The Ultimate Debris Collector from Imperial Industries Inc. “combs” debris from septic waste so it can be land-applied according to state regulations or pre-treated for offloading at a disposal plant. “When you spread or land-apply, everything is coming out of your tank,” Tom Aerts, general sales manager for Imperial Industries, explains.
Eventually that litter needs to be removed. That can take time, labor and expense, he says. The 85-pound, aluminum debris collector attaches to the rear valve of the vacuum truck. Measuring 45 1/2 inches long to the end of the drain valve, the device is 12 inches wide and has a depth of 20 1/4 inches. Inside is a track where the stainless steel filters ride.
The unit is available with a choice of septic or holding tank filter. The septic filter, with 22 teeth, spaced 3/4 inches apart, is designed for removing larger debris, while the holding tank filter has 45 teeth spread 3/8 inches apart, a requirement for all waste in some states.
According to Aerts, a year of testing revealed distinct differences in waste from holding tanks and waste from septic tanks. Feedback from users said the narrow-tooth comb at times filled up and needed to be cleaned before an entire load could be emptied. That wasn’t the case when unloading a holding tank. So Imperial designed a second filter with larger spacing between the teeth specifically for septic tank waste, allowing more solids to flow through, while still holding back debris.
“So now we sell these as a septic or a holding tank debris collector,” Aerts says. Pumpers who service both septic systems and holding tanks can purchase the unit with both types of filters.
A hinged end cap makes it easy to slide the filters out for cleaning. Debris on the filter can be brushed into disposal container. “You clean it out, slide it back in, and you’re ready to go,” Aerts explains. The filter with smaller gaps also meets at least one California treatment plant’s requirement for debris removal.
The device’s light weight enables one person to safely remove and remount it in the field, although most pumpers simply leave it attached to the truck, Aerts says. Two receivers, welded to the truck’s rear bumper, telescope in or out for a customized fit. A camlock attaches the collector’s flexible hose to the 90-degree or pitched rear valve of the vacuum tank. Two pins hold the device in place, while the discharge pipe allows for a wide spray attachment. A side drain valve allows for easy cleaning with a pressure washer, and two handles atop the device make it easy to lift.
For more information, call 800/558-2945, or visit www.imperialind.com.
