fractionation was checked by comparing the models prediction to measured values when the results of the COD fractionation were used as input in the WWTP model.

Methods The COD of municipal wastewater is divided into three main fractions: non-biodegradable, biodegradable and active biomass. The non-biodegradable COD has two fractions, the non-biodegradable particulate (XI) and non-biodegradable soluble (SI). The biodegradable COD also has two fractions, namely the slowly biodegradable (XS) and readily biodegradable (SS) fractions. The active biomass consists of heterotrophic (XH) and autotrophic organisms (XAUT) (Wentzel et al, 1995). The concentration of autotrophic biomass (XAUT) in the inďŹ‚uent is negligible, hence the total COD can be expressed as the sum of ďŹ ve fractions12. CTCOD = SI + SS + XI + XS + XH

Readily biodegradable fraction SS Several

experimental

methods

for

estimating

the

readily

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biodegradable fraction â€’ SS â€’ in inďŹ‚uent wastewater are outlined in reference 13. Among these methods, the aerobic batch method appears to be the most practical since it requires the least amount of analytical and laboratory facilities. In the aerobic batch method, a measured volume of wastewater of known total COD is combined with a measured volume of activated sludge mixed liquor in a batch bioreactor. The contents of the bioreactor are kept well mixed throughout the test while the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) in the bioreactor is measured and plotted against time to give an OUR proďŹ le which is used determine the amount of SS. Use of the appropriate food to mass (F/M) ratio is important in this test. The F/M ratio determines the ration of the volume of wastewater to activated sludge used in the test. The best F/M ratio should be determined by trial. A recommended starting ratio of mg COD to mg VSS is 0.65.

Inert soluble COD fraction SI The inert soluble substrate â€’ SI â€’ in wastewater can be determined by a ďŹ‚occulation-ďŹ ltration procedure on the wastewater. After

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running a batch OUR test on the wastewater for 24 hours, the only

Meter complies with (SABS) now NRCS approval for billing

soluble COD remaining should be non-biodegradable soluble COD

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â€’ SI. Therefore, at the end of the batch OUR test, 1 â„“ of the batch reactor contents is drawn as a sample to determine the inert soluble substrate. The sample is dosed with 10 mâ„“ of aluminium sulphate with a concentration of 50 g/â„“. The mixture is stirred rapidly for two minutes and then poured slowly into a perspex cylinder (settling column) equipped with a magnetic stirrer. The content of

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TECHNICAL PAPER

the column is then stirred slowly for 30 min

from an initial low value until the readily

(ﬂocculation phase). During the ﬂocculation

biodegradable COD is nearly completely

phase, the ﬂocs settle and leave a clear

consumed. A precipitous drop in OUR fol-

liquid zone. A 50 mℓ sample is drawn from

lows. The amount of heterotrophic active

FIGURE 1: Predicted and measured final effluent COD concentrations of Marianridge WWTP for the year 2006

Slowly biodegradable fraction XS

the clear liquid zone and ﬁltered through

biomass XH is estimated from the OUR

a glass ﬁbre ﬁlter (Whatman GF/C) and the

response using an appropriate activated

The slowly biodegradable fraction ‒ XS

COD of the ﬁltrate determined. The COD

sludge model such as the ASM-type or the

‒ is obtained by diﬀerence from the

of the ﬁltrate gives the amount of the inert

UCT model15.

measured total COD and the previously

soluble substrate, SI .

estimated COD fractions as shown in the

Particulate inerts XI

equation below.

Heterotrophic biomass XH

The procedures for determining the con-

To determine the quantity of heterotrophic

centration of particulate inert organics in-

active biomass in wastewater, the proce-

volves the kinetic analysis of a laboratory-

Results and discussion

dure outlined by Wentzel et al. (1995)12 can

scale completely mixed activated sludge

The results obtained from the COD frac-

be used. The procedure is a result of modi-

unit operated at steady-state with a sludge

tionation of inﬂuent wastewater from the

fication of the work by Kappelar and Gujer

age longer that five days16. Ekama et al.

three WWTPs are summarized in Table 1.

(1992)14, which described a batch test to

(1986)13 proposed a calculation of the con-

The Marianridge inﬂuent contains about

quantify heterotrophic active biomass in

centration of XI, which involves comparing

62.3% biodegradable organic matter, of

activated sludge. In the modified test by

the measured mixed liquor volatile sus-

which 44.2% is slowly biodegradable partic-

Wentzel et al. (1995)12, a volume of influent

pended solids (MLVSS) concentration with

ulate XS and 18.1 % is readily biodegradable

of known COD concentration is mixed and

the calculated value on the basis of cal-

substrate SS. Wentzel and Ekama (2006) give

aerated while the oxygen uptake rate is

culated kinetics. The IAWPRC Task Group2

the proportion of XS in typical South African

measured. At the beginning of the test an

recommends a similar approach based

wastewater as the 60% and the readily bio-

appreciable amount (in excess of the half

upon the comparison of observed and

degradable fraction SS as 20%. This shows

saturation coefficient for growth) of read-

calculated sludge production16. For these

that the inﬂuent from Marianridge WWTP

ily biodegradable COD should be present

procedures, the heterotrophic yield (YH)

contains

and therefore the first part of the test

the endogenous decay rate (bH) and the

However, it should be noted that the COD

should reflect a logarithmic growth phase5.

inert fraction of biomass must be correctly

fractions given by Wentzel and Ekama

The OUR should increase exponentially

determined by independent experiments.

(2006)13 are based on municipal wastewa-

XS = CTCOD - (SI + SS + XI + XH)

less

biodegradable

substrate.

ter of mainly domestic origin. The lower

Table 1: COD fractions of effluent collected from the Marianridge, Darvill and Hammesdale WWTPs

biodegradable component and higher non-

Description

% of Total COD in influent wastewater

to the Marianridge WWTP is clearly due to

Marianridge WWTP Darvill WWTP

Hammesdale WWTP

the presence of industrial wastewater from

7.5

7.3

5.2

factories discharging into the plant, with

Readily biodegradable substrate (SS) 18.1

19.1

14.6

textile eﬄuent making up a signiﬁcant por-

Slowly biodegradable substrate (XS)

44.2

36.8

59.4

Inert particulate organics (XI)

15.6

36.7

5.3

Heterotrophic biomass (XH)

14.6

15.6

Soluble inert organics (SI)

biodegradable components in the inﬂuent

tion of the industrial inﬂuent wastewater to the plant. The COD fractionation of the influent wastewater from Marianridge was used to calibrate and validate the model for

*In the guide on the typical South African wastewater by Wentzel and Ekama (2006), the presence of heterotrophic biomass is considered negligible.

JULY/AUGUST 2012

Marianridge WWTP. Reliable predictions were obtained from the model when the

TECHNICAL PAPER

COD fractionation results were used as

be carried out. A more detailed procedure

input representing the influent wastewater

will give relatively more reliable results as

treatment Technological University, Singapore)

in the model. The influent characterisation

seen in the case of Marianridge WWTP. The

ISBN 978-1-86094-580-9 pp1 -11

was assessed to be satisfactory for model-

reliability of the COD fractionation of the

ling, because of the modelling response

influent wastewater can further be inves-

Characterization

achieved even before calibration. Figure

tigated by assessing how well the simula-

Dept Civil Eng, Univ. of Cape Town, South

1 show simulations from the Marianridge

tion results of the plant model match the

Africa.

WWTP model with the fractionation results

measured values. The two cases of Darvill

as input.

and Hammarsdale WWTP show that more

wastewater treatment plant. MScEng Thesis.

The COD fractionation results for Darvill WWTP suggested a very high fraction of

Wun Jern NG (2006) Indutrial Wastewater

Wentzel,

and of

Ekama,

municipal

(2006)

Mhlanga FT (2008) Modelling the Marianridge

tests are required to have reliable COD

University of KwaZulu Natal. SA.

fractionation of the influent wastewater.

non-biodegradable organic matter, 36.7%

wastewater.

Fennemore CD Gallagher, D Naicker (2008)

The Hammarsdale Experince-An exercise in

particulate inerts and 7.3% soluble inerts.

Acknowledgements

cooperative governance, WISA Publication

At the time of writing this paper, the num-

The authors would like to thank the Water

ber of samples that were available from

Research

disposal of sewage sludge darvill wastewater

the COD fractionation of wastewater from

Municipality of South Africa for supporting

treatment

Darvill WWTP was limited to a few samples,

this research through funding, providing

publication

resulting in a data set that was unreliable

information and laboratory services.

even for simulations in the Darvill WWTP.

* FT Mhlanga works in the Pollution Research

for the examination of water and wastewater

The simulations that were carried out on

Group at the School of Chemical Engineering,

(19th ed) American Public Health Association,

the Darvill WWTP model showed that there

University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,

Washington DC, USA.

was significant variation between histori-

4041. † Tel: +27( 0)31 260 1129, fax: +27 (0)31 260

cal measured values and predicted values

1118, e-mail: 207528092@ukzn.ac.za

Batch measurements of readily biodegradable

Commission

and

eThekwini

of variables such as the final effluent COD.

Hunt rp (1998) strategic assessment for the works

Pietermaritzburg

WISA

Standard Methods (1995) Standard methods

Wentzel, MC; Mbewe, A and Ekama, GA (1995)

COD and active organism concentration in mu-

References

nicipal wastewater. Water SA, 21(2) 117-124.

higher final effluent COD values predicted

by the model when compared to meas-

strategies applied to the activated sludge unit.

