Every day, the Metropolitan District (MDC) in Hartford, Connecticut, handles millions of gallons of wastewater that flow through a complex network of over 1,300 miles of sewer lines. This extensive system includes the main treatment facility in Hartford, along with three satellite stations and several pump stations that keep operations running.

Working in wastewater treatment means facing some of the toughest mechanical challenges. Equipment must endure a constant flow of solid waste, debris, and harsh substances like hydrogen sulfide, which can rapidly deteriorate machinery.

“This is one of the most brutal environments for equipment,” says Nick Martel, a maintenance mechanic at MDC.

For years, MDC relied on machines from another manufacturer, but their performance didn’t hold up. Breakdowns were frequent, and the team found themselves rebuilding units as often as every six months.

“The wear and tear were relentless,” Martel explains. “We expect some rebuilding in this kind of setting, but having to do it that often was unsustainable.”

Seeking more durable equipment, MDC began replacing their old machines with Franklin Miller products. Since making the switch, they’ve installed over 30 units from Franklin Miller’s municipal line, including TASKMASTER inline and twin-shaft grinders, as well as open-channel DIMMINUTOR systems.

“The improvement has been significant,” Martel says. “Before, we were lucky to get six to eight months out of a machine. Now, Franklin Miller units are lasting us two years or more.”

Franklin Miller’s TASKMASTER TM8500 grinders are engineered to tackle difficult solids in wastewater with advanced design features. These include robust cartridge-style mechanical seals and the proprietary Cutter Cartridge system — an innovation that consolidates multiple cutter and spacer discs into a single, high-strength unit. This reduces the number of parts and eliminates the need for frequent adjustments. These grinders are adaptable for a variety of setups, whether gravity-fed, pressurized, horizontal or vertical, and are ideal for applications involving sewage, sludge or screenings.

Customer support has also been a major factor in MDC’s satisfaction. “Franklin Miller’s service is top-notch,” says Martel. “They’re responsive and helpful, and their lead times are excellent. It’s a huge contrast from what we were dealing with before, where calls often went unanswered and the parts we got were low-quality imports that didn’t hold up.”

The DIMMINUTOR system further enhances MDC’s capabilities by automatically screening and reducing large solids in open channels. Designed for long-term reliability, its cantilevered setup eliminates the need for seals or bearings near the abrasive channel bottom. With interchangeable cutters and a maintenance-friendly layout, this unit simplifies upkeep while delivering consistent performance.

“Our operations are far more efficient now,” Martel says. “With less downtime and longer-lasting equipment, we’re saving both time and money. Switching to Franklin Miller was the right move.”