WWC Engineering's Featured Projects

Grab Sample from Discharge Pipe

Mexico City Water Supply Evaluation Project
Mexico City, Mexico
Dangerous levels of explosive gas were discovered during an inspection of a portion of the raw water gathering system for Mexico City. WWC was contracted by the pipeline inspection company to determine the origin, type and concentration of gas in 13 water supply wells and a portion of the Mixquic transmission pipeline, which is part of the Tláhuac water supply system in eastern Mexico City. WWC sampled gas concentrations in the wells, pipeline and water treatment plant using portable gas analyzers. Field measurements and laboratory analysis of dissolved gases revealed potentially explosive concentrations of methane. WWC engineers and geologists developed 16 potential solutions to reduce the methane safety and operational hazards. This array of solutions included simple procedural changes, relatively inexpensive equipment changes such as the addition of dual body air valves, and extensive new equipment including a central gas stripping and recovering facility. The final recommendations report provided preliminary design information and cost estimates for 6 highly recommended solutions ranging from well pump gas shrouds to an aerated roof-top holding tank at a security house.