GRINDING: SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF SOLIDS IN WASTEWATER

Wastewater isn't just water; it's a mix of liquids and various solids, from rags and sanitary wipes to grit and other debris. These solids create major problems for wastewater systems, leading to clogs, breakdowns, and costly downtime. At Hayes Group, we know that dealing with these solids is one of the biggest challenges in wastewater management.

Challenges of Solids on Wastewater Equipment

Common wastewater equipment, such as pumps, valves, and piping, is often ill-equipped to handle the tough, stringy, and abrasive nature of solids. Pumps can get tangled and clogged, causing them to fail or operate inefficiently. Valves can become jammed, preventing proper flow control. Over time, solids can also cause significant wear and tear on pipes and other components.

The Solution: Grinding Solids

One of the most effective ways to manage solids is to grind them into smaller, more manageable pieces. This process helps prevent clogs and protects downstream equipment. Two common methods for grinding solids are channel grinders and grinder pumps.

Channel and Pipeline Grinders

Channel grinders, also known as pipeline grinders, are typically installed in a channel or directly in a pipeline upstream of a pump station. They work using two or more rows of intermeshing cutters that are designed to rotate slowly and powerfully. As wastewater flows through the grinder, all solids are forced to pass through these rows of overlapping cutters. The cutters grip and tear apart even the toughest materials, breaking them down into small, uniform particles that can pass through the system without causing a clog.

Grinder Submersible Pumps

A grinder submersible pump is another powerful tool for handling solids. This type of pump is unique because it combines both grinding and pumping functions in a single unit. These pumps have a cutting mechanism located directly on the suction side, with a grinding plate that has set-size holes over the suction intake.

Here's how it works: Wastewater containing solids approaches the pump. Before any solid can enter the pump's interior, it must first be drawn against the grinding plate. The cutting mechanism then grinds the solid until it is small enough to pass through the holes in the plate. Once the solid has been ground down to a size that fits through these holes, it can enter the pump and be discharged downstream. This process ensures that only small, uniform particles enter the pump's impeller, preventing clogs and protecting the pump from damage. By grinding solids to a specific size, these pumps regulate what enters the downstream system.

The Grinding Process: A Summary

The process of grinding solids in wastewater is a crucial step for maintaining system reliability. It begins with raw wastewater containing various solids. These solids are then either fed into an upstream channel grinder or drawn into a grinder submersible pump. The grinding mechanism, whether a set of intermeshing cutters or a cutter and plate combination, breaks the solids down into smaller pieces. These ground-up solids can then be safely and easily pumped downstream to the next stage of the wastewater treatment process, which may involve settling or mechanical removal. By reducing solids to a manageable size, grinding technology recommended and supplied by Hayes Group ensures the entire system operates smoothly and efficiently.