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

All News Blog (15) Industrial Case Studies (20) Latest News (35) Solid Waste Case Studies (6) Wastewater Case Studies (42)

Blog·December 1, 2020

The Best Equipment Used for Industrial Metal Shredding

Are you “shreddy” to learn about metal shredding? We'll begin with the basics. The best industrial metal shredders you’ll encounter will most likely be twin-shaft metal shredders. They are the industry standard, and are also what we specialize in. Twin-shaft shredders have a shredding mechanism that looks like two rows of giant, interlocking teeth that eviscerate anything that dares approach. However, not all twin-shaft shredders are created equal. You can differentiate between the varieties by looking at their loading mechanisms. In this article, we'll cover the top twin-shaft metal shredding options offered at Franklin Miller. Our Top Metal Shredders As mentioned, twin-shaft shredders are the most popular types of industrial shredders. These metal shredding devices load from the top and dispenses to the bottom through a funnel-like opening. They are particularly beneficial for recycling operations, because they can be placed directly above a processing conveyor belt. This means that those operating them can easily incorporate metal shredding into their day-to-day operations. Just drop in the metal and let the shredders do what they do best! With that in mind, here are our favorite varieties of metal shredders. The Taskmaster TM1600 The Taskmaster TM1600 is unique because it's small enough for both inline and in stand-alone capacities. This powerful workhorse can shred heavy solids in both gravity and liquid systems It can effectively process filters, containers, plastics, packaging, electronic components and more. Features include a high torque gear drive, mechanical shaft seals and precision ground gears. The Taskmaster TM2300 This metal shredder is slightly bigger than the 1600, and it's more well suited to a recycling plant that's trying to scale a metal processing program. The Taskmaster TM2300 packs a powerful punch for the price. It reduces high volumes of solids and can tear through sheet metal using low speed and high torque. The Taskmaster TM3000 The Taskmaster TM3000 is the first big step that many companies take into the big leagues of the shredding game. This machine features an extra-wide throat opening and heavy-duty construction to accommodate a wide range of solids and metals, reducing the volume for further processing or economical disposal. The TM3000 also features an extra-tough design that offers protection from sparks, noise, and dust. The Taskmaster TM4000 The TM4000 features heavier duty construction than the TM3000. It is built for the highest level of performance and reliability using quality components, superior design and engineering. This piece of metal shredding equipment features 7.4" heat-treated alloy hexagonal shafting for extra strength, 2" cutting blades that rotate at a low speed and devastatingly high torques and full steel plate construction for extra durability. It makes short work of pallets, electrical components, metal propellant cans, hard drives, mattresses with springs, and tires. Other Popular Shredders There are a few other popular shredders that we provide at Franklin Miller. While they may not technically be defined as “metal shredders”, they can still shred certain metal components. Taskmaster XL Pallet Shredder Pallet shredders shred wooden pallets, so why are they included in this post about metal shredding? To put it simply, pallets have nails, and nails generally damage regular wood shredders, but not the Taskmaster XL Pallet Shredder. Pallet shredders are similar metal shredders, but they work well against most woods. They're easy to operate, too. You just drop a pallet into the slightly angled hopper, and then let the shredder get to work. Good machines work without the assistance of belts or other pieces, and the pallet shredders we carry are no exception. Your shredder should be safe to use and easy to maintain. The Taskmaster TM8500 We only recommend one shredder for smaller operations, the Taskmaster TM8500. This shredder is unique because of its accessibility and versatility. These versatile units can process airport waste, biofuel, biosolids, bottles, cans, concession waste, containers, filters, food, fish waste, garments, pharmaceuticals, rags, rejects and returns, screenings, sewage, sludge and more. Metal Shredding? You Got This! These metal shredders should run you through the whole gamut of options you have available for industrial operations. The only question that remains is, which makes the most sense for your unique needs? If you’d like to get more information on any of our metal shredding devices, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to talk with you!

Blog·November 15, 2020

A Comprehensive Guide to Sludge Processing: Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability with the Franklin Miller Super Shredder

