Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wastewater Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Two wastewater air‑jet mixers fail in service; staff and manufacturer at odds over warranty coverage
Summary
Staff reported that two air‑jet mixers installed in Oct. 2024 are now inoperable after bearing and impeller corrosion; the manufacturer attributes failures to corrosive conditions outside warranty coverage while staff and MSA argue the units are defective and are pursuing replacement and remediation.
Staff presented a technical update on repeated failures of air‑jet mixers purchased as part of a wastewater project. According to the presenter, the first unit failed in April 2025 with seal and bearing problems; a later inspection showed severe impeller material loss and corrosion, and two factory‑supplied units are now inoperable.
The manufacturer told staff that the observed electrical, chemical and crevice corrosion "falls outside the scope of warranty coverage," and proposed installing sacrificial anodes and extending the warranty by one year if those anodes are used. Staff and MSA contend the mixers are defective or unsuitable for the process environment and have pushed for replacement under contract terms.
Costs and technical options: Repair of the initial bearing failure was quoted at $15,083; purchasing and installing a single replacement mixer, with structural rails and electrical work, was discussed at roughly $48,000 for the unit and upward of $150,000 when fully installed. Staff said the bid choice had been influenced by MSA recommendations and a $24,000 cost difference between the chosen air‑jet unit and an alternate brand the presenter preferred; commissioners debated whether the bid spec or MSA’s recommendation bears responsibility.
Next steps: Staff reported scheduling a meeting with the manufacturer and MSA to seek resolution; the presenter recommended including legal counsel and MSA on the call. Commissioners discussed testing a different impeller material in one unit and continuing field monitoring with factory technicians inspecting anodes monthly.
Quote from the meeting: "The two air jet mixers we purchased with the original contract for this project are both inoperable," the presenter said, summarizing the plant's operational exposure. Commissioners emphasized the need to press the manufacturer for a remedial solution and to keep the commission informed.
No final contract remedy or bill was adopted during the meeting; staff will convene the recommended meeting and report back to the commission.
