Tips to Keeping Your Headworks Screens Working

When it comes to headwork screens, proper maintenance is key to keeping them in proper working condition and helping extend their life. The headworks screens are the first line of defense for any wastewater facility. If you want to know how to maintain your headworks screen, read on to find out some great tips to do just that.

Tips to Keep Headwork Screens Working Correctly

Maintaining your headworks screen is not difficult to do. You must know that they do not take care of themselves, but with proper maintenance tips, you can extend their life.

Screen Issues

The most critical item on any in-channel screen is the primary chain. Chains will stretch naturally over time, which can kill these screens. If they are left unchecked, the chain will eventually stretch to the point where a catastrophic failure will occur, which can be quite expensive. A little maintenance to prevent this from occurring in the first place could head off this type of failure.

There are also some signs that may become apparent when it comes to chain stretching. The first sign is that the rollers can get oblong as the chain begins to extend. Additionally, the outside of the chain can gain shiny spots which will indicate that the chain links are scraping on the bottom of the channel. Furthermore, operators should be out on the lookout for rollers that are losing their volume over time. Some of this can easily be fixed by tensioning the chain. However, if there is not any adjustment left or the chain is at the end of its life, then you must replace the entire chain.

When it comes to maintaining items to be looking out for, you always want to have an operator check to make sure that the scraper arm is making good contact with the rakes and removing the solids. Furthermore, you need to ensure that the rake teeth are in good working condition and not holding on to debris.

Fine Screens

Always look at the brush systems and spray wash that is used to remove debris for fine screens. Over time, spray nozzles can get plugged and brushes will begin to wear. Typically, you may notice the water supply pressure beginning to change. The spray nozzles may not even remove as much as they were prior to the screens being installed. If the solid removal elements are working incorrectly, then you may notice a carryover of solids being the problem.

In order to eliminate the need for a cleaning brush, you can combine a certain type of panel with a dual spray wash system. This will eliminate the need to constantly maintain them.

Overhaul Screens

Only a few manufacturers have the capability of producing overhauled screens in various ways. Many companies will require the screen to be removed completely from the channel and then shipped back to the factory to have it rebuilt. This can be pretty expensive.

Many plants will choose to take on overhaul screens on their own. This is a great idea only if the staff have the time and training to take this matter on. If you do find a manufacturer that can take care of this issue, they typically rebuild the screens on site, consisting of new chains, new bearings, replacement brushes, new seals, and much more. 

Categorised in: Water Treatment