The Central Florida Research Park (CFRP) is a large campus-like environment dedicated to providing space for high tech companies, Defense Department contractors and the adjacent University of Central Florida. CFRP was established through the Orange County Research and Development Authority to support the development of businesses commercialization of technologies spawned by Central Florida’s growing technological industrial and commercial businesses. The property spans over 1,000 acres with 58 buildings housing 125 companies.

CFRP manages its own independent water treatment and distribution system with a single operator and is subject to the same state and federal laws regarding drinking water quality as other municipal water agencies. Water is pumped from two wells in the development to a one-million gallon (MG) aboveground concrete storage tank where liquid bulk hypochlorite is automatically injected through a pipe near the top of the tank.

 Recognizing that 12.5% sodium hypochlorite is denser than water, CFRP became concerned about thermal and chemical stratification within the tank due to the Florida heat. Their concern was validated by online chlorine analyzer data showing chlorine levels fluctuating as the tank went through its fill and drain cycle. Tanks without powerful active mixers are prone to short circuiting areas where water stratifies, as well as “hot spots” where disinfectant does not blend and remains concentrated. These conditions can adversely affect the homogeneity of the water age and disinfectant residual throughout the tank and in the distribution system.