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Product updates, industry insights, case studies, and company news from Franklin Miller.

All News Blog (15) Industrial Case Studies (22) Latest News (53) Solid Waste Case Studies (7) Wastewater Case Studies (44)

Man standing with an inline wastewater grinder installed in his plant

Wastewater Case Studies·April 16, 2025

Case Study: Brewer, Maine Water Facility Keeps Things Flowing with Franklin Miller Grinders

“The City of Brewer is 10,000 people and treats on average approximately 1.5 – 2 million gallons a day," says Lou Colburn, Chief Operator of the Water Pollution Control Facility in Brewer, Maine. The Brewer Water Pollution Control Facility is a Grade V facility which uses the Activated Sludge method of treatment to remove conventional and nonconventional contaminants from wastewater across their main water pollution control facility, as well as in 14 pump stations. Lou Colburn has been the Chief Operator since 1998 and has been at the facility for 47 years. When it comes to dealing with problems at the pumps, he has seen it all. “We were having problems pumping our activated sludge to our wasting unit and we were having a lot of difficulty with the ball checks. Materials would get caught up in it and we would have to, on average, probably 5 or 6 times every day, dismantle the pump because of debris. A lot of the debris was plastic, other items, tampon applicators. They were creating a lot of issues. We had tried a competitor, for another application, and we were very dissatisfied with the way it was working.” Lou prides himself on his thorough research, which led him to choose a Franklin Miller TASKMASTER® TM8512 Inline Grinder. “I did the research, and they seemed to fit the mold of what we were looking for, reliability, dependability, everything. We thought they looked like a good unit. Everything that I read seemed to fit into what we were looking for. So, we purchased it, and it worked out great!” That grinder was installed in 2006. “Then in 2016, we built a septic receiving facility, as part of our plant, and of course, septage waste has everything in it, so, we were finding that we were cleaning our primary pumps at least a half a dozen times a week, minimal, and we decided to install a grinder in that line and I think since then, (that’s been on line 4 or 5 years now), and since that time with that particular installation, we have had to clean our pumps once. So, they work very well in our facility, and I am very pleased with the results. They were very well worth the investment.” In 2020, a third TASKMASTER® TM8512 was purchased. The installation process was seamless. “We worked with a company who did a lot of repairs for us, and we had them do the installation and they said they had no issues whatsoever installing that particular piece of equipment. It fit right into the feedline.” Lou believes that the Cutter Cartridge Technology of the TASKMASTER® grinders has been a great advantage over the competitors. Lou remembers all of the struggles he and his team had before he transitioned to the TASKMASTER® inline grinders. “We had to remove each blade and replace them individually. This is pretty much a godsend. You take the whole thing out just drop the new one back in and you are good to go! It’s pretty incredible.” “This is great equipment, believe me. I would highly recommend it to anyone. If we have another application for it, we definitely would purchase another.” Franklin Miller is committed to customer service and offers spare parts readily when needed. However, the Franklin Miller inline grinders at Brewer have never needed spare parts, nor maintenance! ‍ ‍

Delumper Triple Shaft Crusher In Process

Case study: Optimizing Calcium Phosphate Filter Cake Processing with the DELUMPER Crusher

In a high-capacity industrial setting, the DELUMPER Model DC4856LP crusher has proven to be a game-changer for processing calcium phosphate filter cake. Calcium phosphate filter cake is a common byproduct in the production of fertilizers and pharmaceuticals. Due to its high density and abrasive nature, processing this material poses significant challenges. Effective handling and reduction are crucial to streamline subsequent processing steps and improve overall efficiency. Instituting the DELUMPER helped to fully optimize the reduction process and allowed for the proper measures to be taken when handling the byproducts. Because of this, no fertilizer material is compromised, which can happen when this process involves sub-optimal equipment. The DELUMPER DC4856LP crushers are capable of processing up to one million pounds per hour, and were selected in this application for their robust construction and impressive performance capabilities. Built from carbon steel and powered by (3) 75 HP motors, these machines are designed to handle the demanding conditions of processing abrasive materials. A standout feature of the DELUMPER DC4856LP is its triple shaft mechanism. This innovative design incorporates heavy sizing teeth that rotate through a sturdy bar cage, ensuring effective crushing and sizing of the material. This unit employed a double tooth design which results in high capacity, and a balanced design for low vibration or noise. The teeth are made from hardened alloy steel, for durability in abrasive service such as the filter cake. One of the key advantages of these crushers is their self-clearing mechanism, which is crucial for preventing blockages and ensuring uninterrupted operation. By automatically clearing any material build-up, the machines minimize downtime and reduce the need for manual intervention, which contributes to a smoother and more efficient operation. The DELUMPER DC4856LP crusher features a low profile design so it can be easily retrofitted into existing plant locations without requiring extensive modifications. This proved particularly beneficial in this application. This seamless integration allowed for a smooth upgrade to the processing line, improving efficiency without the need for major infrastructure changes. Overall, the implementation of the DELUMPER Model DC4856LP crushers has significantly improved the processing of calcium phosphate filter cake at this plant.

