NW’s remit was to remove the existing sludge transfer pumps and pipework, and to design, supply, install, test and commission a replacement system.

NW installed an auto desludge pumping system comprising cast iron gate valves, cast iron check valves, ductile iron pipes, fittings and accessories. The system included a SCADA interface for remote control of the pumping system.

The system was successfully tested and commissioned to United Utilities specifications.

Although hydraulic factors contributed to the selection of this unique design package, the fact that the pumps are pneumatically driven (no electrics), together with the robustness of the pump itself, satisfied the safety and anti-vandalism requirements at this site.

Each of the five pumps works independently, drawing sludge from the five rotating screens, and sending it to the relevant process on site.

The pumps work on a suction lift, another good reason for selecting the Air Driven Diaphragm pump package, with its ability to operate in these arduous conditions, especially when the sludge consistency varies considerably.

NW Pump and Valve also supplied a custom-built pneumatic automatic controller/timer to sequence the pumps to suit the operators’ working cycle and also to interface with the new electrical controls installed on the site.

To complement the pump package, NW Pump and Valve supplied and installed two pneumatic compressors (duty/standby) to supply clean air for pump operation.

More information on the Air Driven Diaphragm pumping system