Having a product does not mean it’s going to work well. Having a product and having the experience to use it properly, that’s the determining factor. - Trace Blackmore 

Dive into one of Trace Blackmore’s favorite formats: the "Pinks and Blues" episode! In this special installment, Trace tackles real-world questions from water treatment professionals like you, offering clear, practical solutions rooted in chemistry, strategy, and years of experience. From mastering serial dilutions to making the most of leftover competitor products, this episode is all about equipping you with the tools to excel in your field. Managing Leftover Competitor Products in Accounts  Trace discusses the common challenge of customers asking water treatment professionals to use leftover chemicals they’ve already paid for. He highlights the risks of taking these products back to your facility, including potential costly disposal fees, and provides practical advice on how to manage and utilize these products effectively on-site. 

Serial Dilution: Explanation and Equation  Trace introduces the dilution formula C1 × V1 = C2 × V2, a fundamental equation for performing accurate dilutions. He provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating dilutions in both lab and field settings, enabling water treatment professionals to test and effectively utilize mystery products left behind by competitors.  

Importance of Deionized (DI) Water in Test Kits  Trace explains the critical role of DI water in performing accurate dilutions and removing interferences during tests. He emphasizes the necessity of always carrying sufficient DI water in the field for tasks like dilutions, triple rinsing equipment, and managing high-concentration samples. Ensuring DI water availability is key to maintaining clean and reliable testing processes.

Testing Mystery Products  Trace recommends testing mystery products for key components such as phosphate (total, organic, and inorganic) and Azol levels to determine their composition. Use the product’s safety data sheet (SDS) or similar documentation to identify expected ranges and compare test results. These insights help calculate appropriate dosages and ensure effective usage of leftover products.

Benefits of Proper Product Management Using leftover chemicals on-site provides several key advantages: 

• Cost Savings: Eliminates expensive disposal fees for unused products.
• Customer Satisfaction: Reduces customer expenses by utilizing materials they’ve already paid for. 
• Sustainability: Promotes greener practices by minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.
• Professional Growth: Savings from proper management can support funding for training, certifications, and industry conferences, contributing to career development opportunities.

Be Part of the Discussion We want to hear from you! Your contributions help shape the Scaling Up H2O podcast and make it even more valuable for the community. 

• Submit Questions & Feedback: Your input drives our content. Send us your questions to be featured in future episodes. 
• Share Your Success Stories: Let us know how this episode has helped you improve your water treatment practice or solve a challenging problem.

Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps: 07: 25 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 12:24 - Trace answers listener questions about managing leftover competitor products in water treatment accounts 15:32 – Trace explains Serial Dilution: Step-by-Step Guide 45:23 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald 

Connect with Scaling UP! H2O Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea

LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/scalinguph2o/ YouTube: @ScalingUpH2O

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned Audible (free month with this link)

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

The Rising Tide Mastermind

12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months by Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington

Drop by Drop with James In today’s episode, I have a challenge for you. The challenge is…check your safety equipment. Seriously, check the condition as well as any expiration dates. I personally was shocked to find out that hard hats have an expiration date on them, but they do. It does make sense, though, because plastic can get brittle over time, especially sitting in a hot vehicle. Brittle plastic probably won’t protect your noggin as well as it should. Are your safety glasses all scratched up or dirty? Do they obstruct your view? Do you wear your earplugs more than once, and do they need to be replaced? How about your steel-toed shoes, face shields, aprons, gloves, and other safety equipment? Will they protect you when you need them to? Take this challenge as your excuse to inspect them all and replace them as needed. Your family, friends, colleagues, Trace, and I all want you to be safe as you practice the noble profession of industrial water treatment! 

Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.

"Don’t be afraid to ask questions early and often when working with engineering firms or general contractors on your water treatment program... Getting it right the first time is the easiest and least painful way to a long-term successful water treatment program." – Walker Burnette

In this episode of the Scaling Up H2O podcast, host Trace Blackmore sits down with Walker Burnette, Water Treatment Consultant at Southeastern Laboratories to explore the importance of early involvement in water treatment projects for new and expanding facilities. Together, they uncover essential lessons, challenges, and best practices that can make or break long-term success in industrial water management.  

A Chance Encounter That Sparked a Career  Walker Burnette’s journey into the water treatment industry began unexpectedly when he reconnected with Steve Tuning, a lifelong family friend and his father’s college roommate, at his former workplace. This chance meeting led to a conversation that launched his career in water treatment. Now, Walker’s former employer has become his client, showcasing the unique blend of personal history and professional growth that shaped his path. 

Bridging Water Treatment Gaps in Construction  Walker Burnette addresses the common oversight of water treatment during new and expanded construction projects. In North Carolina's fast-growing landscape, Walker has seen firsthand how rushed timelines can lead to missed steps in planning. Sharing lessons from successes and pitfalls, this discussion aims to highlight essential practices to ensure water treatment is prioritized and integrated effectively from the start. 

What steps do you take to set yourself up for success in the bid process?  Walker Burnette emphasizes the importance of understanding a facility’s unique requirements when bidding on water treatment projects. Recognizing that each system may need specialized solutions, he advises focusing on value rather than competing solely on price. While not every bid will be successful, prioritizing quality and comprehensive proposals leads to long-term success and better client outcomes. 

Why do you need to have relationships with people?  Walker Burnette highlights that building strong relationships is key in the competitive world of water treatment project bidding. Helping clients understand the value behind different approaches can set you apart. When clients receive various bids, confusion can arise about the differing strategies. Having a trusted relationship allows you to step in, clarify the benefits, and guide them through making an informed decision. Establishing a reputation with engineering firms and past collaborators can often lead to winning projects for the right reasons—trust and proven expertise. Prioritizing Communication for Water Treatment Success  Clear communication and proactive planning in water treatment projects is essential. He recommends reviewing P&IDs (Piping and Instrument Diagrams) early to find cost-saving opportunities and streamline processes. Staying engaged throughout the project ensures inspections and coordination, preventing last-minute issues and promoting smooth execution. 

Checklist for Water Treatment Project Planning and Execution: 

1. Identify System to be Treated: List systems requiring treatment and needed equipment/chemicals. 

2. Verify Lead Times: Confirm equipment lead times and communicate any delays to the end user. 

3. Set Project Timelines: Track key delivery dates and installation milestones. 

4. Plan for Pipe Cleaning/Passivation: Ensure pipes are flushed or treated before startup to avoid issues. 

5. Communicate with Stakeholders/End Users: Keep the end user informed and ensure all steps are completed for a smooth project launch. 

The Critical Step of Passivation  Passivation is presented as one of the most important phases of commissioning new systems. Walker and Trace discuss why passivation is often overlooked, the consequences of skipping it, and how to effectively advocate for this essential step.  

Considering All Stakeholders and EH&S in Water Treatment Projects  Understanding the needs of all stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, operators, and end-users, is essential in water treatment projects. Involving the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) early ensures chemicals are compatible, stored correctly, and disposed of safely. Walker emphasizes addressing these considerations from the start positions water treatment professionals as proactive consultants, avoiding last-minute issues and disruptions to project timelines. 

Integrating New Equipment in Existing Facilities  Adding new equipment to an existing facility requires careful planning. Unlike new buildings, end-user involvement is higher as the facility is already operational. He stresses that new systems often need isolation and separate treatment before integration, as simply connecting and activating them can lead to issues. Proper preparation and communication are key to successful integration. 

Join the Conversation  Have any thoughts on today’s episode? Join the Scaling Up H2O community by sharing your experiences and insights on proactive water treatment. Connect with us on LinkedIn, share your takeaways, or join the discussion on industry challenges and best practices. 

Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! 

Timestamps:    01:30 - Trace Blackmore shares discussion on Friday the 13th superstitions and their origins, including historical and cultural references. 05:05 – Trace Blackmore’s encouragement to review lessons from 2024 and plan for 2025, mentioning Brian Moran’s “12 Week Year” 07:09 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals  09:25 - Interview with Walker Burnette, Water Treatment Consultant at Southeastern Laboratories about water treatment considerations during new and existing facility constructions, and the importance of early involvement in the planning process. 50:57 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald 

Quotes  "Passivation might be one of the most important parts of starting up your water treatment systems—it ensures the longevity and proper function of your equipment." – Walker Burnette "The only person we can fix is ourselves. It’s easy to blame externally, but we need to ask the right questions and guide our customers to success." – Trace Blackmore "Being proactive and communicating effectively is key. When you're adaptable, you're more equipped to lead projects to success rather than being a reactive passenger." – Walker Burnette "Learning to have hard conversations with customers is a difficult skill, but once you do, you’ll never regret it." – Walker Burnette 

Connect with Walker Burnette  Phone: 336.207.7086  Email: [email protected]  Website: https://www.selaboratories.com/   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walker-burnette-cwt-57076465/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/southeastern-laboratories-inc-/   Read or Download Walker Burnette’s Press Release HERE 

Guest Resources Mentioned   Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter 

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  Audible (free month with this link) AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea The Rising Tide Mastermind  12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months by Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington 

Drop by Drop with James In today’s episode, I’m on my soapbox. My soapbox topic is…conductivity versus TDS…or Total Dissolved Solids. You might have expected something a little meatier, but conductivity and TDS are often used interchangeably. FAR too often they are. They are NOT the same thing though. Conductivity and TDS may be RELATED, but they measure two COMPLETELY different things. Conductivity measures the ability of a water solution to conduct an electrical current. It is quick and easily automated, only requiring a conductivity probe and a meter. Total Dissolved Solids or TDS, on the other hand, is the concentration of dissolved solids in a water solution. Measuring the TDS requires evaporating a volume of water to dryness and weighing the solids that remain. TDS takes a lot more time and labor to perform than a conductivity test. 

So how are conductivity and TDS related? The conductivity of water is determined by the type and concentration of dissolved solids. Low TDS solutions typically have lower conductivities. High TDS solutions typically have higher conductivities. There can be a relationship between the two. If the water quality is consistent, conductivity can provide a practical way to monitor the TDS, but this relationship should be verified regularly. 

Some may be thinking, “But my handheld meter displays the answer in TDS. What gives?” Your handheld meter is doing math internally to convert from conductivity, which is measuring, to TDS. It is not ACTUALLY measuring TDS. As a rule of thumb in the industrial water samples we often see, the actual TDS is typically 65-75% of the measured conductivity. This can vary, however, depending upon the ions in the water.

Events for Water Professionals  Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE. 

“Your test kit is your tool, and you are the master of that tool. “- Trace Blackmore 

In this insightful episode of Scaling Up! H2O Podcast, host Trace Blackmore delves into the critical topic of understanding and optimizing water treatment tests. This episode is designed to equip water treatment professionals with practical knowledge to enhance their test-taking techniques and interpretation skills. 

The Concept of Pinks and Blues   Trace shares the origins of the term “pinks and blues,” coined by his father, and explains its significance in water testing. He stresses the importance of understanding that tests are tools to confirm or disprove hypotheses about system conditions, not tasks that generate revenue. This foundational mindset shift sets the stage for improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of test execution. 

Strategic Testing Approaches  Trace provides a comprehensive breakdown of running tests in the most efficient order, starting with the longest tests and multitasking with shorter ones while waiting. This strategic approach helps water professionals maximize time on-site. He also discusses the value of running tests based on hypothesis-driven objectives, such as walking through the site and engaging with clients before taking samples. 

Categorizing and Interpreting Your Tests  Listeners will gain insight into organizing test types into meaningful categories:  

• Base water 
• Concentrated water 
• Product contributions 
• System signs 

Trace illustrates how to establish true concentration levels and interpret results to identify potential issues like scaling, precipitation, and system corrosion. The importance of using non-scaling ions, like silica, for accurate concentration analysis is also explained. 

Analyzing Interpretative Skills Trace walks through examples that highlight how to use test results for informed decision-making, whether it’s confirming system status or taking corrective action. He advises on how to integrate polymer tests and other contributing product measurements into your routine for a fuller picture of system health. This deep dive into interpretation emphasizes a detective-like approach to problem-solving in water treatment. 

Final Thoughts and Essential Tips  The episode concludes with Trace’s encouragement to prioritize understanding your test procedures and knowing the interferences that can affect results. He underscores the importance of planning tests efficiently and being prepared with all necessary tools before visiting client sites. By mastering these practices, listeners can transform their testing routine into a powerful tool for maintaining system integrity and customer relationships.

Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! 

Timestamps  00:50 - Trace Blackmore explains what Pinks and Blues means sharing how his father influenced his understanding of water tests 02:09 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals  05:34 - Explanation of "Pinks and Blues" and the importance of interpreting test results for water treatment. 43:21- Drop by Drop with James McDonald  

Connect with Scaling UP! H2O  Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/ YouTube: @ScalingUpH2O 

Quotes “The equipment knows, but it cannot talk. We’ve got to do all this investigation work to figure out what the equipment knows that won’t give up that information. We’ve got to figure out ways to make it talk now.” 

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  The Rising Tide Mastermind Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea Hach Water Analysis Handbook  046 The One About Phosphate Testing 

Drop By Drop with James   In today’s episode, let’s picture in your mind a boiler that is open for inspection. As you stand in front of it, you may see the handholes and manholes opened. The room may be much quieter than normal because the burners and air blowers aren't running. It may be a firetube or water tube boiler. The inspection will be different between the two, with several commonalities as well. Before you start your inspection, what should you do? Have you spoken to the operators in the area? Have you followed proper safety protocols for confined space entry, lockout/tagout, etc.? Do you feel safe entering the boiler? Do you know the history of the boiler before going in? Does this history of water treatment and boiler performance allow you to predict what you will see inside the boiler? How will you document what you find? How will you collect any samples, if necessary? How dirty will you get? Do you know the equipment you will see inside the boiler, such as steam-water separators, baffle plates, downcomers, feedwater piping, etc.? What do you expect the water line to look like? Where will oxygen pitting or hard water scaling first show up in the boiler if there was a problem? Will you be inspecting the deaerator as well? How long will it take you to get the boiler inspection report to your client? Doing a proper boiler inspection takes time, experience, knowledge, attention to detail, and often agility.  

Events for Water Professionals  Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.  

“Learning how to learn is essential. “- Steve Russell 

In this week’s episode of the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast, we’re excited to share a deep dive into the complex world of carbon capture and water treatment with Steve Russell, Senior Process Engineer at Kiewit. Host Trace Blackmore and Steve explore the challenges of treating wastewater in carbon capture facilities, including the need for innovative approaches to meet environmental and operational standards. 

Navigating Carbon Capture: A Process Engineer’s Perspective  Carbon capture is a hot topic in today’s industrial landscape, and Steve’s expertise provides critical insights for water professionals. As Steve explains, “Carbon capture isn’t just about removing CO₂—it's about managing the water and wastewater byproducts effectively.” 

 Steve’s work with Kiewit involves finding solutions to treat the various wastewater streams generated during the carbon capture process. His experience illustrates the importance of understanding each facility’s unique needs and tailoring water treatment strategies accordingly.  

