How to Extend the Life of Your Screening Equipment

Headworks screening equipment is the first line of defense for any wastewater facility; its proper operation is crucial in protecting the sensitive treatment processes that lie within the fence line. Because this equipment is so crucial to wastewater processing, frequent maintenance is important.

In this article, Brian Prunty, JWC Environmental’s Field Service Manager, discusses which maintenance tasks a plant’s operations staff should perform regularly.

Watch for Signs of Chain Stretching

The primary chain is the most critical item in any in-channel screen. Chains will naturally stretch over time, which is the killer of many screens. If left unchecked, the chain will stretch to the point where an expensive catastrophic failure will occur.

There are a few tell-tale visual signs of chain stretching:

1. Rollers getting oblong as the chain extends.
2. The outside of the chain has shiny spots, indicating that the chain links are scraping on the bottom of the channel.
3. Rollers flattening out over time.

Some of these issues can be corrected by simply tensioning the chain, but if there is no adjustment left in the tensioning or the chain is at the end of its useful life, then it needs to be replaced altogether.

Evaluate the Scraper Arm (Bar-Type Only)

For bar-type screens like JWC Environmental’s Chain & Rake Monster®, operators will want to ensure that the scraper arm makes good contact with the rakes and removes the solids. Additionally, you should ensure the rake teeth are in good condition and do not retain excessive debris.

Evaluate & Replace Brushes If Needed

For fine screens, looking at the brush systems and spray wash used to remove debris from the screening panels is important. Brushes will wear over time, and spray nozzles can get plugged. It’s also common for the plant’s water supply pressure to change. When that happens, the spray nozzles may not remove as many solids as it used to. If the solids removal elements are not working correctly, then the carryover of solids can be an issue.

JWC Environmental’s Finescreen Monster® now has a brushless design, which eliminates this maintenance task for our customers. By combining our UHMW panels with a dual-spray wash system, we eliminate the need for a cleaning brush.

If Issues Persist, Consider a Rebuild/Overhaul

A few screen manufacturers can overhaul screens in various ways. Some companies require the screen to be removed from the channel and shipped back to the factory for a rebuild, which is a costly endeavor.

At JWC Environmental, our Service Solutions group can rebuild our screens on-site. A typical Monster Screen rebuild from us would include a new chain and chain supports, new bearings, replacement brushes, new seals, and other wear items. We essentially bring the equipment back to a like-new condition and provide a new one-year manufacturer’s warranty. Our customers have found this a very economical solution to extend the life of their headworks screens significantly.

Get More Tips Today

Are you experiencing issues with your screening equipment? Contact our experts at JWC Environmental today. Our team can help you upgrade existing equipment or provide a complete rebuild on any of our models, including Bandscreen Monster®, Finescreen Monster, Chain & Rake Monster, and Bar Screen Monster®.