Sewage Treatment
Industry Served: Water Treatment
Problem:
The Maquoketa, Iowa sewage treatment facility uses a twin disc type reciprocating pump to transfer pretreated sewage sludge from a clarifier to a digester. The twin disc pump is ideal for this application because this type of pump has no valves that can clog or restrict flow. Each disc of the pump transfers about one gallon of liquid with each stroke. The reciprocating action of the pump causes the discharge pipe and other components in the system to vibrate. This constant shaking causes joint leakage and premature failure of instrumentation. Pipe support brackets have been pulled loose from the wall.
Solution:
A Blacoh SENTRY 5 gallon pulsation dampener was installed at the discharge of the pump. The Blacoh dampener contains a rubber bladder inside to separate the sludge from a compressed air charge. The air charge in the dampener alternately compresses and expands as the pump strokes, and allows the dampener to act as a shock absorber and remove shaking from the pipe system.
Result:
Since the SENTRY 5 gallon pulsation dampener was installed, vibration in the system has been reduced, system pressure has stabilized, and no joint leakage or instrument failure has occurred.
Sewage Treatment
Industry Served: Water Treatment
Problem:
The City of Colorado Springs WWTP uses Abel mechanical double diaphragm pumps to transfer sludge throughout their facility. The pump is ideal for their application due to the solids handling capability, and the fact that the pump is a positive displacement pump which allows the flow to be metered. The reciprocating action of the pump causes excessive pulsation in the discharge piping. The constant pulsation has caused broken pipes, failed gaskets, damaged valves, and has pulled pipe supports from foundations.
Solution:
A Blacoh SENTRY I CT2620NF dome top 370 cubic inch pulsation dampener was installed at the discharge of the pump. The Blacoh dampener has a Neoprene bladder that separates the sludge from the compressed air charge. The pulsation dampener acts as a shock absorber on the system by alternately compressing and expanding its gas charge as the pump strokes. This reduces the surge in the system created by the pumping action.
Result:
Since the SENTRY I pulsation dampener was installed, the surge in the system has been dramatically reduced. Valve, pipe joint, and pipe support failure have been eliminated. Installation of Blacoh pulsation dampeners is now a standard practice for the City of Colorado Springs WWTP whenever an Abel pump is installed in their plant.