Top 20 AWWA-WEF Books

1. Public Health Effects of Disasters (2021) – Guidance on protecting public health during and after natural disasters, chemical spills and other emergencies that disrupt water and wastewater infrastructure.

2. Activated Sludge and Nutrient Removal (2022) – Provides updated technical details on activated sludge processes, nitrogen and phosphorus removal, troubleshooting guidance, and the latest research advances.

3. Risk and Resilience Strategies for Water Utilities (2022) – Helps utilities assess infrastructure, cybersecurity, financial, climate, and organizational risks. Provides strategies for emergency response, business continuity, and building overall resilience. Includes examples and case studies.

4. Design of Water Resource Recovery Facilities (2021) – The updated guide to the design of wastewater treatment facilities. Covers process selection, equipment sizing, site layout, hydraulics, plant automation, and other key design factors. Includes examples and real-world case studies.

5. Internal Corrosion of Water Distribution Systems (2021) – Provides understanding of internal corrosion mechanisms in distribution systems. Discusses monitoring, control methods, modeling, and asset management strategies.

6. Underground Asset Management (2021) – Provides guidance on developing risk-based asset management programs for underground pipes, valves, and reservoirs. Includes condition assessment methods, data management strategies, risk analysis, capital planning, and case studies.

7. Microplastics in Water and Wastewater (2021) – A comprehensive overview of microplastics pollution, analytical methods, treatment technologies, effects, and mitigation strategies. Includes detailed information on sampling, identification, and quantification of microplastics.

8. Lead Service Line Replacement (2020) – Examines full lead service line replacement from planning and coordination through construction and public communication. Covers replacement technologies, funding, and overcoming challenges.

9. Microbial Quality and Biostability of Drinking Water (2020) – Focuses on maintaining microbiological water quality in distribution systems. Covers monitoring methods, regrowth mechanisms, nitrification, and mitigation approaches.

10. Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT) (2020) – Outlines approaches for assessing climate change risks and developing resiliency strategies. Includes case studies and a downloadable CREAT software tool.

11. Water Loss Control (2019) – Strategies and tools for analyzing real losses, apparent losses, metering inaccuracies and data handling errors. Guidance on developing efficient water loss control programs.

12. Pipeline Design for Water Engineers (2018) – Covers water pipeline design considerations including pipe materials, pressure, analysis methods, surge control, corrosion, and constructing pipelines across rugged terrain.

13. Municipal Wastewater Plants (2012) – Covers planning, design, operation and upgrade of municipal wastewater treatment plants. Includes in-depth process analysis and energy minimization guidance.

14. Ultraviolet Disinfection (2012) – Examines UV disinfection system design, validation, monitoring, maintenance and operations. Covers lamp systems, reactors, controls, and regulations.

15. Energy Efficiency in the Water Industry (2012) – Strategies and technologies to improve energy efficiency in drinking water and wastewater systems through treatment optimization, pumping, aeration, biosolids management and renewable energy.

16. Biological Wastewater Treatment (2011) – Examines the fundamentals, latest technologies, and current research in biological wastewater treatment. Covers aerobic and anaerobic processes, nutrient removal, membrane bioreactors, modeling and kinetics, and sludge treatment and disposal.

17. Water Quality & Treatment (2011) – The definitive guide to water quality and treatment processes. Includes detailed information on regulations, source water quality, chemical and microbial contaminants, and the principles of treatment systems such as coagulation/flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.

18. Membrane Biological Reactors (2013) – Provides in-depth coverage of membrane bioreactor fundamentals, module and system design, fouling control, modeling, case studies, and applications for wastewater reuse. Includes details on membrane types, configurations, and operating conditions.

19. Water Reuse (2007) – Explores water reuse systems for potable and nonpotable applications. Discusses treatment technologies like membrane filtration and UV disinfection. Examines water quality criteria, risk assessment, regulations, economics, and public perception of water reuse.

20. Water Treatment Plant Design (2005) – Provides comprehensive guidance on all aspects of water treatment plant design, from intake structures to chemical systems to residual management. Covers regulatory requirements, treatment processes, instrumentation, and economics. Includes design examples and case studies.

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A Powerful and Versatile Pneumatic Actuator

Rotork acquired Remote Control Sweden, a manufacturer of pneumatic linear actuators, to expand its actuation product portfolio. Remote Control Sweden is known for its compact, lightweight cylinder designs in automation across industries. According to Rotork, this strategic acquisition strengthens its position in pneumatics by adding Remote Control Sweden’s advanced technologies to its electric and hydraulic actuator offerings. The deal provides Rotork with additional technical expertise and distribution reach. Overall, it represents a synergistic opportunity for both companies to leverage combined strengths in the actuation market.

Remote Control Range’s Compact Pneumatic Actuators are a fantastic solution for linear motion and force applications. As an engineer, I frequently use pneumatic actuators and was impressed by the power packed into these small, lightweight actuators.

The key features that make these actuators stand out are:

– Compact size – Despite their small footprint, these actuators deliver powerful pushing/pulling force up to 1000 lbs. This makes them perfect for confined spaces.

