3.2.22 Non clogging pump

Non clogging pump

Non clogging pumps are mainly used as sewage pumps for pumping untreated sewage. Sewage pumps are thoroughly explained in page 3.616 Sewage pump but other types of non-clogging pumps are available. Pumps, similar in design to sewage handling pumps, are used for transporting larger solids by means of water. Objects such as large, whole fish, fruit and root vegetables.

The channel areas and shapes being designed to cause the least amount of damage to the object being pumped. In direct contrast there are other types of  non-clogging or choke less pumps where deliberate attempts are made to finely disintegrate the matter being transported. Apart from sewage handling pumps with a built-in fine disintegration device (clean cutter) there are pumps specially developed for the handling of sludge and waste within the food processing industry (see page 3.2.15 for specifics on Food Processing Pumps) , see figure 3.222a and figure 3.222b.

Figure 3.222a Waste pump with compression screw for feeding an integrated centrifugal pump unit

Figure 3.222b Oblique disc pump (Gorator pump) for simultaneous disintegration and pumping

Another way to pump larger solids is to crush and grind the solids into small pieces. A macerator, crusher, chopper or rotor rake can be used as a stand alone or a pump combination unit. The main purpose of any of these combinations (macerator pump, crusher pump, chopper pump or rotor rake pump) is to grind sewage solids into a liquid and subsequently pump this liquid to the sewage system. By macerating the sewage in this way, all solids and fibres are destroyed. It is easier for the liquid to be passed through sewage tubes and the chance of blockage is reduced.

Figure 3.222c Macerator pump unit