Sludge processing plays a critical role in wastewater treatment plants and various industrial processes, ensuring proper handling, treatment, and disposal of sludge while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing resource recovery. This comprehensive guide delves deeper into the stages of sludge processing and highlights how the Franklin Miller Super Shredder can make the process more efficient and sustainable. Overview of Sludge Processing Sludge is a byproduct of industrial processes and wastewater treatment plants, composed of solids, liquids, and organic and inorganic materials. Proper sludge processing involves reducing volume, stabilizing organic matter, and facilitating resource recovery of final disposal. This ensures environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and the promotion of a circular economy. Sludge Processing Stages Preliminary Treatment This stage removes large solids and grit to protect downstream equipment and processes. Screening uses mesh or perforated screens to remove large solids, while grit removal typically employs aerated grit chambers, vortex grit chambers, or centrifugal separators to remove inorganic particles like sand and gravel. Thickening Thickening increases the solids content of sludge, reducing its volume. Gravity thickeners use settling tanks to separate solids from liquid, flotation thickeners use air bubbles to float solids to the surface for removal, and centrifugation employs high-speed rotation to separate solids from the liquid phase. Stabilization Stabilization reduces odor, pathogens, and putrefaction potential by breaking down organic matter in sludge. Aerobic digestion uses oxygen-consuming bacteria to decompose organic material, while anaerobic digestion relies on bacteria that thrive in oxygen-free environments to produce biogas and stabilize the sludge. Dewatering Dewatering removes excess water from sludge, further reducing its volume. Belt filter presses squeeze sludge between porous belts, centrifuges use high-speed rotation to separate water from solids, filter presses force sludge through filter plates to remove water, and drying beds use gravity and evaporation to remove water from sludge. Conditioning Conditioning enhances the dewaterability and handling characteristics of sludge. Chemical conditioning involves adding chemicals like polymers or coagulants to improve dewatering, while heat treatment subjects sludge to high temperatures to break down organic material and improve dewatering properties. Final Disposal or Resource Recovery Processed sludge can be disposed of in landfills, incinerated, or applied to land as a soil conditioner or fertilizer. Alternatively, valuable resources such as water, nutrients, and energy can be recovered from the sludge for reuse. The Role of the Franklin Miller Super Shredder in Sludge Processing The Franklin Miller Super Shredder is a powerful inline disintegrator designed to enhance sludge processing by offering several advantages: Size reduction: The Super Shredder reduces the size of solids in the sludge, resulting in a more uniform and manageable output. This facilitates downstream processes such as dewatering, thickening, and digestion. By breaking down larger solids, the Super Shredder also helps increase the efficiency of subsequent processes, as smaller particles are more easily processed. Preventing clogs and blockages: By reducing the size of solids in the sludge, the Super Shredder prevents clogs and blockages in pumps, pipes, and other downstream equipment, minimizing costly downtime and maintenance. This directly impacts overall efficiency and process stability. Enhancing digestion and biogas production: The Super Shredder's size reduction capabilities increase the surface area of solids in the sludge, making it easier for microorganisms to break down organic material during anaerobic digestion. This leads to more efficient biogas production and overall improved digestion performance. By optimizing biogas production, the Super Shredder contributes to increased energy recovery and reduced environmental impact. Features and Benefits of the Franklin Miller Super Shredder. The Super Shredder stands out from other sludge processing equipment due to its unique features: Robust construction: The Super Shredder is built with heavy-duty materials, ensuring durability and reliability in the most demanding environments. Its sturdy design allows it to withstand the rigors of sludge processing while maintaining peak performance. Low maintenance: With its innovative design, the Super Shredder requires minimal maintenance, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. This directly contributes to higher efficiency and lower operating expenses, making it an ideal choice for sludge processing facilities. Versatility: The Super Shredder can handle a wide range of sludge types and consistencies, making it a versatile solution for various industries and applications. Its adaptability ensures that it can be easily integrated into existing sludge processing systems, streamlining operations and improving overall efficiency. Conclusion: Efficient sludge processing is crucial for environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and resource recovery. Understanding the stages of sludge processing and investing in advanced equipment like the Franklin Miller Super Shredder can significantly enhance efficiency and sustainability. As the demand for effective sludge management continues to grow, adopting cutting-edge technology will help businesses stay ahead of the competition and contribute to a more sustainable future.

commercial crusher mechanics three parts

Blog·November 15, 2020

Top 5 Commercial Crushers That Help Manage Waste Production

Commercial crushers and lump breakers use impact and force to reduce solids, lumps and chunks in size. At Franklin Miller, our DELUMPER® brand machines are used to process wet, sticky, dry, hard or soft substances. They tear through minerals, chemicals, lumps, agglomerates, ore, filter cake, fertilizers, ash, sugar, food, plastics and more. If you are looking for the best commercial crushers on the market, you should inspect the five processors highlighted below. 1. Precision Crushers: DELUMPER® L Series Franklin Miller designed the DELUMPER® series of crushing machines to break down stuck-together input material into smooth and uniform outputs. This process is suitable for a wide range of applications and works on both wet and dry input materials. The DELUMPER L series crushers reduce products to a desired output size with a positive, once through, chopping action. They effectively reduce lumps, crush minerals, improve product consistency, facilitate mixing, drying and conveying, all while keeping process lines running smoothly. An important feature of the L series commercial crusher is that they have cutting teeth that rotate on a smooth drum, and each one is individually replaceable. 2. Powerful & Versatile Crushers: DELUMPER® LP Series Our DELUMPER® LP crushers reduce hard or soft, heat-sensitive, sticky or wet agglomerates and lumps at high volume. This machine can handle wet, sticky, dry, hard or soft substances. It is ideal for sticky solids because its long teeth clear the slots as it runs, which ensures that sticky inputs don't clog the tool and keeps production up and running. It also easily tears through chemicals, lumps, agglomerates, ore, filter cake, ash, sugar, food, plastics and more. Similar to the L series, the LP features individual, replaceable teeth. 3. Ultra Sanitary Crushers: DELUMPER® S4 If you’re looking for the ultimate in sanitation, the DELUMPER® S4 is the right commercial crusher for your needs. Highlights include precision operation, easy interior access, clean-in-place capability, quick changeover of cutting elements and a meticulously polished finish. Its convenient side door provides fast and easy access to the interior of the cutting chamber. This feature allows for quick cleaning and maintenance, allowing users to changeover from one product to another without the risk of cross-contamination. 4. Powerful Multi-Shaft Crushers: DELUMPER® Multi-Shaft The largest-scale production lines need the biggest lump breakers available, and the Franklin Miller DELUMPER® Multi-Shaft LP is the ideal commercial crusher for those enormous jobs. For even bigger jobs, the Ultra-Heavy-Duty (LP-HD) version is an option, too. These large crushers come in parallel shaft models of two and three, respectively. Whether input solids are dry, caked, sticky, or wet, the Multi Shaft LP model splits them up into desired sizes. 5. Inline Processing: Pipeline DELUMPER® Franklin Miller's DELUMPER® series includes an in-line lump breaker, the Pipeline DELUMPER®. The device is compact and easy to install within an enclosed pipe system. Clogs and blockages from thick sludges and solid chunks within a stream are no threat to the Pipeline DELUMPER®. This powerful crusher handles solids the full size of the pipe. Using one lowers the chances of time-consuming and expensive plumbing repairs like snaking blockages or, worse, cutting into the pipe to remove blockages. The DELUMPER® itself is also easy to maintain. Its seal system is within a cartridge that cuts down on the need for complicated maintenance. The unit comes with a replaceable liner, so you can refresh a Pipeline DELUMPER® many times before replacing it. While homogenizing waste liquids and sludges are typical uses for the Pipeline DELUMPER®, a company could also integrate one into its production process. Meeting Your Needs We have extensive knowledge and experience meeting all types of processing needs, and as such, we offer many add-ons and custom options. To go with our lump breakers and commercial crushers, we offer conveyors, feeders, bag stations, unloaders and more. You can even drop by our test facility to find the right solution best suited for your needs. To get more information, contact us today.