Watch: TASKMASTER® XL Pallet Shredder

The TASKMASTER XL shredder efficiently handles whole natural wood pallets, significantly cutting down their bulk volume. This powerful unit can greatly reduce pallet disposal costs. Unlike traditional models, the XL uses a gear drive system—eliminating the need for drive belts and the hassle of re-tensioning or replacing them. It’s built for simplicity and ease of maintenance. The machine's hopper is designed to automatically guide the pallet into the cutting chamber, while the automatic reversing control ensures smooth, effortless operation.

Watch: HAULERPORT® Bulk Water Fill Station

Watch the HAULERPORT® Bulk Water Fill Station in action! This system provides a comprehensive solution for automated water dispensing, giving you full control over your water supply. Each station includes two primary elements: a pre-assembled, compact equipment enclosure ready for easy installation, and an advanced control system featuring a touch screen HMI interface, specifically designed for effortless, unattended operation. Click here to learn more about how the HAULERPORT® Bulk Water Fill Station can be the right solution for you.

taskmaster inline grinder install outside building

Wastewater Case Studies·July 29, 2024

Case Study: District Transforms Operations with Grinder Upgrade

The Musconetcong Sewerage Authority, located in northwest New Jersey, manages an impressive daily volume of over 4.3 million gallons of domestic wastewater. However, the facility was grappling with significant challenges due to its outdated grinders, some of which had been in service for approximately 25 years. These old units, sourced from a competitor, were severely underperforming and, in some cases, had stopped working altogether Their frequent clogs led to persistent maintenance issues and considerable downtime, which disrupted plant operations. The main problem with the outdated grinders was their tendency to cause recurring clogs in the sludge pumps and secondary clarifiers, primarily due to the fibrous nature of rag materials present in the wastewater. James Schilling, the Executive Director of the Musconetcong Sewerage Authority, highlighted the severity of the issue, stating, “We faced constant blockages in sludge management. This caused significant downtime and affected plant operations.” In response to these ongoing issues, the plant decided it was time for an upgrade. After evaluating several options, the authority chose to install Franklin Miller’s Taskmaster® grinders. The decision was influenced by several factors. The streamlined procurement process for the Taskmaster® grinders was a notable benefit, and their promise of simplified maintenance compared to the old units was a key consideration. Additionally, the Taskmaster® grinders featured Cutter Cartridge® technology, which allowed for easy maintenance without the need for adjustments. Their design also fit well within the plant’s existing layout, making them a practical choice. Schilling expressed his satisfaction with the decision, remarking, “We could have just replaced the old cartridges and kept the housing on the other brand units, but the Taskmaster® offered a better overall solution. It was clear that Franklin Miller’s unit was superior.” The new grinders were installed in early 2024. Since their implementation, the plant has experienced smoother operations with no further issues of sludge clogs. Schilling observed the improvements, stating, “The Taskmaster® has resolved our clogging issues entirely. The plant is running much more efficiently now.” The Taskmaster® inline sewage grinders have proven effective in handling various solids, including rags, plastics, and tampons, thanks to their powerful twin-shaft mechanism and Cutter Cartridge® technology. This upgrade has led to a significant reduction in pump downtime and an overall enhancement in plant performance. James Schilling’s feedback reflects the positive impact of the upgrade: “We’re very pleased with the Taskmaster®. It was definitely the right choice for our plant.” This successful upgrade underscores the benefits of adopting advanced technology to improve operational efficiency and minimize maintenance challenges in wastewater treatment facilities. ‍

