Residential, Commercial & Industrial Sewage Applications
While sewage is something we generally prefer not to think about or see, the consequences of a poorly functioning sewage pump system very quickly becomes apparent. There are pumping solutions available to manage all sizes and complexities of sewage systems. Here, we cover common sewage pump applications within domestic, commercial and industrial settings.
Residential sewage applications
In a domestic setting the purpose of a sewage pump is generally to move sewage to the sewage system or septic tank where gravity alone can’t get the job done. An automatic pump will use a floating switch to turn the pump off when the sewage level reaches a predetermined point. Domestic submersible sewage pumps will generally range in power from 0.75 to 2.2 kilowatts for an average household.
Commercial sewage applications
Sewage pumps are used in a range of commercial applications, including for municipal buildings and facilities such as retirement communities, caravan parks and shopping centres. These may be used to direct sewage to a designated treatment plant, which can ease the pressure on an existing sewer system. Custom solutions will often be required for commercial pumping stations and treatment plants, taking into account the local geography, access and surrounding sewage systems.
Municipal sewage applications
Gravity sewers and sewage pumping stations (SPSs) are used in conjunction to direct sewage to wastewater treatment plants. There are thousands of these SPSs across the country, typically using centrifugal or positive displacement pumps equipped to handle solids of at least 65mm. These include chopper pumps, which are designed to macerate solids in order to minimise the risk of clogging. Many Australian SPSs now incorporate a fully submerged centrifugal pump situated in a single wet well, which tends to be more cost-effective than the more traditional wet well/dry well system. The Water Service Association of Australia (WSAA) in conjunction with local water authorities set the minimum requirements for SPSs within the Sewage Pumping Station Code of Australia.
At the final stage of the sewage treatment process, wastewater treatment plants have complex and sizeable requirements for pumping equipment. From removing heavy solids through settlement tanks or screens to aerating wastewater for biological treatment, the pumping solutions for these systems must be carefully planned and maintained to minimise operating costs and maximise productivity.
As with any pump application, it’s wise to make a fully informed decision in regards to your sewage pump size, capacity power and technical specifications. For tailored advice, bespoke designs and sewage pump installation of quality systems, speak with your local MTP team today.
