The City of Plymouth treats around 150,000 gallons of raw sewage each day. But prior to 2009, the facility faced significant operational challenges. Without a proper headworks system in place, untreated sewage flowed directly into a lagoon. This led to ongoing issues with excessive sludge accumulation and high BOD levels.
To resolve these problems, a city engineer evaluated several solutions and ultimately recommended a comprehensive screening system from Franklin Miller. The technology selected included the SPIRALIFT S and SPIRALIFT SC units, which have been in operation since their installation in 2009 — and with great success.
A reliable and efficient screening solution
According to Greg Wood, chief wastewater operator, the Franklin Miller system has dramatically improved plant performance. “It works great and does exactly what we need. We’ve never had any unexpected shutdowns,” Wood says.
The SPIRALIFT S is designed to remove large solids from the sewage stream. Using a shaftless auger mechanism and integrated brushes, it captures and lifts screened material efficiently, washing and conveying it for further processing.
Once solids are removed from the screen, they are transferred into the SPIRALIFT SC for further conditioning. This unit uses a TASKMASTER grinder to break down the material into consistent particle sizes, enhancing the effectiveness of the washing process. The cleaned solids are then compressed and deposited into a container or bag, significantly reducing volume and weight.
Minimal maintenance, maximum impact
Wood reports that the system has been incredibly low-maintenance. “We oil and clean the equipment once a year, and in more than a decade, we’ve only had to replace the brushes one time,” he notes.
Results that speak for themselves
Prior to the Franklin Miller installation, sludge and BOD-related problems were constant concerns. Since implementing the SPIRALIFT solution, however, those issues have been virtually eliminated.
“It’s made a huge difference for us,” Wood says. “The system runs smoothly, and we don’t have the headaches we used to deal with.”
