Modern sewage treatment plants place extreme demands on mechanical drive systems and selecting the right drive technology is critical to achieving reliable, continuous operation in clarifiers, grit chambers and grease removal systems.

Modern sewage treatment plants operate in some of the harshest mechanical environments. Constant moisture, abrasive solids, corrosive gases and variable loads place extreme demands on drive systems used in clarifiers, sand traps and grease filter separators. Reliable, purpose-built drive technology is critical to ensuring stable and continuous plant operation. RUD’s TECDOS Drive Technology has been developed specifically to meet these challenges in sewage and wastewater treatment applications.

The Role of Drive Technology in Clarifiers

Clarifiers are large settling tanks that use gravity to separate solids from liquids. They include large scraper bridges that rotate continuously to collect settled sludge and move it into collection hoppers. Surface skimmers remove floating scum from the water surface.

The drive system powering this slow moving, high torque mechanism must operate with minimal vibration in outdoor installations exposed to sun, rain and dust.

TECDOS drive systems utilise high-performance round steel chains as the primary transmission mechanism, replacing conventional gear racks or friction-based drives. The chain based technology ensures consistent power transfer, calibrated movement and superior resistance to shock loads. The fixed head PI-GAMMA drive configuration ensures smooth and stable operation of scraper bridges under varying load conditions, contributing to longer service life and reduced operational disruptions.

Unlike traditional open gear drives, TECDOS components are designed with weatherproof construction and corrosion resistant materials, ensuring trouble free operation in permanently wet and chemical environments. This makes TECDOS ideal for circular and rectangular clarifiers in council sewage and industrial wastewater plants.

TECDOS® Systems

At the core of every TECDOS solution is a quenched and tempered round steel chain. RUD chains are engineered for exceptional dynamic strength and wear resistance, offering long service life in heavy duty drive applications.

Each chain is traceable through standard 3.1 inspection certificates, supporting material quality assurance and process safety compliance.

TECDOS systems are supported by engineered components designed for strength, alignment and serviceability, including:

• High-performance chain wheels for controlled power transmission
• Chain guides to ensure precise alignment and low wear
• Special chain end attachments designed to transfer 100% of operating forces
• Flexible attachment points that accommodate structural tolerances and alignment variations

This modular TECDOS drive system can be adapted for both new installations and retrofit projects in existing sewage treatment plants.

Benefits of TECDOS Drives in Clarifiers

The key advantages of TECDOS technology in clarifier applications include:

• High reliability in continuous operation - Clarifiers typically operate 24/7, and TECDOS chains and drive heads are engineered for continuous service, reducing unplanned downtime
• Smooth, vibration free rotation - The PI-GAMMA fixed head drive design ensures uniform power transmission, reducing mechanical stress on scraper bridges and structural components
• Low maintenance requirements - Wear resistant materials and protected drive elements reduce inspection frequency and component replacement
• Resistance to weather and corrosion - Critical components are designed to withstand dirt, moisture and corrosive substances commonly found in wastewater treatment environments

Applications in Sand Traps (Grit Chambers)

Sand traps, also known as grit chambers, are designed to remove heavy inorganic particles such as sand, gravel and small stones from incoming wastewater. These highly abrasive materials cause rapid wear in conventional mechanical drives.

TECDOS OMEGA drive systems are well suited for grit removal equipment. With a chain loop angle of up to 180 degrees and options for fixed or mobile drive arrangements, the system delivers reliable power even under high resistance load conditions. This delivers efficient grit removal, protects downstream equipment and reduces overall plant lifecycle costs.

Advantages for Grease Filters and Scum Removal Systems

Grease filters and scum removal mechanisms primarily handle floating fats, oils and grease (FOG). These substances are sticky, chemically aggressive and difficult for conventional drive components. TECDOS drives eliminate many slip and corrosion related problems through a chain based positive drive principle. Because power is transmitted mechanically via high strength steel chains rather than friction-based systems, performance remains stable even when exposed to oily and greasy residues.

This reliability enhances overall process stability and enables treatment plants to maintain compliance with discharge regulations.

TECDOS Advantages for Treatment Plant Operators

Beyond individual applications, TECDOS drive technology supports broader operational goals of modern sewage treatment plants:

• Reduced unplanned downtime through durable and fatigue-resistant components
• Improved plant availability through simplified inspection and maintenance routines
• Safe operation supported by robust mechanical design and proven industrial standards
• Flexible integration with motors from different manufacturers

The ability to deliver complete system solutions, including motors and customised mounting arrangements, simplifies project engineering and installation.

Why Chain-Based Drives Are Replacing Traditional Systems

Traditional clarifier and scraper bridge drives have often relied on rack-and-pinion systems or friction wheels. While these solutions can be effective under ideal conditions, they are vulnerable to accelerated wear, slippage and misalignment in real world wastewater environments.

TECDOS round steel chain drives provide positive mechanical engagement with proven, long-term performance. This is particularly critical in large diameter clarifiers, where uniform power distribution and high reliability are essential for process efficiency.

The Final Word

TECDOS Drive Technology is a modern, purpose-built solution for the mechanical challenges of sewage treatment plants. When used in clarifiers, sand traps and grease filters, the system delivers high torque capacity, superior resistance to wear and corrosion and outstanding operational reliability.

By combining high performance round steel chains with robust, modular drive systems such as PI-GAMMA and OMEGA, TECDOS enables improved system uptime, reduced maintenance costs and stable, predictable process performance.

Do you want more information on our drive technology solutions? Call us on 07 3809 1300 or email us.

This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only.