Procedures for determining influent COD frac-

ured values. A possible cause for such high

PhD Thesis. Uppsala University, Sweden.

tions and the maximum specific growth rate

predicted final effluent COD values would

of heterotrophs in activated sludge systems.

be the high non-biodegradable COD frac-

matsuo t (1987) Activated Sludge Model No.1.

Water Sci. Tech. 18(6) 91-114.

tion in the influent characterisation results.

IAWPRC Scientiﬁc and Technical Report No.1,

Furthermore, the results for Hammersdale

IAWPRC, London.

kinetic parameters of heterotrophic biomass

WWTP presented a similar challenge of

Henze, M, Gujer, W, Mino, T, and Van

under aerobic conditions and characterization

having limited samples to test, thus limit-

Loosdrecht MCM (2000) Activated Sludge

of wastewater for activated sludge modelling.

ing the discussion of the results to the

Models ASM1, ASM2, ASM2d, and ASM3, IWA

Water Sci.Technol. 25(6) 105-124.

conclusion that more samples need to be

Scientiﬁc and Technical Report No. 9. IWA, UK.

analysed to produce more reliable results.

Henze, m; Gujer, w; Mino, t; Matsuo, t; Wentzel,

Measurement of readily biodegradable COD

notable

observation

was

relatively

Lindberg, CF (1997) Control and estimation

Henze, m; Grady, cpl; gujer, w; marais, gvr and

Ekama, GA; Dold, PL and Marais G.v.R. (1986).

Kappeler, J and Gujer, W (1992) Estimation of

Dold, PL; Bagg, wk and Marais, GvR (1980)

cm and Marais, gvr (1995) Activated Sludge

fraction in municipality wastewater by ultra

Conclusion

Model No.2, IAWQ Scientiﬁc and Technical

filtration. UCT Report No. W57, Dept Civil Eng,

COD fractionation influent of wastewater

Report No.3, IAWQ, England.

Univ. of Cape Town, South Africa.

for a given WWTP can be done using the

above presented method. A very detailed

characterization in activated sludge model-

tionation in wastewater characterization: The

or a less detailed procedure, depending on

ling.

state of the art. Chem. Tech. Biotechnol. 68(1)

the intended use of the process model, can

Foundation

Melcer H (2003) Methods of wastewater Report

Water

Environment

Research

Orhon, D and Corgnor, EU (1996) COD frac-

283-293.

JULY/AUGUST 2012

TRENCHLESS NEWS

Pipeline rehabilitation

Umjindi Municipality’s water pipeline network gets a facelift Trenchless Technologies is giving Umjindi Municipality’s ageing and leaking water pipeline network a facelift through the use of its cutting-edge pipe laying techniques.

ubsurface pipeline construction and rehabili-

of perennial rivers. Despite this, more storage space

tation company Trenchless Technologies in-

was needed to meet the future demand that would

volvement in the replacement of the Umjindi

come from serving the municipality s rural villages

Municipality s ageing water network in the

and farms, which were not yet supplied with water

Barberton and Emjindini areas, has seen the com-

and sanitation.

pany replace more than 30 km of water pipeline by

The significant water losses in the existing urban

means of a trenchless method called pipe bursting.

water networks also posed a problem, and the

Situated in the southern lowveld of Mpumalanga, the

Umjindi and Barberton residents were being left

Umjindi Municipality area is surrounded by a number

without water on a weekly basis. The municipality s

JULY/AUGUST 2012

Trenchless Technology Specialist

Our range of services include: • Pipe Bursting • Horizontal Directional Drilling • Pipe Rehabilitation

• Pipe Ramming • CCTV Inspection • Dewatering

• HDPE Welding • Deep Excavation and Shoring • Underground Service Detection

• Slip Lining

• Industrial Pipe Cleaning

• Close-ﬁt lining: COMPACT PIPE

For more information you can contact us: +27 (0)21 761 3474 F +27 (0)21 797 1151 E info@tt-innovations.co.za www.tt-innovations.co.za

TRENCHLESS NEWS

old asbestos cement (AC) pipes were past

pipes with a pressure rating of 12.5 bar.

their 30-year design life, causing them to

The pipes will be replaced with pipes

continuously burst.

of the same size or one size larger,

Trenchless

Technologies

managing

ABOVE FROM LEFT Bursting asbestos cement pipes, 60 t rod puller, pipe-bursting steel pipe, T135 Hammer in 160 HDPE bursting casing

explains Efrat.

member, Sam Efrat, explains that after

Speaking on the method of pipe burst-

receive the benefit of reduced excavation

the South African government imple-

ing, Efrat says that this is a trenchless

and less disruption and disturbances as

mented an initiative for all municipalities

method of replacing underground pipe-

a result of employing the pipe bursting

to develop a strategic water plan, in

lines and entails a new pipe being fed

methodology.

2009 the Umjindi Municipality awarded

through an old pipe from a launching pit

The work is efficient and cost-effective,

a substantial pipe replacement project to

to a receiving pit. The old pipe is broken

but at the same time, requires a high

Trenchless Technologies.

into small pieces and displaced into the

degree of labour, which contributes to

surrounding soil.

the development, training and employ-

The first phase of the project, which was carried out by another contractor in

This can be done by the static method

ment of the local community. The project

2008, involved the replacement of several

using rod-pullers or dynamic method

has thus far created 35 jobs in the local

kilometres of AC pipe by means of pipe

using percussive hammers. Typically rod-

community. Trenchless Technologies

bursting. In 2009, as a result of the success

ke bursting pullers are used to undertake

of Phase 1, the municipality embarked on

all 110 to lengths of 150 m and to install

a Municipal Infrastructure Grant-funded

cement 315 mm diameter HDPE replacement

project to replace the remaining 41 km of

mmers pipes, while percussive hammers

the town s water network.

are used for installing 160 and

W What s

s. 200 mm diameter HDPE pipes.

Te Technologies

Trenchless Technologies was awarded

also contr contributes towards the developme velopment of its subcontractors as

E Enterprise

Development

Bene Beneficiaries. more,

Trenchless involvement

utWhile the cost of open cut-

in the project, along with

for

T Tumber Fourie Consulting

and 70% complete. To date, Trenchless

he water pipe replacement in the

Engineers, saw the Umjindi

Technologies has replaced 30 km of pipe.

ry Umjindi Municipal area is very

Municipality win the pres-

Of the existing pipes, 95% were AC pipes,

similar,

e the

ttigious Kamso Award for

while 5% were cast iron or steel pipes.

extent of special surfacing

The existing pipes are being replaced

required for rehabilitation,

with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

local residents and motorists

the contract to complete this R47 million project, which is now in its fourth phase

ting

and

pipe

busting

depending

Best Municipality in 2011 â€’ a superb achievement

Provincial Kamso Award 2011

JULY/AUGUST 2012

for all involved.

TRENCHLESS NEWS

Project winner

SASTT Award of Excellence The SASTT Award of Excellence for 2011 was bestowed upon the project involving the construction of the irrigation water pipeline for the Green Point Common. SASTT president, Andries Lötz, presented the award certificate to representatives of the City of Cape Town, BKS and Insitu-Pipelines.

hen the City of Cape Town decided to

The challenge for this project was the construction

redevelop the well-known Green Point

of a 315 mm diameter pipeline from the spring to the

Common to complement the magnifi-

Common over a distance of 5.2 km through a heavily

cent new Cape Town Stadium, one of

the key issues was the source of irrigation water. This 86 ha redevelopment consists of a golf course, various sports fields and an urban park, all of which contribute to a substantial demand for irrigation water. A feasibility study identified a sustainable source of water, in the form of a natural spring, located in the city bowl area below Table Mountain. In the early days, water from this spring was utilised to irrigate the crops grown in the Company s Gardens for the supply of fresh produce to passing ships.

BELOW LEFT Pipeline preparation for pullback (horizontal directional drilling) BELOW RIGHT Pullback of pipeline under Kamp Road intersection

built-up city.

Route planning The route has two distinct sections. In the lower section (1 700 m), between Chiappini Street and the Common, the pipeline is located in the Somerset

The City of Cape Town preferred trenchless technology as it would be the least disruptive method of construction Road reserve and could be installed by means of open trench construction. BKS and Insitu-pipelines were not directly involved with this section. For the upper section (3 500 m), between the spring and Somerset Road, the City of Cape Town preferred trenchless technology as it would be the least disruptive method of construction in terms of traﬃc ﬂow, access

JULY/AUGUST 2012

TRENCHLESS NEWS

CITY CENTRE (CBD)

BR EE

TIO

MAIN SPRINGS

CAPE TOWN STADIUM

GREEN POINT COMMON

SIGNAL HILL

and public safety. The route planning therefore was focused on identifying disused pipelines where pipe cracking and slip lining technology could be applied.

Preliminary design and tenders BKS performed a functional design based on the preliminary information and the outcome indicated the

FIGURE 1 Construction of the irrigation pipeline for the Green Point Common overall pipeline route

Construction The contract was awarded to Insitu-pipelines on the strength of its expertise in the field of trenchless technology. The contract value was R15 214 676.84 and the contract duration was 11 months. A CCTV survey was done on 2 300 m of water mains and the final designs were performed, which resulted

appropriate construction methods for various sections of the pipeline. The actual section lengths for the various construction methods would be established after the award of the contract and following the outcome of an extensive CCTV survey. The proposed works were put to public tender.