 Key Insights from Steve’s Work:  

• Understanding Wastewater Composition: Each facility produces different wastewater streams, largely dependent on fuel type and system design.  
• Working Across Teams: Effective carbon capture requires collaboration between water treatment engineers, mechanical engineers, and project managers.  
• Navigating Resource Limitations: Steve shares how he adapts his knowledge to treat complex wastewater streams when resources and data are limited. 

Flexibility and Teamwork   Throughout his career, Steve has learned that flexibility and teamwork are crucial in tackling complex projects. Working closely with teams across various disciplines allows Steve to develop comprehensive solutions tailored to each project’s specific requirements. 

Top Takeaways: 

• Be Prepared to Adapt: Each project brings its own set of challenges, from wastewater quality variations to resource limitations. 
• Understand the Full System: Gaining a broader understanding of the carbon capture process can help anticipate potential issues and refine water treatment strategies. 
• Leverage Internal and External Knowledge: Steve emphasizes the value of tapping into team expertise and utilizing available resources for innovative solutions. 

Building a Career in Water Treatment Field  With over two decades in water treatment, Steve shares his career advice for those just starting out or looking to advance. “Learning how to learn is essential,” he reflects. Steve encourages water professionals to build a foundation of flexibility and continuous learning, as the industry constantly evolves with new technologies and environmental demands. 

Steve’s Advice for Water Professionals: 

• Be Flexible and Organized: Expect the unexpected and keep a well-organized knowledge base to quickly adapt to project needs. 
• Build a Support Network: Collaboration and open dialogue with colleagues can accelerate problem-solving and professional growth. 
• Focus on Continuous Learning: Water professionals should embrace learning opportunities within and beyond their primary field. 

Final Thoughts: Flexibility and Continuous Learning  Steve’s experience reminds us that flexibility and a commitment to learning how to learn are essential in water treatment. Each project is unique and staying adaptable and open to new knowledge is key to navigating complex industry challenges successfully. 

By embracing continuous learning, we drive impactful solutions for sustainability in our field.

Tune in Today!  Listen to this enlightening conversation by playing the episode above or visiting ScalingUpH2O.com/396 to tune in. Gain insights that will help you navigate your own water treatment challenges and expand your expertise in sustainability.

Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps 01:31 - Trace Blackmore shares his Thanksgiving reflection, Small Business Saturday, and Giving Tuesday 06:44 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals  10:22 – Interview with Steve Russell, Senior Process Engineer from Kiewit about carbon capture technology and its implications for water and wastewater treatment. 51:05 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald 

Quotes   “Carbon capture isn’t just about removing CO₂—it's about managing the water and wastewater byproducts effectively.” “Each carbon capture facility is unique, and there’s no cookie-cutter approach.” 

Connect with Steve Russell  Phone: 913.689.4533 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.kiewit.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-russell-2b0a7960/ Read or Download Steve Russell's Press Release HERE  Guest Resources Mentioned IWC (International Water Conference)  Carbon Capture Water Requirements and Wastewater Treatment by Steve Russell and Eric Eisenbarth  John Quincy Adam: Militant Spirit by James Traub Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America by Walter R. Bornerman Grant by Ron Chernow Coolidge by Amity Shlaes An American Life by Ronald Reagan

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Donate To Our 6K World Vision Team Stellar Factory Werewolf – A Party Game for Devious People Submit a Show Idea The Rising Tide Mastermind  U.S. Small Business Administration – Small Business Saturday  307 How to Publish a Technical Paper with Mike Soller  383 Treatment of Aerospace Machining and Inspection Wastewater with Mike Soller   351 Maximizing Water’s Potential: Tech and Water Treaters in Perfect Harmony  342 Beyond Compliance: Empowering Water Experts with In-Depth ELG Insights  339 Jane Kucera’s Reverse Osmosis Masterclass 

Drop By Drop with James  In today’s episode, we’re pondering something. We’re pondering ppm or parts per million. This can be a hard concept to grasp at times, so I find analogies to be very helpful to understand this expression of concentration. One minute in 2 years is a part per million. One inch in 16 miles is a part per million. 1 drop in 10 gallons is as well. One milligram in a Liter is 1 part per million, assuming the specific gravity of the liquid is 1, of course. One millimeter in a kilometer is one part per million. Did you know that 1 pound of ANYTHING dissolved in 1,000 gallons of water will give you 120 ppm? A 1% solution, based upon weight, is a 10,000-ppm solution. There are many more analogies out there of course. Find the one that resonates the best with you!  

Events for Water Professionals  Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.

Here we go!

We have the privilege of collaborating with our lab partner Bob Cunningham, of Arthur Freedman Associates, a true water industry expert whose journey flows through five decades of dedication, transformation, and insight. Starting his own company 35 years ago, Bob has navigated the currents of change in the field, sharing the lessons that come from a lifetime of experience. For those new to the water industry, Bob’s story will inspire you to write your own chapters with integrity and resilience; for seasoned professionals, it’s a reminder of the profound impact a lifelong commitment to this work can make.

What Was Your Career Journey Like? Reflecting on the story of his career, Bob described a path full of purpose and momentum, driven by a passion for water treatment and a vision for what it could become. “Stand back, and here we go!” he recalled, capturing the excitement of building his career. Founding his own company was a wish come true, powered by the “dream team” he assembled to carry it forward. Decades later, Bob’s journey is a testament to the possibilities that await those who dedicate themselves to the water treatment profession.

The Good and the Bad Changes Over the Years With years of experience flowing behind him, Bob has observed major shifts in the water industry. He identified two of the most positive changes he’s seen:

1. Industry Diversification: With more people setting up their own companies, the wave of new businesses has strengthened the industry and fostered innovation.
2. Advancements in Research: Today’s resources—from molecules to biocides and surfactants—have expanded far beyond what was available in the past, equipping professionals with powerful tools to improve water systems.

Still, Bob also pointed out challenges, notably the drive for “greener” policies that, while well-intentioned, sometimes lack the scrutiny needed to ensure they’re effective and sustainable.

Advice for New Water Professionals Bob shared valuable advice for those just beginning their own journey: “Keep it straight. Keep it ethical. Don’t stretch it.” In a field as important as water treatment, integrity flows through every successful career. Bob also warns against trying to gain business by cutting prices, as it ultimately backfires. Instead, he encourages presenting quality, honest solutions as the key to long-term success and respect in the field.

What is the Best Way to Get Ahead in This Industry? When it comes to advancing in water treatment, Bob suggests taking a page from those who’ve already made a mark. “Watch the successful people in the industry. Keep an eye on those folks. Then try to incorporate what they are doing into your own career as you grow.” He also emphasized the importance of broad, in-depth knowledge: “You’ve got to know every aspect of this business. So, study.” From mechanical and microbiological aspects to chemistry, Bob’s advice highlights the depth and commitment it takes to ride the waves of a successful career in water.

How Did You Get Involved with the AWT? Bob’s connection with the Association of Water Technologies (AWT) began as a way to network with others who share a passion for advancing the industry. Over the years, his work with AWT has strengthened his dedication to education, standards, and mentorship within the field.

Bob’s Go-To References Navigating the water industry requires solid references, and Bob’s approach has always been to keep his library of resources close at hand. When faced with challenges, he turns to trusted materials that help him troubleshoot and understand the complex systems in his work. For Bob, maintaining this holistic knowledge is essential to staying effective and adaptive in an ever-evolving industry.

Scale UP! Your Water Career Tune into this episode for a front-row view of Bob’s life in water—a story of purpose, change, and professional wisdom. May it inspire you to embrace your own journey in water, staying curious and informed as you flow from one chapter to the next.

