Expanding Screening Solutions for the UK Wastewater Sector
Effective screening remains one of the most critical stages in wastewater treatment, protecting downstream equipment and ensuring the efficient operation of treatment processes. With the recent acquisition of EnviroSep by SFA Group now complete, a new range of mechanical screening and pre-treatment technologies is becoming available to the UK market.
EnviroSep has established an international reputation for designing robust screening equipment across municipal and industrial wastewater applications. The integration of EnviroSep into the SFA Group portfolio allows these technologies to be supplied and supported within the UK through SFA Enviro’s engineering and technical network.
The expansion provides operators and contractors with access to additional screening solutions designed to improve reliability at the headworks stage of treatment, while supporting increasingly stringent operational and environmental requirements.
The importance of effective headworks screening
Screening systems represent the first barrier against solids entering wastewater treatment processes. Materials such as plastics, rags, wipes, and organic debris can cause significant operational challenges if not removed effectively. Poor screening performance can lead to blockages, increased pump maintenance, and reduced efficiency in downstream treatment processes.
As wastewater networks continue to experience increasing solids loads – with widespread presence of wipes and fibrous materials – the reliability and efficiency of screening equipment has become an increasingly important consideration for operators.
Mechanical screens designed for continuous operation help ensure consistent solids removal while reducing need for manual intervention. This improves operational reliability and also reduces health and safety risks associated with manual screening processes.
Belt-type bar screening: EnviroBar
One of the screening technologies now available within the SFA Enviro portfolio is the EnviroBar belt-type bar screen.
EnviroBar is a vertical automatic bar screen that uses a single central belt as the traction element for the screening rake. The belt drives the rake assembly, which travels along the screen bars to remove accumulated debris and transport screenings to the discharge point.
This belt-driven design provides reliable and efficient removal of coarse solids while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical arrangement.
Typical features include:
Belt-type traction system using a central drive belt
Vertical installation suitable for influent channels and pumping stations
Reliable automated cleaning of the bar rack
Integration with screenings handling systems such as conveyors or compactors
Belt screens are commonly used in municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial installations where dependable removal of coarse solids is required at the headworks stage.
Chain-driven bar screening: ENVIRORAK and ENVIROSTRAT
In addition to belt-type screens, the EnviroSep range also includes chain-driven bar screens: ENVIRORAK and ENVIROSTRAT.
The ENVIRORAK screen is continuously cleaned by several combs driven by lateral chains. These combs travel along the screen bars to remove captured debris.
Because multiple combs operate in sequence, the interval between two passes of the combs over the screen typically does not exceed 15 to 20 seconds, depending on the configuration.
This continuous cleaning process provides significant advantages in applications where large quantities of waste may suddenly reach the screen, ensuring that debris does not accumulate excessively on the screen surface.
Additional advantages include:
Continuous automated cleaning
Highly reliable performance in high-solids loading conditions
Particularly beneficial where lifting heights are significant
Flexible design in terms of width, height and mesh spacing
The ENVIRORAK screen is typically installed at a 75° incline, providing efficient solids removal while maintaining manageable installation depth.
A related technology within the range is the ENVIROSTRAT, which uses a similar chain-driven principle but is installed completely vertically at 90°.
Very few chain screens are designed to operate fully vertically, with most typically installed at 75° or 80°. This vertical configuration can provide advantages in plant footprint and space requirements, particularly in retrofit or constrained sites.
Rotary wedge-wire drum screens
For finer solids removal, EnviroSep also manufactures rotary drum fine screens designed using wedge-wire drum construction.
Unlike many drum screens that rely on perforated plates, EnviroSep drum screens utilise precision wedge-wire screening surfaces, which provide improved hydraulic performance and resistance to clogging.
As wastewater passes through the rotating wedge-wire drum, solids are captured on the screen surface and removed using spray systems before being discharged to a screenings collection system.
Typical applications include:
Industrial wastewater treatment
Food and beverage processing
Pre-treatment prior to biological treatment systems
Advantages include:
High screening efficiency
Robust wedge-wire construction
Continuous self-cleaning operation
Effective capture of fine solids
Fine screening systems are increasingly used where improved solids removal is required before biological treatment processes or advanced treatment technologies.
Supporting the evolving needs of wastewater treatment
The addition of EnviroSep equipment to the SFA Group portfolio reflects a broader trend within the wastewater sector towards more reliable and automated pre-treatment solutions.
As wastewater treatment plants face increasing operational pressures, from higher solids loads to stricter environmental compliance requirements, the role of effective screening technology continues to grow.
By combining EnviroSep’s screening technologies with SFA Enviro’s engineering expertise and local technical support, operators within the UK market will have access to a broader range of screening and solids handling solutions designed to support long-term plant performance.
The integration represents a further step in strengthening the availability of proven wastewater treatment technologies for utilities, contractors, and industrial operators across the UK.
