Problems caused by the proliferation of so-called “flushable” wipes have pump manufacturers playing catch-up.

Most grinder pumps on the market have radial cutters, which grind waste into a fine slurry. Those are susceptible to clogging, though. Axial cutters, on the other hand, are designed to chop refuse into pieces that will pass through a small-diameter discharge. Those axial cutters, however, still leave solids in the waste stream that can clog filters and downstream piping.

Ashland Pump attempts to solve both problems with the AGP-HC200 Grinder Pump, which the company featured at the 2016 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show.

The unit includes “double-edged sword” grinding technology, according to Jason Davis, Ashland Pump director of engineering. Its cutter includes both radial and axial cutters that the company claims are designed to handle the “flushable” items that aren’t always so flushable.

“Most of the grinder pumps out there are radial, but with the new waste stream, you need the scissor-cutting action that axial cutters provide, especially for wipes,” says Davis. “We designed this pump to provide the best of what you can expect from radial and axial systems.”

The hybrid cutting system chops and cuts fibrous material, while turning soft solids into slurry. Not only are downstream solids minimized, preventing clogging, the radial cutters continue to make slurry that can be filtered through most septic and lift station filtration systems. The cutter system has serrations that grab fibers while maintaining strength and holding an edge, while a slinger system prevents the wrapping of shop rags and other fibrous material that can lead to clogging.

FIELD TESTING

“We’ve been doing some pretty extensive testing on this unit in the field over the last year, and it’s passed all our tests with flying colors,” says Davis. “One issue you can see with axial pumps is clogging when the blades get dull. The radial portion of this pump helps stop that clogging, as the blades don’t dull as easily.”

The pump includes an ergonomic handle/lifting rail, quick-connect power and control cords, a choice of internal or external start components, Viton O-rings, an energy-efficient motor, a double-row angular contact lower bearing, and the choice of either vertical or horizontal discharge. Davis feels the unit is a good fit across a variety of applications.

“It’s certainly a solid fit for residential and light-commercial settings, and can be used with septic systems or low-pressure sewer discharge,” he says. “It’s also a technology that is scalable up to wastewater treatment plant units. The wipes issue is certainly one that we see across multiple areas, and this technology is our answer for that.”

While the AGP-HC200 was rolled out at the WWETT Show, Ashland Pump has had several units being tested in the field over the last year, according to Davis. The company also received positive feedback from customers.

“Many of our customers came to the show this year just to see and learn about this pump,” says Davis. “I’ve spoken with many people who are pretty excited to give it a try. We’re getting great results from our testing in the field. It’s an innovation that we’re feeling very positive about.”

Ashland Pump is a longtime exhibitor at the WWETT Show, and Davis says the company makes a point of rolling out its new technology annually in Indianapolis. He says the goal is to have the AGP-HC200 available by early summer.

“I feel that this technology will revolutionize the grinder pump market,” says Davis. 855/281-6830; www.ashlandpump.com.