Onsite installers looking to stay ahead of the competition saw the latest industry innovations at the 30th Annual Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International, Feb. 24-27, in Louisville, Ky.
A total of 8,784 attendees from 3,921 companies viewed products from 493 vendors at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Among the offerings were the latest in advanced treatment systems, pump units, progressive filters, electronic monitoring devices, labor-saving equipment and innovative accessories. Here’s a sampling of innovations found on the show floor:
ADVANCED TREATMENT SYSTEM
The Advanced Enviro-Septic wastewater treatment system from Presby Environmental is NSF Standard 40 certified and designed to remove up to 99 percent of contaminants. The unit treats and disperses waste in the same footprint, requires no energy and needs no computer controls, media replacement or special maintenance.
Warm effluent enters the system and is cooled to ground temperature. As suspended solids separate, skimmer tabs capture grease and suspended solids. Pipe ridges enable the effluent to flow uninterrupted and aid in cooling. Bio-Accelerator fabric screens additional solids, developing a biomat that provides treatment and accelerates biomat development. A mat of coarse fibers separates more solids as effluent passes into the geotextile fabric and grows a protected bacterial surface. Sand wicks liquid from the fabric, enabling air to reach the bacterial surface to break down solids. 800/473-5298; www.presbyenvironmental .com.
GRINDER PUMP
The 2 hp W202GDS grinder pump from Webtrol features a hardened stainless steel shredding ring and grinding cutter. The recessed (vortex) impeller design reduces bearing load and prevents clogging. Internal capacitors eliminate the need for external controls. A silicon carbide mechanical seal with secondary lip seal helps prevent leakage, while the oil-filled motor dissipates heat. The pump has a 30-foot cord and 1.25-inch discharge and operates on 230 volts. With a cast-iron body with ductile iron base, the pump delivers 5 to 40 gpm with a total dynamic head of 103 to 45 feet. 800/769-7867; www.webtrol.com.
PROGRESSIVE EFFLUENT FILTER
The ML3 effluent filter from Bear Onsite uses three progressive stages of filtration. Sidewall vents prevent gases from collecting and an open area (or quiet zone) works to slow the effluent movement and enhance settling of solids. Solids are exposed to 123.94 square inches of filter cartridge interface, of which 96.37 square inches are below the outlet invert.
The passive filtration system has three baffle walls. The first blocks particles greater than 3/16 inch. Smaller particles pass through to a second baffle wall that blocks particles greater than 1/8 inch. The final baffle wall blocks remaining particles greater than 1/16 inch. The filter system includes an alarm that alerts the homeowner to the need for service. The housing for the vertical reed switch is molded within the filter, protected from unfiltered effluent that could trigger false alarms. 877/653-4583; www.bearonsite.com.
TOWABLE MINI-EXCAVATOR
The towable mini-excavator from TMX has a built-in trailer and lock-out drive hubs that enable it to be towed at highway speeds with a pickup, van or other light-duty vehicle. The 20 hp, gasoline-powered excavator has a bucket digging force of 4,050 pounds, dipper force of 2,550 pounds, digging depth of 8 feet and loading height of 7 feet 2 inches. The unit has a 62-inch minimum swing radius and 140-degree boom swing.
The 72-inch back-fill blade has a 6-inch maximum machine lift and 21-degree tilt. The hydraulic system delivers 10 gpm/3,600 rpm and has a 3/8-inch flat-face quick disconnect. Measuring 151 inches long, 74.5 inches wide and 79 inches high, the unit weighs 2,941 pounds and has a tongue weight of 380 pounds. Armrest-mounted joystick controls are provided for both digging and grading. The seat is offset 4 inches for an unobstructed view of the bucket. 515/745-8352; www.tmx-excavator.com.
MOVABLE HITCH ADAPTER
The TeleSwivel hitch adapter from Williams Innovations lets users connect a truck and trailer in a single pass virtually every time. The adapter has a target zone 25 times larger than a standard ball hitch. The coupler inserts into any 2-inch receiver. To use, the operator backs into position, swivels the hitch into place, connects, and backs up to lock the hitch into place for travel. The adapter is Class IV rated for up to 10,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 1,000-pound tongue weight. It accepts any size ball. The BX model accepts a three-ball or pintel hitch, while the Pro adapter is rated at 14,000 pounds and comes with a 2 5/16 and 2-inch ball as well as pintel capability. It also has 7 inches of drop for easier hookup. 919/794-5484; www.teleswivel.com.
ONSITE TREATMENT SYSTEM
The Singulair Green onsite treatment system from Norweco is an advanced aerobic treatment system in a durable, watertight polyethylene tank that weighs less than 800 pounds. The system has a pretreatment chamber, an aeration chamber, and a clarification chamber that automatically equalizes influent and effluent flow through all stages of treatment.
