WHITCHURCH engineering firm Landia are celebrating the 70th anniversary of their chief product, the chopper pump.

In 1950, Landia's Christian Oelgaard invented the chopper pump and 70 years on, the design principle remains unchanged, featuring a unique external cutting (knife) system at the inlet that stops the pump.

Originally created to chop straw in liquid animal manure that often causes stoppages and problems, the chopper pump has since been installed worldwide – typically in those hard-to-handle applications where solids bring less sturdier pumps to a halt.

One of those very successful overseas installations has been for the aeration and wastewater system at a major poultry processor in Saudi Arabia.

The upgrade for this processor in Saudi has been managed by MSA Environmental, a leading independent environmental consultancy based in Wiltshire that operates within the food, drink and dairy sectors.

'Robust and reliable'

Jerad O'Pray, director at MSA Environmental, said Landia always provided good support.

"We always get good back-up from Landia," he said. "They are always keen to hear that their chopper pumps are working well and that the customer is happy".

"We have also used these units on overseas projects in hot climates to handle aeration, anoxic tanks and sewage.

"There have been no problems, despite ambient temperatures that are consistently above 40C. The AirJets also help reduce odour issues by keeping the tanks fresh during the near 24/7 operation".

In Cornwall, Landia AirJets were also introduced during the upgrade of Dairy Crest's wastewater treatment process in Davidstow.

Initially, four stainless steel AirJets were installed in balance tanks that required thorough mixing.

Simon Merchant, manager for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) also sang Landia's praises.

"We first rented a submersible Landia AirJet to put it through its paces and help minimise odour potential in our balancing tank," he said. "It proved itself for being robust, reliable and effective.

"We needed top quality, long lasting equipment with low maintenance.

"Some major modifications to our balance tank were undertaken, which included the addition of externally-mounted Landia AirJet units.

"These have been operational for four months, and the early signs are very positive with improved dissolved oxygen levels, reduced H2S levels – and much lower noise levels.

"In addition, they have proved to be very reliable so far".