Timestamps 01:00 - Trace Blackmore wants to remind you that the 12 Week Year is a powerful tool to help you maximize these final weeks of the year and achieve your goals for 2024. Let’s finish strong! 03:00 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 10:40 - Interview with Bob Cunningham 01:04:15 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald 

Connect with Bob Cunningham Phone: +1 530 604 3449 Email:  [email protected] Website: https://arthurfreedmanassociates.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-cunningham-635a7748/ 

Resources Mentioned Audible (free month with this link) AWT (Association of Water Technologies) The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months by Brian P. Moran The Rising Tide Mastermind Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea

Drop By Drop with James  In today’s episode, I want you to picture yourself looking at the water level in the basin of a cooling tower. You may want to press fast forward on your imagination just a little, but as you watch the water, you see the water level dropping ever so slowly as water evaporates away or is being blown down from the system. At some point, you notice makeup water starts flowing into the basin. My question for you is what control scheme caused this to happen? Have you ever put much thought into all these ways makeup water is controlled in a cooling tower system? Is there a float mechanism? Perhaps probes of some sort? Or is there an ultrasonic device? Are there others? Also, is the makeup valve mechanically opened or electronically opened? What are the pros and cons of each option? What if there is foaming in the cooling tower basin? Would any of these control schemes be impacted? What are all the way these makeup control schemes could fail? Could they fail so too much makeup water was added? Could they fail so too little makeup water was added? Who would have thought there was so much to think about on just the makeup water control to a cooling tower system? 

Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.

By highlighting cost savings, clients can see how efficient water treatment impacts their bottom line.

Sustainability isn’t just a trendy term—it’s about implementing practical practices that protect our planet for current and future generations. By adopting sustainable strategies, we can conserve resources, cut costs, and create lasting benefits for both the environment and our client’s businesses. In our latest episode of the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with James Courtney, CWT, LEED AP of CSC Technologies an advocate for water sustainability, who shared actionable insights on how water professionals can effectively embrace sustainability while adding value to their clients.

Meet James Courtney: A Champion for Sustainability In our enlightening conversation, James shared his journey in the water industry and emphasized the vital role that water professionals play in promoting sustainability. He stated, "We help our customers by saving them money on water, electricity, and fuel." This highlights how our work not only benefits the environment but also leads to significant financial savings for our clients.

Sustainability: More Than Just a Buzzword Sustainability means optimizing our resources. As James noted, "We operate in this space where we are directly responsible for the sustainability of our customers.” Water treaters have a unique opportunity to minimize their clients' carbon footprints while improving efficiency. Whether it's running boilers without scale, optimizing cooling towers, or maximizing cycles of conductivity, every action contributes to a greener future.

James also cautioned against greenwashing, reminding us that not all practices labeled as "green" deliver real benefits. We must be vigilant and ensure that our sustainability efforts 

Educating and Empowering Clients Understanding water and energy usage is essential for effective water management. James encourages water professionals to educate their clients about their consumption patterns. “Clients often don’t realize that overusing chemicals or wasting water is a problem,” he explained. By illustrating the cost savings—like reducing their electricity bills or fuel costs—clients can connect the dots between efficient water treatment and their bottom line.

Harnessing Data One of James’s most compelling stories was about using smart meters to identify inefficiencies. He shared, “Meters give you information; information gives you the opportunity to find solutions to problems you didn't even know you had.” In one instance, a client’s building was using half a million gallons of water due to a blocked condensate receiver. The installation of a meter enabled the team to identify the issue and prevent unnecessary water loss, ultimately leading to significant cost savings for the client.

James’s team also tackled a fascinating case with two identical LEED Platinum buildings. Even though they were built exactly the same, one consumed significantly more power. By analyzing minute-by-minute energy data, they pinpointed the problem, leading to solutions that not only enhanced efficiency but also inspired other buildings in the community to adopt similar practices.

The Impact of Visibility James highlighted an intriguing study involving a housing development where identical homes were built. In half of these homes, energy meters were placed indoors, allowing residents to see their energy usage, while the other half had meters located outdoors. The results were striking: “The houses with visible indoor meters used less energy simply because people could see it,” James explained. Residents began to turn energy monitoring into a game, challenging themselves to reduce their consumption.

This simple shift towards visibility in daily energy use not only heightened awareness among residents but also nurtured a culture of energy-saving habits. As James aptly put it, “What gets measured gets managed.” Engaging clients in enjoyable and measurable ways can significantly drive sustainability efforts.

Final Thoughts James’s insights remind us of the significant role water professionals play in fostering a sustainable future. By leveraging data and educating our clients, we can create meaningful change that benefits both our communities and the environment. Together, let’s continue to explore the importance of sustainability practices that protect our generation and the ones to come.

Thank you for being part of the Scaling UP! H2O community. Together, let’s continue to educate ourselves and each other on the importance of sustainability practices that benefit both our generation and those to come.

Stay curious, stay informed, and keep scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps 01:28 - Trace Blackmore shares what he is thankful for, and extends gratitude to the listeners and to AWT for the 2024 Innovation Award, and shares his family’s Thanksgiving traditions 15:18 - Interview with James Courtney, CWT 58:00 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 01:01:05 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald 

Connect with James Courtney Phone: +1 443 878 2407 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.csctech2o.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-courtney-cwt-leed-ap-379a6877/ Read or Download James Courtney’s Press Release HERE Guest Resources Mentioned Check if your seafood is sustainable here Check your water footprint here Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone I Said This You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman LEED AP O+M Class More than half of energy use in homes is for heating and air conditioning article The Last Optimist by Mark Mills (Podcast) The United States uses a mix of energy sources article

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned Alton Brown’s turkey recipe, Romancing The Bird Donate To Our 6K World Vision Team Learn how to make your own 6K World Vision Team Industrial Water Week Resources The Rising Tide Mastermind Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea AWT (Association of Water Technologies) 386 Industrial Water Week 2024: Boiler Tuesday 004 It’s Not Easy Being Green! 325 Rising Together: Conquering Challenges through Collective Support

Drop By Drop with James In today’s episode, we’re thinking about control ranges. There are a few trains of thought on control ranges. Which tests and readings really need a control range applied to them? How wide or narrow should the control range be? It’s something one should consider carefully. I have seen control ranges applied to every test parameter for a makeup, such as city water, that the user had absolutely no control over. Are these control ranges really necessary? Sometimes, they are, especially if the makeup source is susceptible to changes in water quality, such as total hardness, which can impact downstream softener performance. I’ve also seen control ranges so large a bus could slide through them sideways. What good is such a wide control range doing for the water system? Nothing was actually being controlled. I’ve seen control ranges that were so unreasonably narrow that the parameters were almost ALWAYS out of range as well. What good does that serve? Is a better control system needed to meet these narrow ranges or is a wider control range more fitting instead? A lot of you out there use field service report programs that turn red, green, and sometimes yellow when a parameter is outside the control range. Not having good and proper control ranges can make that field service report’s color coding nearly useless because it is always too red or even too green and not actually reflecting the true stressed or controlled state of the system. Control ranges that are too tight may yield field service reports that are red all the time, which will lead to either the end user ignoring the colors or being annoyed by the report always looking red. Control ranges that are too broad may not show the true state of stress the system is under and lead to more problems down the road. Lastly, I’ve even seen reps be pressured by their customers to avoid red color coding as much as possible, leading to either uselessly wide control ranges or no control ranges at all. This can be a touchy subject, but your control ranges must be meaningful and useful. It may take some finesse to get everyone on the same side of the table on this but seeing a little red when appropriate TODAY beats dealing with the impact of a failed water system and wasted energy and water TOMORROW.

Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.