Blog·September 25, 2020

Surge Of Wipes Use Causes Strain on Wastewater Systems

As the Coronavirus pandemic is upending life across the country, it is also putting a major strain on the nation’s wastewater systems. Shoppers are flocking to stores to stock up on toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, and cleaning wipes as they self-isolate at home and try to keep the virus at bay. Many are flushing these items rather than disposing of them properly, which can be catastrophic to pipes and wastewater systems. The major influx of wipes and other cleaning materials into plants is increasing the demand for high powered sewage grinders such as manufactured by Franklin Miller Inc. of Livingston, NJ. According Franklin Miller’s President, William Galanty, we’re hearing from wastewater plants around the country as well as nursing homes, condo complexes and hospitals. Blockages caused by non-flushable materials are presenting a major challenge to plant operations. Says Galanty, “we always recommend that the public not flush cleaning materials or other foreign objects because plants are experiencing major issues with them.” These various cleaning and disinfecting materials can be quite useful at home but they are often not biodegradable and do not break down like toilet paper. Instead, they accumulate in and clog pipes, congregate on equipment, cling to valves, hang out on pump impellers, and generally constitute a dangerous nuisance at times like these. In many cases, a lack of toilet paper has led residents to use other items in place of toilet paper. Numerous sewer pump clogs are being reported from the influx of paper towels, napkins and in some cases even material such as cut up towels or clothing. Because these items are not meant to break down like toilet paper, they are clogging the systems. Sewer officials across the nation are putting out a distress call over this crisis within a crisis. The combination of a shortage of plant personnel and this major influx of wipes and other cleaning materials is costing municipalities large sums in increased plant maintenance and downtime. Officials warn of the growing problem in not only the wastewater treatment system, but in individuals homes as well. In a statement, the Boston Water Commissioner stated that clogged pipes can lead to additional health hazards. “In these times when we’re confronting a major health crisis, the addition of health hazards created by clogged pipes and blocked sewers are situations we don’t need and that are quite avoidable,” the sewer commission said in a statement. New Jersey American Water put out an advisory to their customers not to flush anything down the toilet. “Flushing wipes, paper towels or other paper products not intended for use in wastewater systems down the toilet can lead to sewer backups and in-home plumbing issues that may be expensive to repair.” If your wastewater facility is facing this problem give Franklin Miller Inc a call to discuss how one of their powerful grinders can help. Call them at 973-535-9200. For more information contact Franklin Miller Inc. 60 Okner Parkway, Livingston, NJ 07039 973-535-9200.

