COVER SYSTEMS
COVER SYSTEMS
NEFCO PATENTED COVERS
There are two significant maintenance and operation issues that can affect clarifier performance. Algae growth in the clarifier effluent launder channel and odors generated in the clarifier as the effluent breaks over the clarifier weir. Both problems can be dealt with effectively by covering the effluent launder channel with one of several types of Launder Covers.
NEFCO Algae Covers are common-sense designs that have become the best selling covers in North America.
The Launder Covers are passive, yet they work around the clock to inhibit algae growth in clarifier launders, saving thousands of man-hours of treatment plant labor every day.
Algae Covers eliminate algae. They don’t simply brush it into the effluent to create a problem for processes downstream.
ALGAE IS MORE THAN A NUISANCE
Algae growth on launder troughs and weir surfaces is a continuous operations and maintenance problem in treatment plants everywhere. At its most benign, algae are an unsightly nuisance that requires frequent cleaning by plant personnel. This is a costly, never-ending process that robs valuable time of maintenance personnel. Unchecked, algae growth can also disrupt weir overflow, clog filter screens and pump mechanisms. In plants equipped with UV disinfection systems, algae in the effluent may significantly reduce the systems’ effectiveness and cause serious maintenance issues.
NEFCO’s patented Launder Cover Systems are designed to inhibit the growth of algae on the launder trough and weir surfaces by blocking sunlight from striking those areas. Without sunlight, algae are largely eliminated, constant cleaning by maintenance personnel is a thing of the past, and the threat of downstream equipment problems caused by floating algae is minimized.
ALGAE COVER DESIGN
Launder covers for controlling algae generally consist of a fixed mounting section that serves as the base for the Cover, and a hinged cover section that opens to provide access for inspection and maintenance. Together, these two sections extend from the tank wall over the trough and weir to a point just on the inboard side of the scum baffle, completely covering the launder, weir, and scum baffle from sunlight. The large, hinged portion of the cover opens for inspection and maintenance access to the launder trough.
TANK WALL CONFIGURATION
- The launder cover opens back toward the operator and obstructs his view and access to the trough.
- Cover installation and alignment are complicated by variations in the “roundness” of the tank wall.
- The operator must reach over the cover or use a pole or other tool to engage the cover lift ring and open the cover.
WEIR-WALL CONFIGURATION
- The Cover opens away from the operator, providing an unobstructed view of the launder and weir and the operator can access the trough if necessary.
- The Cover is mounted over the Weir Wall on adjustable stainless-steel brackets, so alignment is independent of tank wall variations.
- The Cover latch/handle is located immediately in front of the operator. This is a rugged, spring-loaded mechanism that locks the Cover closed but opens easily.
While NEFCO offers both cover configurations, the Weir Wall Mounted Cover is the choice of most plants. The Weir Mount section is secured over the weir wall with stainless-steel brackets. The hinged Cover Section arches over the trough and rests on a cover support flange fastened to the tank wall. Alternate panel units feature a molded tab that seals the panel seams from sunlight.
LAUNDER COVERS AT A GLANCE
NEFCO offers cover systems for a variety of clarifier trough configurations, including inboard, outboard, radial, peripheral feed, and others. In addition, NEFCO has developed a number of custom patterns for opening the covers, including alternate, sequential, and unrestricted.
Each Cover panel is manufactured of tough UV-protected fiberglass, specifically designed to withstand the rigors of both the application and the environment. The Cover System is custom engineered to the specific configuration and dimensions of the clarifier for optimum performance and ease of installation. Once installed, unlike “brush” or “sweep” systems, the Cover operates 24/7/365, requires virtually no maintenance and has no parts to wear and be replaced.
NEFCO has been granted a number of US patents for its Launder Cover System designs.
ODOR CONTROL COVERS
EFFECTIVE ODOR CONTROL SYSTEM
It is estimated that more than 80% of the odors in the clarifier are produced when effluent breaks over the weir and flows into the launder channel. NEFCO Odor Covers are sealed systems designed to contain these odors and/or operate in conjunction with scrubber systems that draw the trapped gases off and treat them to eliminate the odor. NEFCO Covers are an essential element in an effective odor control system.
In addition, the Cover eliminates algae and acts to keep ice, snow, and debris from the launders, adding to the overall appearance and operation of the facility.
Odor Control Covers are essential for maintaining the air quality, public health, safety, and environmental compliance of wastewater treatment plants while also helping to improve operational efficiency and community relations. Our covers are designed to mitigate the odors while allowing easy access to the launders for maintenance.
