Tools & Technology

The 2011 Pumper & Cleaner Expo offered installers a look at the latest tools and technology

The 31st Annual Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International closed a four-year run in Louisville with 3,644 companies, cities and utilities represented and 8,286 total attendees. The Expo moves to Indianapolis for 2012, running Feb. 27 to March 1 at the Indiana Convention Center.

The 2011 Expo offered a full slate of educational seminars spread over three days and included 477 exhibits of new and familiar products and technologies. Here is a sampling of the new products and technologies on display for the onsite industry:

 

Septic pump package

Orenco Systems introduced its ready-to-install Biotube ProPak pump package. Made for filtering and pumping effluent from septic tanks to drainfields or other downstream systems, the pump vault protects the pump from sludge and scum, eliminating the need for a separate pump tank. The package includes a Biotube filter cartridge, 4-inch turbine effluent pump, float switches with quick-connect collars, discharge plumbing assembly, splice box and demand-dosing control panel or timed-dosing panel. 800/348-9843; www.orenco.com.

 

Automated treatment system

PekaSys Sustainable Technologies displayed its Clear Rex Bubbler wastewater treatment system. Designed for single-family homes, apartments, restaurants, cluster systems, hotels, golf courses, office buildings and schools, the fully biological system uses no filters or fixed media. The German-engineered system is fully automated and features a vacation mode that automatically adjusts its cycle to process wastewater until the homeowner returns. Using sequenced batch reaction, water enters the reactor from pretreatment. Intermittent aeration allows for aerobic and anaerobic conditions that break down BOD and nitrogen. Solids settle to the bottom of the reactor, while the top (clear water) portion of the reactor is pumped out. The system then waits for the next cycle to begin. The unit achieves between 94-97 percent BOD reduction, 84-94 percent TSS reduction and 55-67 percent TN reduction. 877/735-2797; www.pekasys.com.

 

Submersible pumps

Hydra-Tech Pumps introduced its Model S3SHR 3-inch hydraulic submersible shredder pump with 360-degree shredding action and its 4-inch hydraulic submersible trash pumps (S4TLP ductile iron body, S4TLPAL aluminum body). The shredder pump weighs 68 pounds, can handle 3-inch solids and stands 18.5 inches tall. It has a 12 gpm input flow and maximum operating pressure of 2,600 psi. Other features include an open-vane shredder impeller with tungsten carbide cutting tip, oil-lubricated seals (can run dry), and variable-speed hydraulic drive. The trash pump, 19.5 inches at its widest point, is designed for use in tight spaces and can be used for tank truck mounting for direct loading/offloading. The two-vane channel impeller will pass 3-inch semisolids. It has an input flow of 10 gpm and maximum operating pressure of 2,800 psi. 570/645-3779; www.hydra-tech.com.

 

Well and septic coverings

Topscape introduced its raised flower garden well and septic landscape covering. Made of weather-resistant natural cedar, the basket-shaped cover, supported by a metal ring on the inside, holds four drop-in plastic pots, providing a decorative way to camouflage septic tank risers up to 32 inches in diameter. The planter also can serve as a stand-alone raised garden. 608/ 333-3610; www.discovertopscape.com.

 

Corrugated pipe cover

Polylok Inc. introduced its 30-inch corrugated pipe and riser cover. Adding to the company’s 18-, 20- and 24-inch heavy-duty product line, the new reinforced plastic cover is designed to pass static load testing to 1,000 pounds as well as center and off-center impact load testing to 150 ft. lbs. The cover has easy-lift retractable handles, safety hold-down screws and factory-installed gasket to ensure a watertight and airtight fit. 877/765-9565; www.polylok.com.

 

Float-protected sump pump

Crane Pumps & Systems displayed the Barnes SHUR-Switch sump pump. Available in 1/4 (SU25) and 1/3 hp (SU33) models, the pump float is housed in a shroud to guard against obstruction and wedging. Magnets activate the switch as the float rises and falls. The GFCI-compatible, 120-volt pump operates at 3,450 rpm, has a 9-foot cord, 1 1/2-inch discharge and can handle up to 3/16-inch solids. The 1/4 hp model displaces 35 gpm and has a maximum head of 17 feet. The 1/3 hp model delivers 42 gpm and has a maximum head of 20 feet. 937/778-8947; www.cranepumps.com.

