Siphoning Sludge

by Vishwa Bahl, Manager; Wastewater Design Section, Houston Department of Public Works, Houston, TX,
John L. Geibel, Supervisor of Engineering; F. B. Leopold Co., Zelienople, PA,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1990, Vol. 60, Issue 9, Pg. 70-71


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

Floating siphon sludge collection systems, as part of a massive wastewater treatment expansion program, are helping Houston to grow. Amid the boom years of the early 1970s, the city had to set the brakes on development. The major reason was the insufficient growth of such city services as wastewater treatment. Beginning in 1974, Houston set out to enlarge or upgrade 30 treatment plants, as well as to construct several new facilities for a 700 sq mi catchment area. Many of the city's treatment plants discharge effluent to streams and bayous that flow through residential areas and eventually to the environmentally-sensitive Galveston Bay. Consequently, efficient removal of scum and floating debris became a major consideration when planning and designing new and upgraded facilities. Floating siphon sludge collection systems at three locations; the Keegans Bayou, Sim Bayou and Metro Central wastewater treatment plants, met the need.

Subject Headings: Sludge | Wastewater treatment plants | Wastewater treatment | Urban areas | Urban and regional development | Water discharge | Subways

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search