Evaluación de los Procesos de Potabilización de la Planta El Troje-EPMAPS-Quito, por Medio de Pruebas de Tratabilidad y Ensayos con Trazadores

Abstract

Water treatment plants evaluation guarantees that produced water be able for people consumption, for that reason, the present investigation evaluated the work of “El Troje” water treatment Plant processes, based on CEPIS methodology. Tracers’ tests were made in flocculation and sedimentation units to stablish real hydraulic work characteristics. Coagulation & flocculation optimal parameters were stablished by treatability tests. Filtration and disinfection system´s conditions were verified, physicochemical and microbiological analysis on treated water were made, checking the rule INEN 1108 fulfillment. The evaluation showed that real retention times and speed gradients of flocculation units differ from system designer´s proposal. The Al2(SO4)3 optimal dose remained in 70 mg/L and de polymer optimal dose in 0.15 mg/L for different jar tests. On the other hand, sedimentation units showed an optimal hydraulic work, although the bad work of the previous process. Granulometry tests of filtration beds showed the loss of the optimal operation conditions, but, it doesn´t become determinant on the filtration process. Thus, we conclude that the PTAET main trouble is the deficient work of the flocculation system, affecting the other processes efficiency.