Orthos Liquid Systems, Inc., (ORTHOS) announced today the release of its MAXIMUS™ “free-flow” filter underdrain, constructed of robust, 10-gauge stainless steel (SST). Chemically-anchored to the filter floor using SST hardware for quick installation, the patent-pending MAXIMUS features a low, 6” profile that provides increased filter media depth or operational freeboard in retrofit applications. Equalizing orifices between nozzle plate supports provide free-flow of water and air across the entire underdrain plenum footprint, eliminating the flow distribution and pressure differential problems associated with plastic block and triangular lateral style systems. Orthos Type D nozzleswith built-in pressure differential are installed into the MAXIMUS plates on 6” centers each way to further ensure excellent distribution and to cast aside problematic gravel or other support media. Long-lived gaskets and SST hardware seal adjoining nozzle plates, the plates to the perimeter frame, and the frame to the filter floor to fully encapsulate MAXIMUS.
“In essence, MAXIMUS is a superior-performing, rugged, stainless steel plate underdrain for concrete tankage that utilizes our core-business nozzle products,” stated James V. Bryan, Orthos Vice President. “MAXIMUS may be installed into lower profile applications than that of our Centurion™ reinforced concrete underdrains. ORTHOS will now use the same hydraulic profile and compete directly against plastic block and triangular laterals.”
“No longer must utilities compromise their future operational performance in order to speed up installation by installing triangular laterals on much-too-far-apart 12” centers,” stated Stuart F. Humphries, Director of Filtration Technology for ORTHOS. “MAXIMUS enables free flow of backwash water and scour air beneath its underdrain panels to ensure excellent distribution through ORTHOS’ long-lived nozzles. Its rugged 10-gauge stainless steel is four times as thick as that of triangular laterals and will deliver to utilities their demands of resiliency and reliability just like Centurion has for over 20 years.”
Remember Orthos’ HUGE life cycle cost benefits– At the end of the filter’s life cycle (~25 years), in contrast to a complete plastic block or folded sheet metal underdrain overhaul, nozzles are simply replaced