Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What is one common operational issue with multistage blowers in wastewater treatment?

1. Excessive flow rates

2. Limited turndown capacity

3. High susceptibility to corrosion

4. Frequent noise disruptions

The correct answer is: Limited turndown capacity

Multistage blowers are often utilized in wastewater treatment for their ability to provide high pressures. However, one notable operational issue is their limited turndown capacity. This term refers to the ability of the blower to operate efficiently at reduced flow rates. Multistage blowers tend to have a narrow operating range, which means that when demand decreases, maintaining efficiency becomes challenging. In practical terms, when a facility experiences varying flow conditions, the inability of these blowers to effectively adjust can lead to operational inefficiencies, increased energy consumption, and potential mechanical strain. This limitation can result in a scenario where the blowers do not perform optimally across the entire range of required airflows needed throughout different operational conditions in a wastewater treatment process.