The Richmond City Council approved the purchase of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and repairs to a lift station pump experiencing a cooling system seal malfunction during a recent meeting. The devices will help maintain optimal conditions in wastewater treatment. Bid requirements were waived for the $42,819.51 purchase from Gastineay Electric. VFDs play a crucial role in wastewater treatment plants, particularly in the influent (incoming wastewater) stage, according to Richmond City Administrator Tonya Willim. VFDs allow operators to control the flow rate of influent wastewater, which is important for maintaining optimal conditions in subsequent treatment processes. Adjusting the speed of pumps using VFDs allows the flow to be regulated to match the plant’s capacity and treatment requirements, said Willim. In the event of sudden changes in influent conditions, such as heavy rainfall, she said VFDs provide the ability to quickly adjust pump speeds to accommodate the increased…