Module 2 ยท Trickling Filter Equipment
Distributor Arms
A rotary distributor usually has a center column with arms that stick out over the media. The arms have openings or nozzles. Water leaving the arms pushes back on them. That push can spin a distributor that is driven by the water itself. Other distributors use a motor drive.
The distributor should spread wastewater over all of the usable media. Watch how the arms move. Look at how far the spray reaches, the condition of each nozzle, leaks, and shaking. Compare every arm.
A slow, jerky, stopped, or very fast distributor may point to a change in flow, low pressure, a clog, bearing trouble, an unbalanced arm, or another mechanical problem. Do not reach toward moving arms. Do not clear openings while the equipment is running.
Follow the plant's isolation, lockout or tagout, and maintenance procedures before any hands-on work.
Exam Need to Know
- Water jetting from the arms can spin a rotary distributor.
- Slow, jerky, or stopped arms: low pressure, clogs, bearings, or imbalance.
- Never clear openings while the distributor is running.
Exam area: Equipment