While the composition of wastewater differs from one treatment plant to another, overall, wastewater in the U.S. has become heavier and more difficult to process. There are several options for engineers, operations and maintenance managers to minimize the risk of breakdowns resulting from new challenges in wastewater transport, but each requires a deeper look at the specific system.
This whitepaper discuss one approach for pressure drainage systems that is not as well-known in the U.S. wastewater market. Pressure drainage systems, which are often used for residential development areas, typically employ grinder pumps or pumps with vortex impellers. Both kinds of pumps have limits, especially when it comes to very high heads and low flow. With high heads and low flow, it makes sense to use a solid-separation system. This innovative technology temporarily prevents solids and other sewage content from reaching the pump while allowing the pump to handle the complete content afterward (see Images 1 and 2 below). This process enables the hydraulic to use smaller free passages without clogging, leading to higher efficiency and a less limited head.
Pictured above is a solid-separation system in the filling mode while the pump is not running. The system in the pump mode pushes the complete wastewater out in the image on the right (Images courtesy of KSB).