Some Recent Developments in Sewage Sludge Pumping

The pumping of sewage sludge solids is reviewed in terms of handling high and low viscosity materials with solids concentrations varying from about 4 % to perhaps 50 %. Knowledge of rheological characteristics including thixotropy is necessary in designing pumping systems with sludge solids percentages, volatile content, particle size, abrasives content and temperatures being variables which could change pump types found suitable from facility to facility. The characteristics of a sewage collection system is also important in determining pumping parameters needed in a treatment plant. Solids handling equipment from other industries have made significant contributions to sewage solids pumping in recent years. Included are moyno-type progressing cavity screw-centrifugal, recessed impeller rotation piston positive displacement, and two cylinder piston S-transfer positive displacement pumps. Pumping equipment used in the F.R.G. and in Southern California in the U.S.A. is remarkably similar. These types of pumps offer the possibility of designing optimum solids dewatering and transfer systems.