ABOVE Pipe cracking in Government Avenue CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Slip lining in Loop Street, slip lining between services in Bloem Street, access pit for slip lining in Loop Street, pipe stacking in Loop Street

JULY/AUGUST 2012

TRENCHLESS NEWS

D HD LO NG

SL W

MAIN SPRINGS

IPU

IPU:

IN-SITU PIPE USED (150m)

OC:

OPEN CUT 315mm Ø (980m)

PC:

PIPE CRACKING 150mm Ø TO 315mm Ø (570m)

SL:

SLIP LINING 315mm Ø/350mm Ø (1810m)

FIGURE 2 Construction of the irrigation pipeline for the Green Point Common – various trenchless technologies applied ABOVE CCTV inspection indicating pipe condition and cross connections in specific technology being applied to various sections as indicated in the following table (preliminary design also indicated): Challenges during construction included: • locating 106-year-old water mains under city streets • avoiding damage to cables

Technology

Preliminary Final Design Design

Slip lining: 315 mm HDPE inside a 400 mm 800 m

1 810 m

Pipe cracking: Upsize 100 mm and 150 mm to 315 mm

1 000 m

570 m

Pipe drilling

500 m

130 m

Open trench

1 200 m

980 m

• maintaining public safety • maintaining vehicular and pedestrian access • liaison with heritage departments • scheduling the works so that demarcated areas showed no evi-

9 Pipe Bursting 150-650 diameter 9 INSITU CIPP Lining 9 INSITU Patch Lining 9 Micro Tunnelling 9 Slip Lining 9 CCTV 9 Pigging and Testing 9 Ground Penetrating Radar 9 Pipeline Condition Assessment and Leak Detection

dence of construction activities for the duration of the 2010 Soccer World Cup • keeping the Company s Gardens and other tourist attractions neat

Insitu-Pipelines (Pty) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd

The construction of the irrigation water pipeline for the Green Point sewer was achieved by the effective use of slip lining, pipe cracking and pipe drilling technology. The pipeline was constructed within the contracted amount and time frames with no

For more information, or to discuss a project call us on Tel: +27 11 786 8099 Fax: +27 11 786 8084 or E-mail: insitu@global.co.za 13, 4th Street, Wynberg, Johannesburg

detrimental outcomes.

Three other projects were nominated for the SASTT Awards of Excellence. These projects are highlighted in the pages which follow.

TRENCHLESS NEWS

Project entry

Govan Mbeki sewer upgrade The contract involved the rehabilitation of two parallel sewers located beneath the heavily trafficked Govan Mbeki Avenue in the heart of Port Elizabeth’s CBD. Five different trenchless technologies were applied on this contract. Client: Mandela Bay Development Agency

Pipeline assessment

Consultant: Africoast Consulting

Condition assessment of the two sewers

the roadway or Bus Rapid Transport lane.

Engineers

was undertaken using CCTV inspection

• This contract highlights the large range of

Contractor: Trenchless Technologies

and cutting of windows from the sewers

trenchless techniques available in South

Subcontractor: Tuboseal

for physically inspection. It was ascer-

Africa; it was technically challenging and

tained that:

has a high interest levels, and will assist

Why trenchless?

• No excavation whatsoever was required in

The 525 mm Sewer was severely cor-

in showcasing the beneﬁts of trenchless

The 525 mm sewer is located under the

roded around its whole circumference due

technology to engineers, municipalities

heavily trafficked roadway, while the

to acidic effluent. The measured pH values

and the public.

1 000 mm sewer is located under the

were as low as 3.3.

newly constructed Bus Rapid Transport

This sewer was very old and was cast in

lane. Consequently only a trenchless non-

two sections with horizontal joints run-

disruptive technique could be employed

ning along its full length. The mortar had

for rehabilitation as both road and bus

corroded out of the construction joints

lanes are utilised daily.

and it was no longer water tight.

Trenchless techniques considered on contract

roded above the water line and the rein-

Sliplining appeared to be the most eco-

at places. The most severe deterioration

nomical, but there was limited space for

occurred at the sides and invert of the

launch pits and storage of long lengths of

sewer due to a combination of corrosion

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) piping

and erosion and was particularly severe

and flow capacity would be reduced.

along those sections of sewer were the

CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) would not have

velocity was high. This corrosion is typical

influenced the hydraulic capacity and

of what occurs in a sewer downstream of

lining could be continuous through some

a rising main where there is an accumula-

manholes. However the CIPP process was

tion of gas due to long retention times. It

more expensive and was therefore limited

was estimated that sections of this sewer

to assist in lining the bend on the 525 mm

would collapse within 10 years.

BELOW Various trenchless techniques were used in this project

The 1 000 mm Sewer was severely corforcing was exposed and corroded away

sewer and lining the 43 m length where the sewer reduces to 800 mm diameter on

Conclusion

the 1 000 mm diameter sewer.

• This is the first time that Rotoloc has

Ribloc Expanda and Rotoloc solutions

been utilised in Africa and it extends the

allowed for a complete no-dig lining

range of rehabilitation solutions available

solution through manholes. In addition to

in South Africa.

no excavation, the solution was design-

• The spiral winding and CIPP technolo-

compliant and risk was lower as the

gies allowed a complete no-dig solution

process could be reversed in the event of

that enabled lining to take place entirely

unforeseen problems.

through the access chambers.

Scope Of Work Technology

Description

Length

Diameter

Comment

Ribloc Expanda

Spirally wound uPVC profile expanded to be a close fit

600 m

525 mm

Winding cage is positioned in manhole

CIPP Ambient Cure Ambient cured CIPP liner impregnated on site

15 m

525 mm

Lining of 90 degree bend on the 525 mm sewer

Ribloc Rotoloc

Spirally wound uPVC profile wound-in-place to be a close fit

720 m

1 000 mm

Winding cage travels down the pipe

CIPP UV Cure

BKP UV-cured reinforced CIPP liner impregnated in factory

43 m

800 mm

Relining of 800 mm ID reduction in the 1 000 mm sewer

Pipe Bursting

60 tonne static chain puller employed from within manhole

16 m

225 mm

Bursting existing 225 interceptor sewer as existing pipe could not be plugged and over pumped

JULY/AUGUST 2012

TRENCHLESS NEWS

Project entry

Pipe ramming and directional drilling at Mossel Bay Owing to a spate of droughts in the Southern Cape area, which left one town without drinking water, the local municipality of Mossel Bay and private sector stakeholders financed and approved the construction of a desalination plant along the nearby coastline. proximity, both installations were completed without complications.

Technical Details • Client: Mossel Bay Municipality/PetroSA (Dec 2010) • Main contractor: Entsha Henra • Consultant: MVD Consulting Engineers • Obstruction traversed for drilling works: Louis Fourie Road and Alwyndal Road, Mossel Bay • Drilling/pipe ramming contractor: TT Innovations

part from constructing the new

window was available for the 800 mm

• Obstruction traversed for pipe ramming

plant, new pipeline infrastruc-

diameter pipe installation. This meant that

works: Installation under reservoir walls

ture had to be installed and

the pipe was fairly shallow, in comparison

(4 Mℓ and 3.4 Mℓ reservoirs)

connected to the existing reser-

voirs. Engineers opted to utilise trenchless construction methods to provide innovative and cost-eﬀective solutions for the installation of large diameter pipelines under roadways and reservoirs, using directional

• HDPE pipe diameter (for drilling

The use of trenchless technology for this project demonstrated the benefits and innovation available in the trenchless market

drilling for the roadway crossings and pipe

46 m and 50 m • Length of pipe ramming installations: 3 m and 7 m • Steel pipe diameter (for pipe ram-

to conventional practices, requiring pin-

ramming for the reservoirs.

works): 800 mm • Length of drilling installations:

ming works): 1 000 mm

point accuracy and ﬂuid control during the

Why go trenchless?

pilot bore, reaming and installation phases,

Innovate, not excavate

Both the Louis Fourie and Alwyndal roads

to prevent any frac-outs or collapses.

The use of trenchless technology for this

are major through fare routes in Mossel

The hardness of the in situ soil (dried clay

project demonstrated the benefits and

Bay. Opencast excavation would cause

and

progress

innovation available in the trenchless

major

especially

for the pipe ramming operations. Apart

market, when engineers are willing to ex-

during peak holiday season (December).

from the obvious concerns with regards

plore new construction avenues. It further

Furthermore, the roads authority prohib-

to the integrity of the existing reservoir

highlighted the inherent efficiencies of

ited any opencast excavation of the road-

structure ‒ when working in such close

trenchless technology.

disruption

traﬃc,

boulder

matrix)

slowed

ways. The option to install the steel sleeves by means of pipe ramming was undertaken to save time, costs and reinstatement of the reservoir walls. This method also allowed for rapid construction as the pipe was connected via the ﬂoor of the reservoir (without requiring any additional structural alterations to the walls).

