NEW WASTE STREAMS REQUIRE NEW SOLUTIONS
By breaking down solids into a manageable size, grinders allow pumps to work efficiently while avoiding downtime for cleaning and repair. However, not all grinders are the same. The equipment installed in most municipal wastewater treatment operations is designed to handle “normal” sewage, but there is nothing normal about the waste stream currently going to these plants. In addition to a surge in wipes, PPE, and other materials going down toilets, there is also the potential for other objects such as small animals and concrete from degrading infrastructure to become part of the waste stream.
While utility managers have attempted to mitigate these issues, their solutions are often less than ideal. For instance, more utilities are screening at pump stations, which were not designed for the task. This adds an extra removal and disposal step, as well as creates the potential for an odor problem. Additionally, some plant operators have installed pumps that incorporate impellers with grinding or chopping capabilities. However, this renders the pumps less effective for their primary purpose, while allowing for abnormal debris to get caught up and cause blockages. These pumps are also expensive to purchase, operate, and maintain.
By contrast, specialized equipment at a pump station that is purpose-built to condition solids before they are pumped allows the pump to run as efficiently as it was intended. This protects the pump and moves the waste stream forward to a more ideal environment for treatment. To meet this need, JWC Environmental has developed a Wipes Ready® cutting technology that is now an option on its sewage grinders.
MUFFIN MONSTERS®—THE LEADERS IN PUMP PROTECTION
The latest innovation to JWC’s Muffin Monster line-up is its Wipes Ready technology. Municipal waste streams are being plagued by an invasion of so-called “flushable” wipes that ball together and shut down waste conveyance systems. The Wipes Ready technologies are designed to shred disposable wipes and rags into small pieces that are unable to reweave into ragballs. Conventional grinders shred wipes into long strips that may reweave into ropes and form ragballs, clogging pumps and other systems. The Wipes Ready technologies feature enhancements to the proven Muffin Monster® and Channel Monster® grinders—equipping them to better protect pumps and prevent unplanned maintenance and damage.
JWC’s Muffin Monster grinders are designed to quickly cut problem solids down to size, preventing costly pump problems and sewer backups. They utilize two rows of sharp steel cutters that rotate slowly toward each other to actively pull materials into the grinder while using high torque to breakdown the troublesome solids. Muffin Monster grinders have proven to be effective in dealing with the wide variety of solids that can be found in waste streams, including wood, plastics, and other inorganic materials. The units are available with a variety of cutter configurations, and the design quickly adapts to existing pipeline and in-channel installations with little modification.
The business case for investing in grinders with new cutting technology is strong. Deploying grinders at pump stations helps protect pump integrity, leading to longer maintenance cycles and fewer breakdowns, as well as more efficient pumping operations and less labor needed to remove clogs. The most advanced products are also low maintenance, so operators can “set it and forget it” for extensive periods.
SERVICE SOLUTIONS TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR EQUIPMENT
The expert JWC Service Solutions team is responsible for keeping JWC Environmental equipment running at peak performance. This team of professionals is specially trained to help customers get the most out of their equipment and extend the life of their investments. JWC Service Solutions tackles system startups, upgrading equipment to the latest technology, on-site screen rebuilds, and simple replacement parts.
ABOUT JWC ENVIRONMENTAL
JWC Environmental is headquartered in Santa Ana, California. The company is supported by a worldwide network of representatives, distributors, and regional service centers to meet local customer needs. More information on JWC Environmental is available at www.jwce.com or by calling 833.240.0117.