Household Wipes Challenging Sewage Pumping Stations
Household wipes entering the sewage system cause major problems for sewage pumping stations. Current specifications set out by Sewers for Adoption cater for normal domestic sewage but don't account for wipes that have now become commonplace.
Often failure caused by high volumes of discarded wipes and fibrous materials is caught early enough by built in warning systems. However, sometimes the failures aren't caught resulting in environmental consequences. New developments that require sewage pumping stations are having to prove their reliability before being adopted by the local water company.
After experiencing issues with blocking in their adoptable pumping station, housing development company Bloor Homescontacted TT Pumps to investigate. They were experiencing weekly failure on a site providing over 500 new homes.
TT Pumps identified surges of wipes being the cause of blockages, despite the installed pumping station being compliant with Sewers for Adoption specifications. TT Pumps offered a solution to support the pumping station - a pair of our exclusive PTS Chopper pumps alongside a SEER telemetry monitoring system.
PTS CHOPPER PUMP
The PTS chopper pumps use a robust three-way cutting system to chop through pumped medium. The waste needs to be broken down so that it can pass through the pump and pipework. However, it also needs to remain handleable to reduce the risk of by-passing or blinding key screens and filters further in the sewer network. Therefore, traditional macerator pumps are unsuitable as they break down the waste into very small particles that risk causing later issues.
The PTS chopper solution contains hardened cast materials throughout the chopping section. It breaks down the waste so it becomes passable while also being a handleable size therefore they avoid creating further environmental issues in the sewage network.
T-T SEER MONITORING SYSTEM
The T-T SEER monitoring system provides 24/7 observation and remote alarm facilities. The system uses cloud-based technology to communicate plant status giving updates on any fault, errors or changes in pump or plant status. This enables the pumping station to be monitored in real time by both the customer and pump maintainer.
Alongside this continued reporting, the SEER monitoring system collects historical data that allows any potential issues to be identified early. The system collects data such as wet well level, pump current, voltage monitoring per phase, pump operation, fault conditions such as overload, overheat and seal leak. It also allows for remote reset of these faults when used with certain specifications of Sewers for Adoption / Design Construction Guidance control system.
SEWAGE PUMPING STATION SOLUTION
Using historical data collected by the T-T SEER monitoring system we were able to determine a healthy wet well cycle. This then enabled us to diagnose abnormal conditions such as prolonged run as a result of valves becoming lodged due wipes and blockages. From this information, we could present the client with a clear picture of the issues and offer a viable solution of the PTS chopper pumps.
After installing both the PTS chopper units and the T-T SEER monitoring system, we were able to remove the system breakdown. We were also able to demonstrate the system was working without any issues.
After more than 6 months of operating with the PTS Chopper pumps, Bloor Homes reported the following via email on 2nd February 2021.
“I can confirm that the Chopper Pump has worked great since its installation and has resulted in no further site/ callout issues (which prior to installation was on a weekly/ monthly basis).”
“We are considering the installation of these pumps on other stations also moving forward (ideally prior to the installation of the standard pumps) but would also look to upgrade on our larger sites if we have ongoing issues.”
“Further to this, all new quotation must include for the Seer Unit, as again this is deemed to be a very important and timesaving upgrade for all involved.”
For more information on our PTS chopper pumps and T-T SEER monitoring system, speak to our experts on +44 (0)1630 647200
