Choosing the Right Impeller for Your Wastewater Pumping with the help of KSB and Crane Engineering

Wastewater today is tougher to pump. More wipes, more grit/abrasives, new chemical corrosion, higher electrical cost and low use water fixtures can overwhelm old pumps/impellers. Choosing the correct impeller is one of the most important decisions affecting clogging frequency, hydraulic performance, and long-term operating cost.

Through the new KSB and Crane Engineering partnership, municipalities now get the benefit of advanced pump design supported by local engineering expertise and local service capabilities. Together, we help ensure every Pump receives the right hydraulic solution for its unique wastewater profile.

The wrong design can drive recurring clogging, higher energy usage, and accelerated wear.  KSB’s continued Research and Development of Impeller Geometry and Materials of construction, allow municipalities to get the best of both worlds.  Impellers designed for Efficiency and minimizing clogging, along with a variety of metallurgy provide an impeller lineup built to address these conditions.  Crane Engineering is there for Selection, Startup, Training and beyond to ensures the correct selection is made for today and the future.

KSB Impeller Options Explained

Vortex Impeller (ARX or KRT)

Best for:

• High rag content and unpredictable solids loading.
• Recessed design keeps solids away from the impeller and allows large debris to pass with minimal contact. Offers the highest clog resistance. Ideal for stations that frequently plug.
• KSB vortex impellers are leading the industry in efficiency.

D Max Impeller (ARX or KRT)

Best for:

• Typical municipal wastewater with moderate to high solids.
• Large free passage and specialized vane shaping reduce rag wrapping and maintain high efficiency.  A balanced option for stations where both performance and reliability matter.
• Designed specifically for high efficiency and stringy materials

Single Channel Impeller (KRT)

Best for:

• Typical municipal wastewater with moderate to high solids.
• Large free passage and single vane design reduce ragging and provide high efficiency.  A balanced option for stations where both performance and reliability matter.
• Designed specifically for high efficiency and stringy materials

Materials of Construction

Typical municipal wastewater is fine with the standard Cast/Ductile Iron.  However, there are an increasing larger amount of municipal applications that require a little more.  KSB can provide any of its designs in materials like High Chrome, CD4MCu, Stainless Steel and more.

Benefits to Municipalities

The right impeller improves system reliability, lowers maintenance costs, minimizes clogging, reduces energy costs, and extends overall pump life. Correct hydraulic selection creates predictable performance even during those unusual events.

How Crane Engineering Supports the Process

Crane Engineering applies KSB technology using a system-based approach. We provide:

• Field evaluations
• Recreation of System Curve
• System curve and hydraulic performance review
• Recommendations based on real operating data
• Specification Review
• Startup and lifecycle support
• Preventative Maintenance
• Retrofits
• System Optimization

With KSB’s engineered pump designs and Crane Engineering’s local application expertise, municipalities gain a solution that is both technically sound and operationally reliable. Reach out today with any of your wastewater needs!