Abstract: This study analyzes the technical and economic feasibility of using Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as an alternative to hydropneumatic tanks for controlling transient pressures in pumping systems. The methodology involved computational modeling of hydraulic transients in a 400 mm diameter ductile iron pipeline, with a total length of 10,346 meters, connected to a pumping station with a nominal flow rate of 200 LPS and a head of 285 meters. Two scenarios were compared: (i) the use of hydropneumatic tanks (HPT) combined with a bidirectional surge tank (BST); and (ii) the implementation of a BESS, enabling gradual pump shutdown. Results indicated that the BESS, by facilitating a 4-minute ramp-down, reduced the peak pressure by 155.31 mwc and maintained a minimum pressure of 1.7 mwc, successfully preventing vacuum formation. In contrast, the HPT solution reduced peak pressure by 134.44 mwc but resulted in a subpressure of -3.5 mwc, necessitating additional BST installation. Furthermore, the BESS demonstrated a lower total lifecycle cost compared to the HPT/BST alternative. The study concludes that BESS is an effective and innovative solution for mitigating hydraulic transients, offering superior technical performance and cost-effectiveness while enhancing the safety and reliability of water supply systems. Key words: hydraulic transients, BESS, battery energy storage system, water hammer, pumping systems
Abstract: Freshwater scarcity and increased cost put pressure on the need to find innovative ways to reuse water in the oil and gas sector. Flowback water represents the crucial period following fracking activity where the injected frack fluids in the formation returns to the surface and collected for proper management. Flowback has undesirable characteristics which makes it unusable for practical reuse, unless adequately treated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate viable and practical methods to reclaim flowback water for beneficial industrial and societal reuse, aiming to enhance environmental protection. Batch treatments of flowback water included ozone, electrocoagulation, and combined charcoal-ozone. Results showed that electrocoagulation was more effective, yielding a 90% reduction in COD compared to 52% with the ozone treatment while TSS and turbidity were reduced to 99% and 90% by the electrocoagulation and the ozone treatment, respectively. Reduction in priority heavy metals ranged from 21% to 62% while destruction of heterotrophic bacteria was 90% and 100%, respectively. The charcoal-O3 technique proved largely ineffective as a treatment modality. Key words: flowback, treatment, COD, turbidity, TSS, reuse
Abstract: Blackwater reuse is a growing practice, integrating technological solutions for water sustainability and natural resource management. This master’s research proposes to evaluate the Water Reuse Production Station (EPAR) installed in an administrative building in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, a development that holds LEED Platinum certification for sustainable buildings. The aim is to analyze its potential as a model of environmental and economic efficiency in sustainable urban constructions. Based on the future collection and analysis of operational monitoring data and water quality parameters, the expected results will indicate the feasibility of EPAR in reducing potable water consumption, verifying its compliance with the regulatory criteria of CONSEMA-RS Resolution No. 419/2020. The economic analysis intends to demonstrate potential reductions in operational costs and the mitigation of environmental impacts, reinforcing the replicable potential of this technology in different urban contexts. This master’s work will aim to contribute to advancing knowledge on the eco-efficiency of blackwater reuse and to support future public policies for incentive. Key words: eco-efficiency, EPAR, water reuse
Abstract: This research is a call for a solution that balances human well-being with environmental sustainability. At our college, we as a team observed how students and staff feel against paintings and artworks, inspiring us to propose the Green Wall as an effective solution. The primary methods to explore the effects of vertical gardens within architectural and interior design studies. By having field studies for observations and assessment of installing vertical gardens. To verify the problem, we conducted on-site measurements using some Ranger devices in a selected site with a number of field test results. And observed results confirmed the presence of high concentrations of particulate matter and VOCs in the environment, confirming the problem identified and calling for further study and mitigation which is the main part of our research work. Vertical garden offers environmental and educational value to Oman to be used in Oman’s public buildings as living design elements that reflect Oman Vision 2040, particularly in supporting the goal of improving the Environmental Performance Index. By enhancing air quality and introducing greenery in educational facilities. The team proposed the use of a vertical garden as one of the measures to reduce indoor contaminants to get healthy indoor environments. Key words: vertical garden, VOC mitigation, indoor environment, Oman, well-being, experimental study, sustainable benefits
Abstract: This study analyses the availability and quality of information in the National Basic Sanitation Information System (SINISA), using the state of Minas Gerais as a case study. The analysis is based on the Basic Sanitation Deficit Index (IDESB), developed by the João Pinheiro Foundation (FJP), using data from 2017 to 2021. The IDESB serves as a management tool for monitoring deficiencies in sanitation services, focusing on water supply, sewage collection and treatment, solid waste disposal, and stormwater management. The study reveals that 58.3% of municipalities in Minas Gerais present either insufficient or inconsistent data, compromising public policy planning. The results indicate significant information gaps particularly in smaller municipalities, and highlight the need for improved data collection, verification, and capacity building at the local level. Recommendations include restructuring the State Sanitation Information System (SEIS) with updated technologies, respondent training, and cross-validation mechanisms. Reliable data is critical to achieve the universalization goals outlined in the National Basic Sanitation Plan. Key words: sanitation deficit index, data quality, National Basic Sanitation Information System (SINISA), basic sanitation services, Minas Gerais
