Future-ready submersible pumping stations

Proper planning and submersible mixers help pumping stations handle pollutants, ensuring smooth wastewater flow and future readiness for heavy loads.

Submersible mixers can be an innovative solution when pumping stations must handle heavy pollutant loads, from heavy rain to increased effluents or fibres.

Wastewater facilities are vital to our daily lives and the businesses and industries we rely on for a wide variety of goods. Proper planning is half the battle in keeping them running.

Today, most modern pumping stations are already designed to handle temporary or even permanent pollutant loads without major difficulties.

Several key conditions must be met to ensure optimal performance of wastewater pumping stations. First, the pump sump should be precisely sized and shaped to facilitate efficient fluid flow and prevent sediment build-up.

Second, selecting the right impeller type and ensuring an adequate free passage size is crucial. For example, free-flow impellers are ideal for fluids with high gas and sand content, accommodating dry solids content of up to 7 per cent with an efficiency of 59 per cent. In contrast, multi-channel impellers suit pre-treated wastewater with lower contamination, offering efficiencies of up to 86 per cent.

Third, operating modes must be designed to prevent hydraulic system overloads. For example, concentrated peak loads from stormwater overflow basins must be managed so that they last only a few minutes.

Finally, controlling pollution content is essential by ensuring that solids do not bypass mechanical screens, which could otherwise lead to clogging and system inefficiencies. Implementing these measures, as recommended by KSB, promotes the reliable and efficient operation of wastewater facilities.

Among these conditions, pollutants are the most challenging to manage. Retained loads can create a significant bottleneck for pump sumps. As cities expand and extreme weather events become more frequent, it’s crucial to ensure that these vital facilities are prepared to handle heavy loads, both now and in the future.

Flexible, effective, low maintenance

How do you handle extreme pollutant loads in a wastewater network? Small, submersible mixers have proven to be an extremely successful solution. They help suspend settled solids and fibres that can move out of a sump or basin more quickly and efficiently.

No two wastewater systems are exactly alike, and pumping needs can vary. Submersible mixers offer a suitable solution since they can be selected according to the situation at hand, such as the specific fluid composition or size of the sump. When chosen correctly, just one small mixer can generally cover the total sump volume.

In addition to mixing movable solids in liquids, submersible mixers provide further advantages. These mixers rank among the most versatile and efficient options for enhancing wastewater treatment, offering outstanding flexibility in both operation and positioning within a tank. Regarding their operation and timing, the mixers should be activated shortly before the pumping process starts and deactivated prior to the pumps commencing. This method effectively distributes pollutant loads throughout the entire fluid volume, fostering ideal conditions for pumping.

Once homogenised, the fluid can be transported immediately, preventing pollutants from becoming trapped in the sump. In terms of placement, stagnant zones in the tank can be targeted by directing the mixer’s jet core towards localised deposits, ensuring thorough suspension. Areas supported by structural design or approach flow typically do not require additional intervention. These operational advantages make submersible mixers an essential tool for effective wastewater management. The mixer can also be positioned to mix floating sludge for transport with the fluid.

Submersible mixers are also efficient, as they do not slow down wastewater pumping systems. The volume flow rate remains the same, ensuring the complete transport of solids content and eliminating the need for extra cleaning.

The advantages of mixers

Due to their flexibility and efficiency, submersible mixers are vital components in modern wastewater management systems. They are designed to handle pollutants, settled solids and fibres, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operations even in challenging conditions. One of their key strengths is their ability to adapt to specific system requirements. By selecting the appropriate mixer for the fluid composition and sump size, wastewater facilities can achieve optimal performance tailored to their unique needs.

A significant advantage of submersible mixers is their ability to meet the pumping demands of an entire sump with just one unit. This reduces equipment costs and simplifies system complexity, making them a cost-effective choice. Additionally, submersible mixers do not reduce the flow rate of wastewater, ensuring that overall system efficiency is maintained even as the mixers work to homogenise fluids.

The mixers excel in homogenising fluids, allowing for the complete transport of pollutants without leaving residue in the sump. This eliminates the need for extra cleaning measures, saving time and resources. Their adaptability in placement further enhances their efficiency. Mixers can be strategically positioned to target stagnant zones, preventing blockages and ensuring an even distribution of pollutants across the sump.

Submersible mixers are also designed with energy efficiency in mind. Their low energy consumption reduces operational costs and contributes to sustainable wastewater management. Furthermore, their compact and durable design makes them reliable and straightforward, ensuring consistent performance over long periods.

Another advantage of submersible mixers is their operational flexibility. They can be operated on demand, allowing precise control over pollutant distribution and timing to suit system requirements. This level of control enhances the overall efficiency of wastewater facilities, making them an indispensable solution for facilities of all sizes.

All-in solutions for mixer applications

Beyond KSB’s high-performing components, customers rely on KSB for their far-reaching expertise. KSB has an in-depth process and applications expertise to support you with systems planning and selecting the proper mixers, pumps and valves for your facilities.

Based on decades of experience, KSB has developed advanced submersible mixer technology for industries as diverse as sludge treatment, biogas plants, stormwater tanks and theme parks.

For more information, visit ksb.com