A Distributor's Guide to Conquering Wastewater Solids

Wastewater isn't just water; it's a complicated mix of liquids and a surprising amount of solid materials—from rags and sanitary wipes to organic waste and other debris. These solids are a constant challenge for wastewater systems, leading to clogs, breakdowns, and expensive downtime.

At Hayes Group, we understand that dealing with these solids is one of the most critical aspects of wastewater management. Fortunately, there are several effective methods for managing them. Let’s break down the four key strategies: chopping, grinding, pumping, and removing.

Chopping Solids

Chopping is a method for breaking down solids into smaller, more manageable pieces before they are pumped downstream. This is accomplished with a chopper pump, which is specifically designed to handle tough, stringy solids.

A chopper pump features a unique cutter bar/impeller interface. As wastewater and solids are drawn into the pump, the impeller rotates against a stationary cutter bar, forcefully chopping and shredding the solids into smaller, non-uniform pieces. The result is a mix of shredded solids that are much easier to pump downstream without causing clogs. This action protects the pump and downstream equipment from damage and ensures a smooth, continuous flow.

Grinding Solids

Grinding is a similar but more precise method of solids management. The goal is to reduce solids to a small, uniform particle size that can easily pass through the system. This can be done in two ways: with an upstream grinder or with a grinder pump.

• Channel or Pipeline Grinders are installed in a channel or pipe upstream of a pump station. They use rows of intermeshing cutters to rip apart even the toughest solids, breaking them down into uniform particles.
• Grinder Submersible Pumps combine both grinding and pumping in one unit. Before solids can enter the pump's interior, they must first be drawn against a grinding plate with set-size holes. A cutting mechanism then grinds the solids until they are small enough to pass through the plate and into the pump. This ensures that only uniformly small particles enter the impeller, preventing clogs and protecting the pump.

Pumping Solids

Sometimes, the best solution isn't to chop or grind solids but to simply pump them to a part of the process designed for their removal. For this, you need a solids handling pump.

These pumps are engineered with special impeller designs to move solids without getting tangled or jammed. Some use a recessed impeller that creates a vortex, propelling solids through the pump without them ever touching the impeller blades. Others use a single or two-vane impeller with a large clearance, allowing even large, stringy solids to pass through easily.

For a solids handling pump to work effectively, the entire system must be designed to accommodate solids. This includes using full-port valves, long-radius elbows, and properly sized pipes to maintain a flow velocity that keeps solids suspended and prevents blockages. While these pumps may be slightly less efficient than clean water pumps, their ability to reliably move solids without clogging makes them a cost-effective choice for many applications.

Removing Solids

Finally, you can prevent solids from ever becoming a problem by removing them from the wastewater stream entirely. This proactive approach protects all downstream equipment from damage and clogging.

Static screens and bar racks are common tools for this method. A bar rack, for example, is a series of parallel bars that physically catch and retain large debris as water flows through. A static screen uses a finer mesh to capture smaller particles. Both methods can be automated with mechanical rakes or brushes to ensure continuous, reliable operation. The screen size can be customized to remove anything from the largest debris to finer solids, tailoring the system to the specific needs of the site.

By intercepting and removing solids at the source, you can significantly reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of your entire wastewater system.

Finding the Right Solution for You

Each of these methods offers a unique way to tackle the challenge of solids in wastewater. The best solution for you will depend on your specific application, the type of solids you're dealing with, and the downstream equipment in your system.

At Hayes Group, we offer a wide range of reliable and efficient products from leading manufacturers to help you find the perfect solution for your wastewater challenges. Ready to learn more about how to manage solids effectively?