Growing health and hygiene interests, along with the pandemic have increased the volume of non-flushable items in the wastewater system. Our pursuit for convenience and healthy personal habits also means non-flushable items like wet wipes will continue to grow. Changing public perceptions and pumps using anti-jam technology offer a solution.

Despite the marketing, these products are not truly flushable. They do not break down, and often back up in pipes, growing into sinewy masses. As a result, these quickly block sewage infrastructure, clog screens or filters and damage other treatment plant equipment and pumps.

Wastewater pumping problems

Downtime, maintenance outlays and capital expenses are rising due to increased treatment plant labour costs and equipment repair or replacement requirements. At a time of rising prices, the cost is solving these issues runs into millions or pounds a year for each water company.

Worse still, wastewater can overflow, or back up into local residences due to pump jams, posing an otherwise preventable public health risk. There are ways to help mitigate the issues that non-flushable items are inflicting on wastewater infrastructure.

The most obvious measure is educating the public to observe appropriate disposal practices. For example, there are indications that by increasing awareness people can change their habits. Manufactures of these products can be part of the solution in terms of advertising product standards and labelling.

Anti-jam technology for pumps

In parallel, there are technology solutions available. VSDs with anti-jam pump technology are quite effective in limiting clogs and pump damage.

The anti-jam function found in high-performance VSDs helps prevent clogging and fouling of pump impellers. For example, they can initiate a back-and-forth action in the water flow to clear them or remove obstructions from pipes and valves.

Furthermore, VSDs offer other benefits including lower energy consumption, precise control, and reduced maintenance. Additionally, their connectivity and intelligence options can identify potential problems in real-time, so operators can prevent damage to equipment before it happens.

Three anti-clogging solutions for new or existing installed bases

To help clear obstructions caused by non-flushable items entering the waste stream, industry professionals have three major solutions available. Starting with the most sophisticated and progressing to the simplest and most economical, they are:

1. A VSD equipped with integrated anti-jam function

Schneider Electric is a leading provider of motor control technology, and products like the ATV650 can significantly reduce the need for manual clog removal, with its resulting expense and downtime.

2. A VSD or soft starter, plus a PLC

Using a motor’s absorbed current feedback to provides motor speed and direction control. This helps reduce the overall risk of clogging and impeller damage in wastewater infrastructure.

3. Motor protection and current monitoring module

This simplified, hybrid solution for installations with traditional motor start-up methods can initiate forward and reverse rotation to help keep pipes and motors clog-free.

Finding a permanent solution to non-flushable items in wastewater systems is likely to take more time and a concerted effort. Yet anti-jam pump technology solutions are available today to mitigate the issue and lessen the costly impact to crucial sewage infrastructure.