Wastewater Case Studies·June 24, 2024

Hartford Reduces Maintenance System-Wide with Franklin Miller Grinders

‍ The Metropolitan District in Hartford Connecticut (MDC) processes millions of gallons of wastewater that flow through more than 1300 miles of sewers a day. Along with the main plant in Hartford, the MDC operates three satellite stations, and multiple pump stations. Like many wastewater treatment plants, the grinders used at MDC process a lot of solid and human waste that mixes with trash and sewer water, releasing a lot of H2S. This hydrogen sulfite is very hard on the machines. “This is probably the worst and hardest environment you can put a machine in,” said Nick Martel, maintenance mechanic. Their previous machines were from a competitor’s company and they broke down all the time. “In our environment, machines will need to berebuilt. That is the nature of our circumstances in this plant. But the old machines broke down so often, we were rebuilding them every six months or so.” They decided to switch out some of their old machines with Franklin Miller units. To date, the plant has installed at least 30 Franklin Millerunits from the company’s municipal line of products, including Taskmastergrinders, Taskmaster inline grinders, and Dimminutor open channel units. “The Franklin Miller units are great,” Martel said. “What adifference. In the past we had to rehab machines every six months, eight atmost. Now, with Franklin Miller, we get at least two years.” The TASKMASTER® TM8500 twin shaft and inline grinders cut through wastewater solids with design features that make them unique. TASKMASTER grinders feature dependable mechanical seals in a cartridge design and CUTTER CARTRIDGE® technology, with two stacks of intermeshing cutters that aggressively pull the solids in and finely reduce them. This CUTTER CARTRIDGE technology replaces 6 cutter disks and 6 spacer disks with a one-piece element for far greater strength, fewer components, no stack loosening or stack re-tightening requirement. These grinders can be installed in gravity or pressurized, vertical or horizontal pipe systems, on the suction or positive side of a pump and are built for sewage, sludge, septage and screenings applications in either open channel, inline or gravity installations. “The lead time and customer service at FMI is fantastic. Every time I call, they pick up, they respond, and I get what I need quickly. “Our old company had the worst customer service. Calls went nowhere, not to mention their machine parts were made in China. Garbage that didn’t last.” The DIMMINUTOR® provides automatic screening and grinding of liquid-borne solids with a straight-through open-channel design. This unit reduces plastics, wood, vegetable matter, disposables and other oversized items to a fine particulate. The DIMMINUTOR is designed for reliable operation and easy maintenance. For example, with its cantilevered design, the DIMMINUTOR needs no seals or bearings near the gritty channel floor. The unit’s screen is stationary so it never wears against bottom grit. Each cutter is interchangeable and cutters can be removed or adjusted independently. The unit’s seals and bearings are immersed in an oil bath for long life and low maintenance. “We are so happy with switched to Franklin Miller. The longevity of these machines is so much better, so there is lots less down time and therefore less money wasted.” ‍

Changing Wastewater Management: Grinder Transforms Pump Efficiency at Broomfield WWTP

Like many WWTP, the facility in Broomfield Colorado found themselves battling lots of issues with their pumps. After undergoing a lift station rebuild of a 40-year -old station, they began to look at their old pumps as the next step to get their facility upgraded and as efficient as possible. “We had so much ragging with our old pumps,” said KevinLosey, Electrical and Mechanical Utility Manager. “We would take a pump apart and pull tons of rags out of the impellers. We were able to isolate the pump so it didn’t shut our operation down, but it did create a lot of work and use a lot of manpower.” Previously, the city had installed a Franklin Miller grinder at one of their other stations, so they felt positive that going with another Franklin Miller unit would work well in their upgraded lift stations as well. After all, their original Franklin Miller unit was in great working order and its teeth had remained sharp and effective. The city decided to install a Franklin Miller Dimminutor. The effect was immediate. “We installed the Dimminutor grinder in the inflow and it has been working really really well. We have had it installed since early2023. No trouble at all. It’s just been such a great change,” Losey said. The DIMMINUTOR® provides automatic screening and grinding of liquid-borne solids with a straight-through open channel design. This unit reduces plastics, wood, vegetable matter, disposables and other oversized items to a fine particulate. The DIMMINUTOR® is designed for reliable operation and easy maintenance. For example, with its cantilevered design, the DIMMINUTOR® needs no seals or bearings near the gritty channel floor. The unit’s screen is stationary so it never wears against bottom grit. Each cutter is interchangeable and cutters can be removed or adjusted independently. The unit’s seals and bearings are immersed in an oil bath for long life and low maintenance. These units can be installed in straight through channels, wet wells or water inlets. They can be installed for full or occasional submergence. “Our whole experience with Franklin Miller has been great,” Losey said. “Everyone at their company, and at their rep here in Colorado have been great to deal with.” ‍