Challenges encountered Due to the density of existing services along the main roads, a narrow installation

JULY/AUGUST 2012

TRENCHLESS NEWS

Project entry

eThekwini renovates its pipelines with compact pipe The eThekwini Municipality took a bold step and looked to international solutions and technological advancements for a feasible solution to its water network crisis.

government

installer of compact pipe. This rapid transfer

played an integral role in this

of practical and theoretical information

regard and was pivotal in intro-

put work crews under pressure as mistakes

ducing compact pipe to South

could not be aﬀorded. As a ﬁnal validation

Netherlands

Africa. This innovative pipeline renovation

of the system s versatility and eﬃciency,

solution makes use of a folded polyeth-

the network owner was faced with a di-

The 170 m pipeline section was completely

ylene pipe (the pipe is folded along its

lemma when the main feed to a reservoir

renovated and reconnected by 10:00 the

length during manufacturing), which is

was rendered redundant, due to a series of

following morning.

inserted into the existing pipeline. Once

mishaps. The only solution was to have the

in place, a combination of steam, and later

existing adjacent pipeline, which was still

Technical details

compressed air (used for cooling), is used

under construction, operational before the

• Client: eThekwini Municipality (Pinetown,

to revert the folded pipe back to its circu-

reservoir reserves were depleted. The folded

lar shape and it subsequently fits securely

polyethylene compact pipe was inserted

• Main Contractor: Insitu Pipelines/WBHO

within the host pipe.

into the L-shaped 170 m section of pipeline

• Licensed Compact Pipe Contractor: TT

at approximately 10:00. After insertion, the

Why go trenchless

steaming and cooling process was initiated.

This project provided the ideal platform

Westville)

Innovations • Pipe diameter: 225 mm and 250 mm diameter

for fully exploiting the unique capabilities

• Length of combined installations: approxi-

of the system. Many sections of the water

mately 4 000 m

pipeline included slight misalignments as

• Service being renovated: water mains

well as various bends, with the maximum bend angle being 90 degrees.

Keeping up with international trends

The folded pipe was able to accom-

As a flagship project, various stakeholders,

modate these direction changes

including contractors, consultants and

easily, with the maximum single

other municipal representatives, were

installation length achieved being

hosted at an open day event. A the-

approximately 380 m. With two-

ory session detailing the compact

way traffic and confined spaces,

pipe process followed by a site visit

this

again

allowed the participants to witness

proved invaluable with its small

the renovation system first hand.

site footprint.

This unique collaboration between

renovation

system

countries allowed the South African

Challenges encountered

market to benefit from international

The project in Durban is the

applications and products, adding to

culmination of a series of train-

the myriad of innovative trenchless

ing exercises and skills transfer

renovation methods available to cli-

practices

South

ents and municipal entities as they

African specialist contractor, TT

deal with issues of service delivery

Innovations, to become a licensed

and non-revenue water.

that

enabled

JULY/AUGUST 2012

TRENCHLESS NEWS

Swagelining technology

Pipeline technology in Africa Over the past couple of years, the Rare Group has undertaken numerous swagelining projects for the mining sector across the continent. Water&Sanitation Africa provides an insight into these projects.

ines in Africa have limited resources in terms of reliable local service companies, so they often latch onto South African companies on site, which have the neces-

sary skills and equipment to help out with engineering problems beyond the scope of the work they re there to do in the first place. Our involvement in Africa began when we installed a new swagelining slurry pipeline at a mine near Kolwezi just over a year ago, explains Rare CEO, Wally van Coller. Mine management was so satisfied with the service they got from us that they asked us to do a couple of other small jobs since we had the people and equipment on site. This rapidly escalated into bigger projects and today we have over 100 people employed at Rare Congo, our affiliate company at Kolwezi. Swagelining technology is used for corrosion preven-

off the pipe. This can result in sig-

tion and life extension of new and existing pipelines

nificant cost savings and operational

that are utilised in a range of industry applications,

efficiencies for the pipeline operator. Naturally, these projects are more

such as mining slurry, gas, potable water, sewage, water injection, crude oil, cement and chemicals. The swagelining system is the insertion of liners into pipelines of up to 60 inches (1.52 m) in diameter for structural and non-structural applications. It works by installing a tight-fitting polymer liner into new or existing pipelines by designing and constructing a liner that has an outside diameter slightly larger than the inside diameter of the pipe to be lined. The aim is to maximise pulling lengths, which in turn leads to reduced numbers of connections and excavations.

TOP General view

than just pipes and pipelines, adds Van Coller. Besides partnering with a local company

ABOVE Exit after 660 m

which does the civil work, we had to tap from our in-

BELOW completed lining with circulation and heating hoses

work required. For example, we ve just completed a

house experience or employ people who could do the large ore-pass 500 m underground for this opencast copper mine, which also has an underground shaft. Although this was outside the scope of our usual work, we employed people who could design and install the civils, wear linings and conveyors systems to complete

The technique uses a naturally reverting recovery system after installation. The liner is installed into a host pipe by pulling it through a reduction die using a winch, which temporarily reduces its diameter, allowing for easy installation. Once it is pulled completely through the pipe, the pulling force is removed and the liner returns to its original diameter, pressing tightly against the inside wall of the host pipe. The tight-fitting polymer liner results in a flow capacity close to that of the original pipeline. The swagelining system uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liners, which offer a range of benefits to the mining industry with regard to asset integrity. The polymer is highly abrasive resistant, which increases the lifespan of the pipeline. The smooth surface of the polymer liner decreases resistance, which reduces the overall power consumption required to run the pipe. By rehabilitating existing corroded pipelines with structural liners the liner can take the working pressure

JULY/AUGUST 2012

VALVES

Proudly Distributed by: INCLEDON BRANCHES

Tel: 013 231 7224

GERMISTON

Tel: 011 323 0800

KATHU

Tel: 053 723 2213

KLERKSDORP

Tel: 018 469 4466 LEPHALALE

Tel: 014 763 5824

NELSPRUIT

Tel: 013 752 3121

NORTHRIDING

Tel: 011 462 7555

POLOKWANE DURBAN

Tel: 015 292 8660 PRETORIA Tel: 031 716 2200 EAST LONDON

Tel: 012 653 8520

SECUNDA

Tel: 017 631 4200

WELKOM

Tel: 057 396 1131

Tel: 043 736 6022

PORT ELIZABETH Tel: 041 404 1800

BLOEMFONTEIN Tel: 051 408 9200 BURGERSFORT

www.incledon.co.za

DPI TRADING CAPE TOWN

Tel: 021 957 5600 GEORGE

Tel: 044 874 2327

TRENCHLESS NEWS

the job in seven months, a third of the

extend the pipeline life another

time a previous contractor took to build an

lifetime, explains Van Coller.

ore pass.

The swagelining process applies

New pipeline work, installed above or

tight ďŹ t or interference ďŹ t HDPE

below surface, as well as pipe rehabilita-

liner inside the pipe in situ to pro-

tion, is mostly undertaken with swagelin-

tect it from further corrosion while

ing technology, a method of lining steel

cathodic protection will protect

pipe with an HDPE liner to extend pipe

the outside. This lining with its

life beyond steel pipe s normal life expec-

lower friction improves ďŹ‚ow which

tancy, especially in the case of slurries.

in turn reduces the power require-

We have the sole right in Africa to this British technology, says Van Coller. Originally it was developed to rehabilitate

ment from the pumping side. We ve

just

completed

900 mm diameter concrete sew-

leaking cast iron gas piping in England.

erage pipeline in Port Elizabeth, but CIPP

Today we use swagelining on all types of

technology can also be used to fix leaking

applications where corrosion and abrasion

steel, asbestos and fibreglass water pipe-

impacts dramatically on pipe life.

lines, adds Van Coller.

ABOVE Double bend section

All these technologies are brought to customers through a total cost of owner-

The traditional method of rehabilitat-

The CIPP process is mainly for larger

ing a pipeline is to dig it up and replace

diameter pipe and consists of a process

it, which incurs a major expense and is

where a sock of special needle-punched

Our business model is unique in that

extremely difficult in the case of old pipe

polyester material soaked with tailor-made

we not only supply all the equipment you

that may now run under built-up areas.

ship scheme which Rare calls the Xtender management programme.

resins is pulled through the pipe, followed

need to get water from the dam to the

Depending on the condition of the

by either hot water or steam to cure the

tap in your home, but we ve introduced

pipeline, we can either use the swagelining

resin in the sock to form a new liner. These

several

process or the CIPP (cured-in-place pipe)

liners can also structurally restore the

systems

process to reline the inside of the pipe to

original pipe.

Van Coller.

technologies cost

JULY/AUGUST 2012

effectively,

rehabilitate concludes

! " # $ % & '

! " !

TECHNOLOGY

Water losses

Leading the way in leak detection “It is important to realize that water is life. As cities grow, we are going to need a lot of clean water. People take water for granted – but it just doesn’t work like that.”

hese are the words of Owen Sihle Ngcobo, the senior leak detection technician who heads up Bosch Munitech s leak detection teams in

KwaZulu-Natal. While it is obvious that highly visible pipe bursts cost municipalities dearly, even the trickles of water seeping from verges are worth millions. However, unseen leaks are the ones that count the most as they are often precursors to bigger problems. Both

personally

and

professionally,

Ngcobo has embraced the Department of Water Aﬀairs policy that Water is Life . He believes he and his teams at Bosch Munitech will contribute to bringing cities in line with the Presidential Directive to halve water losses by 2014.

JULY/AUGUST 2012

Solutions Driven Utility Management Working hand-in-hand with municipalities to provide service delivery outcomes that balance the technical and social needs of the communities we serve.