We’re focusing on High Recovery Reverse Osmosis (HRRO) with insights from Ken Robinson, Director of North America Application & Sales at Avista Technologies. With over 40 years of experience in membrane technology, Ken sheds light on how HRRO is transforming water treatment and tackling industry challenges. Here are the key highlights from our conversation.

What is Reverse Osmosis (RO)? Ken describes reverse osmosis as a method for rejecting dissolved minerals and macro-organics from water. He stated, “Today's systems, most of them are using what they call a thin film composite membrane, which are categorized into seawater, brackish, and low-energy membranes, along with an offshoot called nanofiltration.” These systems achieve remarkable efficiency, with a rejection rate of around 99%, leaving only a minimal amount of dissolved minerals in the purified water.

What is High Recovery Reverse Osmosis (HRRO)? HRRO is designed to maximize water recovery and minimize waste, making it a game-changer for water treatment. According to Ken, “40 years ago, recovery limitations were dictated by the chemistries. Today, advances in antiscalant technology allow for much higher recovery rates.” This technology takes the concentrate from conventional RO systems and processes it further, increasing efficiency and sustainability.

Industries Leading the Way Initially adopted in industrial settings, HRRO is now gaining traction in sectors like municipal water treatment, food and beverage production, and power generation. Ken emphasized that “the growing focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance is driving broader adoption of HRRO systems.”

Ensuring Successful Operations To ensure HRRO systems function optimally, it’s crucial to define feedwater quality parameters and anticipate variability. Ken stressed the importance of training operators, noting, “There always seems to be a disconnect between applications and salespeople developing ideas. Misunderstandings arise when people don’t understand the behavior of water as it concentrates.”

To effectively tackle any challenges that arise, Ken recommends the following steps for operators:

1. Define Feedwater Quality Parameters: Establish clear benchmarks for feedwater quality, including turbidity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and any specific contaminants. This baseline will help identify any deviations that may affect system performance.
2. Implement Regular Monitoring: Operators should capture data at regular intervals. This includes monitoring system pressures, flow rates, and recovery rates. Keeping an eye on these metrics will allow operators to identify trends and detect any anomalies early on.
3. Normalize Collected Data: Regularly normalize the collected data to account for variations in operating conditions. By adjusting the data for factors such as temperature or seasonal changes, operators can gain clearer insights into system performance and efficiency.
4. Train Operators on Water Behavior: Provide comprehensive training for operators that focuses on understanding how water behaves during the concentration process. As Ken pointed out, “water is very predictable in how it behaves,” so operators need to recognize the symptoms of potential issues and understand their causes.
5. Foster Open Communication: Encourage collaboration among team members, especially between operators and technical support staff. Ken highlighted that insights often emerge from frontline staff who have firsthand experience with system operations.
6. Conduct Root Cause Analysis: When problems arise, implement a structured approach to root cause analysis. This should involve gathering all relevant data, discussing operational practices, and reviewing system design. Engaging the team in this process can uncover issues that might be overlooked by individuals working in isolation.
7. Adapt and Adjust: Finally, remain flexible and ready to adapt operational strategies based on the data insights and root cause analysis findings.

By following these steps, operators can optimize HRRO system performance, improve efficiency, and ultimately reduce waste.

Signs of a Successful Cleaning Ken Robinson shared valuable insights into the cleaning process, emphasizing the role of pre-treatment: “Pre-treatment is king in dictating the frequency,” he said, noting that surface water applications tend to require more frequent cleaning than well water systems.

Ensuring that the cleaning process has been successful is key to maintaining high efficiency in HRRO systems. According to Ken, operators should check a few critical parameters post-cleaning:

1. Performance Recovery: A successful cleaning will restore the system's flow rates and pressures to their baseline levels. Operators should monitor permeate flow, pressure differentials, and salt rejection rates to confirm the system is operating efficiently after cleaning.
2. Normalized Data Comparison: Ken advised that operators should regularly normalize the system's data, both before and after cleaning, to get an accurate view of performance. If system performance remains suboptimal post-cleaning, it could indicate incomplete cleaning or deeper issues within the system.
3. Visual Inspection: While much of the data will be analyzed digitally, a hands-on inspection of membranes and pre-treatment systems can also reveal residual fouling. If membranes appear visually clean and performance metrics align, it's a good indicator that the cleaning was successful.

By consistently tracking and analyzing these factors, operators can extend membrane life and prevent performance issues from recurring.

Future RO Innovations Ken highlighted the development of thin-film composite membranes as one of the most impactful advancements in RO technology. These membranes have made it possible to push systems to new limits, achieving higher recovery rates while maintaining durability.

Looking ahead, zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems—which aim to eliminate waste entirely—are on the horizon. As regions face water scarcity and stricter regulations, Ken sees ZLD playing a vital role in the future of water treatment.

Conclusion HRRO is transforming the water treatment landscape by driving efficiency and sustainability. By leveraging the latest advancements and understanding the challenges, operators can optimize performance and reduce waste, helping clients meet both regulatory and environmental goals.

Stay curious, stay informed, and keep scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps 07:33 - Trace Blackmore invites everyone to join the global community of Scaling UP! Nation members and explains how to subscribe to the podcast 08:51 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 13:18 - Interview with Ken Robinson about RO 59:40 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald 

Connect with Ken Robinson Phone: +1 440 251 7390 Email: [email protected] Website: https://avistamembranesolutions.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-robinson-00b59514/ Read or Download Ken Robinson’s Press Release HERE

Guest Resources Mentioned Book - The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life by Steven Bartlett Podcast - The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life by Steven Bartlett Book - Think Again by Adam Grant Podcast- WorkLife with Adam Grant Book - Lifespan: Why We Age - and Why We Don't Have To by David A. Sinclair  Podcast - Lifespan with David A. Sinclair Book - The Silent World: The International Bestseller by the Father of Underwater Exploration by Jacques Cousteau DVD - The Jacques Cousteau Odyssey - The Complete Series

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned CWT Prep Course Scaling UP! H2O Academy Online Courses

Drop By Drop with James  Today’s episode is a “What if.” What if a cooling tower blowdown valve loses power? Will it fail closed or fail open? What could be the impact if it failed to close? What would be the impact if it failed open? What if the entire cooling system power failed, how would this be different than just the blowdown valve losing power? Is knowing whether a valve is designed to fail open or closed important when replacing a blowdown valve? Can you tell by looking at a valve whether it will fail open or closed?

Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE. 

“Your most limiting factor is yourself.” - Tessa Nge

In this week's episode of the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast, we're thrilled to bring you an empowering conversation between host Trace Blackmore and two leaders in the water treatment industry— Tammy Faber, Sales Director, and Tessa Nge, Service Quality Supervisor at HOH Water Technology. Together, they explore how diversity fuels success, the importance of overcoming Imposter Syndrome, and how you can take meaningful steps to give back to our industry.

Diversity Drives Success: The Data Speaks Diversity isn't just about creating fair workplaces—it's a proven driver of business success. Tammy shared powerful insights from a study titled “Diversity Drives Sales Success: The Link Between Successful Sales Teams And Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion,” commissioned by LinkedIn.

This data shows that teams with strong diversity practices see:

• 6% higher customer satisfaction
• 12% higher sales
• 28% higher conversion rates
• 3% higher sales forecasts

"Diversity drives sales," Tammy stated. It's clear that fostering diverse teams doesn't just boost morale—it boosts the bottom line. Diverse teams approach challenges from different angles, offering innovative solutions that serve a wider range of customers. When organizations embrace diversity, they unlock untapped potential for growth.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Battle We All Face Imposter Syndrome is a challenge many of us encounter, no matter our level of expertise. Tessa opened up about this, emphasizing "Imposter Syndrome is something everyone struggles with. Overcoming it is hard and takes intentional practice." It’s not about eliminating self-doubt overnight but about taking deliberate steps to recognize and overcome it.