Wastewater Case Studies·April 5, 2024

The Inline Solution for Brewer, Maine

The Brewer Water Pollution Control Facility is a Grade V facility which uses the Conventional Activated Sludge method of treatment to remove conventional and nonconventional contaminants from wastewater across their main water pollution control facility, as well as in 14 pump stations. They were running a variety of grinders in the plant and found that they were not always working efficiently. In fact, they were having tons of problems with debris such as plastic, wood, and tampons constantly getting stuck in the cutters. “We had so many problems with those machines,” said Lou Colburn, Chief Operator at Brewer Maine plant. At that point, the plant knew they needed a better solution. Their industry research led them to Franklin Miller’s broad line of municipal grinders. The plant decided to purchase an inline Taskmaster TM8500. “We bought that first machine about 15 years ago,” Colburn said. “It’s been working great ever since.” About five years after their first Franklin Miller unit, the plant purchased a second machine to be used for primary sludge. “That machine has been a lifesaver. It’s done everything we need it to do,” Colburn said. The plant has a dissolved air flotation unit and they also put in a septage receiving station. As their operation grew, so did their problems. Back at their main facility, wipes were constantly clogging up their system. Since they had already had so much luck with their Franklin Miller grinders, they decided to install another inline Taskmaster TM8500. “We were cleaning pumps on a daily basis,” said Colburn. “We put in another FMI grinder two years ago and it’s fantastic. We have not had to clear it once since the installation. To go from daily clogs to none at all has been incredible.” The TASKMASTER® TM8500 twin shaft grinders provide unsurpassed grinding of wastewater solids, and design features that make them truly unique. These units have proven their capability and unique reliability in installations worldwide. TASKMASTER grinders feature dependable mechanical seals in a cartridge design and CUTTER CARTRIDGE® Technology. These grinders reduce pump ragging and problems with downstream equipment by finely reducing such solids as rags, plastics, wipes, paper, disposables, fabrics, wood, bottles and much more. They are built for sewage, sludge, septage and screenings applications in either open channel, inline or gravity installations. Each unit is heavily constructed for low vibration and quiet operation. “The FMI grinders have saved us a lot of man hours. They really are fantastic. I would highly recommend this machine to anyone. The FMI units have truly been a godsend.”

Say Goodbye to Pesky Pallet Piles

‍ High Brothers Lumber Services has been serving Missouri for over 40 years. Their 125,000-square-foot facility houses all their building materials, from which they are able to serve professional tradesmen and homeowners. High Brothers found they were dealing with a lot of unwanted pallets around their 11-acre facility. For a while, they were disposing of them by burning them, but soon found they had too many to keep up with them. The pallets started to pile up faster than they could dispose of them. Because this is a lumber yard, they have insurance and regulatory limitations to follow. For example, they needed to keep the pallets fifty feet from the building and keep them stacked in a certain way. They were soon running out of space and time tending to the discarded pallets. They knew they needed a better solution and that’s when they reached out to Franklin Miller. After speaking to the company, they decided a pallet shredder would be perfect for their needs. They installed the Taskmaster XL in early 2023. “We are still getting caught up on shredding all the older pallets,” said Kevin Brell, fleet manager at High Brothers Lumber Services. “It is working great.” Brell explained that once they get caught up on the backlog of pallets, they expect to probably shred around 20-40 pallets a week. They don’t anticipate the Taskmaster XL having any problems with that volume, considering they’re doing so much more now. “The machine truly works great,” Brell said. “Shreds them right up. Nails and all.” The TASKMASTER XL shredder effectively shreds entire natural wood pallets to reduce their bulk volume. This unit can substantially reduce the expense of disposing of pallets. With the XL, there are no drive belts to replace or re-tension. Instead, it features a smooth-running gear drive which is simple to operate. This unit is designed to be easy to use and easy to maintain. Its hopper automatically directs the pallet into the cutting chamber. An automatic reversing control makes operation simple. Optional equipment includes forklift waste hoppers, or a choice of discharge conveyors to automatically transport the output into waste containers. High Lumber keeps their Taskmaster XL in a small shelter that is open on one side to the elements. Brell expresses how easy the machine is to operate exactly where they need it to work. “I’ve spoken to others in the market for a pallet shredder and recommended this machine to anyone who asks,” Brell said. “It is a great shredder. It does what I want it to do. And what I need it to do.” ‍

Taskmaster® XL Pallet Shredder with optional conveyor and separator

Franklin Miller introduces powerful TASKMASTER XL pallet shredder with optional conveyor and separator. The XL effectively shreds entire pallets and nails to reduce bulk volume. As a result, it can help in maintaining a healthy workplace as well as reduce the expense of disposing of pallets. The TASKMASTER XL is supplied complete with stand, hopper and automatic reversing controls. Its streamlined design features a direct coupled gear drive which is smooth running and simple to operate. With the XL, there are no drive belts to re-tension. This unit is designed to be easy to use and easy to maintain. Its unique enclosed hopper design automatically directs the pallet into the cutting chamber. TASKMASTER XL options include a separator, auxiliary discharge conveyors to convey the output into a waste container, as well as an available infeed conveyor for a completely automated system. ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍

