PROBLEM:
Palestine, Texas, home to over 18,000 residents and processing 25 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater, faced persistent clogging issues in its sewer system due to improperly flushed items such as wipes, plastics, clothing, rags, and trash bags. These materials aggregated into dense “rag balls” that frequently obstructed pumps, leading to frequent and costly equipment downtime. The manual cleaning of three Return-Activated Sludge (RAS) pumps required 21 weekly interventions, amounting to $3,000 in maintenance expenses each week. This process was not only time-consuming but also posed safety risks to maintenance personnel.
After years of research, the city installed three DERAGGER® systems, one for each pump at the plant.
”It’s an incredible solution to an age-old problem.” -Tim Perry, Public Works Director
SOLUTION:
The DERAGGER® systems were designed to continuously monitor the pumps’ amperage, voltage, and hertz outputs, detecting potential overloads and clogs in real time.
DERAGGER® utilizes innovative technology, including Real Time Pump Protection™, which automatically reverses the impeller blades’ direction upon detecting a blockage or rag, effectively clearing the obstruction without the need for manual intervention. This preemptive action not only prevents pump shutdowns but also ensures uninterrupted operation of the wastewater treatment process.
Eight months post-installation, there were no pump shutdowns reported, leading to substantial cost savings exceeding $100,000. The DERAGGER® systems significantly improved operational efficiency, reduced maintenance downtime, and enhanced safety for maintenance personnel.
The success of this initiative garnered local recognition, featuring on Palestine’s local news channel, KLTV.
Energy and cost saving calculations are as reported by City of Palestine, Texas.