• Water and Wastewater Services • Solid Waste and Environmental Services • Geographic Information Systems • Underground Services Location • Infrastructure Refurbishment • Turnkey Solutions

A Bosch Holdings (Pty) Ltd Company Tel: +27(31) 535 6000 | E-mail: info@boschmunitech.co.za | www.boschmunitech.co.za

TECHNOLOGY

Bosch Munitech, a member of the Bosch

lines and observing visible leaks to the de-

the middleman between ﬁeld staﬀ and

Holdings group, specialises in the develop-

ployment of sophisticated acoustic sensing

operations technicians, and liaises with

ment and implementation of sustainable

equipment that listens for leak noise on

clients and consultants. Training is another

water and solid waste management solu-

submerged pipes. Once prospective leaks

responsibility and one that he says is a

tions and assists with managing, operating

have been identiﬁed, leak pin-pointing

particular challenge. This job is 90% about

and maintaining municipal engineering

follows and once the leak is conﬁrmed, a

the person and about 10% about the

infrastructure. The company began investing

plumbing team is called in to excavate and

equipment. We need people with techni-

in state-of-the-art acoustic technology and

do repairs.

cal skills who can think both in and out of

initiated an innovative GIS-based manage-

Chris Otto, Bosch Munitech s operations

ment system for leak detection and repair

technician, remembers Ngcobo joining the

As Ngcobo explains, the process usually

when problems with leaks and ageing water

company in March 2009. With basic training

begins with a Level 2 leak detection and

infrastructure ﬁrst became blips on munici-

as a leak detection technician in another

a technician walking the line . A graph

pal radar screens in 2008.

company, he d spotted opportunities to

reﬂects readings from water meters at

We have invested signiﬁcantly in training,

grow and become a specialist in this area.

either end of a segment of a pipe. If a leak

equipment and employing specialists in

His ﬁrst stop was a compulsory competency

is suspected, then a ground microphone is

this ﬁeld, says Bosch Munitech s manag-

test set. Ngcobo passed both the theoretical

brought in. Using this, you can reach the

ing director, Steve McCarley, who views

and practical competency tests with ease,

exact spot ‒ that is how accurate it is. We

Ngcobo s career path as one of the depart-

outscoring other candidates who had been

then mark and report the leak. He reports

ment s biggest successes. In just two years,

working in the same ﬁeld for much longer. It

leaks to eThekwini Water and Sanitation

he has worked his way through the ranks to

soon became apparent that he not only had

(EWS) daily. But the real challenge is not

the point where he now oversees up to 11

a strong work ethic but plenty of enthusi-

just ﬁnding them, but ﬁxing them. He

teams, is responsible for operations in the

asm. He s a man who always leads by exam-

points out that private companies are often

ﬁeld, equipment, vehicles and complex lo-

ple and has a unique ability to recognise and

more eﬃcient and eﬀective, and believes

gistics. This is a very hands-on aspect of our

hone potential in his fellow team members.

that companies such as Bosch Munitech

business. Active leak detection encompasses

Now, in addition to overseeing the Bosch

everything from walking the reticulation

Munitech teams and operations, he is also

JULY/AUGUST 2012

the box.

will play an increasingly active role in managing leaks and conserving water.

PROFILE

Water -IQ

Water treatment technology Water-IQ is a privately owned company that supplies disinfection and allied equipment to the water, wastewater and swimming pool industry in South Africa.

he company has more than 30 years experience

design is prepared by Water-IQ. A systems component

in the water industry and, in conjunction with its

is mainly of serial manufacture, but the system itself is

principals in Europe, is constantly creating new,

always designed to overcome the customers problems.

advanced products to keep pace with stringent

The installation of a system is usually simple and rapidly

ecological requirements. It utilises equipment that maintains the quality and

accomplished because it has been carefully prepared and tested in advance.

bacteriological purity of water by adding chlorine,

According to Tony Turner, owner of Water-IQ, equip-

bromine or hypochlorite, which are common sanitary,

ment has been designed and manufactured by our

ecological and economically eﬃcient water disinfectants.

principals with the latest state-of-the-art materials and

Equipment is designed in cooperation with the cus-

manufacturing techniques to ensure optimum levels of

tomer. After a problem has been deﬁned, a preliminary

dosage with minimal chemicals and power consumption, and therefore minimal impact on the environment. In the late 1990s, there was a great surge in the interest of on-site generation. There is very little danger, if any, that on-site generation could produce any situation that could be classified as a major leak . Moreover, current on-site generation systems produce chlorine solutions containing 0.6 to 0.8% chlorine and storage of this concentration of chemical is not classified as hazardous, so these systems start off with a clean bill of health . Operating personnel are very favourably disposed towards these systems because the operation of this equipment does not require any special training in the use of hazardous material. Water-IQ has supplied and installed over 30 units to a major municipality in KwaZulu-Natal and there are approximately 150 units in operation in South Africa and neighbouring countries, in the water and wastewater sectors. The company offers the following products and services to the water industry: • Controlmatik Chlorine Gas Dosing Systems for aggressive gases and fluids

“Equipment has been designed and manufactured by our principals with the latest state-of-the-art materials and manufacturing techniques.” Tony Turner, owner of Water-IQ •

Envir-o-Cell

on-site

so-

dium hypochlorite batch systems

suitable

for

producing 0.8% sodium hypochlorite •

servicing,

repairs

and installations of disinfection equipment

JULY/AUGUST 2012

PROFILE

• Dosapro Milton Roy chemical dosing systems for dis-

and magnesium in the water) will vary from area to area

infection and allied applications, metering pumps and

and may cause calcium and magnesium deposits to form

microprocessor controlled dosing pumps

on the cell. For this reason, periodic inspection and clean-

• chemical products for water and wastewater, i.e.

ing of the cell with acetic acid (vinegar) will be necessary.

LiquidAlum, Polyelectrolytes, granular chlorine, liquid

The cleaning process is quick and simple.

12% sodium hypochlorite, etc. Contact details:

The Envir-o-Cell system is a safe and simple process for the on-site generation of sodium hypochlorite solution through the electrolysis of a brine solution

Tel: +27 (0)39 975 3870 Cell: +27 (0)82 573 4524 E-mail: wateriq@mweb.co.za Website: www.wateriq.co.za

• suppliers of Hanna Instruments products, such as pH meters, conductivity/TDS meters, turbidity meters, dissolved oxygen meters, etc. • suppliers of in-line sediment ﬁlters and of replacement elements • training programmes for hazardous chlorine installation and allied equipment • suppliers of Ozone disinfection systems for wastewater treatment.

Envir-o-Cell 2.75 on-site sodium hypochlorite generators System overview 2.75 kg/day The Envir-o-Cell system is a safe and simple process for the on-site generation of sodium hypochlorite solution through the electrolysis of a brine solution. A 3% brine solution is made in a tank by dissolving 30 g of salt per litre of water. The Envir-o-Cell is placed in the brine solution and the timer is set to the required reaction period. The cell is energised via the transformer/rectiﬁer, for the set time period. The DC current supplied to the cell causes the dissociation of NaCl (salt) in H2O (water), which

ITEM

SPECIFICATION

allows for the formation of available chlorine as sodium

Produced hypochlorite concentration Maximum daily hypochlorite production Cell capacity (Free available chlorine) Salt quality required Water supply required Brine solution Raw material consumption for the production of 1 kg available chlorine Electrical power required Power consumption System current draw Circuit capacity System control Control panel

0.6 to 0.8 %

hypochlorite in solution. Hydrogen gas is a by-product of the process and is safely vented to atmosphere. The electrical system is protected by a circuit breaker. The water hardness (calcium

Solution level

Rectifier

Cell Hypo. Tank

Control panel mass Control panel dimensions Cell housing material Cell electrode material Cell height Cell mass Sodium Hypochlorite Tank

Country of manufacture

JULY/AUGUST 2012

455 litres 2.75 kg 99.7 % pure dry weight Potable water 30 g salt per litre of water 5 kg salt 124 l of water 5.5 kWh (AC) of power 220 VAC, single phase, 50 Hz 15 kWh/day AC 4 amps AC 15 amps Electronic timer controlled batch process Wall mount or portable, polyester enclosure, main switch, ammeter, manual DC voltage control, 24 hour timer, circuit breaker, AC/DC indication lights, safety interlocks 28 kg 400 mm wide x 500 mm high x 200 mm deep PVC (110mm) Plated titanium 970 mm 4.5 kg Fiberglass or polyethylene tank, chlorine resistant and designed to store a liquid of SG 1.5 at 28 degrees Celcius. Capacity typically 1 days consumption South Africa

TECHNOLOGY

Reducing water losses

Intelligent pressure management Municipalities in South Africa can save substantial capital overhead costs when reducing pipeline leakages by opting to install a technologically advanced VAG intelligent pressure management system, as opposed to investing in costly new infrastructure.

leading fluid conveyance solutions supplier, Incledon, is able to assist municipalities in addressing the increasing challenge of water leakages in a cost-effective and en-

vironmentally-friendly manner, as the company plans to introduce the advanced German-engineered VAG intelligent pressure management system to the local market within the next two years. Incledon national product manager for civils, Kelly Wilson, highlights the fact that the majority of local authorities tend to increase investments in water infrastructure in an attempt to raise production capacities, rather than implementing programmes to reduce water losses. Although investment in infrastructure increases

systematic reduction of pressure in the main water

production capacities, it does not permanently in-

supply system enables the water authorities to reduce

crease water production. This means that the structure

water loss to sustainable economic levels.