Grinding & Shredding: Eco-Friendly Wooden Pallet Disposal Options

Wooden crates and pallets are used for shipping, storage, and a myriad of other industrial applications. Over time, these items add up, leaving you with an unhygienic eyesore and a major problem when it comes to the amount of space you have available. Thankfully, there are wooden pallet disposal methods that will not only get rid of the pallets, but will do so in a timely and cost-effective manner. Read on to learn more. Using a Shredder for Wooden Pallet Disposal Although wood is a natural material, it can still be a hindrance to our environment. Wood waste that sits in a landfill can rot, leading to many issues. When wooden pallets sit in a manufacturing facility or factory, they take up valuable space that could be used for something else. An industrial shredder can be the answer to your wooden pallet disposal woes. These heavy-duty machines can quickly grind and shred wood of all kinds and turn it into small pieces to be disposed of. Shredding pallets also reduces bulk and therefore cuts down disposal costs. Franklin Miller Wood Pallet Shredders Special wood pallet shredders, such as the TASKMASTER® XL or TASKMASTER® TM3000 are highly efficient, fast and a smart investment for any size business. They're both strong and powerful enough that they can shred your pallets, nails and all. These options are wise if you have a large operation and need to get rid of wooden pallets quickly so they don't take over your warehouse. TASKMASTER® XL Pallets can be dangerous, unsightly, accumulate mold and attract animals. The XL pallet shredder helps avoid these issues while limiting the amount of solid waste containers needed each week. This machine reduces the size and bulk volume of wood pallets, so it will quickly pay for itself. It also features easy maintenance, quiet operation along with a low shaft speed and high torque shredding action. Its heavy construction, oversized shaft and high-strength bearings assure long life and reliable service. It contains a controller that senses jam conditions and automatically reverses the direction of operation to clear the obstruction for a preset amount of times, and makes it easy to get inside to remove an unshreddable object. It also comes with an auxiliary discharge conveyor feature that pushes output into a waste container, along with an optional infeed conveyor. TASKMASTER® TM3000 The TASKMASTER TM3000 cuts wood pallets and numerous other materials down to size quickly and efficiently. A high-torque, low-speed industrial shredder, it has a long history of assisting with pallet destruction, wood recovery and reclamation. It’s built for the highest level of performance and reliability using quality components, superior design and engineering. It boasts heavy construction features, and can also be used on electronic waste, steel drums, car tires, light sheet metal, construction waste and much more. Say Goodbye to Wood Waste With the right wooden pallet disposal plan, you can contribute to a healthier, cleaner planet, all while saving money on disposal costs. From shredding your pallets to giving them away or recycling them, make sure you're disposing of them in an eco-friendly way. If you deal with a massive number of wooden pallets, an industrial shredder from Franklin Miller, where we’ve been doing this for over 100 years, is a smart investment. For more information about our products and how we can help, visit our website, or contact us today.

7 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Metal Shredder

Have you been thinking about how to deal with all of your metal waste? Have you considered a metal shredder as an option? A metal shredder can help improve business efficiency, as it will allow you safely dispose of waste, clearing up time and space for you to proceed with other activities of your business. However, there are a number of different factors that go into choosing the right shredder for your needs. Here are the seven questions you need to ask when choosing a metal shredder. 1. What Does A Metal Shredder Do? While you might already know a thing or two about metal shredding, it’s good to be clear on what these devices can be used for so you get the most out of your shredder. A metal shredder can be used in the following applications: Reducing your business’ metal waste to more movable material (e.g. strips or small particles) Destroying sensitive information stored on electronic devices Assisting with recycling Allowing metal to be reused or repurposed Disposing of metal properly is important to not only make your business more efficient, but also to protect the environment and safeguard your investments. The importance of each factor may vary depending on your business, but regardless, you should consider each of them before committing to a particular metal shredder. 2. What Will You Be Shredding? Next, determine what exactly you will be shredding. This takes into account the following components: The type of metal The type of objects and their shape Whether the metal contains sensitive information Certain shredders are more appropriate for different types of materials. For example, if the metal being fed into the machine is a hard alloy, a stronger shredder will be needed. On the other hand, a standard metal shredder can handle items such as thin strips of aluminum. 3. What Shredding Capacity Do You Need? There are two sub-questions to be asked in regards to metal shredder capacity: Will you be shredding a lot or a little? How often will you be shredding? If your business produces large amounts of metal waste on a daily basis, you’ll want a machine with a higher capacity, meaning you will be able to feed more metal into the machine at a higher rate. You should also check out the cool-down time of the shredder. Shredders use a lot of energy as they heat up very quickly. Make sure that the shredder you want is going to be able to be used as often as you want. 4. What Safety Features Do You Need? The safety features you need will likely depend on who will be using the machine and what is being shredded. If the people using the machine are inexperienced, it’s a good idea to get one that can be used easily. However, if you are shredding large or complex items, this may not be possible. Safe metal shredders will have features such as protective screens and auto-shutdowns. 5. What Are Your Space Constraints? This one might seem obvious, but it’s an essential factor to consider. If you are operating a small warehouse, you may only have room for a small shredder. If that’s the case, hopefully, you aren’t shredding bulk materials. Before you purchase a shredder, do an audit of your current business space, and see how your available space can be optimized. Once you’ve worked out how much space you have to spare, you will know the maximum shredder size you can get. 6. How Do You Want Your Metal to Be Shredded? There are four main ways that a metal shredder will cut: Grind Strip-cut Cross-cut Particle-cut A metal grinder will destroy the metal completely and transform it into dust. A strip-cut shredder reduces the metal into strips, much like a standard paper shredder. A cross-cut shredder works by making two separate cuts. It will make one cut one way (e.g. vertical) and then cut again the other way (e.g. horizontal). As a result, the pieces coming out on the other side will be small pieces, often in the shape of squares or diamonds. The particle-cut shredder uses multiple cuts to create a more specific shape than the cross-cut shredder. Deciding which of these shredding methods is best for you will have a lot to do with the type of metal you are cutting, as well as how you plan to transport it once it’s been cut. If you are dealing with sensitive information on electronics, you may want a shredder that cuts the metal into smaller pieces so that nothing slips through. 7. What Extra Features Do You Need? There are a lot of different metal shredder features that go beyond the considerations outlined above. For example, some metal shredders will also work with other materials, such as wood and plastic. Other metal shredders will come with features that impact the ease of use, or give you greater control over its operation. To determine which extra features you might want, it’s best to look at the available shredders and see what they offer. They might have features you didn’t know existed or could have a use for. Often, these features will provide a lot of added value, so take the time to review them. Get Shredding A metal shredder provides an excellent solution for those dealing with business waste. It can improve efficiency in your workplace by quickly destroying materials that are no longer needed. It also makes it easier to remove this waste from the building or worksite. Additional benefits include assisting with recycling, destroying sensitive electronic information, and helping to reuse metal waste for other purposes. It’s important to consider all the different ways that a metal shredder can work for your business before choosing one. By answering the questions above, you should be able to choose a shredder that maximizes your business’ efficiency. So, now that you’ve worked out everything you need to know about how to choose the right shredder, the only question that remains is where to find it? Don’t wait around — check out our range of industrial shredders and get shredding today!

