Engineering Guide

1-200-005

WATER and WASTE WATER

ENGINEERING GUIDE
Equipment
for Metering
and Handling
Dry Solid Chemicals

20 Empire Blvd., Moonachie, New Jersey 07074 Phone: 201-440-8300 Fax: 201-440-4939
Email: Informail@acrison.com Website: www.acrison.com

WATER and WASTE WATER ENGINEERING GUIDE

Chemical Metering Equipment

This Engineering Guide has been prepared to assist those who
are involved with the design of dry chemical feeding systems
used in water and waste water treatment applications.
Since the chemical to be handled is always known, a quick reference chart has been devised listing the most commonly used
water and waste water treatment chemicals along with the
recommendation for the feeder model, materials of construction, dissolving tank, hopper sizing, etc.
The column titles and entries should be self-explanatory; however, an explanation on each heading has been included to
simplify your selection and to give you a better understanding of
why each has been included.
FEEDER SELECTION
Under this column, only volumetric feeders are listed as these
are adequate for most water and waste water applications.
When gravimetric feeders are preferred, Acrison can furnish
a choice of a weigh belt or a "Weight-Loss-Differential" Weigh
Feeder; however, we highly recommend first consideration be
given to the "Weight-Loss-Differential" unit because of its superior features for water and waste water applications. Acrison
can also provide accessory items i.e., bin unloaders, hoppers, shut-off gates, flexible sleeves, dust collectors, vacuum loaders, bucket elevators, and others.
VOLUMETRIC FEEDERS
Acrisons Model W-105 Series of Volumetric Feeders is capable of
accurately and reliably metering virtually all known dry chemicals used
in the various water and waste water treatment processes. As standard, these ruggedly constructed, heavy-duty Feeders are furnished
with all 304 stainless steel product contact surfaces for a high degree of durability, corrosion resistance and longevity. In addition, the
feeder drive shafts and seal components are also constructed of 304
stainless steel.

and the "retention time," stated in minutes, enabling the dissolving

tank capacity to be calculated (see the following
example). The calculated dissolving tank size would be the minimum
required, but does not restrict the use of larger units.
Mechanical mixers are preferred, although properly sized hydraulic mixing jets can be utilized. When water supply to a
dissolving tank is to be throttled, a mechanical mixer MUST be
used.
EXAMPLE
Known:

Chemicalalum
Feed Rate500 lbs./hr.

From Chart:

Water to chemical ratio2 gallons per pound

Retention time5 minutes

Calculations:

Dissolving tank capacity (gallons)

Rate
Water/Chemical Ratio
(lbs./hr.)
(gallons/pound)
500
Conclusion:

Retention
(minimum)
60
=
5
60

gals.
83.33
gals.

Use a standard 100 gallon dissolving tank.

STORAGE HOPPER AGITATION

The simple statement yes or no does not indicate all of the
facts. A reliable and accurate feeder is of no value if the chemical does not reach it. Positive and reliable flow of the dry chemical
from storage supply is an absolute necessity if any feeding system is
to function properly. Since material flow is much more of an art
than a science, experience becomes most valuable. With nearly
four decades of actual operational experience in the handling
of thousands of chemicals through various types of hoppers and
bins, bin unloading mechanisms, and feeders, Acrison has
gained considerable expertise and thus, can make certain statements
and recommendations with confidence.

DISSOLVING TANKS
Designed to effectively dissolve all applicable chemicals, the standard Acrison Dissolving Tank is constructed of 316 stainless steel to
provide a high degree of strength, resistance to corrosion, and long
life. In certain applications, other materials of construction can be
provided, but these should not be considered as an equal to 316
stainless steel.
WETTING CONE
The wetting cone was specifically designed for wetting powdered
activated carbon; however, it can also be used to wet dry materials such as diatomaceous earth, potassium permanganate and
magnesium oxide at generally low feed rates. This does not restrict
the use of a dissolving tank to produce a slurry of any of the chemicals, although when using a dissolving tank, a mechanical mixer is
recommended. As standard, the Wetting Cone is constructed of 316
stainless steel.
CHEMICAL DENSITY
Chemical densities can vary over a wide range making it impractical
to size feeders and hoppers exactly. However, the densities stated in
the chart are approximate working densities that can be safely
used for sizing feeders and hoppers.
DISSOLVING TANK SIZING
When applicable, there will be listed, the recommended water to
chemical ratio stated in gallons of water per pound of dry chemical,

