The city of Montreal is replacing its chlorine gas disinfection systems with eleven OSEC B-Pak sodium hypochlorite generation systems from Siemens Water Technologies at two of the city’s largest water treatment plants (WTPs)–-Atwater and Charles J. Des Baillets. A local consortium comprised of Filtrum, Inc. and Siemens will provide the design, supply, installation, commissioning and training of the multi-million-dollar OSEC systems, which mark the largest such installations in Canada. These systems will help the city comply with new stringent government regulations for drinking water quality.
Combined, the plants treat roughly 634 million gal per day and serve approximately 1.6 million residents. These plant optimizations are part of a multi-billion-dollar project that includes the update of all WTPs as well as the distribution system on the Island of Montreal.
Five OSEC B-Pak systems will be installed at the Des Baillets WTP for a capacity of 7,500 ppd; six others will be installed at the Atwater plant for a capacity of 9,000 ppd. The systems at the Des Baillets plant are expected to be operational next year; those at the Atwater plant, in 2012.
By producing hypochlorite on site and on demand, the OSEC system eliminates concerns associated with transportation and storage of liquefied chlorine gas or commercial sodium hypochlorite solutions, making it ideal for any application requiring chlorination. And contrary to high-strength commercial sodium hypochlorite solutions, the low concentration of the hypochlorite solution generated by the OSEC B-Pak system minimizes corrosion and degradation. In addition, extensive safety measures are taken in disposing of hydrogen, the system’s only byproduct. Neither special safety equipment nor clothing associated with usage of chlorine gas is needed, nor does a costly risk management plan need to be implemented and maintained.
The small-footprint OSEC B-Pak skid system is a fully automated, prepackaged on-site hypochlorite generation system designed for fast and economical installation, safe operation and easy maintenance. Skids are shipped completely piped, wired and tested. The OSEC system generates a 0.8% sodium hypochlorite solution through the electrolysis of brine, consuming only water, salt and electricity. The system also ensures accurate and reliable brine measurement for high efficiencies.
The city of Montreal worked with consultant Consortium SNC-Lavlin/Dessau-Soprin (Montreal), contractor Filtrum, Inc. (Quebec City), and equipment manufacturer Siemens Water Technologies on the project.
During the past six decades, the city of Montreal and Siemens have worked together on a number of projects. For example, Wallace & Tiernan gas chlorination and analytical equipment are installed at both the Atwater and Charles J. Des Baillets plants. Similar equipment, as well as Wallace & Tiernan metering pumps and dry feeders, is also installed at other Montreal plants.
