Improving durability and efficiency of a wastewater treatment system without interrupting service

Flamingo Water Resource Center Reliability Centered Design Implementation

The Flamingo Water Resource Center is the Clark County Water Reclamation District’s (CCWRD’s) largest wastewater treatment facility, with 16 aeration basins and 16 circular secondary clarifier basins. To improve the lifespan and efficiency of this essential infrastructure, the District hired our team to develop a reliability centered design (RCD) strategy as part of implementing the Uptime Elements Framework for their asset management and capital improvement program (CIP) projects.

We reviewed CCWRD’s existing asset risk matrix and system functions to start the RCD process. We conducted workshops to apply failure modes, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA) on critical assets. Using modeling, simulation, and reliability optimization, we created a baseline design using real-life scenarios and adjusted it through alternatives analysis. We also developed a performance tracking framework to verify and validate performance and service levels during installation, commissioning, and operation.

The new RCD integrates engineering design with business operations, maintenance, and reliability functions, following ISO 55000 and ISO 31000. It also allows CCWRD to design and maintain high standards of safety and efficiency at the Flamingo Water Resources Center, benefitting both the District and their customers.