Using the following basic and simple guide, the proper flow of
materials can be successfully achieved:
a.) Small Storage Hoppers
When hoppers do not exceed a capacity of 10 cubic feet and
are designed with any sloping side being a minimum of 60
degrees from the horizontal, an electric or pneumatic vibrator can
be used to assist in promoting reliable product flow, but must be properly sized. These units are low in cost; however, extreme care must
be taken regarding proper hopper design and vibrator sizing for the
material being handled to prevent packing, bridging or even damage
to the hopper.
b.) Large Storage Hoppers
For the positive flow of material out of larger bins, Acrison
recommends a Vibrating Bin Discharger or a Multiple Auger/Agitator Bin Discharger as described below and on the next page.
Vibrating Bin Discharger
This unit has been designed to promote positive discharge of
dry solid products from a storage bin into an Acrison feeder.
Discharge is on a first-in/first-out basis and is accomplished
without compaction, degradation or attrition (refer to Design
Specification #1-200-0296).

The use of Vibrating Bin Dischargers require properly designed and sturdy bins with flexible connections between the
bin and the Vibrating Bin Discharger, and the Vibrating Bin
Discharger and the feeder.

ther eliminate the requirement for special bin construction

and flexible connections on both the inlet and outlet, Acrison
can provide their Multiple Auger/Agitator Bin Discharger which
produces mechanically-induced internal agitation to produce
positive and reliable product flow from storage supply into
the feeder (see Bulletin #712 or Design Specification #1-200004).

Multiple Auger/Agitator Bin Discharger

To provide direct flanging to any type bin and to the feeding
equipment, to eliminate the need for vibration, and to fur-

Aluminum
Sulfate
(Alum)
Calcium
Carbonate Powder
(Limestone)

W-105

Dissolving Tank
material of
construction
316 Stainless
Wetting Cone
(See Note 3)
316 Stainless

W-105Z

316 Stainless

55 - 65

2 gallons per pound

(2 minutes)

Yes

Calcium
Hydroxide
(Hydrated Lime)

W-105Z

316 Stainless

30 - 40

2 gallons per pound

(2 minutes)

Yes

Calcium Oxide
(Quicklime)
Coagulant
Aids
Diatomaceous
Earth

Recommend
Mechanical Mixer and
Dust Collector for
manual loading
Recommend
Mechanical Mixer and
Dust Collector for
manual loading
(See Note 6)

(See Note 7)

W-105Z

10 - 14

(See Note 4)

Yes

Recommend
Dust Collector

(See Note 8)
Must use Mechanical
Mixer; recommend
Rotameter

Chemical
Activated
Carbon

Feeder selection
volumetric
(See Note 1)
W-105Z

Typical Density
(pounds per cubic
foot) (See Note 2)
12 - 25

Dissolving Tank sizing

(gallons of water per pound
of chemical and retention time)
(See Note 4)

Storage
Hopper
agitation
Yes

60 - 70

2 gallons per pound

(5 minutes)

No

Comments
Recommend
Dust Collector for
manual loading

Ferric
Chloride
Ferric
Sulfate

316 Stainless
Wetting Cone
(See Note 5)
-

W-105

316 Stainless

70 - 80

1/2 gallon per pound

(20 minutes)

No

Ferrous
Sulfate

W-105

316 Stainless

60 - 70

2 gallons per pound

(5 minutes)

No

W-105Z

316 Stainless
Wetting Cone
316 Stainless

15 - 60

(See Notes 4 and 5)

Yes

W-105

90 - 100

No

W-105Z

316 Stainless

50 - 60

W-105Z

316 Stainless

50 - 60

W-105Z

316 Stainless

40 - 60

W-105

316 Stainless

65 - 75

4 gallons per pound

(3 minutes)
2 gallons per pound
(5 minutes)
2 gallons per pound
(5 minutes)
2 gallons per pound
(5 minutes)
12 gallons per pound
(5 minutes)
-