of the pipeline system remains unchanged, placing enormous pressure on the valves that regulate the

The technology

flows and pressures to maintain a constant supply of

The VAG intelligent pressure management system is

potable water, he explains. If those valves cannot be

comprised of a plunger valve, a pressure sensor and

precisely controlled, high pressure differences in the pipes can ultimately lead to a collapse of the entire distribution system. Wilson notes that the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution is to reduce water losses in the distribution systems, by implementing the VAG intelligent pressure management system. The

ABOVE VAG PRV installation in Sao Paulo, Brasil BELOW VAG plunger valve under test in VAG laboratory

a flow meter, which are installed at the feed point of the supply area. Wilson adds: A programmable logic controller (PLC) records, processes and archives the measured sensor data needed to control the plunger valve. Depending on the supply system s topography and consumption, the valve is moved into a position that optimally reduces the supply pressure, ultimately reducing the risk of new leaks occurring. Unlike butterfly or gate valves, which assume only shut-off functions in the pipeline, VAG plunger valves are designed to fulfil special control functions in the water supply systems. Due to the linear regulating characteristic, these valves guarantee best cavitation behaviour with lowest friction loss, and can be used for the delivery of potable water at temperatures of up to 50째 C. The VAG plunger valve precisely regulates pressure in a piping system and guarantees a constant supply of water at any time or condition in coordination with both flow rate and network pressure. It is available in nominal widths from DN 150 up to DN 1 600 and in pressures ranging from PN 10 to PN 40, Wilson reveals. Another essential advantage of the VAG plunger valve is its piston guiding, which is made of welded bronze for added strength. The piston-drive is connected by a stainless steel shaft to a gear box assembled to a connecting flange on the outside of the body.

JULY/AUGUST 2012

TECHNOLOGY

Wilson points out that the VAG intel-

is the most proactive, and is affected by

ligent pressure management system can

connecting a remote pressure sensor to

be operated via three approaches, de-

the valve controller. A remote sensor is

pending on budgeting and engineering

usually placed at a critical point in the

requirements, which are described below.

district, and the controller is set to change pressure at the valve to consistently

Time-based modulation

maintain the desired pressure in the net-

This method is achieved by using a

work system. This mode also smoothes system pressure at the

controller with an internal timer to

weaker

change the set point of the fixed

outlet

the

Control is affected in time-bands cordance

ac-

with

the

breaks. D e s p i t e its

effective

Wilson

demand profiles and

More water can be saved when the

overwhelmingly

positive

feedback

does

date. I am confident that the VAG intel-

admit that it will be

ligent pressure management system will

a challenge for Incledon

obtain strong market share in the years to

to promote the VAG

come, as the need for saving our country s

intelligent

pres-

most precious resource becomes more

management

urgent. With this in mind, I anticipate

system to the local

that the first systems will be installed and

head loss, and where

Flow or demand-based modulation

distinct

advantages,

for areas with stable

cost is an issue.

number

of new pipe

demand profiles. This mode

extremities,

thereby reducing

control.

VAG plunger valve with multi-orifice cylinder

sure

pressure follows the demand cycle for

market, due to the fact that the initial

fully operational in South Africa by 2013,

a specific period, such as a day, week,

capital outlay is high. We expect water

he concludes.

month or year. A flow meter in the main

boards to be initially reluctant to convert

supply pipeline recognises current de-

to the VAG system, as a large amount of

mand for water in the network. This value

capital and civil works is required during

is sent to a computer, where an evaluated

the installation process. Following this

curve for this specific network is stored.

initial cost, however, the long-term sav-

This method is best suited for areas with

ings are substantial, due to the fact that

varying conditions, head loss and fire

the need for continuous maintenance is

flow requirements. As demand is reduced

significantly reduced.

primarily at night, pressures are reduced

Wilson points out that the company has

accordingly and, when demands peak,

been involved in high-profile talks with

higher pressures are applied.

a number of water authorities, and he

BELOW VAG plunger valve with lever and weight

is confident of the potential for the VAG

Remote node-based modulation

intelligent pressure management system

With this mode, the pressure is meas-

in South Africa in the short-term future.

ured directly in the network at a critical

We are currently working on a number

point, via a signal that is sent wirelessly

of technical proposals for water bodies

to the control valve. This type of control

across South Africa, and we have received

JULY/AUGUST 2012

PROFILE

Videx Storage Tanks

Tackling the challenges of bulk liquid storage Videx Storage Tanks is becoming a leading role player in the water storage industry, offering customers innovative quality products at competitive prices. The General Manager of the division, Avi Josef, was keen to share some insights about the company.

idex Storage Tanks (VST) is a divi-

was installed at a distribution Warehouse in

sion of the Videx Group and was

Cape Town.

established in 2010. The Videx

manufacturing of steel-related roof sup-

Can you provide information on some of the more unique projects that have been undertaken?

port systems for the mining industry. Its

I think that every tank and every project is

manufacturing plant is based in Wadeville,

unique. Behind each project are diﬀerent

Germiston, and currently employs over 350

requirements, diﬀerent people, diﬀerent chal-

people and processes around 3 000 tonnes

lenges and diﬀerent rules and regulations.

ourselves at always putting the customer

of steel per month.

The challenge is to conform to the customer s

ﬁrst and to try and provide solutions to any

requirements at all times and to always try to

bulk liquid storage challenge. Where pos-

exceed customer s expectations.

sible, Videx uses local labour during the tank

Group has been in existence

since 1984, and it has been involved in the

Videx Storage Tanks was set up to cater for the need of mines requiring a solution for bulk storage of liquids used in various

One unique project that we are currently

installation stage, so that in a small but sig-

applications. A bigger opportunity later

working on is the construction and erec-

niﬁcant way we help uplift the communities

presented itself to cater for other industry

tion of a water tank on top of a 35 meter

in which we operates by creating jobs.

sectors, providing them with liquid storage

high steel tower at the Impumelelo Mine in

Some of the innovative products that

products. The company has since expanded

Mpumalanga, as well as a tank installation

Videx is introducing to the marketplace

by growing its customer base and recogni-

at the oﬃcial State House in Lesotho. In

are the GRP tanks, which are very popular

tion in the industry as a water storage solu-

both instances, strict codes of health and

worldwide due to corrosion resistant or

tion provider.

safety need to be adhered to and deadlines

What industries is the Videx range of Storage tanks used in?

rust-free properties. The panels are lightweight and therefore make the installation

are critical.

times that much faster. Also movement

Videx tanks can be used in variety of ap-

Does the company conduct business in the rest of Africa?

plications and industries. The applications

Part of Videx s strategy is to expand and to

vary from the storage of drinking water, raw

supply the African continent with its storage

Contact details:

water, potable water, ﬁre water and eﬄuent

tanks. With the growing need for stable wa-

Tel: +27 (0)11 827 0727

water to diesel and other chemicals. The in-

ter supply in Africa, several African countries

E-mail: info@vidextanks.co.za

dustries that use Videx storage tanks include

have been identiﬁed as potential markets for

Website: www.vidextanks.co.za

government departments, municipalities,

the company. These markets are challenging

commercial buildings, mines, farms, rural ar-

to operate in, but it is extremely rewarding

eas, harbours and residential developments.

to see the eﬀects of completed projects

towards greener products make this an ideal alternative.

on, for example, entire communities being

Can you discuss some of the projects where Videx storage tanks have been used in the water industry?

uplifted by getting a reliable water source to

Videx has been involved with several pro-

and Zimbabwe.

use. We have already supplied and installed tanks in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia,

jects, which include the installation of water mine, the Assmang Chrome Dwarsrivier

What makes Videx Storage tanks better than the rest?

mine, a Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP)

Being the so called new kid on the block

water tank at Vodaworld, elevated water

in the water storage industry, we have a

tanks at the Mafefe village in Limpopo and

point to prove. We supply innovative quality

at a new secondary school in Diepsloot,

products at competitive prices, coupled with

and a ﬁre water tank of 800 000 ℓ capacity

professional service and advice. We pride

tanks at the Kumba Iron Ore Thabazimbi

JULY/AUGUST 2012

TRENDS & PRODUC TS

Technology showcase

Quality and efficiency up, costs down on your aeration basin ENDRESS+HAUSER has introduced a new aeration control solution to optimise aeration times in the biological treatment stage in wastewater treatment plants. The outstanding features of the solution are: • its load-dependent control • user-friendly interface • it guarantees reliable outlet quality • it reduces energy consumption. In municipal wastewater treatment plants, the primary focus is on protecting downstream bodies of water. The biological stage, in which pollutants and nutrients are decomposed, is particularly energy-hungry. For many wastewater treatment plants,

Endress+Hauser Liquicontrol CDC80

eﬃcient aeration control means enormous potential for energy savings, says Christoph Herb, the expert in charge of wastewater simulation and customer pro-

Liquicontrol,

cesses at Endress+Hauser.

and graphic measured value display was

intuitive

guidance

their

processes

while

achieving

even

greater cost savings!

