Benefits of customised PCPs for wastewater and sludge treatment applications

The pump industry relies on expertise from a large and varied range of specialists, from experts in particular pump types to those with an intimate understanding of pump reliability, and from researchers who delve into the particulars of pump curves to experts in pump efficiency. To draw upon the wealth of expert knowledge the Australian pump industry has to offer, Pump Industry has established a panel of experts to answer all your pumping questions. 

This edition of Ask an Expert will look at the wide range of benefits offered by using customised progressive cavity pumps for wastewater and sludge treatment applications.

Q: Can progressive cavity (PC) pumps handle sludge with variable dry solids content?

A: Yes, they can efficiently handle a wide variety of sludge applications with differing dry solids content because of their stable flow rates, minimal pulsation, excellent suction lift and high self-priming capabilities.

They also accurately meter flocculants to aid thickening and integrate easily with control systems to maximise productivity.

PC pump manufacturers focus on offering solutions that not only operate effectively, but also ultimately save you costs.

• Energy efficient pumps: lower energy requirements
• Ease of maintenance: pumps designed with quicker and easier access to the drive side and rotor side components without needing to dismantle the pipework
• Extended pump life: high-quality parts, predictive maintenance and pump monitoring options, reduced wear on components
• Flexibility: installation and pump design customised to your application

A modern dewatered sludge handling pump with easy maintenance access – in this case the SEEPEX BTVE range.

Q: One of the industry’s major concerns is reducing energy costs. Do PC pumps offer any special solutions?

A: PC pumps already reduce operating costs because of their efficient operation, but on top of that, several PC pump manufacturers have designed pumps specifically focused on energy-efficient performance.

These newer technologies mean reduced maintenance time, extended service life and significantly reduced lifecycle costs.

One example of modern PC technology – in this case the SEEPEX SCT pump.

Q: Can PC pumps be incorporated into pumping systems?

A: Yes. They can work within various customer systems or be supplied as a complete solution directly from the manufacturer. There are many diverse connection options: control systems, higher-level automation systems, digital monitoring/analysing systems or with macerating, dosing and/or chopping pumps (2-in-1 system).

From primary and thickened sludge transfer to chemical dosing, progressive cavity pumps provide the best pumping solution designed specifically for your application.

A modern PC pump system – in this case showing SEEPEX’s Smart Dosing Pump.

About the Author

Peter Vila, Managing Director of SEEPEX Australia, is a progressive cavity pump expert. He has been involved with pumps for over 40 years. Peter spent the first five years repairing pumps and the following 35 years in technical sales, 20 of which have been with SEEPEX progressive cavity pumps.

For more information on progressive cavity pumps, please contact SEEPEX Australia on (02) 4355 4500 or at [email protected].

Find Related Companies In The Pump Industry Capability Guide

Sykes Group Pty Ltd

Brown Brothers Engineers Australia

Welltech Total Water Management

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