Dual-Shaft vs. Quad-Shaft Shredders: Your Guide to Making the Right Choice

In the realm of industrial shredding equipment, choosing the right shredder can be tough. How do you decide which shredder is best for your application and which will provide maximum operational efficiency and material processing? Two heavy-duty options for shredders are the dual-shaft and the quad-shaft shredders. Not sure which machine you need? Let’s delve into the features, advantages, and applications of both types to help you make uninformed decision to address your specific application and shredding needs. Dual-Shaft Shredders Dual-shaft shredders, as the name suggests, come equipped with two shafts that rotate in opposite directions. These machines are known for their versatility and are commonly used in various industries, some of which include recycling, electronics, glass, wood, metal, plastic, and larger items like tires. Top features of dual-shaft shredders: 1. Flexibility and versatility: Dual-shaft shredders can handle a wide range of materials. Their dual-shaft design ensures efficient cutting and tearing of diverse materials. 2. Price and Maintenance: The simple design of dual-shaft shredders results in a lower price. In addition, this simpler unit generally requires less maintenance, which can mean less downtime. 3. Energy efficiency: Because of their lower power requirements, dual-shaft shredders are often more energy-efficient than the quad-shaft shredders, which can result in cost savings over time. Quad-Shaft Shredders Quad-shaft shredders have even more powerful shredding action by using four rotating shafts, along with a specially-designed sizing screen. This design increases the shredding capabilities, which can be ideal for applications requiring a higher volume or uniform output of material shredded. Top features of quad-shaft shredders include: 1. Increased capacity: With two additional shafts, quad-shaft shredders can handle larger volumes of material. This makes them suitable for organizations with high-capacity shredding needs. 2. Sizing screen for homogeneous output: The additional shafts contribute to a more uniform shredding process as the shafts are able to rotate continuously until the material passes through a specially-designed sizing screen until reaching the desired output size. This is particularly useful when dealing with materials that require a precise size output. 3. Heavy-duty applications: Quad-shaft shredders are designed to handle tougher, more challenging materials, including industrial waste and e-scrap. But, How Do You Choose the Right Shredder for Your Application? What is your material and what volume are you shredding? Dual-shaft shredders offer flexibility for a wide range of materials at moderate volumes, while quad-shaft shredders are designed for higher volumes and tougher materials. Do you have any space and/or energy constraints? If you have any concerns about available space and energy, dual-shaft shredders might be the better choice. What are your output needs? If your operation demands precise output shape or size, a quad-shaft shredder with its specialty sizing screen might be the better option for your application. ‍ There is no one answer when it comes to choosing a shredder. Your specific application requirements will help you choose the type of shredder that will best serve your operation. Specific needs should be taken into consideration, such as the type of the material to be shredded, the volume requirements and precision needs, as well as your available space and energy. Whatever you decide is best, whether the versatile dual-shaft or the powerful quad-shaft, your application will benefit from this crucial piece of your industrial shredding operation. ‍ ‍

Control, Manage & Automate Water Dispensing with the HAULERPORT® Bulk Water Fill Station

Streamline, Manage and Secure Bulk Water Dispensing with the FMI Bulk Water Fill Station The Complete Engineered Solution Franklin Miller, a leading manufacturer of innovative wastewater treatment equipment, is proud to introduce its latest product: the Bulk Water Fill Station. Designed for businesses and organizations in need of large quantities of water, this dispensing station offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for dispensing potable water. The HAULERPORT® Bulk Water Fill Station is a self-contained unit that can be connected to a potable water supply. It is designed to be a stationary dispensing station, making it ideal for facilities that require large amounts of water on a regular basis, such as manufacturing plants, water treatment facilities, or agricultural operations. In addition to its convenience, the Bulk Water Fill Station also offers significant cost savings compared to traditional water delivery services. By eliminating the need for multiple trips to refill smaller containers, businesses can save on transportation costs and reduce their carbon footprint. The water fill station also reduces the risk of spills and leaks, minimizing the risk of environmental damage and potential fines. The Bulk Water Fill Station is a result of Franklin Miller's commitment to providing innovative solutions that meet the needs of its customers. It offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution for businesses and organizations in need of bulk water dispensing. To learn more about the Bulk Water Fill Station and how it can benefit your business, visit Franklin Miller's website or contact a representative today. With its convenience, cost savings, and environmental benefits, the Bulk Water Fill Station is the ideal solution for any business or organization in need of large quantities of potable water.

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