Solids handling wastewater pump problem: frequent clogging from debris, high-temperature cleaning overheated motors, and constant downtime caused decreased production and resource efficiencies.

Solids Handling Pump Project Overview

The Denver-based Condor Snack Company, owned by Utz Potato Chip Co., processes approximately 120,000 pounds of potatoes per day. Potatoes are delivered by truckload to the factory, washed to remove dirt, peeled, sliced, washed again, and then fried. During production, wastewater, debris, starch and peels flow from floor drains into a sump. On top of this, equipment is cleaned weekly with 180oF water and caustic beads to remove the oils used in frying. This hot caustic liquid and oils flow into the sump and are added to the mix for a sump pump to remove.

Condor’s original pumps sat outside the sump and used a pipe to suck liquids to the pump but clogged continuously due to the potato peels and other debris – halting production multiple times each shift. And the weekly caustic hot-water cleaning caused pump motors to overheat and fail, requiring frequent pump replacements. In 2016, Condor partnered with their long-standing pump distributor to source a better solution for pumps that would reduce downtime, lower maintenance cost, and be more efficient.

BJM Fahrenheit® SKGF Solution

Consistent with the parent company’s earth friendly philosophy, Condor was intent on making their potato chip manufacturing practice less wasteful both in materials and production downtime. They needed a pump that could shred high volumes of solids and withstand the extremely high temperatures of the oils and fryer cleaning. The BJM Fahrenheit® SKGF series high temperature, solids handling pump by Industrial Flow SolutionsTM had all the features Condor required.

SKGF Series pumps feature the patented RAD AX® (Radial + Axial) dual shredding technology designed to cut, shred, shear and expedite wastewater flow that contains solids like those found at the potato chip manufacturer. The tungsten carbide-tipped impeller is trimmed, allowing for a larger motor and higher torque to grind the solids that Condor’s manufacturing process contained. The dual shredding technology proved ideal for handling large volumes of potato peels and debris without clogging.

The high-temperature Fahrenheit SKGF pump’s motor can handle liquids up to 200oF. Winding protection and NEMA Class R motor insulation allow motor temperatures to rise to 428oF, which makes SKGF Series superior to those with Class A or B insulation. Thermal switches embedded in the motor cut power if temperatures rise too high. When the motor cools, the switch automatically resets and powers the pump back on. This protects the pump motor and ensures reliability and longevity.

“The IFS submersible shredder pump is submerged at the bottom of the sump. It reduces the solid size before it enters the piping system. This has all but eliminated the clogging,” states Kevin Kobza, maintenance manager at Condor plant. “This Fahrenheit SGKF pump eliminated both the high temperature and clogging issues,” he explains.

BJM Pumps® SKGF Series Results

• Zero unplanned downtime since installation
• No clogs or motor failures
• More efficient production and maintenance

BJM Pumps® SKGF Series Features

• Fahrenheit® high temperature, dual shredding solids-handling pump
• Handles high temperatures up to 200°F (93°C)
• Patented RAD-AX® (Radial + Axial) dual shredding technology designed to cut, shred, shear to expedite flow
• Designed to prevent clogs in wastewater that includes <10% solids (by volume)

BJM Pumps® SKGF Series Application:

• Food & Beverage
• Commercial Buildings
• Municipal Water & Wastewater
• Pharmaceutical & Medical