Scum pipes represent one of the simplest and most economical ways to remove scum from a water surface in both water and wastewater treatment. These slotted pipes rotate forward and backward by manual or electronic control, on a continuous or intermittent basis. Also called rotating scum pipes, scum skimmers, rotating pipes or rotating troughs, these systems are used in water treatment systems worldwide in circular and rectangular clarifiers, dissolved air flotation basins, settling basins and other process basins where surface scum is an issue.

System design can accommodate various tank widths, water elevation levels and desired operation frequency. Important considerations include meeting maximum deflection criteria, pipe diameter and wall thickness, intermediate support needs and method/mechanism for operation.

JMS can provide electrically actuated Mega-SKIMMERs utilizing either chain & sprocket, rack & pinion or linkage. Mega-SKIMMERS can be manually operated with either a stainless steel lever pole or handwheel by way of rack and worm gear. Mega-SKIMMERs can be 10” – 18” in diameter.

For decades, JMS has been providing scum pipes to municipal water and wastewater treatment systems in stainless steel T-316 or T-304, fiberglass or carbon steel. NSF-61 certified, the Mega-SKIMMER (Scum Pipe) is a simple, robust solution that uses proven JMS innovations to remove floating scum.

The Mega-SKIMMER is available with various operating mechanisms to suit the needs of the facility. Manual operation is accomplished by either a lever or handwheel, offering a low-cost option. The handwheel can employ a worm gear and UHMW-PE gear rack operating mechanism or a linkage type of operating mechanism.

Automated operation can be achieved with an electric actuator, operated locally or remotely through a SCADA or other PLC system. The actuator is mounted for operation through a worm gear or chain and sprocket mechanism. The actuator includes integral controls, limit switches for position feedback, torque overload protection, starter and a manual handwheel for backup.

Multi-position control feature

Offers the ability to preset the 2-way rotation of the Mega-SKIMMER Scum Pipe System in up to four positions.

  • Center/neutral – no skimming
  • Shallow skim – towards flow
  • Deep skim – towards flow
  • Back skim – with flow

Key features

  • Uses proven JMS innovations to remove floating scum
  • No need for grease lines and lubrication
  • Accessible design; all seals are easily removable
  • Flanged connections allow for discharge pipe flushing
  • Built for deflection
  • Certified to ANSI/NSF-61 standards

Success Story

The Deer Island Treatment Plant is a large publicly owned wastewater treatment facility operated by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Located in Boston Harbor, it is the centerpiece of MWRA’s program to protect the harbor from Metropolitan Boston’s sewage system. The plant is nearing completion of a transformation which will allow it to meet all EPA guidelines.

One of the many ongoing projects was the upgrade of the primary and secondary clarifiers, including the replacement of nearly 200 of the plant’s aged scum pipe assemblies. JMS worked with project designers for over one year to optimize the final equipment design which included JMS Mega-SKIMMER (Scum Pipe) with chain and sprocket drive assemblies to increase long term reliability. As one of the largest projects in JMS history, the results have been outstanding. After shipping over 500 tons of stainless steel components, JMS shipments were completed ahead of schedule. Carl Lindquist, Project Manager for MWRA and Resident Inspector, describes the JMS equipment as top quality, meeting all specifications, process compatible, and robust. In his words, the MWRA expects a long life and trouble-free operation from this investment.