Welcome to North American Testing
Welcome to North American Testing. This visual tour will guide you through our state-of-the-art facility and introduce you to the variety of services we have to offer. Feel free to browse around our office, classroom, laboratory and dosing stations. We’re sure you’ll see why we are destined to be a leader in water and wastewater testing and evaluation.
Building & Grounds
Our testing and research site is adjacent to and immediately upstream of the city’s municipal wastewater treatment plant in Norwalk, Ohio, USA. The multi-acre secured test site includes a 3,000 square foot office, laboratory, classroom and dosing facility. We can simultaneously test and evaluate 21 separate treatment systems including two indoor test tanks.
Classroom
Our classroom is used to conduct nationally accredited training courses that are regularly attended by public health officials, designers and onsite wastewater treatment professionals from all over the United States and Canada. This room has the capacity to accommodate large groups and contains presentation materials as well as audiovisual equipment.
Laboratory
The laboratory incorporates state-of-the-art equipment and conforms to ISO/IEC Standard 17025. It has a full complement of analytical and safety equipment, including a fume hood, microbiological analysis station, ion meter, incubators and composite samplers. Companies wishing to test their products can conduct real-world evaluations and receive timely results directly from us.
Microbiological Analysis Station
This station is used to examine samples and generate full reports detailing test results. This station is directly connected to a computer and tied to our internal network, allowing us to digitally photograph, catalog and analyze each of the microorganisms found in individual samples. A complete report that details the results is then automatically generated.
Incubators
These units are used to incubate samples that require a controlled biological process to take place before they are fully analyzed. Examples of these tests include BOD, CBOD and other various biological characteristics. The temperature controlled environment allows simultaneous testing of over 400 water and wastewater samples.
Computer Operations Network
Our computer network with customized software controls the operation of all 21 individual treatment systems. It allows us to dose each test site at any given flow rate and to analyze the information we are continually receiving from the equipment operated at our facility. It also records and stores this information that can then be used for future reference.
Programmable Logic Controller
This Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is the heart of our timed dosing system. It can simultaneously control 43 valves, eight pumps and two flow meters. An automatic inlet valve controls flow into each of the 21 dosing tanks. If an atypical condition is detected, the PLC automatically shuts down the malfunctioning equipment and notifies the appropriate personnel.
Dosing Room
An automatic inlet valve controls the flow that enters into each of the 21 individual dosing tanks. These tanks are configured to hold a measured amount of flow and automatically return the excess through an overflow line. After the level in the tank has equalized, the precise, controlled dose is then delivered to each system actively under test.
Indoor Test Tanks
This room houses two test tanks as well as various tools and equipment. Our indoor test tanks provide a convenient location for our technicians to perform tests and collect samples during extreme weather conditions. This room is located adjacent to the dosing room and has a large overhead garage door allowing easy access for installation equipment.
Commercial Plants
In addition to testing products for residential use, North American Testing has the ability to analyze the performance of small commercial treatment systems. The dosing system can deliver up to 3,000 GPD to an individual treatment plant. The flexibility of our dosing system allows adjustment of flow patterns to simulate real-world flow conditions.
Automated Main Valve
The force main supplying wastewater to the test site provides a source of wastewater from homes and light commercial buildings with no industrial components. A portion of the flow is directed to our influent tank through this 8″ automated valve. Once the tank reaches its high water level, the valve automatically closes. Pumps then carry the liquid to our feed station.
Equipment Controls
Our control panels can isolate each piece of equipment in the dosing system. Separate disconnect switches for each pump in the influent tank, feed station and effluent lift station provide the ability to shut down and service individual pumps without interrupting ongoing testing or compromising flow to any test site. This precise flow control is a critical component of our testing protocol.
Outdoor Test Tanks
Our outdoor testing complex provides a real-world environment to test and evaluate new and existing products. The lockable security covers installed above each outdoor test site provide security and privacy for each system under test. When opened, the security covers allow full access to all tank openings and system components.
Thank You For Visiting NAT
Adherence to high quality standards, integrity, outstanding technical expertise and a focused staff are some of the many advantages North American Testing offers. Our experienced staff and project managers stand ready to assist you with your project needs. For more information about our services, please call 419-668-1895.