| FOR more than 50 years, US-based Vaughan Company has been a market leader in manufacturing chopper pumps. With more than 25,000 units in service worldwide, the Vaughan Chopper Pump has not only proven its value in problem solving, but has also established itself as the reliable alternative to conventional pumping. Having designed and built chopper pumps for more than half a century, Vaughan is constantly keeping one step ahead of the competition by releasing new configurations, larger sizes, and advances in efficiency. Having tried everything, they know what works and what doesn’t. For this reason, and unlike other pump manufacturers, Vaughan will guarantee that their pump will not clog, providing assurance to the end user of clog-free solids handling performance. Vaughan Chopper Pumps are not to be confused with other types or brands of chopper pumps, cutter pumps, grinder pumps or macerators. Solids in suspension that enter the suction end of the pump are chopped by the cupped and sharpened impeller blades turning across a stationary cutter bar, creating a smooth “slicing” effect. The conditioned slurry is then easily pumped away without the risk of clogging. All major components, including the impeller, cutter bar, upper cutter and cutter nut are heat treated to a minimum 60 Rockwell C hardness for maximum wear and impact resistance. Vaughan Chopper Pumps are designed to withstand the toughest operating environments. Reducing costs associated with unplanned maintenance and achieving significant savings on energy consumption are just two of the major benefits gained by installing a Vaughan Chopper Pump. Local authority pump stations, in particular, are subjected to ever increasing volumes of difficult to pump material including rag, plastics and hair – creating continual clogging and plugging problems for existing pumping equipment. The “non-clog” impeller pumps of today, while sufficient for simple applications, are unable to cope with the heavy loadings of solids they are subjected to daily. These problem sites tend to be located near high traffic areas such as prisons, hospitals, airports, restaurants and malls. Labour, personnel and equipment call outs are costing both Councils and ratepayers significant amounts of time and money on an annual basis. Even in the most severe environments where pump station operation is required 24/7, studies have shown that in most cases, installation of a Vaughan Chopper Pump will provide payback to the operator in less than a year, all while remaining clog-free. Wastewater applications Local authority wastewater treatment plant applications can also present major challenges for pumps and associated equipment, including the pumping of screenings and septage containing raw, concentrated solids that are notoriously difficult to pump. Vaughan Chopper Pumps are ideal for use in such applications where “roping” and clogging can cause problems for downstream equipment and processes, such as clarifier scum pits and clarifier underflow to thickeners. The heavy duty design and 100,000 hour minimum B10 bearing life of the Vaughan Chopper Pump makes it ideal for critical duties, including the transfer and preconditioning of return and waste activated sludge, thickened and digested sludge, and F.O.G (Fats, Oils and Greases), where organic wastes are processed to enhance methane production in digesters. The Vaughan Chopper Pump also plays a pivotal role in Vaughan’s ROTAMIX System, a cost-effective means of mechanical hydraulic mixing for digesters, sludge storage tanks, and other high volume applications. Based in Christchurch, Pump Systems Ltd is the Authorised Factory Representative for Vaughan Company, and has been looking after Vaughan sales in Australia and New Zealand for 18 years. Responsible for having solved some of the most challenging solids pumping and mixing problems in the region, Pump Systems offers proven expertise and experience for both municipal and industrial wastewater applications. |
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The ultimate in non-clog solids pumping
General
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
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