ITT Corp.'s Water and Wastewater group won the 2011 Innovative Technology Award from the Water Environment Federation. Awarded in the category of collection systems, Flygt's patented N-pump, with its clog-resistant design, is further improved when equipped with the newly designed Adaptive Impeller functionality.
Field tested with a successful 10-year track record, the N-pump has proven to reduce energy consumption by up to 60 percent, with clog removal maintenance virtually eliminated. Now, in conjunction with the innovative Adaptive Impeller, small solids-handling pump performance is further enhanced. The Adaptive self-cleaning N-pumps have been recognized by the WEF as the greatest technology innovation during the year.
The new enhanced design allows the N-impeller to move axially to allow easy passage of trash flow — virtually eliminating clogging even under the most difficult conditions. When large pieces of trash enter the volute, the patented Adaptive version of the N-impeller allow it to rise momentarily, axially upwards within the pump volute housing enabling the very large pieces of trash, rags or debris to pass through the pump. After passage of the debris, the N-impeller immediately returns to its normal operating position in close proximity to the volute insert ring. The advanced design is now available for small Flygt N-series pumps from 2.2-hp through 10-hp.
"This is a giant step in the further development of our N-series of wastewater pumps," said Ulf Arbeus, research and development director of ITT Water & Wastewater. "This patented solution is quite simple but, the benefit provided to the operators of pump stations is remarkable. Reliability and energy efficiency can now be significantly improved compared to their existing operations. We are very excited to launch this design to the market."
