Title
ACTING AS THE NORMAN UTILITIES AUTHORITY (NUA), CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF POLYMER FROM SOUTHWEST CHEMICAL SERVICE, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $1.58 PER POUND FOR THE WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY.
Body
BACKGROUND: The Norman Water Reclamation Facility (NWRF) installed solids dewatering and thickening equipment during the Sludge Handling Improvements Project (NUA Contract K-0607-38) which was completed in FYE10. During start-up phase of the new equipment, polymer vendors were invited to try out their products to determine which product would perform best in the centrifuge equipment based on cost per dry ton of solids. Each polymer would have a particular chemical makeup and each would perform differently with our solids characteristics.
DISCUSSION: The following polymer companies were contacted for testing;
Polydyne Corporation - Riceboro, Georgia
Fort Bend Manufacturing - Stafford, Texas
Nalco Corporation - Sugarland, Texas
Ashland/Southwest Chemical Company - McAlester, OK
Polydyne, Southwest and Nalco each performed testing for several weeks and results were based on cost per dry ton of solids and cost per pound of polymer. Because of the particular composition of our sludge, Southwest Chemical had the only formula that worked in thickening waste activated solids as well as dewatered digester solids. An additional benefit of Southwest Chemical is that it is less expensive than any of the other products at cost per pound. Section 8-204(b)(2) of the Code of the City of Norman authorizes the City Council to waive competitive bidding for the purchase of supplies, materials, equipment, or contractual services which can be furnished only by a single dealer or which have a uniform price wherever bought.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Norman Utilities Authority approve the purchase of polymer for sludge dewatering from Southwest Chemical throughout the rest of FYE13. Funds for polymer purchases in the amount of $100,...
Click here for full text