29/06/2023

The Ins and Outs of Sewage Treatment

There’s little else more imperative to the smooth running of today’s world than efficient wastewater management. Where environmental sustainability is now more crucial than ever, reusing our resources and decontaminating them of waste is a mammoth undertaking that requires an equally-sized operation. Yet, many are unaware of the intricate processes and advanced equipment, such as a sewage pumping station, involved in handling one of humanity's most formidable challenges.
Sewage Plant

This article peels back the layers of the complex world of sewage treatment for those looking to become more familiar with the inner workings. From the various chemical treatment options available to the operation of sewage pumping stations, you’ll have an entirely new depth of understanding of sewage treatment plants.

Naturally, this wouldn't be complete without a look at the heart of the pumping station – the sewage station lift pump. We will provide insights into why Hydromarque provides the leading industry choice for sewage and wastewater treatment pumps. By the end of this blog, we hope you'll appreciate the complexities and importance of sewage treatment, and the role that top-notch equipment, like those from Hydromarque, play in maintaining clean and healthy water.

How Does a Sewage Pumping Station Work?

After the wastewater is taken away from residential and commercial areas and to the sewage treatment plant, it is first settled and screened to remove any grit and large, blockable objects before making its way to the next stages of treatment.

Primary sludge removal separates organic matter in the wastewater into settlement tanks. The resulting sludge settles into the bottom of the tank and is pumped away for further treatment, whereas the separated water is carried into the secondary treatment stage.

As the wastewater treatment pump process goes on, the more granular the cleaning becomes. Therefore, a range of pumps is needed for the process, from stronger pumps to handle viscous waste to smaller ones that can handle more watery fluid.

The secondary treatment stage hones in on the smaller, less visible matter and humus that currently contaminates the water, such as bacteria. The wastewater enters an air pump chamber that sends air coursing around it to encourage the growth of aerobic bacteria. This type of organism is useful for breaking down and eliminating the harmful bacteria in the water, and the water is pumped around until it has been cleansed of the contaminants.

Finally, the last treatment enacted on the treated wastewater is moving it through a settlement tank, where the aerobic bacteria from the secondary stage sink to the bottom and recycled back into the secondary treatment stage for future use. Just like in the primary treatment stage, the clean water passed over the top and out of the treatment stage.

Do Sewage Treatment Plants Still Need Cleaning?

Though the purpose of a sewage treatment plant is to clean, over time that process will result in a build-up of waste left on the walls of the pumps and tanks. As such, even the most thorough of plants will need to be cleaned and emptied of sludge every now and then. The typical time it takes before a plant needs cleaning is one year and will restore the inner workings to optimal productivity. Ensure that it is cleaned with advice from the installer to avoid mishaps.

What Is The Best Sewage Station Lift Pump?

A quality sewage station lift pump needs to be able to supply enough power and durability to handle multiple sections of the sewage treatment operation. For one, the pump needs to have the ability to handle not only vast qualities of water-like fluid but also more viscous mixtures that could damage lesser-equipped pumps. As well as this, it must be able to lift this fluid upwards without disrupting the flow of the pump system.

The Gorman-Rupp Super T-Series excels as a sewage station lift pump, thanks to its incredible suction power that can lift even the sludgiest of wastewater up to 7.5m. Its impeller is specifically designed to handle solid-laden wastewater up to 3” in diameter depending on the pump model.

The Super T-Series benefits from Gorman-Rupp’s self-priming centrifugal pump construction, which is ideal for use in the secondary treatment stage. Additionally, it has a dedicated running mode which removes air in the pump chamber and replaces it with fluid, meaning any downtime spent priming the pump is completely eradicated.

If you need a sewage pump that operates underwater, Gorman-Rupp’s JW-Series submersible pumps are an effective solution. They run on a powerful 50Hz motor that manoeuvres suspended solids and stingy material through the system without choking.

Choose Hydromarque For Your Sewage Pumping Station Needs

Hydromarque is the UK’s number one choice for pump system solutions, and our lineup of equipment for sewage pumping stations comes courtesy of Ohio’s Gorman-Rupp. They have been at the forefront of pumping innovation for nearly a century, and at Hydromarque, we strive to give our customers world-class pumps with an equally-esteemed service.


With Hydromarque’s solutions process, our team of experienced engineers and technicians will work with you to design and install a tailored sewage treatment pump system that extracts maximum efficiency and suction lift for your specific situation. Explore our sewage treatment pump page to learn more about our products and services, or contact us to find out what the UK’s best pumping solutions team can do for you.

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