Each chamber is manufactured separately and pinned together and welded for a watertight fit. The unit has Bio-Kinetic risers with sealed or vented lids. The Singulair aerator is powered by a 1,725-rpm, 115-volt, fractional horsepower motor. Molded internal walls allow the tank to be installed up to 3 feet below grade, while its ribbed-arch shape allows use of most soils for backfill and usually eliminates the need for water during installation. An anti-flotation option is available. 419/668-4471; www.norweco.com.
PERCOLATION TESTING SYSTEM
The E-Z Perk automated percolation testing system from Percolation Technologies Inc. performs pretests and long and short tests. The pretest automatically determines whether a short or long test is required. Features include a user-friendly interface for quick and easy setup. It can print out perk test information and record the site location using an onboard GPS. The 24-pound main unit and 15-pound remote unit are powered by a 12-volt rechargeable battery. Designed for use in 40 to 120 degree F temperatures and hole depths from 5 to 39 inches, the units deliver 0.1-inch resolution and 0.02-inch accuracy. 320/258-2873; www.percolationtechnologies.com.
FLOATLESS TECHNOLOGY
The C-Level wet well sensor from SJE-Rhombus is used with select Installer Friendly Series panels. The unit uses floatless technology to monitor tank pressure, sending a signal to the control panel, which displays the reading in inches or centimeters. Pump activation levels can be adjusted using the panel’s touch pad.
One sensor replaces up to four floats and can be used with either timed-dose or demand-dose applications. In timed dosing the sensor replaces the redundant off float, timer-enabled float, timer-override float and alarm float. In demand dosing, the sensor replaces the stop float, start float, alarm float and lag float. The IFS panel also can accommodate a redundant off float and alarm float when desired. 888/342-5753; www.sjerhombus.com.
TANK INSPECTION CAMERA
The Tank Inspection Camera from Remote Vision System inspects septic tanks and other enclosures that are physically inaccessible or too hazardous to enter. The portable, pole-mounted video camera system is fully portable and includes camera, 4- or 5-inch TV monitor, 18-foot telescoping pole, 50 to 75 feet of cable, 12-volt battery, power cords and carrying case. The system can operate in an opening as small as 3.5 inches and is designed for overhead as well as underground viewing.
The Elite Remote Vision System includes a digital video recorder. Data can be downloaded and viewed on a computer or TV screen. The Premier model can be coupled with a DVR to record all video. 612/221-6690; www.remotevisionsystem.com.
DECORATIVE LANDSCAPE LIDS
Decorative fiberglass Landscape Lids by Orenco are watertight and durable and can support a 2,500-pound wheel load. Designed for secure covering of septic system risers and irrigation valve boxes, the lids come with stainless steel hex-drive screws and a hex key. Tamper-proof bolts are available. The lids come in grass, river rock and bark mulch patterns in 18-, 24- and 30-inch diameters to fit AX20 and AX100 pods. 800/348-9843; www.orenco.com.
LOW-PROFILECHAMBER
The Quick4 Plus standard low-profile chamber from Infiltrator Systems Inc. stands 8 inches tall and is designed for shallow applications, such as high groundwater tables in as little as 6 inches of soil. Four center structural columns add strength. Available in 4-foot lengths, the 34-inch wide chamber can be installed in a 36-inch trench. A Contour Swivel Connection permits 10-degree turns right and left. The Quick4 Plus Equalizer 36 low-profile chamber, also 8 inches tall, is 22 inches wide and can be installed in a 24-inch wide trench. 800/221-4436; www.infiltratorsystems.com.
UV DISINFECTION
The PL-UV1 ultraviolet disinfection unit from Polylok Inc. is designed to meet stringent environmental permit requirements. The unit provides a UV dose greater than 40,000 microwatts per square centimeters at 254 nanometers and has a transmissivity quality of 65 percent. Flow rates range from 100 gpd to 8,640 gpd (gravity flow only). The system provides lamp operation temperature in the range of 104 to 120 degrees F and is designed to reduce fecal coliform by 99 percent.
A current sensing circuit automatically monitors performance of the UV bulb and assures proper operation. The system also can be monitored externally. Features include dual-pass design, waterproof electrical components, and long-life UV bulb encased in a transparent quartz sleeve. The unit consists of a NEMA 4X electrical enclosure with internal ballast, solid-state circuit board, 4-inch inlet and outlet hub, turbulence inducer, and ABS housing. 800/701-3942; www.polylok.com.
DROP-IN TREATMENT UNIT
The Fusion Series treatment system from Zoeller Pump Co. is a four-stage unit that combines anaerobic, aerobic, recirculation, fixed-film and backwash processes. The pre-assembled drop-in unit can be adapted to existing systems and does not require a septic tank unless mandated by local regulations. The small footprint and advanced treatment capacity are designed for long-term sustainability. Its anaerobic and aerobic media never need to be removed or replaced. All system components are accessible from the surface without use of specialized tools. 800/928-7867; www.zoeller.com.
