Ceramic-Lined Grit Classifier for Kennett Square Sewage Disposal Kennett Square, PA

General Description

The wastewater treatment plant for the Borough of Kennett Square is in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The average daily design flow is 1.1 million gallons per day (MGD) and a maximum average flow of 1.4 MGD.

The plant underwent an upgrade that consisted of process modifications required to meet more stringent effluent limits. The new project consisted of work in and around previously abandoned primary settling tanks, oxidation ditches, an activated sludge pumping station, related yard piping, and site work. Part of the work for improving the settling tanks including replacing an existing grit classifier with a better solution.

Design Parameters

1. Product Type: Grit
2. Material Density: 120 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
3. Capacity: 50 Cubic Feet per Hour
4. Duty: 7 days a week, 24 Hours per Day

KWS Advantages

The plant’s existing grit removal basin had a rusted-out and unusable grit classifier that was a constant maintenance headache. KWS Environmental provided several options to bring the existing classifier to working condition. Having heard about many successful KWS ceramic-lined shaftless grit classifiers installed locally, the plant elected to have brand new unit with those same robust features. KWS has successfully completed many projects with the same engineer and contractor, so it was an easy choice to use KWS again.

To aid with designing the replacement unit, KWS provided a reference drawing to the contractor with every dimension needed so the classifier would interface with the existing piping scheme. The new KWS grit classifier was installed quickly with no fit-up issues. A KWS engineer visited the plant and conducted installation verification and startup training.

Special Features

The new KWS grit classifier was designed to fit in the existing space available. Since influent water is very corrosive, the new classifier was manufactured from 304 stainless steel. KWS utilized a reduced-pitch shaftless spiral to increase conveying efficiency on the steep incline. The KWS-350 micro-alloy shaftless spiral is the strongest and toughest spiral on the market and designed for conveying abrasive grit. The troughs were lined with ½-inch thick ceramic tiles, ensuring a tremendously long maintenance life. The classifier is fully enclosed and water-tight to prevent leakage. All access covers utilized KWS safety bolts to keep personnel from potential hazards.