Rubber Granulators: Reducing Natural & Synthetic Bales to Bits

Every year, millions of tons of rubber are produced worldwide. This compound is used in many different ways throughout our daily lives. We use it so often because it's strong, durable and flexible, but it can also be difficult to transport, breakdown and assemble. Scientists, engineers and environmentalists have developed systems that effectively break down natural and synthetic bales of rubber into smaller bits so they can be made into useful rubber parts. A common machine that gets the job done is a rubber granulator. There is a lot to learn about rubber granulators and the process of breaking down bales of rubber, and we've gathered all the most important information for you to know. What Are Rubber Bales & What Is Their Purpose? A rubber bale is a large chunk of natural or synthetic rubber. A common form used in rubber bales is EPDM rubber, which is a synthetic rubber that has many useful applications. Not much can be done with rubber bales in their present state. It will require processing, heating and molding in order to be of use for a rubber product manufacturer or distributor. Most suppliers will use a large guillotine to slice rubber bales down into smaller chunks, but that’s a slow and labor-intensive process. It also can't possibly get the material down as small as it needs to be. That’s why it’s important to have access to a rubber granulator, such as the VULCANATOR®, that breaks bales down to small pieces and dramatically reduces the time it takes to dissolve the rubber. How Do Rubber Granulators Work? Rubber granulators receive large bales of rubber and process them into smaller bits. The VULCANATOR®, the granulator that we specialize in at Franklin Miller, has the unique ability to reduce the entire 75 lb. bales of synthetic or natural rubber. This device is specially designed for the rubber and heavy plastics industry and can drastically reduce processing time, resulting in dramatic cost savings. It comes in two models; KM10 and KM30. It can handle all types and shapes of vulcanized or non-vulcanized, natural or synthetic rubber including full bales, sheets and chips. The way it works is rubber material is fed into the unit either manually or over a conveyor belt. Built-in rotary knives grab the material and slice the bale into the desired output size. What makes the VULCANATOR® stand out compared to other standard granulators is the fact that it quickly reduces rubber into small bits without the heat rise associated with other designs that require expensive cooling devices. What’s Next For Rubber Bits? As mentioned, rubber is a strong compound with many applications in our daily lives. After rubber bales are reduced to bits, they can be used in making any number of rubber parts. Some common applications include rubber gloves, gaskets, tires, turf fields, rubber sheets for flooring and insulation, roadway embankments and train tracks, adhesives such as glue and sealants along with other other rubber components, pieces and parts. Find a Rubber Processing Center Breaking down rubber properly is very important. If not done correctly, it can be a very labor-intensive and costly process that’s also not good for the environment. The best thing to do is find a facility that can process your rubber bales, or invest in a device of your own to get the job done. If you have more questions on using rubber granulators to slice up bales of rubber, or are ready to get started, contact us today!

