Development of Cost Equations for Gac Treatment Systems

Abstract

The use of granular activated carbon (GAC) as a broad spectrum adsorbant in the treatment of drinking water has been shown to be effective in removing or reducing concentrations of specific organics and total organic carbon (TOC). Much concern has been expressed, however, regarding the cost of GAC systems, and therefore several studies have been conducted to develop cost‐estimating equations for system components. Early cost studies are based on design and not on “as‐built” plants. A comparison between costs from some recently completed field projects and costs estimated from these conceptual design studies has resulted in a reevaluation of the early estimates. Most estimates are close to the actual costs derived from the field projects. However, by combining data from the field projects and design studies, an updated set of cost estimating equations has been developed for GAC treatment systems. These new equations can be used to estimate capital costs and individual operation and maintenance cost components.