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Case Study for Customer Location CA84:
Reservoir or Lake Use:
Reservoir A is an enclosed water storage facility for potable chloraminated water, and is the largest
reservoir in their system. The system converted to chloramines in February 2004.
System Overview and Reservoir:
Surface area is 11.0 surface acres and maximum depth is 30 feet when full; operating volume is 90
million gallons. There are 1000 roof support columns in the reservoir.
Reported Problem Before SolarBee Installation:
Reservoir A had a history of stratification problems, shortcircuiting, high water age, and dead zones
that lead to high nitrification potential. Primary goal is to provide complete mixing in order to reduce
water age and prevent nitrification.
SolarBee Installation:
Date: August 2002: Installed two (2) SB10000-PW 10,000 gpm circulators with 24-hour electric kits,
and with horizontal intake plates set at one foot off the reservoir floor. In May 2005, both units were
upgraded to the SB10000v12-PW model. At the same time, an injection manifold was mounted on the
outside of each dish to facilitate even dispersal for chlorine boosting and breakpoint chlorination (if
needed) after system converted to chloramine. May 2005: installed ten (10) additional SB10000v12-
PW units for five other potable water reservoirs. Total SolarBee installations to date: twelve (12) units
in six reservoirs (2 units per reservoir).
Results:
In August 2002, the city’s Public Utilities Commission and a leading drinking water consultant began
an extensive, 18-month study on the effects of operating just one SolarBee SB10000-PW in the
reservoir. The reservoir was allowed to stratify without either SolarBee operating, chlorine was
injected into the reservoir, and then one SolarBee was turned on. Data from chlorine and temperature
probes located at various depths throughout the reservoir showed that just one SolarBee was
sufficient to eliminate stratification, boost chlorine, and accomplish breakpoint chlorination. SolarBee
circulation was visibly evident to divers even into the far corners of the reservoir. By May 2005, the city’s
Public Utilities Commission had purchased the two test machines, as well as ten additional units for
five other potable water reservoirs in their system. At the AWWA national show in June 2005, they gave
a presentation on why they selected SolarBees for mixing in their large tanks. The city’s Public Utilities
Commission gave SolarBee 4 out of 5 stars in mixer ranking, stating “SolarBee units were identified
as the best mixing alternative for large Reservoirs”. The city’s Public Utilities Commission has been
very happy with the water quality benefits SolarBee circulation has provided.
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