ODOR CONTROL DESIGN
NEFCO’s Odor Control Cover Systems are walkable, load-bearing platforms that enable operators to safely reach covered areas, including launders, grit chambers, UV channels and other areas where personnel access is required. Our walk-on covers feature non-skid surfaces with large hinged hatches that provide ready access to for inspection and maintenance. Heavy-duty construction means that the Cover can accommodate various loading requirements and meet a broad range of local and environmental requirements. Our Cover Systems provide a means of mounting handrails if required.
Typically, the NEFCO Odor Control Cover consists of a series of cover platforms molded to the curvature of the clarifier. The width of the platform extends from the tank wall inward over the launder, weir and scum baffle. The integral scum baffle is designed to extend below the water surface and form an airtight seal. Each cover section normally features two large inspection/access hatches that are hinged to open and sit flush within the cover, eliminating any tripping hazards. The cover platform is fastened to the tank wall and supported on stainless steel brackets at the weir wall. The cover can be equipped with inlet and exhaust connections as well as a safety railing.
LAUNDER COVERS
There are two significant maintenance and operation issues that can affect clarifier performance. Algae growth in the clarifier effluent launder channel and odors generated in the clarifier as the effluent breaks over the clarifier weir. Both problems can be dealt with effectively by covering the effluent launder channel with one of several types of Launder Covers.
A/B COVER SYSTEMS
The “A” Cover Panel has a latch and 3” wings on both sides that overlap the adjacent “B” Panels and block the majority of light from entering into the launder. The “B” Panels have a lifting ring and 2” downward flanges for rigidity. To open the “B” Panel, the following “A” Panel must be opened first. The A panels hold the B panels in place and allow for less hardware making this cover system one of more budget friendly options.
B/B COVER SYSTEMS
The “B” Cover Panel has a latch and 2” downward flanges on both sides of the cover. The cover system allows for the operator to open any cover at any point in the Tank. This system does allow for minimum light to enter the launder.
ZIPPER COVER SYSTEMS
The Cover Panel has a latch, downward flange on one side and a 3” wing on the opposite side. The mounting section typically has a resting pad allowing for the operator to traverse the launder and open the covers in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner.
RIM-FLO COVER SYSTEMS
The NEFCO patented cover system grants covers to be installed around a diminishing effluent launder. This can be achieved with either the A/B, B/B, or Zipper Cover options.
DUAL WEIR COVER SYSTEMS
The NEFCO patented cover system allows covers to be installed around a launder which is positioned towards the center of the tank and away from the exterior tank wall. This can be achieved with either the A/B, B/B, Zipper Cover, or Walk-ON Cover options.
SELF SUPPORTING COVER SYSTEMS
The NEFCO cover system has an integral bracket and is used when an existing tank has troughs that are either structurally compromised or has restrictions to bracketry etc…
WALK-ON COVERS
NEFCO’s Walk-on Cover Systems are load-bearing platforms that enable operators to safely reach covered areas, including launders, grit chambers, UV channels and other areas where personnel access is required. Our walk-on covers feature non-skid surfaces with large hinged hatches that provide ready access for inspection and maintenance. Heavy-duty construction means that the Cover can accommodate various loading requirements and meet a broad range of local and environmental requirements. We also provide provisions for mounting handrails if required.
Molded Walk-ON Cover System
The NEFCO cover system consists of a series of cover platforms molded to the curvature of the clarifier. The width of the platform extends from the tank wall inward over the launder, weir and scum baffle. The integral scum baffle is designed to extend below the water surface and form an airtight seal. Each cover section normally features two large inspection/access hatches that are hinged to open and sit flush within the cover, eliminating any tripping hazards. The cover platform is fastened to the tank wall and supported on stainless steel brackets at the weir wall. The cover can be equipped with inlet and exhaust connections for Odor Control as well as a safety railing.
Pultruded Walk-ON Cover Systems
The NEFCO cover system consists of rugged shop assembled panels that can be used in various applications. This type of cover panel is used in launders, grit chambers, UV channels, Full span covers and other areas where personnel access is required. The panels come equipped with non-skid surfaces and interlocking grooves for smooth transitions.
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At NEFCO, we have a proven track record of delivering results. All custom products are made to order and our team is committed to providing excellent customer service. We are always on a mission to improve and innovate on all of our patented products.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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