Herb explains that it provides dynamic,

included. In addition, the system opera-

The Blue and Green Drop Certiﬁcation

load-dependent control in the aeration

tor can throw a switch to select between

regulates South Africa s water supply, that

basin and the oxygen set value depending

manual and automatic mode, thus retain-

is Blue Drop Certiﬁcation Programme for

on the ammonium load. As a result the

ing full control over the process at all times.

Drinking Water Quality Management and

energy-intensive aeration runs exactly as

On request, Liquicontrol CDC80 can

the Green Drop Certiﬁcation Programme

required for optimum ammonium crack-

control not only the aeration times, but

ing. The results from pilot installations

also the phosphate precipitant in load-

These two programmes identify a series

have been remarkable. Energy consump-

dependent form. This optimises the use

of core competencies across every com-

tion has been optimised while operating

of precipitant and improves the sludge

ponent of water treatment and they use

costs have been lowered with absolutely

parameters, Herb explains.

both incentive- and risk-based regulations

for Wastewater Quality Management.

reliable outlet values that have even been

The solution is so well received that even

to encourage development of these com-

improved in some cases. This is also con-

initial applications in industrial processes

petencies. The aim of the programmes is to

ﬁrmed by Michael Szegedie, plant man-

(e.g. food) are being implemented. Herb

ensure the eﬀective and eﬃcient delivery

ager of the wastewater treatment plant in

relates that the optional remote access

of sustainable water services. Meeting

Waldhausen, Germany. He says: After just

contributes to this success. This gives

this goal means making sure that South

a few weeks, we saw that we were able to

treatment plant staﬀ the ability to man-

Africans have enough healthy water to

operate the system at a

age the measured values and

drink and suﬃcient clean water to irrigate

very stable level while

parameters independent of

crops, run industries, and avoid polluting

almost halving aeration

location and weather.

natural water systems. So every water treat-

times.

Obviously,

this

The measurement instru-

saves energy.

ment

Liquicontrol

CDC80

that

Liquicontrol

works CDC80

ment operation, from those of huge metros

with

to small independent plants, needs to meet

the stringent and detailed requirements of

is based on a program-

Memosens technology de-

mable

controller

veloped by Endress+Hauser,

To achieve and maintain wastewater eﬄu-

(PLC) that, together with

which has now become a

ent quality and reliable Green Drop values,

de facto standard in process

rugged and dependable process measure-

analytics. This allows, for

ment are required that are also cost-eﬀective.

example, calibration data

Endress+Hauser has mastered this challenge

than before. I was amazed by how fast

or plausibility messages to be transmit-

with precise, traceable, high quality instru-

and smooth it went. Within a few hours,

ted from the sensor via the controller to

ments and solutions such as the Liquicontrol

the controller was up and running, says

Liquicontrol, digitally and interference-

CDC80 using Memosens technology driven

Szegedie, whose wastewater treatment

free. Sensors equipped with Memosens

instruments. Furthermore, the company of-

plant was one of the ﬁrst to beneﬁt from

can also be pre-calibrated and connected

fers a full range of instruments required for

the new aeration control.

via Plug&Play, thereby reducing the work

the water and wastewater industries from

commissioning,

in the process. Teaming the Liquicontrol

a single source and, if required, will support

Endress+Hauser has placed great value

CDC80 with instruments using Memosens

you from project inspection to ﬁnal testing of

on user-friendly operation. For example,

technology forms a win-win solution, for

water quality.

as early as the development stage of

wastewater treatment plants to optimise

Source: Endress +Hauser

logic

certiﬁed PROFIBUS protocols, makes integration

Endress+Hauser CDC8080

into existing systems easier

addition

easy

JULY/AUGUST 2012

these regulations.

TRENDS & PRODUC TS

Lewabrane product line introduced SPECIALTY CHEMICALS company LANXESS is offering Lewabrane membrane separation elements for reverse osmosis (RO) to complement its established Lewatit ion exchange resins. The former will be produced at the new production unit in Bitterfeld that went on stream last fall. Initially, customers will be able to buy two RO element types with different capacities that are based on polyamide thin-film composite membranes. Further, other RO element types will be added to the product range soon. The main field of application for the cur-

and economy can go hand in hand in this and

2 000 ppm, 225 psi, pH 7, 25° C and a single

similar applications. This is true synergy, says

element recovery of 15%).

Alan Sharpe, manager of Strategic Projects in

The Lewabrane RO B090 HF 4040 element

LANXESS Ion Exchange Resins business unit.

has the same length but a diameter of only

Since LANXESS has products, experience and

four inches and an active membrane surface

services for both technologies, this combina-

area of 90 square feet (8.7 m²). Thanks to a

tion of processes is particularly attractive.

new ATD (anti-telescoping device) design,

Our tried and tested Lewatit ion exchange

the surface area of the membranes exceeds

resins and the new Lewabrane membrane

that of other commercially available ele-

elements can both demonstrate good value

ments by almost 6%, explains Sharpe. The

to water treatment customers, adds Sharpe.

new LANXESS ﬁltration element owes its

As premium products, membrane elements

superior average permeate ﬂow rate of 2 500

in the Lewabrane RO product family meet top

gallons per day (9.4 m³ per day) under stand-

rently available RO membrane separation

quality standards and comply with all require-

ard conditions at a rejection level of 99.5%

elements is desalination of brackish water

ments for industrial use. With a standard

to the greater active surface area of the RO

needed in many industrial applications, in-

length of 40 inches (1 016 mm) and a diam-

cluding the production of boiler feed water

eter of eight inches, Lewabrane RO B400 HR

membrane available inside the RO element. Source: Lanxess

required in power stations. RO membrane

has an active membrane surface area of 400

and ion exchange water treatment process-

square feet (37.2 m²). Salt rejection is 99.7%

es complement each other perfectly, and the

for a daily permeate ﬂow rate of 37.9 m³ (aver-

high treated water quality helps to prolong

age value under standard industry reference

the service life of, for example, turbines and

conditions; salt concentration in the feed:

BELOW Specialty chemicals company LANXESS is producing Lewabrane RO membrane elements for industrial water treatment at its site in Bitterfeld, Germany

steam generators via protection against fouling, scale formation and corrosion. Another

application

for

the

new

Lewabrane RO membrane elements is the preparation of feedwater that customers can use for electrodeionisation (EDI) applications. The EDI process allows for the production of ultrapure water with very low electrical conductivity without the need for regeneration chemicals. High-performance RO membranes can provide a reduced load on the downstream EDI process improving cost performance. These membrane-based processes have been increasingly adopted by the water treatment industry for preparation of high-purity water. The combination of RO membrane separation and ion exchange ensures that eﬃciency

JULY/AUGUST 2012

KLEERFLO WATER FILTERS Minimal moving parts, Automatic backwash, Efficient and tough, Wide flow rate, Low maintenance!

Ideal for removing suspended solids from industrial process water and the prevention of blockages to spray nozzles, heat exchangers or any aperture where water flows. If you want a hassle free system, contact: Valve & Allied CC Tel 011 - 789 4110, Fax 011 - 886 4398 email: info@vacc.co.za

TRENDS & PRODUC TS

An environmentally friendly water meter KEY ADVANTAGES of a new environment-friendly Sensus domestic water meter are its ability to combine accurate metering over a wider measuring range while linking seamlessly with automatic meterreading networks used by South African municipalities. In a move away from

incorporates a standard reed

stringent Class C

switch in addition to a

rd. accuracy standard. es These features

capability. The meter can be

make the 220C

integrated into any remote

of particular

meter-reading network while

value to

ensuring the data integrity

municipalities

required for billing purposes

which are

â€’ something which cannot

moving across

be guaranteed with the

to remote me-

high carbon footprint brass

old-technology reed switch

re ter reading, or are

manufacture, the body of the

interface. An added feature

erfacing considering interfacing

Sensus 220C meter is made

is the vertical configuration

the meter with electronic

of ultra-strong composite

of its piston assembly which

water management devices,

engineering polymer and is

improves its ability to handle

says Sensus South Africa MD

half the weight of a brass-

dirt without stoppage.

Basil Bold.

bodied meter of the same size.

The meter has undergone extensive testing by the SABS

latest German design criteria

transportation, and therefore

and has been approved by

in the field of consumer water

energy costs.

the NRCS (National Regulator

metering. Source: Sensus Metering Systems

munications technology

Sensus 220C meter

The meter incorporates the

This means a major saving on

The Class C meter s com-

high-integrity inductive pulse

for Compulsory Standards Specifications) to the more

JULY/AUGUST 2012

Vela VKE is a professional consulting engineering company that provides high-quality, multi-disciplinary services for major infrastructure projects. Vela VKE has more than 1,000 employees and over 15 ofďŹ ces in South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland and Zambia. Vela VKE provides private and public sector clients with cost-effective, practical and innovative project outcomes. Vela VKEâ€™s services range from feasibility studies and dam rehabilitation to detailed design and construction supervision.

Vela VKE is a leading consultant in the African Water sector, with a proven track record in delivering award winning projects that are often complex and large-scale. Recent projects include the Bougouriba Hydroelectric Dam in Burkina Faso; the Lesotho Highlands Water Project in Lesotho; the Mothapo Regional Water Scheme in South Africa; the Maguga Dam in Swaziland; and the Mabuko Hydroelectric Power Station in Uganda.

