B&M Technical Services: Quality Services, Affordable Solutions - Our Blog

Happy Memorial Day!

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:02:14 -0600

Wishing you all a safe Memorial Day. Here's to lots of fun, great weather, and thoughtful, grateful remembrance this weekend.

Ancient Water Systems

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:36:44 -0600

I cannot believe it's the middle of May and that we're in the midst of graduation season. I can tell it's spring, because even though I've had this post in the queue for a while, I haven't got around to posting for a few weeks. Time flies when you're busy!

A few weeks ago, I came across an article that discussed ancient water systems. While Rome's aqueducts and sewers are among the most famous, peoples across the world had their own solutions. Although a lot of the systems are inadequate compared with our modern westernized systems, it's pretty remarkable what was developed pre-industrialization. In fact, some ancient water systems are in use today. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and faced with insurmountable bills to maintain the pipes and electric pumps, Azerbaijan returned to using their ancient water supply system. Check out the video below for a look at how they're using it today.

While we're not sure what the DNR would say about running a system like that in Wisconsin, we're excited to be helping you run your water systems. We know that we can help you avoid feeling like the maintenance costs on your plant are insurmountable by working with you to develop affordable solutions that last. Let us know how we can do that here.

Natural Water Cleaners

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:06:47 -0600

Today I'm thinking about mussels and natural water treatment. Mussels are like nature's water treatment operators - they clean water in streams and rivers. According to Monte McGregor, a malacologist interviewed in the video below, mussels act just like "a million tiny little pumps constantly removing the material from the water column and depositing it on the bottom." From this article:

"Mussels are reliable indicators of water quality, since they’re particularly sensitive to aquatic changes. Mussels are filter feeders that help keep the water clean for all who depend on it, and their disappearance often signals that other aquatic plants and animals are at risk as well.

"Think of it this way: mussels are the mighty Mr. Cleans of the waterways. They try to keep the house tidy. But the increased intensity and the toxicity of the filth has been making them sick; and there’s not a lot of replacement labor. If they’re not around, the cleaning isn’t going to get done – and just like at home, the cleaning sure ain’t gonna do itself. Let’s hope it’s not too late to offer the sick some decent healthcare.

"Fortunately, the important role mussels play is no secret and many are working on their behalf. For example, the National Park Service has stepped up to help recovery, and since 2000, the Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute has propagated more than a hundred thousand native freshwater mussels, providing for their release into the Conasauga River basin at the Institute’s hatchery."

Check out the video below. While saving endangered species might not be at the top of everyone's priority list, I bet clean water is near the top of a lot of people's. Efforts to repopulate mussels directly affect our water supply, which not only affects our drinking water but recreational uses of the water - like bass fishing (5:30 in the video). Wonder whether we know anyone who would care about that?

It's interesting to keep in mind that while we can do a lot to clean water, we have natural partners that have been cleaning water for long before we got here. By protecting them, we make our jobs easier and our water cleaner.

Drinking Recycled Water

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:20:38 -0600

Drinking the effluent. Why not? We know it's safe and clean. This video released by New York Times yesterday is pretty cool. It takes a look at the disgust factor when it comes to recycled wastewater, and how we could potentially get over that disgust factor as a society. I really like the part where the marketing team develops product ideas for bottled recycled sewage water. Check it out - it's a good Monday video.

My favorite quote - "Purified sewage water is actually really good."

MPE Pump Monitor Relay

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:22:01 -0600

I can't believe I haven't blogged about MP Electronics's latest new product - the Pump Monitor Relay. This relay is a nifty component that monitors the critical operations of your submersible pump, and provides alarms when something isn't right. The relay monitors both over temperature and seal leakage.

How's it work? For the Motor Over Temperature Alarm, the Pump Monitor Relay applies a low voltage DC signal to the Motor Thermal Sensor to check its status. If the Pump Monitor Relay detects that the Motor Thermal Sensor contacts are closed (normal condition), the Overtemp indicator remains off, and the Overtemp Relay is energized, closing the contacts between terminals 2 and 11.

When the Motor Thermal Sensor contacts open (Over Temperature condition), the Overtemp Indicator is turned on and the Overtemp Alarm Relay is de-energized, opening the contacts between terminals 2 and 11, and closing the contacts between terminals 2 and 1.

When the Over Temperature condition has cleared, the Pump Monitor Relay will reset based upon the position of Alarm Reset Mode Select Switch (Auto or Manual). When in the Auto position, the Overtemp Alarm resets automatically. When the switch is in the Manual position, the Overtemp Reset Push-button must be pushed for approximately 1.5 seconds to clear the alarm.

For the Seal Leakage Alarm, the Pump Monitor Relay detects moisture inside a pump motor by using a low voltage AC signal to measure the resistance across Leakage Probes #1 and #2, or between the Leakage Probe(s) and the grounded motor housing. A Seal Leakage condition is considered present when the amount of moisture in the motor causes the resistance between terminals 6 and 5 to drop below the setting of the potentiometer. When this occurs, the Pump Monitor Relay turns on the Leakage Indicator and energizes the Leakage Alarm Relay, closing the contacts between terminals 9 and 10.

