Case Study: Sarasota, FL Collection System Solves Odor, Corrosion And FOG Problems With In-Pipe Technology

In May 2006, In-Pipe Technology Company, LLC (IPTC) was requested by Alex Hernandez, Collection Systems Manager, to present our In-Pipe Technology (IPT) to City of Sarasota personnel. The purpose was to evaluate IPT as a cost effective alternative to their current and highly priced odor control chemical Bioxide.

IPTC was contracted to perform a demonstration trial to treat approximately 1.5 MGD in a partial collection system treatment of the Lift Station 16 service area. Eight (8) lift stations feed a 0.8 mile force main that flows into Lift Station 16. The force main travels along Causeway 789 connecting several islands to the Florida peninsula.

IPT treatment began on August 24, 2006 to remedy odor, corrosion, and Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) in the collection system. Upon successful completion of the demonstration in November 2006, the City of Sarasota entered into a month-to-month agreement with IPTC to extend treatment of part of the Lift Station (LS) 16 collection area. On November 10, IPTC installed four (4) additional panels totreat the reported FOG problem due to seasonal population rise in the city's commercial district.

This is an affluent population that travels to Sarasota for a high quality of life. The center of the commercial district is surrounded by high end shops and boutiques that include several fine dining restaurants. Prior to IPT treatment strong odors were perceived throughout the collection area, especially at LS 30. FOG was reported as a historical problem, specifically at LS 31, which required routine cleaning and maintenance.

Within the first thirty (30) days of treatment, the FOG ring visible at the water surface of LS 31 was dissipating and the grease was changing color as it became soluble. IPT service reports indicate Sarasota personnel found grease moving around in the collection system in the Main Street vicinity. This is a positive sign that the grease is breaking down and not accumulating in the lift stations. Photographs of LS 31 below show the elimination of a majority of FOG from September 12 to December 23, 2006. The FOG ring around the well is nearly eliminated as well as the multitude of floating FOG balls.

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