Pipeline Delumper®: Industrial Processing for Solids & Agglomerates

While the impact of improperly reduced solids is often overlooked, there has been an increased need to find better ways to process them. A Pipeline Delumper® may serve as the ideal solution. A pipeline delumper is an ultra-compact processor that chops, shreds and disperses solids and agglomerates, including chemicals, food and powders. It works directly with enclosed pipe systems, and helps to protect downstream equipment and improve flow properties. To find out if a pipeline delumper can help resolve your industrial processing dilemmas, read on. The Benefits of a Pipeline Delumper Most industrial organizations don’t think much about reducing solids until they become troublesome. If heavy sludge and slurries are not properly broken down, it can result in blockages, which negatively impacts stream flow and processing. Taking it a step further, pumps, piping, valves, nozzles and other downstream equipment may suffer damage, which can be costly to fix from a repair and productivity loss perspective. The pipeline delumper is designed for easy installation in straight-thru, liquid, pneumatic or gravity systems. It reduces solids and agglomerates with a self-clearing, self-feeding mechanism, helping save you time. Lastly, it's easy to maintain the bearing/seal cartridge, eliminating the need for plan workers to handle its delicate components. This frees them up for other activities, saving organizations additional time and money. Take a look at our case study to learn more about the many benefits. How a Delumper Works The pipeline delumper instantly converts a solids-laden stream into a fully suspended homogeneous flow. It is suitable for wet, dry, pressure or gravity systems. This processor contains rugged impeller teeth that chop up agglomerates in materials and sends them through a bar grating while cleaning the entire pipe cross section area. Settling out, clustering and over-pressure are avoided, as reduced solid particles are sent through the stream, away from the pipe walls. Anything that becomes dislodged from reactors, silos and tanks is crushed before it can impede the standard flow. Choosing a Delumper System Manufacturers in food and chemical industries frequently make use of an in-line crusher, although depending on your industry, each system may have different applications. For instance, some facilities prefer to use an inline lump breaker to break up a product that has become lumpy during storage. Others may use a delumper at the point of raw material discharge. Manufacturers might use a delumper system at a manual bag emptying station, while others may have a delumper unit at the discharge point of containers or storage silos. Enterprises may use them to prepare materials for movement on a conveyor system, or they may use them to break up particles throughout the manufacturing process. Delumper systems are used for a range of compounds, which might include, but are not limited to: Coal Detergent Filter cake Frozen vegetables Gypsum Herbicide Salt Soda ash Sodium bicarbonate Chemicals Powders Delumper systems are very convenient - they’re self-cleaning and fit into existing production systems. Companies can also have one installed as a standalone station for deployment above containment vessels. Alternatively, an enterprise may have a pipeline delumper system installed within an existing plant system for discharge management. Can Your Organization Benefit From a Delumper? The Franklin Miller Pipeline Delumper® can help you reclaim your industrial agglomerate management and enclosed pipe systems. Whether your needs range from light to heavy-duty, we have the equipment to satisfy your needs. Contact one of our experts today to find the right solution.

Solid Waste Case Studies·March 17, 2020

Taskmaster® Shredders Play Critical Role In E-Waste Recycling Operation

A major e-waste recycler which handles massive quantities of electronics received from many states wanted to make improvements. Their installed 4-shaft shredders were causing excessive maintenance expense and downtime. The company processes all types of e-waste from the smallest electronic components, such as flash cards and circuit boards, to the largest, such as mainframe computers - and everything in between. Their process is design to reclaim valuable metals found in the waste components such as silver, gold, and copper which can only be reclaimed after a shredding process. The company has only one production line which is at work shredding 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In order to extract the precious metals, the e-waste must go through a multi-stage size reduction sequence to get down to the required output size. The company processes a one-line system which is at work shredding 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In order to extract the precious metals, the e-waste must go through a multi-stage size reduction sequence to get down to the required output size. The company stated they weren’t satisfied with the 4-shaft shredders they were using and were looking for a better solution. Those units were taking too much time to repair. Repair costs were excessive and cleaning was required between every production lot, resulting in far too much overall effort, money, and time. That’s when they turned to Franklin Miller for a solution. The company purchased four Franklin Miller TASKMASTER® Shredders to address vital stages of their shredding process. They have two dual-stage size reduction lines running simultaneously, with a dual TASKMASTER TM3000 and a dual TASKMASTER TM1600 in each line. The e-waste first goes through the larger shredder, a TM3000 with fine, multi-tooth cutters. “The TASKMASTER 3000 is our first step of shredding for our e-waste line,” said the technical engineer. The heavy duty TASKMASTER TM3000 industrial shredder reduces high volumes of solids with low speed, high torque, dual shaft design. This shredder is suitable for a variety of shredding applications that demand high power, large throat openings and extra heavy-duty construction. The design of this unit provides effective operation with low noise, sparking, dust or heat rise. The unit can rip, tear and shred through a variety of tough solids, reducing the volume for further processing or economical disposal. After the e-waste is processed by the TM3000, the material next goes through a dual stage Franklin Miller TASKMASTER Model TM1600. These machines have very fine cutters to achieve the final output size required. The TASKMASTER TM1600 shredder, though smaller, is still a powerful workhorse that can shred heavy solids in both gravity and liquid systems. Once the Franklin Miller shredders have finely reduced the e-waste, the material is ready for the final processes. Due to the intensive, high volume nature of the operation, up-time on the shredders is highly critical. The e-waste includes some very tough materials that can challenge the strongest shredders. Finding the right cutter alloy that was tough and resistant to the heavy wear played a big role in the success of the TASKMASTER shredders. It was doubly important here because TASKMASTER Shredders play a critical role in this 24/7 e-waste recycling operation. ‍ Video: Franklin Miller TASKMASTER electronics shredder.

Blog·March 8, 2020

What is Wastewater Treatment and What are its Stages?