The alarm trip point may be set by the following procedure: Isolate the Leakage Probe from terminal 6. Connect a resistor with the desired trip value across terminals 5 and 6. Slowly adjust the potentiometer to the point where the alarm turns on. Remove the resistor and reconnect the Leakage Probe(s) to terminal 6.

Check out the short clip below to watch to MP Electronic's President John Evans showcasing the Pump Monitor Relay device. We're looking forward to using this component in projects going forward. It's got all the hallmark benefits of MPE - versatile, user friendly, simple to use, logical, and American-made.

For more information, you can get the specification sheets from the MPE website or give us a call. I've also created a new page called Pump Monitor Relay on our website under our MPE Products header that you can access for reference at any time going forward.
Source: MPE Website

WRWA Annual Technical Conference Wrap Up

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:15:50 -0600

We've been running and crazy busy all this week and it looks like we will be in the near future - much thanks to the great WRWA Annual Conference held last week. To no surprise, the conference turned out to be great. With groundbreaking attendance, we stayed busy, time went fast, and we had a great time. We gave away all our notebooks, almost all of our pens, and almost all of our ducks (and we came with 1000+ ducks!) - that's fantastic! In fact, we were so busy that I didn't snap any pictures almost the entire conference. You all will just have to use your imaginations - our booth looked much like the booth picture on the right sidebar, and I rode the motorized scooter cooler again.

A big THANKS to all the operators who stopped by! We had a really great time and that happened because of you. By taking the time to stop by and allowing us to share our company with you, you made the conference a valuable experience. I hope we can return the favor, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you further and providing you with Quality Service and Affordable Solutions. Missed us at the conference? Check out our services, products, and our work, and then give me a call to let me know how we can start partnering up.

The only complaint I have about the conference is that our booth (which is otherwise in the most perfect location in the hall, in my opinion) was directly underneath a fan that was blowing cold air the entire second day and in turn made our booth about 10 degrees colder than anywhere else. BURR!! I really could have used my office space heater that day!

We attended the new Bingo night that was held on Wednesday, and had a good time! Bill got lucky and won a game. The win was in question for a moment, but was confirmed by Eric Van Laanen. You did a great job, Eric!

On Thursday, we filled up our Corporate Gold table and had a great time. We were really excited about our prize this year. We've been thinking about it and planning it since Christmas time, and this year we gave away a treasure chest:

It's a bit blurry because these are the only two pictures I took the entire week, and I took them with my phone. The treasure chest (which I stained and finished myself) was filled with 300 golden dollar coins, a pirate duck, and a promise of a half day guided bass fishing on the Mississippi River Pools 4-9. Paul Hansen from New Berlin was the lucky winner, and the guys are looking forward to going out fishing.

Josh had quite a lucky night as well! He won not one, but two prizes. The first was from our friends at Northern Lake Service, and was a Traxxas RC Car w/battery, charger, remote and 2 Weekend passes to Crandon Off Road Races. We're really looking forward to the races (it fell on a perfect, fishing tournament-free weekend), and Helios, our golden retriever, doesn't know whether to love you or hate you for the RC car. For anyone with an active and energetic dog, I highly recommend getting an RC car; it wipes them out. And a big second thank you to USA Bluebook, for the Framed 3D Fish Picture. It's waiting to be hanged in the perfect spot in the break room that has been selected right over the table.

We can't say enough how much we appreciate all the time and effort that goes into making this conference great. WRWA staff, the Conference Planning Committee, and the Sportsman's Raffle Committee really goes above and beyond what is expected, and it truly shows. Thanks for another great year, and we cannot wait to see what's in store for the 25th conference next year!!

Happy World Water Day!

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:20:16 -0600

Yesterday (March 22, 2012) marked the 20th annual World Water Day, and we're taking the opportunity to think about some water issues today. With the economic problems we've faced in our local cities and municipalities in the past few years and with the strain of tightened budgets, it's easy to loose sight of how blessed we are to be working with the advanced water and wastewater systems we have. When we turn on the tap, we can feel confident that we can drink that water. When we flush the toilet, we know that the wastewater will be recycled and returned to an reusable state. We understand the processes and we work hard every day in water and wastewater treatment plants to ensure that the systems keep working.

But worldwide, these simple things aren't so simple. In fact, 1/8 people worldwide lacks safe drinking water and 2/5 people lack adequate sanitation (source). In water-stressed areas, getting water daily is the primary occupation: "millions of women and girls walk for hours every day to collect water for their households, and some of them put their very lives and physical safety at risk" (source). By 2025, the UN expects that 1.8 billion people will be living in countries or regions with "absolute water scarcity" and 2/3 of the world's population could be living under water-stressed conditions (source). This water scarcity and lack of access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation leads to two million deaths a year, with more than 5,000 people (or four people a minute) dying each day from "causes linked to unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene" (source). Most distressing, children, because of their more vulnerable position, make up large portion of the deaths.

