Headworks

Headworks is a general term referring to equipment in a plant which accepts and removes large debris, grit, and other contaminants from incoming raw wastewater. Headworks typically includes the use of screens, grit chambers, and other equipment to remove large debris and grit from the wastewater, as well as processes such as flow equalization and chemical addition to prepare the wastewater for further treatment. These processes are essential for protecting downstream equipment and improving the overall efficiency of the treatment process.

Headworks screens, also known as bar screens or coarse screens, are used at the beginning of the wastewater treatment process to remove large debris, such as rags, sticks, and other solid materials. These screens can be manually or automatically operated, and are typically made of metal bars, perforated plates, or wire mesh. They are designed to catch and remove larger items from the wastewater stream, protecting downstream equipment and processes from damage.

Grit removal is another important step in the wastewater treatment process. Grit refers to small, heavy particles such as sand, gravel, and cinder, which can accumulate in the wastewater stream and cause problems if not removed. Grit removal is typically accomplished through the use of grit chambers, which are designed to separate grit from the wastewater using sedimentation and gravity. The grit is then collected and disposed of, while the treated wastewater is sent on for further treatment.