 

Septic system enhancer

Greenovative Technologies introduced its EcoHancer septic system additive and TSS total system solution FOG eliminator. EcoHancer, an organic liquid formula made from peat, accelerates both growth and microorganism activity within the septic system to reduce sludge buildup, improve settling and reduce suspended solids to maximize drainfield performance, enhance long-term efficiency and promote environmental stability. Packaged in a 16- ounce bottle, the additive is sold in a case of 12 for monthly application. Neither an enzyme nor bacteria additive, TSS eliminates the fats, oils and grease that build up in grease traps by strengthening the existing microbes within the lines leading to the grease trap and farther down stream. 856/234-4540; www.greenovativetechnologies.com.

 

Biofilm reactor

Clewer Clean Water introduced its Rotational Bed Biofilm Reactor. The wastewater treatment system uses centrifugal force to create a greater treatment area. Air pumped in creates both rotation and an oxygen-filled path within the bioreactor. The extended rotating pathway of air feeds the biofilm-ladden carriers. Air injected at an angle into the cylindrical tank causes the carriers inside to rotate. Once in motion, little energy is needed for the carriers to continue rotating, allowing for the use of smaller pumps and reducing energy consumption. Sludge formed in the bioreactor continuously moves to the outside of the tank through the overflow pipe and is returned to the holding tank and repeats for a self-cleaning system. 843/247-6309; www.clewerusa.com.

 

Drainfield restorative

Septic Drainer displayed its drainfield soil restorative, designed to improve the perkability of soil for better drainage and prevent drainfield replacement. It is formulated to work on all types of septic systems, including conventional systems consisting of a septic tank, distribution box and leachfield, dry well systems and cesspool systems. 518/812-0000; www.septicdrainer.com.

 

Aerobic wastewater treatment

Tricel Environmental Solutions introduced its three-stage (primary settlement, aeration and final settlement) sewage treatment system. Available in three models, the system has a design flow rate of 235 to 700 gpd and treatment capacity of 1,040 to 1,855 gallons. The unit measures from 102 to 181 inches long, 65.5 inches wide and 87.7 inches tall. It weighs 661 to 1,102 pounds. Wastewater enters the primary settlement chamber, where solids drop to the bottom, are separated from the liquid and anaerobic breakdown begins. Bacteria in the aeration chamber feed on the impurities. Sludge settles in the final chamber where a continuous return system pumps solids back to the primary chamber. The remaining treated liquid is pumped out of the system. 774/413-5116; www.tricelenvironmental.com.

 

Low-rpm aerators

Septic Services Inc. introduced its MaxAir500 submersible aerator and Flagg-Air Model 340HP aerator. The 2 cfm MaxAir 500 has a built-in handle for quick installation and a 12-foot power cord. Features include a stainless steel and cast-iron frame with high-torque, 2.2-amp, low-rpm motor for long-lasting service. The top of the impeller is shielded by the motor housing to prevent clogging. Coupled with an effluent filter, the aerator can revitalize slow-draining systems. The Model 340HP aerator has a 1,750 rpm, high-torque, fully enclosed, continuous-duty 1/6 hp motor with pre-lubricated sealed bearings delivering 3.0-3.1 cfm. 800/536-5564; www.septicserv.com.

 

Two-seam plastic septic tank

Infiltrator Systems Inc. introduced the IM-1060 injection molded, two-piece, mid-seam polypropylene septic tank. The watertight unit has inboard lifting lugs for easy delivery and handling, integral heavy-duty green lids that interconnect with TW risers, reinforced access ports, structural ribbing and fiberglass bulkheads for additional strength. Weighing 320 pounds, the tank can be installed with 6 to 48 inches of cover, pumped dry during pump-outs and is suitable for use as a septic tank, pump tank or rainwater (non-potable) tank. The unit has a 1,070-gallon working capacity and 1,247-gallon total capacity. It measures 127 inches long, 62.2 inches wide and 54.7 inches high. 800/221-4436; www.infiltratorsystems.com.

 

Pump package

Duplex grinder pump packages from Liberty Pumps are available in sizes to fit applications from residential to small municipal. The factory-assembled systems are controlled by the IP-Series intelligent panel with floatless technology. The D3648-Series (shown) includes a 36- by 48-inch (depth) fiberglass basin with two 2 hp grinder pumps. 800/543-2550; www.libertypumps.com.



Discussion

Comments on this site are submitted by users and are not endorsed by nor do they reflect the views or opinions of COLE Publishing, Inc. Comments are moderated before being posted.