The VORTEX core is a cartridge type unit offering a variety of features that make it the most advanced unit of its kind:

The VORTEX grinder pump has been engineered to process a wide range of materials including those that may be accidentally introduced into the waste stream, such as wood, plastic or glass. The unique progressing cavity pump design allows for the handling of solids suspended in a slurry without damaging the system piping as a result of over-pressurization. The system prevents line obstructions to ensure that clogging does not occur.

All electronic controls are in the panel box for easy servicing and residing in an area where condensation is not a problem. The self-contained, cartridge type core is designed specifically for easy installation. It is a drop-in replacement for existing positive displacement pump systems, with no special modifications required. Because the VORTEX is constructed of advanced, non-corrosive materials, its overall weight is less than other positive displacement systems. The specially engineered PVC parts are impact resistant. Power to the core is supplied by a single, waterproof cable with a "quick disconnect" plug for safe handling and maintenance.

The liquid level is measured through the use of a low-voltage, solid-state probe utilizing three, stand-alone sensors. The probe is not affected by grease or fat build-up and does not require field maintenance. Alarm setting may be set differently than high/low sensor.

The core unit and discharge plumbing resist corrosion, abrasion, chemical attack, and features a non-clogging swing check valve.

The rotor and stator components of the VORTEX pump are engineered and manufactured specifically for wastewater handling. Years of experience in elastomer formulation and design have gone into the VORTEX stator to provide the most efficient combination available.

Design Information

Technical Comments

The VORTEX is engineered to be an economical and environmentally-compatible alternative to residential septic systems where the use of conventional technology is impractical. The system accepts a variety of solids commonly found in the typical household waste stream and processes them into fine particles for immediate disposal to a waste collection system. The progressing cavity pump design enables the system to accommodate particles and materials that normally exceed the capabilities of other pump designs.

Even as discharge pressures increase, the VORTEX maintains a constant flow as opposed to creating a deteriorating flow common to centrifugal pumps. This feature allows the system to function reliably without line blockage in applications involving multiple pumping units located on the same line.

Easy-to-operate controls automatically maintain appropriate reservoir levels as required by the waste stream.

The unit consists of a grinder and a progressing cavity pump assembly with a reservoir sized for peak flow capacity. The electrical controls are designed for wiring into a 230 VAC, single-phase household system.

Alarm Panels

Vortex offers 2 alarm panel options:

The main difference between the standard and enhanced versions is the ability to accurately monitor and maintain data of sewage flow leaving the unit discharge to the tank and the additional 8 year limited warranty on all parts required in servicing the unit.

While both panels control the pump with solid state circuitry, the enhanced panel has a Hall effect coil with related circuitry and a PLC to compute and retain flow, cycles and pump run time. Because the pump has an amperage run variance, the gpm that the pump is operating at can be ascertained by associating it with the amperage.

Both panels have the following features:

In addition the enhanced value panel has:

Tank and Accessway

GENERAL: Each grinder pump unit shall be installed as a factory-preassembled unit, consisting of a separate pump basin and an accessway segregated from sewage. The tank shall be factory-sealed to the accessway to form a watertight assembly, and prevent the exfiltration of wastewater. The accessway shall have an access opening at the top and be supplied with a top secured by tamper proof screws.

MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION: The tank shall be constructed of HDPE schedule 32.5 with molded PE bottom and pump platform. Parts to be assembled using butt fusion method of joining HDPE pipe. The basin bottom will allow a center deflection of no more then 0.375" when totally submerged in water. The finished basin will withstand a soil load modulus of 700 psf, have a hydrostatic loading of 120 psf at any depth, and allow for a safety factor of "2" on Lusher's scale. The basin shall include an integral, anti-flotation flange.