What Exactly Is a Process Performance Guarantee (PPG) and Why Does It Matter?

In the intricate world of water and wastewater treatment, a critical concept often discussed is the "Process Performance Guarantee," or PPG.

The Core Promise: Breaking Down the Process Performance Guarantee (PPG)

At its core, a PPG defines the expected performance of a single piece of equipment or multiple pieces of equipment within a given project. This definition goes beyond mere functionality; it encompasses specific performance criteria, outlines any exceptions or pre-agreed guaranteed conditions, and, critically, stipulates the remedies available should the performance fail to meet these established expectations.

Performance Hiccups? Why Initial Test Failures Are Usually Temporary Fixes

It’s important to note that not meeting a performance test result is often a temporary issue that may not have anything to do with the physical equipment. Most commonly, minor adjustments or chemical optimization is all that is needed. This reality underscores the need for trust and open communication, which I will address in another blog post.

Beyond the Contract: How a PPG Structures Team Expectations and Risk

A PPG is an effective tool to get multiple parties that are involved on a project on a similar expectation of what's going to happen. It clarifies who's doing what, the duration of testing, and delineates the real capabilities of the equipment for that specific application and project conditions. Furthermore, PPGs offer a structured avenue to discuss uncertainties and identify potential risks, especially when dealing with applications where no supplier has extensive prior experience.

PPG vs. Warranty: Why Water Quality Matters More Than Moving Parts

It's vital to differentiate a PPG from a more conventional mechanical warranty. A mechanical warranty focuses on the longevity and operational integrity of moving parts, such as a clarifier mechanism. Customers are naturally interested in knowing how long a piece of equipment will last. However, a Process Performance Guarantee delves deeper, addressing how that equipment applied in a given water or wastewater context can be expected to perform. This performance typically refers to critical outcomes like treated water quality or the anticipated amount of waste generated by the process.

In essence, a mechanical warranty ensures the equipment functions as it should, while a PPG ensures the process itself works as intended and the water is treated to the required standards. For example, a clarifier mechanism might be turning effectively for its expected lifespan, but that doesn't guarantee the quality of the overflow or the sludge concentration – that's where the PPG comes in.

Water Quality, Capacity, and More: What a PPG Truly Covers

The scope of what can be guaranteed within a PPG is quite broad and varies depending on the specific product line and market. WesTech, with its approximately 30 different product lines across industrial, municipal, water, and wastewater markets, sees a wide array of guarantees.

Most commonly, PPGs revolve around water quality expectations, defining the expected output water quality given a defined feed water quality. Other frequent guarantees include system capacity and treated flow rates. For specialized equipment like membrane filtration, common guarantees encompass turbidity, TSS, log removal (as a surrogate for bacteria removal), and system recovery or expected waste volume. Operational conditions such as chemical or electrical usage may also be considered in a guarantee. However, defining clear lines of responsibility for such operational conditions can be challenging, often requiring careful collaboration between the supplier, plant owner, and engineer.

The Bottom Line: How a PPG Provides Planning Assurance and Customer Confidence

Ultimately, the overarching value of a PPG to a customer is its ability to facilitate planning and provide assurance. Customers invest significant capital in these systems, which often serve communities and must meet stringent regulatory or environmental requirements. A PPG ensures that the supplier and all involved parties remain engaged and committed to achieving these objectives. It serves as a powerful tool to enhance both engagement and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.