Tessa and Tammy’s top tips for overcoming self-doubt:

• Acknowledge your accomplishments. Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This can shift your mindset and reinforce your value.
• Step out of your comfort zone. Growth comes from challenging yourself. As Tessa mentioned, "You won’t grow unless you’re willing to be uncomfortable."
• Seek feedback. Tammy also highlighted the importance of feedback, saying, "I always start by asking if it’s a good time to provide feedback. This shows respect and creates a space for open dialogue."

"Your most limiting factor is yourself," Tessa wisely added. By recognizing that our self-doubt often holds us back, we can take intentional steps toward building confidence.

Building a Culture of Support Creating a culture of support is vital for both personal and professional growth. Tammy and Tessa also discussed the vital role of a positive workplace culture in fostering growth and confidence. According to Tammy, "Intentionality is key to defining your culture. It should flow through every aspect of your organization." She emphasized that a strong culture empowers employees to thrive and feel supported.

Tessa echoed this sentiment, noting that a culture of trust and accountability allows individuals to flourish. "When you remove micromanagement and create a supportive environment, employees can focus on their growth," she said. By promoting mentorship, offering training opportunities, and encouraging open dialogue about the challenges we encounter, we can cultivate a healthy work culture that benefits everyone.

Taking Action: Give Back to the Water Treatment Community This week, we challenge you to give back to the industry that’s given so much to you. Whether it’s mentoring a young professional, volunteering with a local organization, or visiting a school to inspire students about careers in STEAM, now is the time to make an impact. As Tammy passionately said, "We need people that love this industry, that have a heart to help others and to grow others. There is no amount of expertise needed. The only thing you need is a willing heart and time." By giving back, you not only help others but also strengthen the community that has supported your own journey.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Worth We wrapped up this inspiring conversation with a powerful reminder from Tammy: "Know your worth. Take time to identify your limiting beliefs and pull them out by the roots. You are unique, and your talents are valuable." Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and stepping into your full potential requires recognizing your own value.

No matter where you are in your career, these lessons—embracing diversity, overcoming self-doubt, and fostering a culture of support—are essential for growth.

Join the Conversation Listen to this eye-opening conversation in our latest episode with the player above, or visit ScalingUpH2O.com/392 to tune in. Together, we can foster a more inclusive, supportive, and growth-driven environment in the water treatment industry.

Stay curious, stay informed, and keep scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps 01:00 - Trace Blackmore shares FREE resources for water professionals on the Scaling UP! H2O website and wishes everyone a happy late Halloween 12:30 - Interview with Tammy Faber, Sales Director and Tessa Nge, Service Quality Supervisor at HOH Water Technology 51:14 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald 

Connect with Tammy Faber Phone: +1 224-548-3393 Email: [email protected] Website: https://hohwatertechnology.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-faber-m-b-a-4680649/ Read or Download Press Release HERE Connect with Tessa Nge Phone: +1 224-545-7870 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessaskilton/ 

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Audible (30 days free with this affiliate link) The Hang November 14, 2024 Legionella Resources Page Events for Water Treatment Professionals Guest Links Mentioned Diversity Drives Sales Success: The Link Between Successful Sales Teams And Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion. A Forrister Consulting Thought Leadership Paper Commissioned By LinkedIn Women in Water & Young Professionals– Dealing with Diversity and How to Overcome Challenges by Tammy Faber & Tessa Nge 252 The One About the Operations Manager Turned Sales Manager with Tammy Faber 380 The WOW Effect: Women Leading Transformation in the Water Industry AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Novus Global Ted Lasso TV Show It's Not About The Nail Video

Books Mentioned Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima It by Stephen King

Drop By Drop with James In today’s episode, I have a challenge for you. The challenge is…explain alkalinity to a non-technical person. Now, if you’re like me, this is a fun challenge! I LOVE explaining industrial water treatment to people! If you’re not like me, then sorry, but please do this challenge anyway. Alkalinity is a foundational bit of knowledge we must all understand as industrial water treaters. Technically, it is defined as the acid absorbing or neutralizing property of water. Sounds simple enough, right? What are the chemical components that make up alkalinity, though? We usually think of carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxide ions, but can there be others? Why does alkalinity matter in cooling systems, boilers, closed loops, and wastewater? The answer can be different for each. How do we measure alkalinity? We talk about P-alkalinity, M-alkalinity, and OH or hydroxyl alkalinity, but how are each different, how are they related, and what is each measuring? Total alkalinity and M-alkalinity are the same thing. That can be confusing to some. Why are they the same? How would you explain this to a non-technical person? Can you explain it right now or do you need to do a little more research first? Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” This is your challenge to understand alkalinity well enough to explain it simply. 

Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE. 

We continue our in-depth conversation with Tom Tinney, Product Specialist and equipment guru at AquaPhoenix Scientific diving deeper into the technical aspects of multimeter troubleshooting. This episode is packed with practical tips designed to help you navigate the often-confusing world of diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, Tom’s hands-on advice will guide you through common troubleshooting challenges so you can improve your accuracy and efficiency in the field.

Missed Part 1? No worries! You can catch up on Episode 390 to get the foundation before diving into this advanced discussion.

How Can You Avoid Fake Signals? Ever wonder why you're getting water meter readings when the system isn’t running? Tom breaks it down. If low-voltage sensor wires run too close to high-voltage AC wires, electrical interference can mimic a water meter signal, leading to fake readings.

Pro tip: Keep the wires separated by at least 12 inches, and if they must cross, do so at a 90-degree angle. "Running them through the same conduit isn’t just a bad idea; it’s a code violation," Tom advises.

The Troubleshooting Tool, You Didn’t Know You Needed: A Paperclip That’s right—Tom channels his inner MacGyver with this simple tool. "When I troubleshoot, I always bring paper clips," he shares. They’re perfect for quick fixes, especially when dealing with short circuits or stripped wires.

How Long Can a Conduit Run Be on a Water Meter? Tom recommends keeping conduit runs short and efficient: ● Water meters: up to 1,000 feet ● Conductivity sensors: 200 feet max ● Amplified pH sensors: up to 1,000 feet ● Non-amplified pH sensors: Stick to 20 feet or less for optimal performance.

Pro Tip: Save Your Multimeter’s Battery Life You don’t need to keep your meter on "Resistance" all the time. Switching it to Volts AC, Volts DC, or simply turning it off can extend your battery life significantly.

Troubleshooting with the Experts: Top 4 Calls Tom Tinney shares the top troubleshooting calls he receives:

1. The 1575 Controller Mystery ● Issue: Controller reset every time the relay activated. ● Fix: A simple switch adjustment from 230V to 115V solved the issue.
2. The Miswired Outlet ● Problem: Controller shutting off when a relay turned on. ● Fix: Rewriting the outlet, which had reversed hot and neutral wires.
3. Destroyed Chlorine Sensor ● Issue: Excessive flow and pressure destroyed the sensor.  ● Lesson: Always stick to the manufacturer's guidelines and communicate them clearly to plumbers and electricians.
4. Competing Controllers Failing ● Issue: Controllers from different manufacturers failing simultaneously. ● Fix: The culprit was a faulty sensor and excessive aeration.

Who Should Be Using Remote Communications? While it may seem logical to apply remote communications to your highest-value accounts, Tom suggests starting with smaller ones. Remote communication technology can save time and money by allowing you to troubleshoot remotely, and the investment often pays off with just one saved trip a year.

