428 Innovations in Water Treatment with Dr. Jasbir Gill

What happens when a nuclear chemist pivots into industrial water treatment? In this episode, host Trace Blackmore is joined by Dr. Jasbir Gill, President at Water Energy Solutions Inc, whose career spans five decades of breakthrough innovations in water chemistry and sustainability. From developing predictive modeling systems to creating new polymer standards, Dr. Gill shares how scientific rigor and practical experience came together to shape tools still used today.

 

“We were not just saving water—we were calculating the true cost of energy and environmental impact.”

From Nuclear Chemistry to Water Treatment 

Dr. Gill begins by tracing his academic roots in nuclear and inorganic chemistry from IIT Roorkee, followed by early post-doctoral research in Italy and England. While initially headed for a career in nuclear separations, a chance encounter rerouted his path to the U.S., where his work at SUNY Buffalo introduced him to the intricacies of water chemistry. That foundational knowledge laid the groundwork for his transformative career at Calgon, and later Nalco.

 

The Birth of CalGuard: Predictive Modeling Ahead of Its Time 

In one of the most compelling parts of the episode, Dr. Gill walks us through the creation of CalGuard—an award-winning predictive modeling tool that transformed how chemical dosing and scaling behavior are calculated. Integrating thermodynamic principles, field data, and statistical regression, the CalGuard model helped standardize customized water treatment programs across regional chemistries and system variables.

 

Defining the Water-Energy-Carbon Nexus 

A highlight of Dr. Gill’s later career came when he began asking hard questions about sustainability. How much energy is consumed per gallon of water saved? What’s the carbon footprint of that savings? He shares compelling stories of his work with nuclear power plants, showing how acid use for pH control contributed to CO₂ emissions—insights that later shaped his independent firm, Water Energy Solutions.

 

From Chromate to Phosphate: Reinventing Treatment Chemistry 

When chromate was phased out of industrial water treatment, Dr. Gill was at the forefront of developing phosphate-based alternatives. He recounts the invention of the AAM 60/40 copolymer in his lab—now an industry standard—and how field trials and real-time testing guided product refinement. This section underscores how practical chemistry, adaptability, and client trust converge to move the industry forward.

 

The J-Factor and Real-World Impact 

Dr. Gill explains his invention of the J-factor—a conversion metric allowing new inhibitors to be benchmarked against legacy ones. Developed through comparative field tests and algorithmic modeling, the J-factor exemplifies the intersection of empirical science and industry need, with wide applicability even decades later.

 

Final Reflections: Leadership, Teamwork, and Lifelong Curiosity 

In the closing segment, Dr. Gill reflects on the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and focusing on one’s work amid organizational change. His stories—from field trips in Montana to building mobile labs for rapid field testing—reveal the human side of technical innovation. 

This episode is more than a lesson in chemistry—it’s a case study in innovation, leadership, and long-term thinking. Dr. Gill’s insights remind us that successful water treatment isn’t just about products; it’s about persistence, systems thinking, and data-driven action.