Level of dams The full supply capacity (106 m3) and level of some of South Africa’s dams as at 30 April 2012. Limpopo Hartbeespoort (NW) Olifantsnek (NW) Buﬀelspoort (NW) Bospoort (NW) Lindleyspoort (NW) Roodeplaat (NW) Koster (NW) Klipvoor (NW) Vaalkop (NW) Roodekopjes (NW) Marico-Bosveld (NW) Klein Maricopoort (NW) Albasini (LP) Vondo (LP) Olifants Witbank (M) Middelburg (M) Bronkhorstspruit (M) Rust de Winter (M) Loskop (M) Buﬀelskloof (M) Ohrigstad (LP) Blyderivierpoort (LP) Klaserie (LP) Ebenezer (LP) Magoebaskloof (LP) Tzaneen (LP) Middle Letaba (LP) Vaal Vaal (FS) Grootdraai (M) Boskop (NW) Klipdrift (NW) Erfenis (FS) Kalkfontein (FS). Rustfontein (FS) Krugersdrift (FS) Groothoek (FS) Sterkfontein (FS) Saulspoort (FS) Vaalharts Storage Weir (NC)

(186.44) (13.67) (10.25) (15.79) (14.33) (41.15) (12.80) (42.08) (56.01) (102.33) (26.96) (7.07) (28.19) (30.44)

97.0% 85.1% 100.3% 100.7% 91.1% 99.1% 93.2% 100.5% 45.6% 104.6% 96.8% 103.3% 40.2% 95.9%

(104.02) (48.05) (56.99) (28.18) (361.51) (5.24) (13.44) (54.36) (5.60) (69.13) (4.84) (156.53) (171.93)

85.6% 73.6% 86.0% 83.0% 94.2% 100.3% 97.8% 100.5% 103.0% 100.3% 100.4% 98.0% 4.4%

(2 603.45) (349.53) 21.02) (13.30) (206.06) (325.13) (71.20) (71.47) (11.90) (2 616.90) (15.67) (50.68)

78.6% 74.5% 101.4% 97.9% 63.4% 76.8% 56.6% 59.0% 55.8% 99.2% 98.4% 71.9%

Bloemhof (FS) Douglas Storage Weir (NC) Orange Katse (L) Egmont (FS) Gariep (FS) Vanderkloof (FS) Boegoeberg (NC) Olifants/Doorn Clanwilliam (WC) Berg Voelvlei (WC) Wemmershoek (WC) Berg River (WC) Steenbras (WC) Eikenhof (WC) Breede Brandvlei (WC) Roode Elsberg (WC) Pietersfontein (WC) Kwaggaskloof (WC) Theewaterskloof (WC) Duiwenhoks (WC) Coastal river Hartebeestkuil (WC) Wolwedans (WC) Krom River (EC) Gamtoos Kouga (EC) Loerie (EC) Sondags Nqweba (Van Ryneveld Pass) (EC) Darlington (EC) Fish Grassridge (EC) Kommandodrif (EC)

(1 240.24) 73.7% (16.24) 109.3% (1 519.10) (9.25) (5 196.04) (3 171.30) (19.81)

69.3% 58.8% 94.1% 85.1% 108.6%

(121.76)

12.6%

(158.58) (58.71) (127.05) (33.88) (28.85)

42.6% 47.0% 57.9% 42.8% 41.0%

(284.29) (7.72) (1.98) (173.86) (480.19) (6.18)

30.5% 16.9% 76.6% 31.0% 50.8% 59.7%

(7.13) (25.10) (35.24)

74.5% 86.0% 74.9%

(125.91) (3.02)

84.2% 85.1%

(46.36)

96.9%

(180.83)

42.7%

(46.19) (55.87)

18.5% 88.5%

De Mistkraal (EC) Katrivier (EC) Great Kei Xonxa (EC) Lubisi (EC) Doornrivier (EC) Waterdown (EC) Mvoti/Mgeni/Mkhomazi Midmar (KZN) Nagle (KZN) Albert Falls (KZN) Inanda (KZN) Hazelmere Tugela Spioenkop (KZN) Driel Barrage (KZN) Woodstock (KZN) Usutu/Phongolo/Mfolozi Goedertrouw (KZN) Klipfontein (KZN) Hluhluwe (KZN) Pongolapoort (KZN) Jericho (M) Westoe (M) Morgenstond (M) Heyshope (M) Sabie/Krokodil/Komati Nooitgedacht (M) Driekoppies (M) Witklip (M) Da Gama (M) Inyaka (M)

(2.45) (24.68)

94.5% 100.3%

(115.86) (158.00) (17.93) (37.44)

101.9% 98.3% 96.9% 100.3%

(235.95) (23.23) (288.14) (237.40) (17.85)

98.1% 83.8% 82.4% 100.3% 100.3%

(270.64) (8.69) (373.25)

99.2% 101.7% 99.8%

(301.26) (18.060 (25.89) (2 267.07) (59.27) (59.52) (100.16) (444.94)

85.1% 60.3% 97.1% 62.4% 74.9% 88.3% 77.4% 99.8%

(78.40) (250.92) (12.51) (13.52) (123.66)

73.0% 95.8% 100.2% 99.1% 100.2%

Info supplied by DWA Total full supply capacity of dams (106 m3) Last year 2012/04/30 31 562.3 31 629.1 Acronyms EC Eastern Cape FS Free State G Gauteng KZN KwaZulu-Natal L Lesotho LP Limpopo province M Mpumalanga NC Northern Cape NW North West WC Western Cape

JULY/AUGUST 2012

Clean solutions in your process automation. Proline Promag 800 Endress+Hauser now compliments its flow measurement basket for the Water and Wastewater industries with innovative battery operated magnetic flowmeters up to DN 600. The new Promag 800 gives you reliable monitoring of water systems, leak detection and end user water consumption without need for power. Drinking water and custody transfer approvals are available.

Liquicontrol CDC80 The LiquiControl CDC80 is a stand-alone control system for efficient aeration basin control. It provides independent control through the analysis of the ammonia degradation rate and the real condition of the biological process. • Reduce energy consumption by optimising aeration control • Ensure safe (Green Drop quality) final effluent parameters • Easily adjust controller settings for Automatic or Manual operation

Tel: 0861 363 737 (0861 endres) 24 hr Helpline 082 443 4214 Service Hotline: 0861 347 378 (0861 ehserv) info@za.endress.com www.za.endress.com

Branches: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, eMalahleni (Witbank), Port Elizabeth Satellite offices: Klerksdorp, Northern KwaZulu Natal, Pretoria, Richards Bay, Sasolburg

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AWARDS

Professional development

Top professional training company recognised A specialist earth sciences consultancy in Muizenberg, Cape Town, has been selected as the best company in Southern Africa for young water industry professionals to develop their skills.

mvoto Africa, which has nearly 20 full-time

Umvoto s experience has shown that the importance

staﬀ, plus at least four interns, competed

of business and project management skills, together with

successfully against much larger companies to receive this prestigious award from the

Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA). The 2012 Southern African YWP (Young Water Professionals) Professional Development Award was

Most school leavers and graduates are not adequately skilled, technically or socially, to enter the workplace

announced at a gala dinner on 8 May as part of the biennial WISA conference and exhibition held at the Cape

ethics, personal and project ﬁnancial management, are

Town International Convention Centre.

fundamental for scientists if they are to contribute mean-

The

Umvoto

initiatives

that

contributed

ingfully and eﬀectively at the science-society interface.

the

award include:

To date, 52 interns from Africa and abroad have worked at Umvoto for periods ranging from a few weeks to up to six months. • Conference attendance: Young staff are mentored to build up their exposure through scientific papers and academic posters at conferences. • Publications: Umvoto staff are encouraged and supported to get published in scientific publications. • Mentoring: Umvoto has excellent top managers who are dedicated to mentoring young staff. Dr

this

challenge,

Umvoto

uses

• Skills: Provide the necessary personal ( soft ) tools

was started in 2002 to oﬀer practical work experience and academic and professional training to students.

address

three-step approach:

• Intern Programme: The Umvoto Intern Programme

Len von Scherenberg, a young water management engineer at Umvoto Africa, shows off the professional development award from the Water Institute of Southern Africa

and professional ( office ) tools to effectively apply scientific knowledge. • Attitude: Build insight and capacity so that an individual can establish and maintain working relations with colleagues, clients and stakeholders based on respect for self and others. • Knowledge: Build capacity for technical and scientific excellence in the fields of water, earth, environment, geoinformatics and social sciences. Hands-on practical experience is also offered in the field. This approach enables young scientists and engineers to

Chris Hartnady, for example, joined Umvoto in

progress rapidly in their careers. It is particularly helpful

2000 as research and technical director. He has

for talented students who

lectured for many years at the University of Cape

have been disadvantaged

Town, as associate professor in the Department of

Geological Sciences.

explains Hay.

inferior

• Courses: Staﬀ beneﬁt from Umvoto s excellent

education,

lighter

note,

contacts with tertiary and research institutions.

the young staff report

Umvoto has cooperated with the African Institute

that

for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Muizenberg

things

since 2008. It organises and runs courses (with sup-

for Umvoto is that they

port from Purdue University, Indiana, USA) at this

need only to cross Beach

institute and helps supervise students where pos-

Road for a quick surf. And

sible. Young Umvoto professionals also beneﬁt from

taking part in the soccer

AIMS workshops.

team,

one

the

about

which

Umvoto

MD Rowena Hay, who founded the consultancy 20