When gravity drainage for wastewater applications is not available, a pumping system will provide the solution.
Because the ultimate reliability of this is necessary for the effective operation of the building, for example in commercial kitchens, the optimum choice is a duty standby system.
A duty standby system consists of two pumps rather than one. If the operating duty pump should become blocked or fail, then the standby pump will cut in and take over the pumping duty.
At this point a high-level alarm will also be activated alerting the user that inspection or maintenance of the system is required. This alarm provides an audible and visual warning, either local to the pump, remote and or via BMS.
Two duty standby wastewater pumping system options are available from Pump Technology Ltd, based in Aldermaston, Berkshire who are probably the UK’s Largest stockist of this type of equipment,
The DrainMajor Duo features a pair of rectangular tanks connected with an overflow each with its own independently operated pump.
The DrainKing uses a square tank with two pumps in this single chamber.
The differences in physical design enable customers to select the best pumping system for any given application. The different footprints (rectangular or square) help with site fit and installation.
The different ways in which the two systems operate is more subtle, but important to understand. Because the DrainMajor Duo has two separate pumping chambers, each with an individual pump, these pumps operate independently of each other. The stop/start being determined by the pumps own level float. When installed inlets need to be connected to each tank, these pumps operate as required by the inflow. If one pump should block or fail the large connecting overflow pipe feeds wastewater into the other chamber and the other pump therefore acts as the standby pump.
This system has a high-level alarm with BMS connection, but not a control panel. Installation is easier and the extra cost of a control panel is saved.
The DrainKing has two pumps in a common chamber. The stop/start is triggered by the selected duty pumps float. The control panel will select a new duty pump after a set time for each pumping cycle. In the event of a pump blockage or failure, the control panel will select the standby pump to operate. The control panel also provides a high-level alarm and BMS connection so the fault can be identified and responded to by a maintenance team.
In summary, the two systems provide the specifier or user with choice of tank footprint, and pump control, independent, but acting as duty standby, or with the control panel alternating the duty pump, helping to extend pump life.
The DrainMajor Duo and DrainKing provide reliable duty standby system suitable for all site applications.