Troubleshooting Leaks in an MPT Thread When it comes to troubleshooting leaks in an MPT Thread, maintenance is key. First, make sure you clean your sensors at least once a season, or even more frequently, similar to how you maintain a cooling tower.

When replacing the boiler sensor in an MPT Thread (an angled thread going into an angled pipe), don’t screw it in until it "clicks"—this can cause leaks. Instead, tighten the sensor by hand. Once it’s snug, use a wrench to turn it only ½ to ¾ of a turn more. If you’ve already got a leak, chances are you’ve overtightened it. Don’t try to fix a leak by cranking it tighter—at that point, you’ve already gone too far.

The Blackmore Method This formula answers the age-old question: How do I know what to set my biocide pre-bleed on?

If you know the system volume, incoming makeup water conductivity, and how much you evaporate every minute, this equation will tell you exactly what to set your pre-bleed to:

A Fun Fact: The Cooling Tower Scene in Die Hard Did you know? The blue box with the two dials on the wall in the Die-Hard cooling tower scene was one of Tom’s old controllers! Tom even tracked down the Fox Studios building manager and discovered that it was there from 1988 through 2012. How cool is that?

Timestamps 02:07 - Trace Blackmore reminds you about our free Events for Water Treatment Professionals page on our website. It’s a comprehensive list of all the events our team is aware of for water professionals to attend in the USA and around the world. Don’t wait, scale up your knowledge today by attending a conference in the upcoming months. 03:15 - The Hang is happening on November 14, 2024: a free zoom networking event for water professionals 05:40 - Tom Tinney, Product Specialist and equipment guru at AquaPhoenix Scientific continues his talk on Troubleshooting Multimeters 01:04:35 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald 

Connect with Tom Tinney Phone: +1 469 999 8603 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.aquaphoenixsci.com/ LinkedIn: Tom Tinney 

Links Mentioned Episode 003 Controllers with Tom Tinney 390 Multimeter Troubleshooting: Your Guide to Accurate Diagnostics, Part 1 Industrial Water Week Resources Page Multimeter Assorted Fuses box 5 X 20 Resistance Substitution Decade Box pH/ORP Simulator 4-20mA Simulator to simulate Pyxis Fluke Meter with Frequency Complete Panel Systems Test Kits Dragon Con, The Dragon Award The Rising Tide Mastermind

Books and Movies Mentioned Die Hard 5-Movie Collection starring Bruce Willis (Christmas is around the corner, folks) Path of Tyrants (Backyard Starship) by J.N. Chaney and  Terry Maggert Son of the Black Sword (1) (Saga of the Forgotten Warrior) by Larry Correia Tower of Silence (Saga of the Forgotten Warrior Book 4) by Larry Correia Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy Quick Throttle Magazine 1997 The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin Blood of Invidia: Maestru Series Book 1 by Tom Tinney & Morgen Batten Threads: Book One of the "Fabric of the Universe" by Tom Tinney The Future is Short: Science Fiction in a Flash by Carrol Fix  Visions II: Moons of Saturn by Tom Tinney The Future is Short - Volume 2: Science Fiction in a Flash by Jot Russell

Drop By Drop with James  In today’s episode, we’re thinking about chlorine chemistry and the Reservoir Effect.  Have you heard this phrase before? The Reservoir Effect? In the debate between which is a better biocide at higher pHs, chlorine or bromine, the Reservoir Effect is an important concept to consider. When sodium hypochlorite, chlorine gas, or even calcium hypochlorite mixes with water, the target product they produce is hypochlorous acid or HOCl. This hypochlorous acid is subject to a dissociation which converts some of it to the hypochlorite ion or OCl-, which is a weaker biocide than hypochlorous acid. The pH of the water has a major impact upon how much this dissociation happens. That’s at the heart of the whole chlorine versus bromine debate because the chlorine chemistry dissociates more at a lower pH than bromine does. This means more hypochlorous acid is converted to the weaker hypochlorite ion at a lower pH than hypobromous acid is converted to the hypobromite ion at the same pH. This concept is used to justify using bromine chemistry at higher pHs versus chlorine. But is this argument as simple as this? I propose that the Reservoir Effect muddies the waters a bit. I just talked about how the hypochlorous acid dissociates to the weaker hypochlorite ion. This dissociation between the two is a very tight and fast ratio. It’s an equilibrium reaction. As soon as the hypochlorous acid is consumed in the battle against unwanted microbiological activity, some of the weaker hypochlorite ions are quickly converted BACK to the stronger hypochlorous acid form. This is the Reservoir Effect because even though the hypochlorite ion is weaker, it is waiting there to turn back into the stronger hypochlorous acid very quickly when needed. Sort of like the Incredible Hulk. Bruce Banner is the mild-mannered hypochlorite ion just going about his day, but when push comes to shove, he bulks up and turns green…although green isn’t a good thing in a cooling tower, but you get the point. Now, there are certainly many other factors when comparing chlorine chemistry to other alternatives in a cooling water system, but the Reservoir Effect is one that I don’t think many people know about nor consider. Think about it. Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.

In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Tom Tinney, Product Specialist and equipment guru at AquaPhoenix Scientific. Tom shared invaluable insights into troubleshooting multimeters—an essential tool every water professional should have on hand during site visits. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion that you won’t want to miss!

Why You Need a Multimeter: An Essential Tool for Your Kit Tom emphasized the importance of carrying a multimeter. “This is the tool that checks the controller to ensure you’re delivering your products and services on site while you’re not there. If you need to check its health or troubleshoot, you need a multimeter.” Even a $12 model will suffice, so you won’t stress about leaving it behind. This handy device can save you time and reduce anxiety, especially if it’s misplaced.

Troubleshooting Power Issues: More Than Just Fuses A common scenario Tom encounters is technicians reporting that their controller is powered on but has no output. While it may seem like a blown fuse isn't the issue, controllers often have separate fuses for the relays. With your multimeter, you can quickly check for voltage on either side of the fuse.

If one side shows voltage and the other doesn’t, it indicates a blown fuse. Tom’s golden rule for troubleshooting fuses? Always bring three with you because “troubleshooting with fuses always takes three fuses, no matter what.” After replacing a blown fuse, check if the controller powers up correctly or if the issue lies with the connected equipment.

Be Prepared: Stock Your Toolbox Tom recommends keeping spare fuses in the exact size you need in your toolbox. With fewer Radio Shacks around, it’s essential to think ahead and replenish your supply. By having a fuse kit, you can avoid multiple service calls, saving both time and effort. When your fuse count dips below three, make sure to restock!

The Art of Checking Fuses: Don't Be Deceived! Sometimes, a wire may appear intact. To check for functionality, Tom suggests using the resistance setting on your multimeter. This method can confirm whether the fuse is operational. Listen for the reliable beep, indicating that current is flowing correctly.

When checking fuses, ensure you’re measuring both sides for voltage. If it’s absent, the fuse is blown. To confirm functionality, you can also switch your multimeter to resistance mode. If it beeps when touching the fuse leads, it’s still conducting properly; if not, the fuse is blown.

Checking Conductivity Sensors Tom provided insights on verifying whether a conductivity sensor is functioning correctly. By measuring the AC voltage at the sensor tips, you can determine if it’s working as intended. Remember, maintaining clean sensor tips is crucial for accurate readings—avoid using sandpaper Instead, use a loose-bristle steel brush to remove any buildup.

Conductivity Sensors Gone Bad Many users may regret learning how easily a multimeter can troubleshoot issues with conductivity sensors. Tom noted that when sensors are returned for warranty claims, they’re often covered with white residue but still work perfectly fine 99% of the time after cleaning. If you want to learn how to clean them properly, he’s more than willing to share his expertise.

