Streamlined hydrant sampler redesign: smaller, lighter, and less expensive

The TSC optimization team has successfully piloted a redesigned hydrant sampler for distribution system investigative sampling. The new design reduces the number of necessary parts, thereby making for a smaller, lighter, and less expensive device. The new design keeps the flow control valve (20 gpm) to enable easy calculation of the appropriate flushing time prior to sample collection. The pressure gage also remains in the design. However, the sampling arm has been eliminated and the same part of the sampler is now used for both flushing and sampling. Cam and groove fittings, similar to what firefighters use to connect their hoses, are used to easily attach and detach the flushing hose for an easy transition from flushing to sampling. The gate valve is used to reduce the flow rate from the 20 gpm flushing rate to a lower flow rate for filling a sampling container. Eliminating the sampling arm of the hydrant sampler cuts down on overall size and weight, and makes it easier to thread the sampler onto the hydrant, especially if the hydrant port is close to the ground. The TSC optimization team piloted the new design and concluded that it works just as well as, if not better than, the original version. See below for more information, including an example parts list. Contact Matt Alexander (alexander.matthew@epa.gov, 513-569-7380) or Tom Waters (waters.tom@epa.gov, 513-569-7611) for further information.

Pilot testing the new hydrant sampler design

 

 

Example parts list for redesigned hydrant sampler:

Section of Sampler	Item	Photo Letter	Quantity Per Sampler	Average Unit Price	Total Cost
Main	Brass hydrant reducer (2.5″ FNST inlet by 1″ MNPT outlet)	A	1	$31.49	$31.49
Main	1″ MNPT red brass nipple, closed threaded	E	3	$5.70	$17.10
Main	1″ FNPT red brass tee	B	1	$21.40	$21.40
Main	1″ FNPT brass gate valve	F	1	$16.35	$16.35
Main	Dole flow control valve, 20.0 gpm, 1″ FNPT inlet/outlet	G	1	$32.47	$32.47
Main	1″ MNPT x 1″ ID red brass hose adapter	J	1	$20.90	$20.90
Main	#16 hose clamp for 1″ ID hose	K	1	$0.99	$0.99
Main	Thread sealant tape, PTFE, 3/4″ x 520″	–	1	$1.44	$1.44
Main	1″ ID hose (reinforced PVC), per ft	L	4	$1.54	$6.16
Main	1″ cam and groove fitting, polypropylene coupler, coupling type D, female coupler x FNPT connection type	I	1	$6.94	$6.94
Main	1″ cam and groove fitting, polypropylene adapter, coupling type A, male adapter x FNPT connection type	H	1	$2.64	$2.64
Pressure Gauge	1″ MNPT x 1/4″ FNPT chrome plated brass reducing bushing	C	1	$5.70	$31.30
Pressure Gauge	Pressure gauge, filled, 2.5″, 300 psi, SS	D	1	$54.50	$54.50

Total estimated cost (w/out PRV):

$244

 

If the static pressure in the distribution system exceeds 150 psi at a particular sampling site, a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) is recommended, as many of the parts in the sampler are rated to 150 psi or less. Here is an example parts list for the PRV and associated fittings:

Section of Sampler	Item	Photo Letter	Quantity Per Sampler	Average Unit Price	Total Cost
PRV adapter	Brass hydrant reducer (2.5″ FNST inlet by 1″ MNPT outlet)	A	1	$31.49	$62.98
PRV adapter	1″ FNPT brass, water pressure reducing valve (PRV)	M	1	$134.50	$134.50
PRV adapter	1″ FNPT brass union	N	1	$36.70	$36.70
Main	1″ MNPT red brass nipple, closed threaded	E	2	$5.70	$11.40

Total estimated cost (with PRV):

$458

Hydrant Sampler Website and Training Video

On May 4, the website www.epa.gov/hydrant-sampler was launched with a YouTube training video produced by the Optimization Team to describe how to use a hydrant sampler. This tool, developed by the team, allows users to collect representative distribution system water quality samples in a controlled, safe manner. The website describes the parts required to assemble a hydrant sampler as well as the procedure for appropriately using it.

Development of Disinfection Dosing Protocol

On May 27^th and 28^th, the optimization team partnered with staff from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to pilot a protocol that was developed to assess process control of chlorine and ammonia dosing at two chloraminated water systems in the Pittsburgh area.  The ratio of chlorine-to-ammonia in the finished water entering a distribution system should be consistently maintained within a desired range to decrease the likelihood of nitrification and increase the stability of monochloramine in the distribution system.  Feedback from participants will be used to enhance the protocol, which will become a component of future comprehensive performance evaluations for chloraminated distribution systems.  (Matthew Alexander & Alison Dugan, US EPA, TSC)

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Filter Assessment Manual

SCDHEC’s Filter Assessment Manual is a compilation of proven filter testing techniques gathered from various sources, including AWWA conference proceedings, EPA guidance manuals, and water treatment textbooks. The manual describes in detail how to conduct a filter assessment and how to establish a filter surveillance program, two activities that can and should be practiced at drinking water treatment plants to optimize filter performance. Both of these optimization activities make use of a number of physical and operational filter tests designed to pinpoint various factors that may be limiting filter performance. A filter assessment is a single event during which most or all of the different filter tests are conducted in a comprehensive, full-scale investigation of filter performance. A filter assessment is often done when poor filtered water quality indicates that there may be a problem with a filter’s physical condition or its operation. A filter surveillance program is the routine testing of filter performance on an ongoing basis, incorporating each of the various filter tests according to a set schedule. A filter surveillance program is designed to monitor filter performance and to prevent problems from occurring. The SCDHEC Filter Assessment Manual contains a description of each of the different filter tests, including setup, equipment needed, and step-by-step procedures, complete with photographs and worksheets. The manual also explains how to interpret the test results and to apply the results to corrective actions that can optimize filter performance and filtered water quality.

For more information about using this tool, please contact Rick Hiers (hiersrs@dhec.sc.gov, (803)898-4202) or Rich Welch (welchra@dhec.sc.gov, (803)898-3546).

Filter Assessment Manual-Dec2003