With more non-flushable waste entering sewer systems, recent testing in Berlin has shown that Vaughan’s wastewater chopper pump offers reliable, clog-free performance under high solids loads.
Wastewater systems are facing an increasing amount of non-biodegradable solids than ever before. Pumps need to work harder to keep these systems running without blockages. In 2024, researchers at Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) tested the Vaughan HE6W8CS-118 wastewater chopper pump. The test confirmed that the pump performs well under difficult, real-world conditions.
These results support Vaughan’s strong reputation in solids-handling. For Australian water utilities, local councils and pump operators, it offers confidence that this pump can handle growing wastewater challenges.
How the pump was tested in Berlin
Professor Dr Paul Uwe Thamsen and his team at TU Berlin designed a test to reflect what pumps face in actual wastewater networks. They made artificial wastewater using wet wipes, one of the biggest causes of clogs in sewers today.
To assess the performance of the Vaughan wastewater chopper pump, the team conducted two key tests. The first was a short-term functional performance test. It checked how well the pump could pass solids at three different levels—75, 150, and 300 wipes. The second was a long-term test. In this test, the same wastewater mix was run in a loop for 60 minutes to simulate ongoing use.
Both tests measured the amount of waste passed and the amount retained in the pump. The results were scored on a scale of 0 to 1. A score above 0.70 meant the pump performed very well.
Near-perfect results under all loads
The Vaughan HE6W8CS-118 is a 300mm horizontal chopper pump with a flow rate of 300 cubic metres per hour, a total dynamic head of 9.6 metres, and an efficiency of 71.7 per cent at 1,460 RPM. In functional performance testing, the pump achieved a score of 0.94 with 75 wipes, 0.93 with 150 wipes, and 0.98 with 300 wipes.
In the long-term test, the pump continued to perform well, scoring 0.85 under low load and 0.90 under both medium and high loads. These results show that the pump handled solid waste without clogging and maintained its efficiency throughout extended use.
Reliable pumping for Australian wastewater systems
Australian networks also face problems with wipes and other solid waste. Many councils and utilities are investing in upgrades to reduce the frequency of breakdowns. Choosing the right pump is a key part of that process.
The Vaughan wastewater chopper pump’s test results offer real evidence that it can handle harsh conditions. Its ability to avoid clogging helps cut unplanned downtime, reduce maintenance costs and support long-term system performance, especially in areas with ageing infrastructure or fast-growing populations.
Built to perform where it matters most
Vaughan pumps have long been used in harsh environments, from agriculture to industry. The strong results from TU Berlin back up the pump’s reputation for long-lasting, high-solids performance.
With the ability to chop, move, and clear waste without clogging, the HE6W8CS-118 is a solid choice for pump stations, treatment plants, and other sites that handle challenging wastewater flows.
Vaughan chopper pumps are available in Australia and New Zealand through Pump Systems, the official regional distributor. Based in New Zealand, Pump Systems provides engineering expertise and local support to help clients select and implement the right solids-handling pump solutions. Their partnership with Vaughan ensures that customers across both countries have access to world-class chopper pump technology backed by reliable service and technical advice.
For more information, visit pumpsystems.co.nz