(See Note 8)

(See Note 8)

W-105

316 Stainless

65 - 75

60 gallons per pound

(5 minutes)

Yes

Recommend
Dust Collector

Magnesium
Oxide
Potassium
Permanganate
Sodium
Aluminate
Sodium
Bicarbonate
Sodium Carbonate
(Soda Ash)
Sodium
Fluoride
Sodium Hexa-Mate
Phosphate
Sodium
Hydroxide
Sodium
Hypochlorite
Sodium Silico
Fluoride

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Recommend
Dust Collector
Recommend
Dust Collector
Recommend
Dust Collector
(See Note 8)

As is the case for most engineering literature, it is not practical to encompass every possible application without complicating this format. Should you have a particular question or problem, do not hesitate to contact your local Acrison Representative or Acrison directly.
NOTES:
1. When a gravimetric feeder is preferred, Acrison recommends a "Weight-Loss-Differential" Weigh Feeder as first choice (Models A405,
402, 404 and 407).
2. These are approximate working densities to be used for sizing the feeder and storage hopper.
3. When wetting carbon in a dissolving tank, use surface jet(s) and mechanical mixer.
4. When making a constant strength slurry, use a maximum of one pound per gallon.
5. When a dissolving tank is used, Acrison recommends a mechanical mixer.
6. Requires Lime Slakercontact Acrison.
7. Polyelectrolytes (see Bulletins #500, 512, 515 and Equipment Data Specifications 1-200-0552 and 1-200-0558).
8. Dry feed not recommendedhandle as solution.

Discover the difference!

We cordially invite you to witness a test in Acrison's new and
expanded state-of-the-art Customer Demonstration Facilities,
handling your actual product(s) with the specific equipment we
recommend for the application. Usually, there is no cost or
obligation for this service.
Discover the difference in technology, quality and performance.

Acrison products...
Models 101 and 130 Volumetric Feeders
Models V101 and V130 Volumetric Feeders
Model 1015 Volumetric Feeder Series
Model 105 Volumetric Feeder Series
Model W105 Volumetric Feeder Series
Model 120 Volumetric Feeder
Model 140 Volumetric Feeder Series
Model 170 Volumetric Feeder Series
Model 203 and 210 Series of Weigh Belt Feeders
Model 203B Series of Weigh Auger Feeders
Model 260 Series of Weigh Belt Feeders
Model 270 Series of In-Line Weigh Feeders
Models 350 and 301 Continuous Blenders and Blending Systems
Model 402 Series of "Weight-Loss-Differential" Weigh Feeders
Model 403 Series of "Weight-Loss-Differential" Weigh Feeders
Model 403B(D) Batch/Dump "Weight-Loss-Differential" Batch Weigh Feeders
Model 404 Series of "Weight-Loss-Differential" Weigh Feeders
Model 404BZ(BU) Bulk Bag Unloader Batch Weigher/Feeder
Model A405 Series of "Weight-Loss-Differential" Weigh Feeders
Model 406 Series of "Weight-Loss-Differential" Weigh Feeders
Model 407 Series of "Weight-Loss-Differential" Weigh Feeders
Multiple Auger Bin Dischargers and Multiple Auger Bin Discharger Hoppering Systems
Multiple Auger Bin Discharger Feeders
Vibratory Bin Dischargers
Model 500 Series of Liquid and Dry Polyelectrolyte Preparation Systems
Water and Waste Water Treatment Systems
Volumetric and Gravimetric Feeder Controllers and Control Systems
Accessory Equipment for Acrison Products
Systems Engineering

Industrial and municipal chemical feed equipment

20 Empire Blvd., Moonachie, New Jersey 07074

Phone: 201-440-8300 Fax: 201-440-4939
Email: lnformail@acrison.com
Website: www.acrison.com
Copyright 2003-Acrison, Inc. all rights reserved.
302-0039/D/02-03/7005