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Oberdorfer - Applications - General Purpose - Waste Water Removal

Waste Water Removal

Efficient Handling of Light Sludge with Oberdorfer Flexible Impeller Pumps

In sewage treatment plants, the movement of wastewater—especially when it contains light sludge, organic matter, and suspended solids—requires pumps that are both gentle and effectiveOberdorfer flexible impeller pumps are ideally suited for this task due to their versatile designself-priming capability, and ability to handle semi-solid materials without clogging or damage.

How Flexible Impeller Pumps Work

  1. Flexible Blades
    • The impeller is made of flexible rubber or elastomer blades mounted on a rotating hub.
    • These blades bend and conform to the shape of the eccentric cam inside the pump housing.
  2. Pumping Action
    • As the impeller rotates, liquid is trapped between the blades and the pump wall.
    • The cam compresses the blades, squeezing the liquid toward the discharge port in a smooth, continuous flow.
  3. Flow Control
    • The pump can be throttled or temporarily shut off without damage or the need for a relief valve—ideal for variable flow conditions.

Why Oberdorfer Flexible Impeller Pumps Are Ideal for Waste Water Removal

1. Gentle Handling of Solids

  • Capable of pumping light sludge, fibrous material, and suspended solids without clogging or damaging the pump.

2. Self-Priming Capability

  • Can lift liquid from below-grade tanks or pits without external priming—critical in wastewater environments.

3. Reversible Flow

  • Many models allow bidirectional operation, useful for backflushing or clearing lines.

4. Compact and Easy to Maintain

  • Simple design with few moving parts, making maintenance quick and cost-effective.

Typical Use Cases

  • Municipal Sewage Treatment Plants: Transferring wastewater between treatment stages or to sludge digesters.
  • Industrial Wastewater Systems: Handling process water with light contaminants or organic residues.
  • Septic and Holding Tank Services: Pumping out tanks in mobile or remote applications.
  • Agricultural Waste Management: Moving slurry or washdown water from barns and pens.
  • Marine and RV Waste Systems: Compact pump solutions for gray and black water handling.