A.T.E. is happy to note that users have acknowledged the problem areas and are willing to go for new, innovative technologies which can save operating expenses over the lifecycle of the products,” emphasises Bhushan Zarapkar, Business Head – Wastewater Solutions, Clean Technology Group, A.T.E. Enterprises
A.T.E. along with technology partner Huber SE offers innovative Huber’s multirake screens and Trashmax screens. In an interview with B2B Purchase, Bhushan Zarapkar shares why these two products will change the perspective of mechanised screening in India in near future.
Innovation in wastewater solutionsInnovation is A.T.E.’s core strength. The company offers many innovative products and technologies for sustainable wastewater treatment and for reuse of water. Its extensive experience, diverse knowledge base and innovative instinct help the company offer differentiating products and technologies to address customer pain areas. Its AAA technology for textile wastewater treatment and colour reduction, anaerobic-hybrid reactor (AHR) for difficult to treat effluents such as petrochemicals and pharma, anaerobic ventury reactor (AVR) for efficient mixing etc. have been proven on commercial scale.
A.T.E. also offers many innovative products through its technology partner Huber SE. They are mechanical screens, grit removal and washing systems, sludge dewatering and drying systems etc. However, A.T.E. believes that Huber’s multirake screens and Trashmax screens are the most innovative and proven technologies that will change the perspective of mechanised screening in India in near future.
Saving cost of disposalScreening has not been given its due importance so far while designing and operating treatment plants in India. In fact, proper, effective screening reduces load on further treatment units considerably which not only increases treatment efficiency but can also reduce the power requirements. Screens can be coupled with screenings washing and compacting machines to reduce the volume of screenings to save the cost of disposal. 
Exclusive featuresIn India, the screening technology deployed has been predominantly the single rake screens. However, due to high volumes and uncontrolled screenings in its wastewaters, the single rake screens have proved to be inappropriate solution. Most single rake screen installations have failed in short time or have not performed to satisfaction of the user.
In rake screens, the rakes carry the screenings from bottom of the channel to top level with every cycle. A single rake screen, hence, takes very long time to return to bottom for lifting the new screenings during every cycle. This delay results in the accumulation of screenings in front of the screen bars which build up in a short time, thereby cause blockages and subsequent damage to screens.
Huber SE multirake screens not only speeds up the screening removal cycle and carry very large quantities of screenings out of wastewater but are also designed to allow hygienic condition for operating personnel with minimal maintenance costs.
Benefits of Huber multirake screens• Very low head loss, high separation efficiency• High operating reliability due to defined meshing of the cleaning rakes with the bar rack• Compact design with a low installation height above ground level• Completely odour-encased screen with easy to remove covers• Easy-to-retrofit into existing channels, installation without channel recesses possible• The screen consists of a self-supporting folded stainless steel profile so that it can easily be lifted out of the channel• Not hindered by gravel or grit• Simple and easy-to-access chain tensioning unit• All parts in contact with medium (except the chain, drive and bearing) are made of immersion• Pickled stainless steel, optional stainless steel chains• High screenings discharge capacity through adjustable cleaning elements• Independently replaceable rake and comb plates
Another Huber SE multirake screen’s benefit is that it fulfils the requirement of new ruling by the Supreme Court, which prohibits the entry of a person in unhygienic sewer chambers. These screens can also be installed with a special support with only one foundation which is outside the screen chamber. This totally eliminates the need of person’s entry in chamber for removal of screen during maintenance.
Huber’s heavy-duty Trashmax screens are combination of front rake and back rake screens. These are specially designed to handle very large size and large volumes of solids. These are extremely useful in many sewage, raw water and storm water pumping stations where such conditions exist. These are going to be next generation screens as solid percentage in sewage is increasing day by day.
Furthermore, hygienic conditions, operational safety, very low maintenance requirements and long operating life are becoming more and more important in the selection of the most appropriate, reliable screens in its type of conditions.
Application areasHuber’s multirake screens are required for all wastewater treatment plant, all pumping stations for water, wastewater and storm water and intermediate cleaning of open drains etc.
Supporting customersA.T.E. has regional offices all over India for sales and after-sales services. Its regional sales managers can be contacted for any enquiry related to screens as well as wastewater treatment and recycle systems. This sales and service team is supported by a central support group in Pune. The team of experienced people assesses the requirement, site conditions, feasibility etc. and offers right product/technology. Further for execution of projects, the company have a dedicated team of engineers for detailed engineering, project management, and site installation and commissioning. A.T.E. is fully equipped with experienced, trained engineers to support its customers in India from concept to commissioning.
Serving customers’ requirementA.T.E. is happy to note that users have acknowledged the problem areas and are willing to go for new, innovative technologies which can save operating expenses over the lifecycle of the products. A.T.E. product offerings serve this purpose very well. The company has received good response from government as well as industrial customers. It is not only offering the products but also ready to operate and maintain the machines to take care of customers’ potential concerns due to non-availability of skilled workforce.