Tips for Choosing Chopper Pumps

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Tips for Choosing Chopper Pumps

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Reliable chopper pumps have been available for more than 50 years. These centrifugal pumps chop incoming solids prior to pumping, to protect the pump from clogging. They benefit downstream components, processes and the environment.

High-performance chopper pumps can process virtually any heavy duty solid that finds its way into the sewage stream, from wipes to rags, and even bulky items like nylon rope, garbage bags and plastic bottles. Choosing the right chopper pump can save money — and hassle — for the long-term.

To ensure reliable, enduring performance, it is important to consider the following factors when choosing among chopper pump brands:

  • Pump design and construction

To ensure the ability to handle severe solids in the effluent stream, it is important to look for chopper pumps made with cast steel that is heat treated for impact and wear resistance. It is also crucial to ask about the pump’s seals — cartridge-style mechanical seals outperform standard single-spring seals by reducing problems associated with wrapping or abrasion. High-performance pumps, such as those from Vaughan, also include auxiliary cutters above and below the impeller for more efficient cutting and less binding on high-fiber slurry. 

  • Manufacturer’s attributes

As most chopper pump applications are custom, it is important to select a manufacturer with extensive in-house design and engineering expertise. Bringing these experts into the process early can help ensure a cost-effective, high-performance solution. For example, companies like Vaughan with expertise in computational fluid dynamics can analyze flow patterns and velocities within their pumps, looking for ways to maximize performance and efficiency. 

An important factor for many municipalities is choosing American-made chopper pumps. Beyond patriotic reasons for using made-in-the-U.S.A. products, U.S.-based chopper pump manufacturers are better able to quickly design and deliver solutions tailored to your specific needs. 

Additionally, it is important to evaluate the manufacturer’s reputation for quality, and to seek one that will guarantee clog-free solids handling with its chopper pumps.

Foreign objects will continue to find their way into the effluent stream and it is important for wastewater professionals to consider chopper pumps for keeping their plants operating smoothly and economically.

For more information, visit Vaughan at chopperpumps.com. 



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