A REVOLUTIONARY device engineered in Scotland may be the answer to sewage system blockages in the UK, a problem that costs the industry up to £160 million each year.
The DERAGGER, from Scottish firm Clearwater Controls, can detect items which could cause blockages in real time, will cut energy consumption by up to 80% and significantly reduce maintenance requirements.
The device is triggered by even a few wet wipes and automatically reverses the pump to dislodge the impediment and prevent the potential blockage.
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Following a successful 20-week independent trial, carried out by the Water Research Centre, in conjunction with United Utilities and Wessex Water, the device is expected to make a huge impact industry-wide.
Simon Crompton, managing director of Clearwater Controls said: “Blocked pumps account for an estimated 90% of all unplanned work carried out in the sewage system. It is a widespread challenge which drastically affects the efficiency of the network. Our device tackles the problem head on, by preventing blockages occurring in the first place.
While the engineers behind the DERAGGER are confident the device will make a noticeable difference on the industry, it is not yet known to what extent.
In 2017, Cumbernauld based Clearwater Controls received funding from UK Steel Enterprise, the regeneration arm of Tata Steel, to deliver research and bring the product to market.
Scott Webb, regional executive at UK Steel Enterprise said: “This is another excellent example of Scottish innovation making a massive impact on an industry facing significant challenges. We are proud to be a part of Clearwater Controls journey.”
Dr Leo Carswell, head of technology at WRc added: “Our thorough analysis of the raw data from five DERAGGER trial sites clearly demonstrates the impact this innovation can have in the waste water sector.
“We found it to demonstrably reduce pump blockages, and also significantly reduce energy consumption – even on sites considered to be at low risk of blockages.”
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