When investing in Washer Compactor technology, site owners need a unit that is dependable, inexpensive to operate, and reliable. Sounds simple enough, right? It should be – until you are forced to consider the very common issues that plague most Washing Compacting units.
Most Washing Compacting challenges are caused by variations in debris volume, whether the fluctuation comes over the course of one day or from season to season. Without consistent debris volumes, Washer Compactor units struggle to maintain consistent dry solids content. Single-auger designs can be stopped by large or clinging debris, which packs into units until it is simply rotating with the auger rather than moving forward toward discharge. Lastly, continual washing of debris can become unexpectedly expensive, especially when units require potable water rather than plant water.
These issues cut into the operational benefits that site owners expect from the equipment, creating expensive maintenance and unreliable performance. To ensure an investment in Washer Compactor technology that will pay off over time, consider these five capabilities critical to effective Washer Compactor technology.
1. Reduction of Debris Volume
Ideally, a Washer Compactor will provide a reduction of up to 84% in debris volume, significantly reducing landfill costs.
2. Creation of Dry Solids
Look for a Washer Compactor that provides up to 60% dry solids content and up to 60% mass/weight reduction for the best possible decrease in fecal content and odor.
3. Acceptance of Variable Debris
Rocks, chunks of asphalt, concrete or metal, large clothing items, and large volumes of septage and grease are not classified as "typical" wastewater debris. However, on any given day, any and all of these items may find their way into a wastewater channel – some with regularity! An efficient Washer Compactor will accept both the typical wastewater debris and the debris that falls just outside those guidelines without jamming or interruption of performance.
4. Positive Displacement Technology – What Goes In, Comes Out
Many single-auger designs tend to be stopped by large or clinging debris. Due to the adhesive nature and friction properties of most wastewater debris, single-auger designs can pack this material until it simply rotates with the auger, rather than moving forward to discharge the debris and grease. When this occurs, operator intervention is required to assure that the unit's operation can continue. Look for units with a second counter-rotating auger, such as the Duperon® Washer Compactor. This second auger interrupts the rotation of debris adhered to the first auger, assuring positive displacement and the continual forward movement of all types of debris, from solids and textiles to grease and septage.
5. Reliable Compaction – Regardless of Flow Volume
Washing Compacting technology typically struggles when changes in volume occur. However, no plant can guarantee constant, consistent volumes at each channel. When a Washer Compactor is designed for high volumes, it typically will not perform well under low volume conditions, allowing the plug to act as a sponge and expand; likewise, when designed for low volumes, a high volume flow is likely to cause over-compression and damage to the unit. Maintenance of pressure is key to effective compaction – and this is typically impossible under varying flows.
The Duperon® Washer Compactor utilizes a Self-Adjusting Compaction housing, which maintains pressure when debris volumes are low and mechanically adjusts to maintain reasonable pressure when volumes increase. This Self-Adjusting Compaction housing allows for a much more forgiving approach to Washer Compactor technology – and the ability to efficiently process debris regardless of flow volume.
Washer Compactor units that employ these five capabilities will provide many benefits for the sites they service, such as reduced maintenance, reduced odor, reduced landfill costs, and reduced power consumption.
Give us a call 1-800-383-8479