The Tom Tinney Approved Method for Cleaning a Conductivity Probe Instead of sanding the carbon tip of a conductivity sensor, Tom recommends using a loose-bristle steel brush. This method effectively removes crusty buildup without damaging the sensor. After brushing, soak it in a 10% sulfuric acid, 1% murratic, or if you have time, you can even use a CLR solution to dissolve any remaining scale. Rinse thoroughly, then use isopropyl alcohol to eliminate any oily residues. “After you put it back in your system, you will be majorly impressed with the operation of that sensor!” shares Tom.

Understanding the Difference: Carbon Tips vs. Toroidal Probes When comparing carbon tips to toroidal probes, it's crucial to understand their design and functionality differences.

Carbon Tips: Carbon tips are made from powdered carbon compressed under high pressure in a mold, creating a porous structure that allows water to flow through. When water pressure exceeds 140 PSI, it passes through the carbon like a sieve, enabling it to travel up the rod and into the sensor via a wire sheath. This design ensures optimal performance but limits the operational pressure to 140 PSI.

Toroidal Probes: In contrast, toroidal probes operate differently. They use two wire coils as transformers, generating a small alternating current signal without direct contact with the water. The water's conductivity affects the signal strength between the coils. As a result, these sensors require less frequent cleaning since they are less prone to fouling compared to carbon tips.

Additionally, toroidal sensors excel in high-salinity environments, making them suitable for applications involving seawater or other salty waters. Not so salty? Then users typically revert to two-tip or four-tip conductivity sensors.

Tune in next week to Scaling UP! H2O as we continue with part 2 of this crucial topic of troubleshooting multimeters.

Timestamps 01:00 - Trace Blackmore reflects on Industrial Water Week 08:30 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 12:00 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald 16:00 - Catching up with returning guest Tom Tinney, Product Specialist and equipment guru at AquaPhoenix Scientific 27:00 Tom Tinney talks Troubleshooting Multimeters

Tom Tinney Quotes “Troubleshooting with fuses always takes 3 fuses, no matter what.” “There is a proper way to clean conductivity sensors and if you're not doing it, shame on you, and if you want to learn it, we can talk about it.” “I don't care who you are. There's a little scale building up on that sensor all the time.” “You never go above one hundred and forty PSI with a carbon-based sensor”

Connect with Tom Tinney Phone: +1 469-999-8603 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.aquaphoenixsci.com/ LinkedIn: Tom Tinney Read or Download Tom Tinney’s Press Release HERE Links Mentioned The Rising Tide Mastermind Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Episode 003 Controllers with Tom Tinney Industrial Water Week Resources Page Multimeter Assorted Fuses box 5 X 20 Resistance Substitution Decade Box pH/ORP Simulator 4-20mA Simulator to simulate Pyxis Fluke Meter with Frequency Complete Panel Systems Test Kits

Books Mentioned Blood of Invidia: Maestru Series Book 1 by Tom Tinney & Morgen Batten Threads: Book One of the "Fabric of the Universe" by Tom Tinney The Future is Short: Science Fiction in a Flash by Carrol Fix Visions II: Moons of Saturn by Tom Tinney The Future is Short - Volume 2: Science Fiction in a Flash by Jot Russell 

Drop By Drop with James  In today’s episode, I’m thinking about sodium hypochlorite and temperature. How does temperature impact the strength and shelf life of industrial-strength sodium hypochlorite or bleach? As we all know and witness, our industrial water treatment chemicals are not all stored in temperature-controlled environments. Some are stored in hot boiler rooms, cold sheds, or outside directly in the sunlight during summer months. When it comes to sodium hypochlorite, though, how can the temperature in these various storage conditions impact it? One article I’ve seen says that for every 18 F increase in temperature (that would be 10 C), the decomposition rate of bleach is increased by a factor of 3.5! That means at 77 F or 25 C, the half-life of a 12.5% solution is 180 days. For 95 F or 35 C, the half-life drops significantly to only 48 days! Would knowing this impact the quantity of sodium hypochlorite you store on site during warmer months? Would knowing this explain any issues you’ve had with microbiological control? Think about it. It’s a hot topic

Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE. 

Happy Careers Friday, Scaling UP! Nation!

As we wrap up Industrial Water Week 2024, we want to thank you for celebrating with us. This week, we dove deep into Pretreatment, Boilers, Cooling, Wastewater, and now Careers. You can revisit all these episodes by visiting our Industrial Water Week Resources Page. Next Friday, we’ll be back to our regular schedule, delivering fresh insights to help you scale up your water knowledge.

Thank Someone Who Shaped Your Career Your success is built on the shoulders of those who helped you along the way. Today, take a moment to write a handwritten card to someone who impacted your career. It’s amazing how a simple note of gratitude can brighten someone's day and create lasting bonds.

Connect with the Scaling UP! Community Our podcast has built a global network of water professionals, and we're honored to be part of your journey. Whether you're driving from account to account or catching up on episodes, remember—you’re not alone. The community we've built is here to support your growth, and so are our free online resources.

Show Us How You Celebrate! Share your celebration! Post pictures of you with your team, mentor, client, or even your Industrial Water Week cake. Let’s flood social media with photos using #IndustrialWaterWeek2024 and #IWW24 to show the world why we love this industry!

Career Advice from Water Industry Leaders

• Dragan Savić FREng encourages you to jump into the water industry by simply asking professionals about their experiences. Don’t wait—start that conversation today!
• Kalpna Solanki highlights the purpose and global reach of becoming an environmental operator: “What could be more purposeful than providing safe drinking water and wastewater management?”
• Blaine Nagao shares how mentorship launched his career in water treatment. Stay visible with technology, build client relationships, and keep sharing what makes this field great

Join a Mastermind of Water Leaders Want to elevate your career even further? The Rising Tide Mastermind is your chance to connect with like-minded professionals, tackle challenges together, and grow your career. With four spots available, now’s the time to join! Apply at www.ScalingUpH2O.com/Mastermind and be part of a supportive community that wants to see you succeed.

Thank you for making Industrial Water Week 2024 unforgettable!

Timestamps 0:01 - Welcome to Careers Friday! Trace Blackmore shares three key tasks as we conclude this spectacular week. 10:45 -  Dragan Savić FREng, the CEO of and Professor of Hydroinformatics at the KWR Water Research Institute 13:00 - Kalpna Solanki, Board Trustee of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) 14:09 - Blaine Nagao, Senior Director of Smart Release Technology at Dober 19:30 - Detective H2O - The Case of Hard Diagnosis

Connect with the Scaling UP! H2O Team Email Executive Producer Corrine Drury: [email protected] Corrine Drury Phone: 224-828-9514 LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/ linkedin.com/in/corrinedrury Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea

Connect with Blaine Nagao Phone: 817.913.8030 Email: [email protected] Website: www.dober.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/blaine-nagao-cwt-953822110/ linkedin.com/company/dober/

Connect with Dragan Savić FREng  Email: [email protected] Website: www.kwrwater.nl/en/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dragansavic/ www.linkedin.com/company/kwr-water-research-institute/ Connect with Kalpna Solanki Phone: 778.688.9196 Email: [email protected] Website: Water Environment Federation (WEF) LinkedIn: Kalpna Solanki, MBA Water Environment Federation (WEF)

Links Mentioned Industrial Water Week Resources Page The Rising Tide Mastermind AWT Innovation Award, Scaling UP! H2O was the 2024 Recipient 367 Smart Solutions: How Solid Chemistry Can Transform Your Business 355 Backflow Prevention: Safeguarding Water Quality 356 Unlocking the Future: Collaborative Water Management 106 The One with the Agnostic Equipment Guy