Wastewater treatment plants are continuously seeking innovative ways to maximise the value of sludge, a byproduct once considered waste. With the rise of biogas production, sludge is now recognised as a valuable resource. However, the nature of sludge often poses challenges in delivering it to the treatment system efficiently. Our Willett™ Pump offers a reliable solution for handling a wide range of organic, industrial, and municipal sludge, supporting the treatment process seamlessly.
The Willett™ Pump is a cost-effective solution for pumping difficult and abrasive sludge and slurries. Its design allows for full flow to be maintained over a range of operating pressures. The pump itself is a vertical, single-acting displacement ram pump that can be either mechanically or hydraulically driven.
Key Features:
- Cooling system designed for specific applications
- Directional control via a specially developed CETOP standard solenoid-actuated valve
- High-efficiency motors for maximum versatility and energy efficiency
Mechanical and Hydraulic Variants
Mechanical Willett™ Pumps can function individually or complement an existing range of hydraulic ram pumps. This pump is specifically designed for transferring liquids and sludge where installed space is limited. Furthermore, a hydraulic power pack is not required in the mechanical setup, reducing the footprint and cost. The pump does not require hydraulic oil and requires minimal maintenance.
A key advantage of hydraulic ram pumps is that they do not need an external power source. The energy required for pump operation is derived from the potential energy of the incoming water flow due to gravity. Hydraulic ram pumps use the momentum of moving water and the water hammer effect to create pressure, which is then used to pump a smaller amount of water.
The simplicity of hydraulic ram pumps, with very few moving parts, makes them economical to run and easy to maintain – an ideal resilient, low TOTEX solution.
Thoughtful Control and Monitoring
The Willett™ Pump is equipped for variable flow that changes with the pumped fluid, controlled via a PLC keypad. For effective system control, monitoring is essential, which is why the pump comes with a PLC keypad for checking pressure differences that can frequently change due to sludge density and viscosity. The PLC monitors the pressure and the time it takes for the ram to travel up or down. If there is a pressure increase, a blocked suction, or a delivery pipe, an alarm is triggered to identify the fault.
If a blockage occurs in the delivery pipework, the Willett™ Pump will automatically stall. This action is then detected by the PLC, and a volt-free contact is opened, which can be used to raise an alarm or shut down the system. The Willett Pump can also be connected to our Hubgrade remote monitoring platform, providing 24/7 visibility of your pump's performance from any location.
Retrofit Solutions
For customers who already have a hydraulic or mechanical pump in place and are considering an upgrade, the Willett™ Pump is also available as a retrofit package, allowing the Willett system to be fitted to existing pumps. The retrofit package and service offer flexibility for those working with previous systems.
Part of the retrofit service includes:
- A new generation of coatings for metal rams
- A new electronic control system for plant automation
- The latest version of the dosing cylinder
We can carry out installations with minimal downtime on site, providing customers with a pump that offers easier maintenance, improved control, and greater efficiency, leading to reduced costs.
Advanced Sludge Treatment Benefits
Implementing advanced sludge treatment can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Reduced sludge volume
- Water recovery for reuse
- Minimised or eliminated health risks associated with sludge
- Production of agricultural fertiliser
- Reduced sludge disposal costs
Explore the Willett™ Pump
The Willett™ Pump from Veolia Water Technologies is a versatile and cost-effective solution for pumping difficult and abrasive sludge and slurries. With its advanced features, intelligent control, and retrofit options, it offers wastewater treatment plants a reliable and efficient way to maximise the value of sludge while minimising operational costs.
To learn more about the Willett™ Pump and how it can benefit your sludge treatment process, click here.
