Reliability and efficiency are vital in wastewater management, especially for small communities like the village of Sherman in western New York. This case study explores how the OverWatch® Direct In-Line Pump System solved the problems that their wastewater treatment plant was experiencing and how OverWatch significantly enhanced overall performance.

THE VILLAGE OF SHERMAN’S WASTEWATER CHALLENGES

The village of Sherman operates a forty-year-old package treatment plant designed to handle 140,000 gallons per day. Despite achieving impressive removal rates for biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS), the plant struggled with outdated infrastructure at its lift station, resulting in persistent operational issues:

  • Frequent pump clogs: The existing centrifugal pumps were plagued by recurrent clogging, primarily caused by mop rags and other fibrous materials. These blockages disrupted operations and necessitated frequent manual interventions and shutdowns.
  • Confined-space entry hazards: Maintaining the 20-foot deep, 36-inch diameter wet well required hazardous confined-space entries, which posed significant safety risks for maintenance personnel. Specialized gear and protocols were required for every inspection or repair.
  • Disruptive maintenance shutdowns: Due to debris accumulation, regular cleaning of bar screens and quarterly need for vacuum trucks to clean out were essential. These tasks incurred additional labor costs, led to operational disruptions, and reduced overall efficiency.
  • High maintenance costs: Frequent pump clogs, manual cleaning efforts, and emergency repairs escalated maintenance expenditures. The village faced financial strain from these ongoing operational inefficiencies.

OVERWATCH DIRECT IN-LINE PUMPING SOLUTION

Recognizing the critical need for a reliable and efficient pumping solution, the village of Sherman opted for the OverWatch Direct In-Line Pump System. 

The OverWatch Direct In-Line Pump System is a breakthrough technology designed to lift influent from the point of entry, eliminating the wet well. Influent is contained, eliminating odors and reducing maintenance. The stainless-steel body is designed to withstand the effects of corrosion from harsh materials and solutions, making OverWatch an ideal solution for the Municipal, Industrial, and Commercial industries.

This advanced technology provided a comprehensive solution to Sherman’s wastewater challenges. It revolutionized their infrastructure by eliminating the traditional wet well, instead lifting influent directly from the entry point, thereby reducing odor emissions and eliminating risks associated with confined-space entries. 

Equipped with dual 15 horsepower pumps featuring DIPCut® impellers and variable frequency drives (VFDs), the system adapts dynamically to fluctuating flow conditions. The DIPCut impeller design ensures self-cleaning by shredding and expelling debris, thus preventing clogs and minimizing maintenance needs. The quick installation and integration of the OverWatch system, completed in just 11.5 hours, swiftly transitioned the existing wet well to a dry pit configuration, minimizing operational downtime and costs while immediately enhancing operational efficiency.

The installation of the OverWatch system yielded immediate benefits for the village of Sherman:

  • Enhanced safety: Eliminating confined space entries eliminated the primary safety hazard associated with maintenance operations, ensuring a safer working environment for personnel.
  • Cost savings: The village achieved significant labor and operational expenditure savings by reducing the frequency of pump clogs and eliminating the need for weekly bar screen cleaning and quarterly septic tank maintenance.
  • Operational efficiency: Continuous monitoring and self-cleaning capabilities of the OverWatch® system ensured uninterrupted operation, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of wastewater management processes.

The installation of the OverWatch Direct In-Line Pump System marked a pivotal moment in the Village of Sherman’s wastewater management practices. By effectively addressing severe operational challenges related to pump clogs, confined space hazards, and high maintenance costs, the community improved its infrastructure and positively impacted the environment. 

This game-changing technology not only eliminates the wet well but also clogs, odors, gases, and Maintenance. Removing the wet well and installing an OverWatch system lifts the influent directly from the gravity invert. Wipes and fat, oil, and grease (FOG) do not have the opportunity to separate from the pumped liquid, keeping the fibrous material in solution and ejecting it as it arrives. Since the influent is contained, it never becomes atmospheric, eliminating odors.

FUTURE APPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The success of the OverWatch system in Sherman, New York, illustrates its potential for wider implementation across various applications. It includes upgrading infrastructure by retrofitting existing wet wells to enhance operational efficiency. The system eliminates the need for frequent maintenance tasks: weekly bar screen cleaning and quarterly vacuum truck operations. 

Additionally, it facilitates cost-effective installations of pumping stations, addressing excavation challenges and reducing initial construction expenses. OverWatch delivers environmental benefits by eliminating odor issues and minimizing the ecological footprint. 

Industrial Flow Solutions™ (IFS) is a global company headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, with facilities in Falkirk, Scotland, and Monselice, Italy. IFS specializes in the design, manufacturing, sales, & service of wastewater pumps and controls, including OverWatch® Direct In-Line Pump Systems, BJM Pumps®, Dreno Pompe, Stancor®, Oil Minder®, and DERAGGER® products ideal for the municipal, industrial, commercial, and residential applications. For more information, visit www.flowsolutions.com.