Grinder, Chopper & Macerator Pump FAQs
Grinder, Chopper & Macerator Pump FAQs
While both chopper and macerater pumps will break down fibrous materials, a chopper pump is a heavier-duty option designed for particularly difficult applications such as handling raw slurry. Macerator pumps are aimed at handling softer solids, such as general wastewater.
A submersible pump that has a chopping system built in (such as additional blades or a specialist impeller) is ideal for applications where the head and distance to be pumped are high; the required discharge rates are low; and there are solids present in the medium being transferred that need to be reduced in size.
The chopping mechanism breaks down the medium so that the liquid can be pumped through a smaller bore discharge pipe, therefore retaining pressure within the pipework and reducing the need for larger kW motors. A larger kW motor would be needed to maintain alternative solids handling pump units that do not reduce the solid size, as these systems require bigger bore discharge pipes to prevent blockages.
Proper maintenance of a chopper pump is essential to it operating effectively. When new, the blades of a chopper pump are sharp and efficient, but over time these blades can dull - be it from over or under-exposure to solids. Blade deterioration increases the risk of blockages and system failures.
A macerator pump works by breaking the solid matter suspended in the liquid using a rotating shredder. This rotating system shreds the solids before they are passed through the pump.
A chopper pump is a submersible pump fitted with a cutting system in the suction side of a pump allowing the pump to handle a heavier application.
With the pump isolated, rotate the pump 180° to gain access to the suction side of the pump, inspect for any debris caught up in the mechanism and carefully remove with a suitable tool, rinse with pressured water to clear the loose debris.
A chopper pump can be installed using an auto coupling kit or freestanding base as you would with a standard submersible pump.
The maximum head/lift is listed on the datasheet as with any pump. This is the same for a chopper pump and can be matched to your application by one of our team.
Macerated waste can be pumped. All sewage pumps have a maximum free passage that determines the size of the solid it will freely pass.
A grinder pump is not always required for sewage applications. A grinder pump may only be required should the solid contents need reducing to suit the existing pipe size.
Pump longevity is determined by the service program on-site, for uninterrupted working hours, and regularly scheduled maintenance is highly recommended.