You would never drink the water straight out of your toilet, would you? Of course you wouldn't, but there's a good chance you've consumed water that was waste at some point. But can wastewater ever be made clean enough to drink? And how does it get processed to become something that can be used for irrigation and industrial purposes? Well, the process of treating water starts in the toilet. American toilets drain to wastewater treatment plants. In fact, 76% of the United States rely on an estimated 14,748 wastewater treatment plants, according to ASCE. But what happens after the water is sent to a wastewater treatment facility? And what health implications are caused when a step in this process doesn't go according to plan? Continue reading to find out what is wastewater treatment, how it works, and how wastewater can be processed into a drinkable liquid. What is Wastewater Treatment So what is wastewater treatment? It's the process of removing pollutants from wastewater and converting it into something free of solids and organic matter. This allows the treated water to be returned into an ecosystem with little-to-no impact on the environment. There are five steps in the wastewater treatment process: pre-treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, the disinfection process, and the release. Improper execution and/or skipping any of these steps can have disastrous effects on local water supplies and public health. Pre-Treatment Once wastewater arrives at a water treatment plant, it goes through the process of pre-treatment. This begins with the wastewater flowing through a bar screen. A bar screen is a mechanical filter used to separate larger things from the wastewater. Unfiltered sediments and organic material can accumulate and cause major clogs. This can slow down the water treatment process overall and clogs can result in downtime for a wastewater treatment facility. They also tend to make a mess. The items removed from the bar screen then get sent to landfills. After processing through the bar screen, the wastewater gets sent through a grit chamber. Grit chambers are narrow and long tanks that lower the velocity of flowing water. This allows small particles like coffee, eggshells, and rocks to settle out. These particles have to be sifted out because they can't be removed with chemicals. The sediments settled in grit chambers can cause excessive wear on other pieces of equipment in the wastewater treatment process. The grit can also clog and destroy pumps. Now that the water has gone through pretreatment, it's ready for primary treatment. Primary Treatment After sediments have settled in the grit chambers wastewater can move on to a primary clarifier. A primary clarifier is a tank that holds wastewater and allows heavier solids to settle at the bottom, becoming sludge. The lighter materials float to the surface of the water, where it becomes scum. Primary clarifiers rely on settling velocity. Settling velocity is the speed at which a particle settles. As wastewater is pumped into a primary clarifier, its flow rate cannot exceed the settling velocity of the water. After completing primary treatment, wastewater becomes effluent - a slightly treated wastewater free of solids and organic material. Now the effluent can move on to secondary treatment. Secondary Treatment This is the last step of the water treatment process that removes solids and larger biological matter. Secondary treatment begins with the effluent flowing into an aeration basin. An aeration basin holds the effluent and artificially adds air to it. This process, known as aerobic digestion, breaks down the organic matter left in the effluent. Some older water treatment plants use an additional step ahead of the aeration basins involving biofilters. Here, the effluent is poured over stone or plastic and bacteria eat away at the organic material in the water. Generally, this process isn't used anymore because it isn't as efficient or effective as modern wastewater treatment practices. Next, the effluent is pumped into a secondary clarifier. In the secondary clarifier, the sludge is removed and pumped back into aeration basin. Now, the effluent is ready for disinfection. The Disinfection Process By the time effluent reaches the disinfection process, 85% of organic matter has been removed from it. The disinfection process removes the harmful pathogens still in the effluent. It can be accomplished through one of three steps. Chlorine Disinfection - Imagine chlorine disinfection as a process of bleaching the effluent. This is a chemical form of disinfection, and the chlorine must be removed from the effluent before it can be discharged to stream or lake. Ozone Disinfection - This process involves pumping an electrical current through the effluent to disassociate diatomic oxygen molecules (O2) so they can combine with a free oxygen molecule and form ozone (O3). The process of ozone disinfection can kill as much as 99.99% of bacteria. UV Disinfection - UV disinfection uses ultraviolet light to sterilize the harmful microbiomes left in the effluent. Even though the microorganisms aren't removed, they are dead and harmless. Now the wastewater has been stripped of all large and microscopic organic and inorganic materials and it has been disinfected. The effluent can finally be released. Effluent Release Effluent release generally exists in two forms. The treated wastewater can be released into local streams or waterways since it is no longer harmful. This allows the effluent to rejoin the water cycle of the local ecosystem. But in areas where water is scarce, effluent can also be discharged into another treatment plant. Here, the effluent is treated for consumption. This is typically not practiced in the United States. However, some cities and municipalities are considering pumping effluent into their aquifers to increase their water supply. Reclaiming Water Though it may sound like a long journey, the water treatment process only takes about 24 to 36 hours from start to finish. Water sanitation is a dirty job, but you can thank the 14,748 water treatment plants for the peace of mind you have after you flush the toilet. If you're still wondering what is wastewater treatment, if you have questions about the wastewater treatment process, or if you are hoping to use water treatment at your business, please contact us.

