Chopper pumps eliminate plugging problems by chopping all incoming solids prior to pumping. Septage receiving pit pumping is a very tough challenge. This is an unnecessary added cost in installation, operation and maintenance, when a chopper pump does both jobs with one piece of equipment. Chopper pumps eliminate roping completely by chopping these solids as they enter the pump. If the reformed solid is chopped during the recirculation process, then the small chopped solids have a high surface to volume ratio and are digested faster.
Chopper pumps are able to handle a higher solids content than conventional non-clog pumps.
In normal treatment plant processes, this means that sludges can be more concentrated without exceeding the pump's capability. Chopper pumps also reduce downstream pipeline plugging and friction losses associated with high solids content. The chopping of these solids creates smaller solids with sharp edges that tend to scour the inner walls of discharge piping. Friction is reduced due to maintaining full pipe diameter, rather than choking flow with grease buildup on the pipe walls. Chopping and shearing of sludge tends to reduce viscosity, further reducing friction loss.