Population growth in many areas of the country means that wastewater treatment plants are often under increasing load, leading to sewage ponds filling with sludge more quickly. These ponds would usually need to be dredged once a year but conditions now demand more frequent dredging.

Integrated Pump Rental has extended its services to include the dredging of sewage settlement ponds. In addition, a recent contract at a wastewater treatment plant is part of a strong flow of repeat business from South Africa’s platinum mines, explains the company. This particular plant was operated by the mine, but also served the local municipality and nearby communities. Using its specialised dredging equipment, the company was able to quickly dredge the sewage pond before there was any danger of overflow.

The SlurrySucker uses a pump with an open-vane, non-clogging impeller, which is regarded as an important feature for these applications as existing solid objects and sanitary products could block a normal pump. Regular monitoring and dredging of sewerage facilities aims to effectively settle sewage flowing in and keep the system operating optimally.

The company further explains that the design of its system, and the way it channels water flow to agitate the settled material, minimises chances of damage to the pond and is a vital part of helping to protect the environment from leakage or contamination.

Where conditions demand more frequent dredging, customers have the option to purchase SlurrySucker dredging units, with training provided by Integrated Pump Rental to upskill local workers in the correct operation of the equipment.