Klargester BA BioDisc Service – Oban

BA BioDisc service in Oban — We recently completed a routine service on a Klargester BA BioDisc sewage treatment plant in Oban.

The plant was operating correctly with healthy biological growth and clear final effluent. However, the service identified a heavily cracked drive belt and an existing loss of rotation sensor that had never previously been commissioned.

Routine BioDisc Inspection

A full electrical, mechanical and operational inspection was completed to assess the condition of the treatment plant and identify any developing faults.

• Supply voltage measured at 230V
• Motor current measured at 0.5A
• Control panel in good condition
• Control panel wiring in good condition
• Motor gearbox operating correctly
• Top and bottom pulleys in good condition
• Drive-end and non-drive-end bearings in good condition
• Rotor shaft in good condition
• All rotor clamps present and secure
• Disc pack in good condition

Heavily Cracked Drive Belt Replaced

During the mechanical inspection, the existing small BA drive belt was found to be heavily cracked.

Although the BioDisc was still rotating, the deterioration meant the belt was approaching the end of its service life. Leaving it in place could have resulted in the belt snapping unexpectedly and stopping the biological treatment process.

The old belt was removed and replaced before the belt tension was adjusted and checked.

• Heavily cracked drive belt removed
• New BA drive belt installed
• Belt tension adjusted
• Top and bottom pulleys inspected
• Drive system tested following replacement

Loss of Rotation Alarm Commissioned

The plant had an existing magnetic loss of rotation sensor, but it had never been connected and commissioned.

A new three-core cable was installed within the Kingspan control panel, allowing the existing sensor to be connected to the alarm circuit.

The loss of rotation alarm was then commissioned and tested successfully at no additional cost to the customer.

This alarm now provides an important early warning if the BioDisc stops rotating. Without a functioning alarm, a belt, motor or gearbox fault could go unnoticed while treatment performance gradually deteriorates.

Maintenance Completed

• Full routine service completed
• Drive belt replaced
• Belt tension adjusted
• Pump bearing support bolts tightened
• Rotor clamp nuts checked and tightened
• New three-core cable installed
• Loss of rotation alarm commissioned and tested
• Loss of power alarm tested
• General cleaning completed
• Full operational inspection completed

Treatment Performance

The biological treatment process was found to be operating correctly.

• Healthy biological growth present
• Final effluent clear
• No abnormal odours detected
• No excessive grease build-up
• Structural condition satisfactory

The BioDisc was left operating correctly following completion of the service and drive belt replacement.

Desludging Recommended

Although the mechanical and treatment systems were operating correctly, the sludge and crust readings showed that the plant was due to be desludged.

• Primary crust: 500mm
• Primary sludge: 300mm
• Final crust: 300mm
• Final sludge: 200mm

The customer was advised to arrange for the BioDisc to be desludged within one month to maintain treatment performance and prevent excessive solids from affecting the biological process.

Why Routine Servicing Matters

This visit is a good example of the value of preventative maintenance.

The BioDisc was still operating, but the drive belt was heavily cracked and could have failed without warning. Replacing it during the scheduled service avoided an unexpected breakdown.

Commissioning the loss of rotation alarm also gives the customer additional protection by providing an early warning if the BioDisc stops turning in the future.

We provide Klargester BA BioDisc servicing, belt replacements, alarm repairs and preventative maintenance across Oban and throughout Scotland.