While the crisis is real, the good news is that we can solve this situation. Unlike incurable diseases and intractable human conflicts, we have the technology and knowledge that would help many communities improve their access to safe water and sanitation. Things like freshwater wells, rainwater catchments and sand filters - nothing groundbreaking, just lifechanging. And we are making strides; "in the past 20 years, the UN Millennium Development Goal to halve the proportion of people living without access to clean, safe water has been reached, transforming the lives of two billion people" (source).

And if improving the everyday life of millions of people isn't enough, there is an economic incentive: every $1 invested in water, sanitation, and hygiene programs yields an average of $8 in increased economic productivity and averted healthcare costs (source). "Laurentine Yaméogo from Burkina Faso is proof of that. The extra time and energy she has since her village received clean water mean she can earn a living, making soap and growing peanuts to sell. “We used to get water from a steep pond,” she says. “We were afraid to collect the water because of the crocodiles. We had lots of illness, especially stomach problems. Often my children couldn’t go to school. Since the well was rehabilitated, we haven’t had these illnesses”" (source).

What can we do personally? This year the UN is focusing on reducing food waste (nearly 30% of all food is wasted!) because of the immense amount of water used to produce food. The CDC suggests that we do the following (source):

Learn how much water is used to make the foods we eat every day and consume less water-intensive products.
Be mindful of food waste – 30 percent of all food produced worldwide is never consumed.
Encourage food producers to use less water in their food.

That's a great place to start. As professionals in water treatment, we might take it a step further. We can use our knowledge and experiences to help spread information about the importance of both water conservation and treatment. We can expand our view from our localized water system to the worldwide water system. Because after all, in the words of Leonardo da Vinci, "water is the driving force of all nature."

Tap vs. Bottled

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:53:22 -0600

Have you seen the video The Story of Bottled Water? I remember watching it when it came out in school, and I just came across it again. With Water Day coming up this next week, I thought I'd share it. It's fantastic. Check it out!

Water treatment plants for the win!

The Simple Everyday Stuff Matters

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:13:46 -0600

With warm weather in sight, we are really gearing up for the warmer weather. Besides all the fishing that is bound to get done around here, we've got a ton of exciting projects planned for the next few months. We're ready to jump right in, and with an early and warm spring (that's not asking to much, right?) we're getting started. But this isn't just a season for big outdoor projects, but for lots of little work we do every year.

Some of the things might be little, but it's important. This time of year, we're calibrating lots of equipment - flow meters, DO analyzers, gas detection systems, pH meters, ORP meters, scales, thermometers, and more. Calibrations, backflow preventer tests, lift station checks and pump checks may be routine, but they're valuable! Even when your meters are just slightly out of calibration, that can make a big difference in other areas, especially if you're using the meters for billing. A gas detection system out of calibration or with bad sensors that are often caught during calibrations can make for a very dangerous working environment.

Lift station and pump checks are an important piece of preventative maintenance. In your lesser used stations, you may not even know something is wrong with a pump or the controls. Case in point: this week we did pump checks for a small customer with just two lift stations. The station was running and the pumps were pumping, but there was something wrong with the controller. Without getting to specific, the pumps were running way too much, and as a result experiencing way more wear and tear than necessary - a great way to shorten the life of your pumps! For small systems like this one, they didn't realize what was going on until we came out and did the check. By catching and fixing the problem now, a potential emergency situation that would have been both costly and stressful was averted.

A couple things to note about our company. Our rates are very competitive and affordable, and we keep them that way. If we can, we really try to loop different systems up together to save time and money. Only want us to do calibrations? No problem. We'll work with you in whatever capacity you're interested in. We try to be as full service as you want. Really like a certain brand of equipment? We're able to work on everything, and we'll stick to what you have if you like it. There's no selling you something your not interested in. Our goal is to do a good job for you and leave you happy. Give me a call and get those routine things scheduled, so you can enjoy this season without worries.

Leap Day! North Central Region Operators Meeting

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:04:44 -0600

This year the North Central Region had their annual winter operators meeting on Leap Day. For those of us who could make it through the great amounts of rain/sleet/snow (depending on where you were in the the state) we were receiving, it was a great day! The meeting was packed full of great presentations.

You can check out the full synopsis of the meeting here. Something new that we're doing in the region is that we'll be making an effort to get out the presentations through the WWOA Published Papers website. This is going to be a great benefit to us all, whether you were there and wanted to review something, if you weren't able to make it but were interested in a topic, or whether you're scoping out ideas for future presenters. So check it out and let us know if it's useful to you! Here are the presentations that have been posted so far (you can click on the title to be taken to the presentation):

Technology to Meet Low Level Phosphorus Discharge Requirements

Registered Apprenticeship Program for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Plover Upgrade Energy Saving Design Considerations

Plover Blower Replacement Project

I had a great time and hope everyone was able to make it home safely. Rich, Lyle, and the rest of the crew at Plover did a fantastic job with everything. By the end of the day, there were rumors of 36 inches of snow way up north and it was still coming down! That was less than a week ago, and now they're calling for 50s this week! I think we're all ready for that!