Dual-action – Unlike single-acting cylinders, they provide both outward and inward linear motion. This bidirectional control is ideal for clamps, presses, and grippers.

– Remote air control – Built-in 5-port valves allow you to remotely control the actuators by adjusting air pressure. This is much more convenient than manually attaching airlines.

– Interchangeable mounts – The actuators come with clevis, trunnion, and threaded mounts for easy installation. You can switch mounts to suit different applications.

– Durable construction – Hard coat anodized aluminum body and stainless steel rods withstand harsh conditions and last long.

Remote Control Range’s pneumatic actuators are versatile and enable remote linear motion control in compact spaces. Their convenient features and rugged build quality make them great for industrial, manufacturing, and automation applications. I highly recommend these powerful little actuators.

Comparison of Remote Control Range’s Compact Pneumatic Actuators to another popular model:

Remote Control Range vs. Airpel E9 Series Actuators

Size and Weight:
The Remote Control Range actuators are more compact and lightweight than the Airpel E9 series. The most minor Remote Control Range model measures 1.25 x 1.25 x 5 inches and weighs 0.55 lbs. In contrast, the Airpel E9 starts at 1.77 x 1.77 x 5.51 inches and weighs over 1 lb. This makes the Remote Control Range better suited for tight spaces.

Force Output:
Despite their smaller size, the Remote Control Range actuators match or exceed the force capabilities of the Airpel E9 series. The maximum force ranges from 250 to 1000 lbs, depending on the Remote Control Range model. The Airpel E9 in a similar size provides up to 660 lbs of force.

Control Options:
The built-in 5-port valve on the Remote Control Range allows remote push-button control of the actuator using air pressure. The Airpel E9 does not have built-in control valves, so it requires manually attaching airlines to control.

Stroke Length:
The Remote Control Range actuators offer stroke lengths up to 6 inches. The Airpel E9 has a slightly longer maximum stroke length of 8 inches. However, the Remote Control Range strokes are sufficient for most applications requiring short linear motions.

Price:
The Remote Control Range actuators are around 25-50% lower in price than comparable Airpel E9 models. This cost savings makes them very appealing, especially for budget-conscious projects.

In summary, the Remote Control Range pneumatic actuators win out for compact size, convenient remote control, and lower cost. They offer comparable power and stroke length to the popular Airpel E9 models. The Remote Control Range actuators provide better value and flexibility for most applications requiring short linear motions. Their remote air control and small footprint are key advantages that make them my top pick.

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Global engineering and consulting firm Black & Veatch (B&V) announced this week that it has acquired the water business of MJ Gleeson Group, an Australian construction and civil engineering company. This strategic acquisition significantly expands B&V’s water infrastructure capabilities and strengthens its presence across the Asia-Pacific region.

MJ Gleeson’s water infrastructure division specializes in designing and constructing water and wastewater treatment plants, pipelines, pumping stations, dams, reservoirs, and other water-related projects. For over 50 years, the company has delivered major water infrastructure projects across Australia and New Zealand, working extensively with municipalities, utilities, and industrial clients.

Its portfolio includes a diverse range of successful water projects such as the Mundaring Water Treatment Plant in Western Australia, the Macintosh Wastewater Network in New Zealand, and the Adelaide Desalination Plant in South Australia. MJ Gleeson is recognized for its technical expertise in all aspects of water and wastewater engineering, project management, and construction across both greenfield development and brownfield upgrades.

According to B&V’s CEO and President Mario Azar, this acquisition strategically aligns with the company’s focus on growing its global water business amid increasing demand driven by rapid urbanization, climate change pressures, and rising water quality standards. “Water scarcity and quality issues are urgent global challenges and we aim to provide leading solutions that make the world’s water cleaner, safer, and more accessible,” said Azar.

Azar further explained that MJ Gleeson’s respected reputation and proven water project delivery record made it an ideal fit for B&V as both firms share a commitment to engineering excellence and innovation. Adding MJ Gleeson’s water expertise and local experience will significantly boost B&V’s capacity to serve municipal, industrial, and agricultural clients in Australia, New Zealand, and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

B&V also gains over 450 skilled water professionals from MJ Gleeson to join its worldwide workforce of over 10,000 employees, strengthening its global pool of water talent. Through this deal, B&V can leverage MJ Gleeson’s well-established presence across Australasia to build up its regional water teams and enhance collaboration across its global offices.

MJ Gleeson’s Managing Director, James Gleeson, noted the deal’s strategic benefits for both companies. “Becoming part of Black & Veatch opens up exciting new growth opportunities for our people and enhances the value we can deliver to clients throughout the region and worldwide,” said Gleeson.

B&V plans to fully leverage this strategic acquisition to expand its water service offerings and client base across Australasia and the wider Asia Pacific region. The company sees increasing high-value demand for water and wastewater infrastructure and technology solutions in Asia-Pacific’s urban centers facing urgent water security challenges compounded by pollution, extreme weather, and population growth. This deal positions B&V well to meet this rising regional demand and strengthen its leadership in the global water sector.

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