S&L Sand Removal Technology Aids Major Upgrade at Award-Winning WTP

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Hydraulic forced vortex sand chambers applied to replace plate settlers allows for more efficient sand and silt removal from river water in-take with less chemical requirement downstream.

LENEXA (Kan.) – Illinois American Water proudly announces the successful completion of a $12 million upgrade at its East Saint Louis Water Treatment Plant, a nationally recognized facility that has achieved the stringent standards of the American Water Works Association’s Partnership for Safe Water. The key highlight of this upgrade is the installation of a state-of-the-art sand removal system within the water intake scheme, provided by Smith & Loveless Inc.

As an esteemed member of the exclusive Partnership for Safe Water, the East St. Louis Water Treatment Plant consistently surpasses EPA regulatory requirements, demonstrating its commitment to excellence in water treatment. Faced with the challenge of replacing underperforming plate-settling sedimentation tanks prone to clogging due to high levels of sand from the Mississippi River source, the plant sought innovative solutions. After careful evaluation of various technologies, including stacked-tray and conventional sand chambers, the hydraulic forced vortex PISTA® Sand Removal System by Smith & Loveless emerged as the optimal choice. Its efficiency in sand removal without the need for recirculation water, which can drive up operational costs, set it apart.

Karen Cooper, Senior Manager of Field Operations and Production at Illinois American Water, emphasizes that the PISTA® system not only enhances operational efficiencies but also contributes to a reduced environmental footprint. The upgrade marks a significant step forward in minimizing chemical usage and maintenance while ensuring the plant's commitment to sustainability.

The selection of PISTA® hydraulic forced vortex sand chambers for water intake systems, though unconventional, attests to the versatility and effectiveness of this technology. While commonly applied in wastewater treatment plant headworks, water utilities and power plants leverage its capabilities to achieve 95 percent removal of sand and particles ranging from 100 to 300 microns. The East Saint Louis Water Treatment Plant's forward-thinking approach underscores the importance of innovative solutions in addressing complex water treatment challenges.

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About Smith & Loveless, Inc.: Founded in 1946, Smith & Loveless Inc. is a global manufacturing leader of engineered systems for the water and mining industries with installations in more than 75 nations around the world. For more information on Smith & Loveless Inc. and its products, visit www.smithandloveless.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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