Glossary of Technical Terms Used in Water Purification: U.S. Filter

U.S. Filter

USFilter: A Legacy of Clean Water and Environmental Solutions

USFilter, a name synonymous with environmental and water treatment solutions, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the evolution of modern water management. While the name USFilter itself is now a relic of the past, its impact on the industry continues to resonate.

The Roots of USFilter:

The journey of USFilter began with The Permutit Company, founded in 1907. Permutit revolutionized water treatment with the introduction of ion exchange technology, a groundbreaking advancement that paved the way for efficient water softening and purification.

In 1966, The Permutit Company merged with The Roberts Filter Manufacturing Company, creating Permutit Company, Inc. This union solidified its position as a leader in both residential and industrial water treatment solutions.

The company eventually adopted the name USFilter Corporation in 1999, reflecting its broader scope and commitment to addressing various environmental challenges.

A Comprehensive Approach to Environmental Solutions:

USFilter, under its various names, developed a reputation for providing comprehensive environmental and water treatment solutions. Their expertise spanned:

  • Municipal Water Treatment: USFilter offered advanced filtration systems, disinfection technologies, and water softening solutions for municipal water supplies, ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for communities.
  • Industrial Water Treatment: The company catered to diverse industrial needs with specialized solutions for boiler feedwater treatment, process water purification, and wastewater management.
  • Wastewater Treatment: USFilter's innovative technologies addressed wastewater challenges with advanced filtration, biological treatment processes, and sludge management systems.
  • Environmental Remediation: The company also offered expertise in environmental remediation, tackling contaminated sites and providing solutions for soil and groundwater cleanup.

The Evolution of USFilter:

In 2000, USFilter Corporation was acquired by Veolia Water, a global leader in environmental services. This acquisition marked a significant shift in the company's journey, integrating its expertise within a larger multinational conglomerate.

Today, while the name USFilter is no longer in use, its legacy continues to live on within Veolia Water Technologies. The company's heritage of innovation, technological advancements, and commitment to sustainable water management serves as a testament to its enduring contribution to the industry.

Looking Forward:

The story of USFilter showcases the evolution of water treatment and environmental solutions. As we face growing water scarcity and environmental challenges, the company's legacy serves as a reminder of the vital role technology plays in ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.


Test Your Knowledge

USFilter Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What was the original name of the company that eventually became USFilter?

a) Roberts Filter Manufacturing Company b) Veolia Water Technologies c) The Permutit Company d) USFilter Corporation

Answer

c) The Permutit Company

2. What groundbreaking technology did The Permutit Company introduce?

a) Reverse osmosis filtration b) Ultraviolet disinfection c) Ion exchange technology d) Activated carbon adsorption

Answer

c) Ion exchange technology

3. In what year did The Permutit Company merge with The Roberts Filter Manufacturing Company?

a) 1907 b) 1966 c) 1999 d) 2000

Answer

b) 1966

4. Which of the following is NOT an area of expertise USFilter was known for?

a) Municipal water treatment b) Industrial water treatment c) Wastewater treatment d) Solar energy production

Answer

d) Solar energy production

5. Which company acquired USFilter Corporation in 2000?

a) Siemens b) General Electric c) Veolia Water d) Pentair

Answer

c) Veolia Water

USFilter Exercise

Task: Imagine you are a water treatment specialist working for a small municipality. You need to recommend a solution for treating their water supply, which is contaminated with high levels of iron and manganese.

Using the information about USFilter's areas of expertise, research and describe how USFilter (now Veolia Water Technologies) could have provided a solution for this problem.

Include:

  • Specific technologies or products USFilter might have offered.
  • How these solutions would have addressed the iron and manganese contamination.
  • Why USFilter would be a suitable partner for this project.

Exercice Correction

**Possible Solutions:**

USFilter, with its expertise in municipal water treatment, could have offered a variety of solutions to address the iron and manganese contamination. Some possible options include:

  • Ion Exchange Filtration: USFilter likely would have offered specialized ion exchange resins specifically designed for iron and manganese removal. This technology would effectively capture and remove the contaminants, ensuring safe drinking water.
  • Oxidation and Filtration: USFilter might have suggested a combination of oxidation using potassium permanganate or chlorine and followed by a sand or multimedia filtration system. This process would oxidize the iron and manganese, allowing them to be removed by filtration.
  • Advanced Oxidation Processes: For more complex contamination, USFilter might have proposed advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), such as ozone or UV oxidation, followed by filtration. These processes are effective in breaking down and removing dissolved metals.

**Why USFilter would be a suitable partner:**

  • Expertise: USFilter has a long history of providing innovative solutions for municipal water treatment, including iron and manganese removal.
  • Comprehensive Solutions: USFilter likely would have offered a complete solution, including system design, equipment supply, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
  • Reputation: USFilter was known for its quality products and reliable services. They were a trusted partner for municipalities seeking safe and effective water treatment solutions.


Books

  • "The History of Water Treatment" by A.S.K. Sinha - Provides a comprehensive overview of water treatment technologies, including those developed by USFilter and its predecessors.
  • "Water Treatment Plant Design" by James M. Symons - This text covers various aspects of water treatment plant design, including technologies developed and implemented by USFilter.
  • "Environmental Engineering: A Global Perspective" by P. Aarne Vesilind, et al. - This book delves into environmental engineering practices and technologies, including those relevant to USFilter's contributions in wastewater treatment and remediation.

Articles

  • "A History of the Permutit Company" - This article, likely found in industry journals or historical archives, would provide detailed insights into the early years of USFilter and its innovative contributions to water treatment.
  • "Veolia Water Technologies: A Legacy of Innovation" - Articles highlighting Veolia Water Technologies' history and its integration of USFilter's legacy could offer insights into the company's current activities and continued commitment to water and environmental solutions.
  • Industry publications like "Water Technology", "Water Environment & Technology", or "Environmental Engineering Science" - Search for articles about specific technologies developed by USFilter, its mergers and acquisitions, or its impact on the industry.

Online Resources

  • Veolia Water Technologies website: https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.com - Explore the website for information about their history, services, and current technologies.
  • US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website: https://www.epa.gov/ - Search the EPA website for information on water treatment technologies and regulations, potentially referencing USFilter or its technologies.
  • Historical archives: Explore archives of engineering societies, water treatment associations, or historical societies for information on The Permutit Company, Roberts Filter Manufacturing, or USFilter Corporation.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords like "USFilter history", "Permutit Company history", "Roberts Filter Manufacturing history", "Veolia Water Technologies acquisition USFilter", "USFilter water treatment technologies", etc.
  • Combine keywords with relevant industry terms like "ion exchange", "water softening", "filtration", "disinfection", "wastewater treatment", "environmental remediation".
  • Use quotation marks around specific phrases like "The Permutit Company" to find exact matches.
  • Try searching for historical documents, company reports, or presentations related to USFilter.
  • Explore news archives and press releases related to USFilter's mergers and acquisitions.
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