Reliability and efficiency are crucial in wastewater management, especially for small communities like the village of Sherman in western New York. This case study delves into how the OverWatch® Direct In-Line Pump System resolved issues at Sherman’s wastewater treatment plant and significantly enhanced overall performance.
Sherman’s Wastewater Management Issues
Frequent Pump Clogs
The village of Sherman operates a forty-year-old treatment plant designed to process 140,000 gallons per day. Despite its effectiveness in removing biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS), the plant faced several challenges due to outdated infrastructure at its lift station:
The centrifugal pumps often clogged due to mop rags and fibrous materials, causing operational disruptions and requiring frequent manual interventions.
Confined-Space Entry Hazards
Maintaining the 20-foot deep, 36-inch diameter wet well posed significant safety risks, requiring specialized gear and protocols. Confined-space entries were necessary for every inspection or repair, putting maintenance personnel at risk.
Disruptive Maintenance Shutdowns
Regular cleaning of bar screens and quarterly vacuum truck operations were necessary, leading to additional labor costs and operational disruptions. These maintenance tasks were essential due to debris accumulation but reduced the plant’s overall efficiency.
High Maintenance Costs
Frequent clogs, manual cleaning efforts, and emergency repairs resulted in escalating maintenance expenses, straining the village’s finances. The operational inefficiencies added a financial burden to the community.
The OverWatch Direct In-Line Pumping Solution
Innovative Technology
Faced with the need for a reliable and efficient solution, Sherman chose the OverWatch Direct In-Line Pump System. This innovative technology lifts influent from the point of entry, eliminating the wet well. It contains influent, reducing odors and maintenance, and its stainless-steel body resists corrosion from harsh materials, making it suitable for municipal, industrial, and commercial use.
Eliminating the Traditional Wet Well
The OverWatch system addressed Sherman’s challenges by eliminating the traditional wet well, which reduced odor emissions and eliminated confined-space entry risks.
Dynamic Flow Adaptation
Equipped with dual 15-horsepower pumps with DIPCut® impellers and variable frequency drives (VFDs), the system adjusts to changing flow conditions. The DIPCut impellers shred and expel debris, preventing clogs and minimizing maintenance.
Quick Installation
The system was installed and integrated in just 11.5 hours, transitioning the wet well to a dry pit configuration and minimizing downtime and costs.
Immediate Benefits of OverWatch System
Enhanced Safety
Confined-space entries were eliminated, ensuring a safer environment for maintenance personnel. This significantly reduced the primary safety hazards associated with maintenance operations.
Cost Savings
The reduction in pump clogs and the elimination of weekly bar screen cleaning and quarterly septic tank maintenance led to significant labor and operational savings. The village achieved substantial cost savings by implementing the OverWatch system.
Operational Efficiency
Continuous monitoring and self-cleaning capabilities ensured uninterrupted operation, improving the efficiency and reliability of wastewater management processes. The OverWatch system enhanced overall performance and operational efficiency.
Future Applications and Recommendations
Broader Implementation Potential
The success of the OverWatch system in Sherman highlights its potential for broader use. Retrofitting existing wet wells with this system can enhance operational efficiency and reduce maintenance tasks, such as weekly bar screen cleaning and quarterly vacuum truck operations.
Cost-Effective Solutions
OverWatch offers cost-effective solutions for new pumping station installations, addressing excavation challenges and lowering initial construction expenses. This system provides significant financial benefits and operational improvements.
Environmental Benefits
OverWatch delivers environmental benefits by eliminating odors and minimizing the ecological footprint. This game-changing technology not only eliminates the wet well but also addresses clogs, odors, gases, and maintenance issues, lifting influent directly from the gravity invert.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Improvement
The village of Sherman’s experience with the OverWatch Direct In-Line Pump System marks a pivotal improvement in their wastewater management, addressing severe operational challenges and positively impacting the environment. By implementing this advanced technology, Sherman significantly enhanced its wastewater management infrastructure and achieved remarkable results.