At Micro Transmission Systems, we listen quite a bit: Is it better to purchase a manual bar screen or one of the automatic BAR screens? To help you decide, let us compare manual and automatic bar screens by looking at some of the most important aspects – how they work, their cost, maintenance needs and operational benefits.
What is a Manual Bar Screen?
This is the simplest type of screening equipment. It brings a series of standing straight bars since the debris will be trapped; they must be manually removed by rakes or other equipment. They are widely employed in small or trickle type installations because of their simplicity and low first cabinetwork value.
Pros of Manual Bar Screens:
- Low upfront investment
- Simple design and is easy to install
- Shock Absorbing Impact resistant/scratch-proof
- Fewer moving parts, less likely to fail mechanically
Cons of Manual Bar Screens:
- Labour-Intensive: Need for manual cleaning every time
- Not for high-flow or industrial use
- Hazards for workers during service operations
- Decomposing efficiency varies with human intervention or not
What is an Automatic Mechanical Bar Screen?
The debris is removed automatically by an automatic bar screen. These systems are equipped with motorized rakes or combs that automatically or intermittently clear solids from the bars and lift them out of the channel and into a conveyor or waste bin.
Pros of Automatic Bar Screens:
- Continuous, consistent performance of screening.
- Less risk of employment and safety
- Prevent blockages and protect downstream equipment.
- Great for high-flow and 24/7 use
- Increases the overall efficiency of the treatment.
Cons of Automatic Bar Screens:
- Higher initial investment
- Needs consistent tuning and professional servicing
- Requires power supply and control systems
Conclusion
Concerning pretreatment in wastewater treatment, bar screens are one of the front lines. Their work is simple yet vital to pull large solids like plastics, rags, wood and other garbage out of the incoming wastewater stream. This stops downstream equipment from being damaged or blocked, everything in the treatment process keeps going on well. For help in choosing manual or automatic bar screen, reach out to the team Micro Transmission System.