Cannabis Waste Shredders: Your Complete Guide to Understanding How They Work

The cannabis industry is evergreen. As it continues to grow in a multi-billion dollar industry, so does the waste that it creates. Waste management has become quite a thorn in the side for growers, producers, and retailers alike—and it all has to do with state and federal regulations. Luckily, cannabis waste shredders are here to make life easier for everyone on the cannabis supply chain, bringing peace of mind and a simple, effective way for disposal. Keep reading to find out more about what is meant by cannabis waste and how cannabis waste shredders are helping everyone in the industry remain compliant. A Special Kind of Waste Cannabis may be a plant but in terms of waste, it doesn't have plant equivalency in accordance with EPA standards. From cultivation byproduct—leaves, trim, stalks, roots, etc.—to manufacturing and laboratory byproduct, you get organic and inorganic profiles that create a variety of waste streams. It's especially important to take into consideration the different types of cannabis cultivated and manufactured, i.e., marijuana and hemp. The marijuana variety of cannabis is still a Schedule I controlled substance due to its THC concentration. The hemp variety of cannabis has been declassified and is 100-percent legal—it only contains trace amounts of THC that can be found throughout this variety in particular. This leaves the cannabis waste in question as either non-hazardous cannabis waste, traditional hazardous waste, or hazardous cannabis waste. Non-Hazardous Cannabis Waste Non-hazardous cannabis waste is defined as such by the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC). It refers mainly to the hemp variety of cannabis by-products such as leaves, stems, roots, bulbs, stalks, etc. These whole plant parts become nothing more than "organic waste." To dispose of this organic waste by law, it must be made unusable and unrecognizable. To do this, it has to be mixed with other non-hazardous waste like food or yard scraps until it's only a certain percentage of cannabis. Traditional Hazardous Waste Hazardous waste is defined by the EPA as any waste that is dangerous or potentially harmful to our health and/or the environment. Hazardous waste can take the form of a liquid, gas, solid, and even sludge. They're typically the by-product result of manufacturing processes that involve other chemicals. To be classified as hazardous, the waste must have one or more of four characteristics: flammability, reactivity, corrosivity, and toxicity. Cannabis by-products can have any of these characteristics as a result of poor manufacturing processes—not the plant itself Hazardous Cannabis Waste Hazardous cannabis waste refers to two types of hazardous. The first is outlined as the four categories listed above (liquid, gas, solid, and sludge). The second is any chemical constituents within the plant. In other words, marijuana is considered a hazardous cannabis waste. This is because THC is still federally illegal and is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. This type of cannabis waste can sometimes be aggregated with other materials until it becomes unusable and unrecognizable. Some states treat THC-containing cannabis as medical waste and require that it's disposed of as such. The main rule of thumb in terms of cannabis waste disposal is that you can't just throw it away. This is to prevent any leftover cannabis materials containing THC from getting into the wrong hands. Those wrong hands would be minors, pets, or other animals. It's also to prevent any THC from contaminating soil or water sources. Why You Need Cannabis Waste Shredders Each member of the cannabis supply chain must dispose of their cannabis waste properly. This includes everyone from growers, to extractors/producers, to dispensary owners. This is where cannabis waste shredders come into play. For Growers Growers deal with the bulk of whole cannabis plants and their disposal. Plant materials leftover from cultivation and processing must become "unrecognizable and unusable." Once this new identity is achieved, the cannabis waste can then be shipped off to a licensed composter or landfill. Of course, between cultivation, harvest, and processing, a lot of plant waste is generated. Cannabis waste shredders can take care of those large quantities of processed materials. For Extractors/Producers Extracting THC or CBD from cannabis is a process that may utilize solvents, chemicals, and a lot of water. What's leftover are whole plants or plant parts that have retained any chemicals or solvents used. They also contain remnants of THC and/or CBD. Of course, not all extraction methods call for chemicals and solvents. The ones that do use them create hazardous cannabis waste that must be disposed of in accordance with state regulations. Extractors/producers have responsibilities. Those responsibilities include grinding down all materials into an unrecognizable pulp. Then they can turn over their hazardous waste to a licensed company. For Dispensary Owners All cannabis products have an expiration date. As a cannabis retailer, it's against the law to throw away expired products and materials. Dispensary owners must work with a licensed waste company to remove these products. Those who work in bulk retail find cannabis waste shredders helpful. They help retailers remain compliant with cannabis laws and regulations in terms of waste. Grinding expired cannabis flowers and plant materials is also a preventative measure. It keeps anything from being stolen while waiting for a waste removal company's scheduled pickup. Are You in Need of a Shredder? If you're in the cannabis business, then the answer is yes—you need a cannabis waste shredder. The last thing you want is the wrong person getting their hands on your leftover plants and plant parts. This is something that could end up in fines and possibly losing your business. We have plenty of different types of industrial shredders suited for all purposes. Contact us today with any questions or concerns. We'll gladly guide you in the right direction.

SPIRALIFT® SR Enhances Septage Receiving and Administration

The SPIRALIFT® SR is a complete multi-function Septage Receiving system that automates plant receiving operations. The SPIRALIFT grinds, screens and conditions the flow reducing the loading on plant processes and readies screened solids for economic disposal. The system’s comprehensive control system authenticates users and records transactions for billing and tracking purposes. These units wash and efficiently compact screenings by up to forty percent. The processed solids are conveyed to a convenient elevation for discharge into a bin, bag or conveyor. This pre-engineered system features dependable operation, easy installation and low operating costs. The SPIRALIFT SR is provided with an S270-SR Automatic Control System which controls and monitors all system operations, and an optional S270-SRH Hauler Station Control System which collects transaction data, authenticates haulers, tracks loads and supplies a receipt via a card swipe system. The SPIRALIFT units are housed in a stainless steel tank enclosure with a quick disconnect inlet flange for fast connection to septage trucks. An automatic inlet valve automatically regulates internal fluid level. A TASKMASTER® TT automated rock removal system is also available as an option.

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