Portfolio Categories: Solids Pumping

A large paper mill in Sydney required a reliable solids handling pump capable of transferring pulp waste slurry with high concentrations of suspended solids such as cardboard, strapping, etc. The solution offered was a Vaughan model SP8N self-priming chopper pump direct coupled to a 55 kW, 6-pole speed electric motor. As a result of this pump’s success, additional Vaughan self-priming pumps have been supplied for various other critical applications at the plant.

Situated in the south of Sydney, the Macarthur Resource Recovery Park is the city’s largest alternative waste technology processing plant. At the heart of plant lies the Ecolibrium Mixed Waste Facility, which involves biological digestion with outputs of fertiliser, water and biogas containing up to 75% methane. Due to the difficult nature of the waste being processed, the plant utilises up to sixteen Vaughan E-Series horizontal end suction chopper pumps throughout various areas of the plant where solids in suspension can cause clogging problems in pipe work and associated equipment.

A large wine producer in New Zealand was struggling to overcome continuous pump clogging problems in their main wastewater sump due to heavy loading of leaves, bottle caps, string, plastic caps and strapping. The original pumps that were installed for the job simply could not cope and as a result, a screen had to be installed on the suction to filter out suspended solids. Screening the waste only caused more problems, as solids would simply become “blanketed” over the screen, restricting pump flow. By installing a Vaughan chopper pump, any previous clogging risk was instantly eliminated meaning that the suction screen could be removed.

Pump Systems supplied a Vaughan vertical wet well chopper pump to a large processing company in New Zealand for pumping wastewater containing sheep casings, mucosa, slime, threads and intestines. Material of this nature is notoriously difficult to pump, as most pumps will not cope due to clogging and binding of impellers and shafts. Pump Systems Ltd were able to offer the perfect solution with the patented chopping action of a Vaughan chopper pump.

A poultry company in NZ was looking for a way to transfer turkey feathers to their rendering plant. Approximately 1.5 tonnes per hour of turkey feathers are processed daily and the feathers can reach up to 350 mm long with quill diameters up to 8 mm. Pump Systems designed a new system using a Vaughan horizontal chopper pump so that high concentrations of feathers in water could be chopped and broken down prior to being screened and rendered.