This technology quickly and effectively removes sludge, oftentimes maintaining a zero sludge blanket, which allows the clarifier to handle higher concentrations and prevents the release of soluble phosphorus. But if you investigate the underside, you will most likely observe a considerable amount of corrosion due to lack of paint maintenance and a constant wet/dry environment caused by the rising moisture from the clarifier water surface.Įvoqua offers several retrofit products that can significantly improve the effluent quality and help the plant meet regulations, such as phosphorus removal.Įvoqua, through its Envirex® brand, is the inventor of the Tow-Bro® Hydraulic Sludge Removal System, which features a unitube suction header for uniform sludge removal. Many times, the walkway bridge - providing access from the tank wall out to the drive unit for maintenance - looks to be in great condition because of the ease of maintaining the above-surface coating system. ![]() Operators should also check for corrosion on the influent well, bolted connections at the drive (all three connections: drive to pier, drive to center cage, and drive to bridge), manifold, truss arms, and pay particular attention to skimmer/scum blade support attachments. Many times, there will be a six- or eight-inch-long area where corrosion has reduced the thickness of the structural components. ![]() Operators should position a ladder against the side of the center cage, allowing access for a closer look at where the waterline interfaces with the cage and the center pier. The clarifier basin should be drained and cleaned, including the structural components of the mechanism, in order to effectively check for corrosion. This fluctuation with cycles of wet/dry surfaces and exposure to oxygen creates an excellent environment for corrosion to occur. Most frequently, corrosion occurs at the waterline where there is a fluctuation of water level. For older installations, corrosion ofjust one truss member can also be an issue.Ĭorrosion is pretty easy to detect if you know where to look. The skimmer assembly and scum blade arrangement may be out of proper adjustment, have deformed members from past hang-ups, or the skimmer wipers may need to be replaced. If the depth changes in certain portions of the rotation, it could be an indication of pending clarifier issues. Next, watch to see if the clarifier is operating smoothly by monitoring the non-submerged depth of the scum blade for an entire revolution. Ignoring these signs could lead to a catastrophic failure, which leads to significantly higher costs than rebuilding the drive. But if the drive unit continually vibrates, it is an indication that there is a problem with the bearing, and you should call the manufacturer to have it inspected. There may be some vibration when the skimmer assembly is in contact with the scum trough. ![]() Please exercise caution in following safety procedures when performing this evaluation. ![]() A good, economical method to test the drive is to personally sit on the drive’s main or intermediate housing for a full revolution. Vibration of the circular drive unit is also an indication of issues. “Snap, crackle, and pop” noises originating from the drive unit can indicate there is a broken ball in the main bearing. Is the clarifier making strange noises? Is it operating smoothly? There are a couple key indicators of a problem, most of which can be identified by taking the time to listen and observe the clarifier in operation.
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