A comminutor is a machine that is used in wastewater treatment plants to cut up wastewater solids. In other words, a comminutor is a size reduction device, doing so by grinding up the wastewater solids.Large, stringy wastewater solids can plug pump impellers and can damage belt filter presses and centrifuges. But a comminutor minimizes damage and reduces downtime, and therefore provides cost benefits.Comminution technology is fairly new. You won't find the word 'comminutor' in many dictionaries. We think it'll be added in soon, though - comminutor technology is increasingly popular today as more and more municipal councils (and other bodies) that deal with solid waste treatment receive higher quantities as populations increase.The comminution technology is evolving rapidly, and this has led to an exciting race between comminutor manufacturers. As an example, many of today's comminutors use twin shaft grinding with screw screening systems and high flow capabilities.Comminutors, which are also known as macerators and grinders in the industry, were first used in the 50s (drum-type comminutors). After drum type comminutors came straight-through comminutors, followed by in-line comminutors/grinders, dual shaft comminutors (grinders), and then cutter cartridge enhanced twin shaft comminutors. Comminutors get better with each passing decade.Most comminutors use counter-rotating sets of inter-meshing cutters to shred and cut solids into fine particles. The greatest drawback of such systems is that very little open area is left for fluids to pass through, thanks to the banks of intermeshing cutters. This problem is solved by cutter cartridges in enhanced twin shaft comminutors. A cartridge is a one-piece solid element, as opposed to multiple individual spacer disks and cutters. The use of cartridges has led to an increase in cutter strength.The components that make up comminutors include: HousingRight-angle gear motorDouble-sealed shielded bearingsInlet troughDrive shaft Rotating cutting bar/sStationary cutter comb The most commonly used material for the cutter comb and cutter bars is A2 chromecarbon tool steel. Comminutors are made for outdoor use.How to Choose the Right Type of ComminutorYou shouldn't go for the first comminutor you come across. You should consider the type of comminutor, the expertise of the manufacturer, if the unit is ruggedly constructed, the upstream head capacity, ease of installation and maintenance, and your particular circumstances and preferences.
