Reliability studies in waste water treatment plants are intended to improve plant availability, thereby reducing operating costs, improving effluent quality control and conserving energy. This paper describes a data collection and availability modelling study carried out by the Systems Reliability Service of the UKAEA on behalf of the Department of Industry and the National Water Council. It illustrates the application of fault tree logic and mathematical modelling techniques.
The study relates to primary sedimentation systems. It indicates how, by the application of reliability analysis techniques, more efficient and lower cost waste water processing systems can be gained.