There was no shortage of innovative technology at the 29th annual Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International, Feb. 25-28, in Louisville, Ky.
And despite concerns about a down economy, the event attracted 8,868 attendees and 3,780 companies. A total of 519 exhibitors displayed the latest in treatment systems, pump units, synthetic media, tanks and riser lids. Here’s a sampling of what attendees found on the show floor:
FIBERGLASS TANKS
Webtrol displayed fiberglass septic and advanced treatment tanks. Offering a double-rib design, the tanks are made of high-quality resin fibers and bonded well above the inlet for a leak-proof unit. The tanks have no middle seam and include a built-in lifting system for easy placement. Call 800/769-7867 or visit www.webtrol.com.
SAFETY LIGHTING
A&L Systems put the spotlight on 9016LED series StarBeam and M-Tech LED mini-bar safety lighting. Both offer 360-degree light output in amber, clear or red dome colors. Made of durable polycarbonate, the injection-molded domes are fully gasketed to protect against moisture, while potted circuitry protects against shock and vibration. Call 800/592-5253 or visit www.a-and-lsystems.com.
CLEAR ENCLOSURE BOXES
Fibox showed clear-cover ARCA nonmetallic enclosure boxes. Available as a screw cover, hinged screw cover or a hinged enclosure with latches, the boxes are available in opaque or transparent material. The insulated boxes have a long-term temperature range of -40 degrees F to 175 degrees F. Mounting plates, fixed inner panels and hinged inner panels are available in metal or nonmetallic versions. Call 888/342-6987 or visit www.fiboxusa.com.
DRAINFIELD MEDIA
Infiltrator Systems Inc. debuted Smart-Rock engineered media that replaces gravel with expanded polystyrene. The media, manufactured from recycled materials, surrounds a perforated pipe, eliminating fines and reducing compaction and embedment. It comes in 10-foot sections and is held in place by high-strength netting. The internal pipe and couplings meet ASTM F405 requirements. Call 800/221-4436 or visit www.infiltratorsystems.com.
PUMP PACKAGE
Orenco Systems Inc. introduced the Biotube EasyPak pump package, designed to filter and pump effluent from a tank to gravity or pressurized dispersal. Complete packages for on-demand dosing or timed dosing at 10, 30 and 50 gpm are available. The system includes three Biotube effluent filter cartridges, splice box, pump vault, 4-inch turbine effluent pump, float switch assembly, discharge plumbing assembly, and control panel. Call 800/348-9843 or visit www.orenco.com.
AEROBIC TREATMENT SYSTEM
Ecological Tanks Inc. featured the Aqua Safe AS500L-EZ aerobic wastewater treatment system. The unit has a 20-inch poly-urethane riser and 5-foot-tall, low-profile aerobic tank. Its 55-inch inlet height is suited for rocky conditions or high water tables. Compressor and controls are located under a polyurethane cover. Call 800/277-8179 or visit www.etiaquasafe.com.
DRAINAGE UNITS
ICC Technologies LLC introduced the Flowtech drainage unit, which eliminates the need for barrier covers to prevent sand or fine soils from entering drainage systems. An alternative to gravel, the multi-pipe system couples together using standard 4-inch fittings. Its 1-foot by 10-foot by 12-inch-diameter design replaces up to 1,000 pounds of gravel. Made from recycled materials, the system meets the H1-0 load test, soil load test and hydraulic conduct-ivity test. Call 877/422-3569 or visit www. iccflowtech.com.
FLAT RISER LID
Tuf-Tite Inc. presented a 24-inch heavy-duty, multipurpose flat riser lid. The product fits most commercially available risers, IPEX PVC ribbed pipe and corrugated pipe. Secured by six vertical and two horizontal safety screws, the lid has a molded-in permanent polyurethane gasket and is designed to hold 70 pounds of concrete for added safety. Call 800/382-7009 or visit www.tuf-tite.com.
SEWAGE TREATMENT
PekaSys displayed a two-section Clear Rex Bubbler biological treatment unit, designed to transform almost any septic tank into a wastewater treatment system. The pre-assembled, preprogrammed unit is engineered for two to 2,000 users. Developed in Germany, the fully automatic system operates off a 120-volt power supply and requires a 3-foot minimum tank depth.
Treated wastewater consistently meets the U.S. EPA secondary treatment standards of 30 mg/l BOD and 30 mg/l TSS. Data can be transmitted via cell phone, while disruptions can be cleared by sending a message to the system. Pump data also can be called up and viewed at any time. Call 267/242-2303 or visit www.pekasys.com.
ROCK ENCLOSURES
Dekorra Products displayed the Model 113 pedestal rock enclosure, designed to conceal septic vent pipes as well as telephone and cable pedestals up to 33 inches tall. The enclosures measure 18 inches long, 17 inches wide and 34 inches high. Weighing 8 pounds, the pedestals are available in brown riverbed or soft grey fieldstone. Call 888/635-8585 or visit www.dekorraproducts.com.
AEROBIC TREATMENT SYSTEM
Aero-Tech introduced an aerobic treatment system designed to convert wastewater into a clear, odorless liquid. Wastewater enters the 4-inch inlet pipe and is infused with air from a submersible aerator pump at the bottom of the aerobic treatment plant. The venturi created by the pump pulls fresh air from the surface and mixes it with effluent in the bottom of the tank. In the clarifying chamber, the liquid is suspended in the quiet zone, allowing the remaining suspended solids to settle back into the mixing chamber for further treatment. The clear water is then discharged into the disposal system. Call 574/935-0908.
TOWABLE BACKHOE
The Model 6L Go-for-Digger towable backhoe from R.H. & M Machine Co. is designed for small jobs. The excavator has a maximum digging force of 4,500 pounds and a digging depth of 108 inches. With an overall weight of 2,800 pounds, it offers 2,500 psi hydraulic pressure. The rubber-wheeled unit has a transporting height of 90 inches and 7-inch ground clearance. It measures 77.5 inches wide. The bucket has 180-degree rotation, a loading height of 6 feet, and a loading reach of 59 inches. Call 304/296-7000 or visit www.gofordigger.com.
