Chemical Plant on Final Approach to Louis Armstrong International Airport
COLIN LEONARD
I continued my research project after returning to the United States by immediately flying to New Orleans, Louisianna where I visited five engineering/procuremen/contracting (EPC) firms from Batton Rouge to New Orleans, as well as Tulane University, and the West Jefferson Hospital. My goal was to discuss my research with engineers at these firms and institutions and validate some of the early conclusions that I have been drawing. I was able to meet with over 70 engineers who were mostly enthusiastic about a more holistic approach to designing water systems, especially the concept of integrating water AND wastewater concepts into the early conceptual phases of project development and design. Engineers are also receptive to improving the performance of cooling towers by treating the incoming water with ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) versus heavy chemical treatment. This approach will improve cycles of concentration in evaporative cooling towers from 4-6 to 10-12 whcih will greatly reduce effluent from blow-down and eliminate up to 90% of chemicals used in cooling towers. Engineers were also enthusiastic about options from managing RO concentrate to minimize discharge to drain and the environment. Over the next two weeks, I will engage a group of 6-10 water consultants to further refine my conclusions and begin to set the framework for my research project paper and to begin to implement findings in the form of a new product development roadmap for Crane Environmental and to create new modules for Crane Water University and to revise others.