VAUGHAN CO. INC

About Us

Vaughan Company has a long history of innovation and quality.  Jim Vaughan, the founder of Vaughan Company, invented the world's first chopper pump in 1960. In 1961, Vaughan Company purchased a 5,000 square foot building located in Montesano, Washington. This facility was previously used by the Schafer Brothers Logging Company as an engine repair facility for the railroad.  Vaughan Company's current facility still incorporates the original building, but with over 35,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space.

Improvements in the late 1970's included the development of a seal-and-bearing system for vertical wet well pumps to eliminate sleeve and grease packed bearings.  In the 1980's, Vaughan developed the "LCC Series" of higher efficiency 3" through 6" chopper pumps.  These designs were further refined with the "HP Series" and also expanded to include 8" through 12" pumps in the 1990's.  The "E-Series" chopper pumps were introduced in early 2000, and included further improvements in efficiency, and back pull-out design was introduced.

Stepping into the 21st Century, Vaughan continues the pursuit of dependability using modern technology.  In-house 3-dimensional computer solid modeling design allows Vaughan to create exacting fits and precision castings for all components.  Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis allows Vaughan to look closely at flow patterns and velocities within the pump, and develop premium efficiency design upgrades.  Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) automated machining creates exacting parts repetition and dependable fits with every pump.

Building a legend does take time. Dependably chopping and pumping heavy solids doesn't happen overnight.  It takes years of product development and improvement, and years of proven field experience to earn the title of "Legend".

Life Cycle Costing

The 21st Century will see more emphasis on Life Cycle Costing (LCC) of plant equipment.  Simply put, LCC is the process of evaluating the overall cost of equipment ownership, maintenance and operation over its full life, rather than simply based on purchase cost alone. Experience has proven that high quality equipment can save money in overall plant operation due to reduced maintenance downtime alone. Vaughan E-Series Chopper Pumps provide the ultimate in LCC by featuring:

• Chopping Action
• Hardened Wear Components
• Oversized Seal-and-Bearing System
• Flushless Seals
• High Efficiency 
• External Adjustments
• Attention to Detail
• Experience

Expedited Delivery

• Automated CNC Lathes: Vaughan installed its first CNC machine over 10 years ago, allowing mass-production of parts.
• Parts Accuracy: Automated machining allows manufacturing of parts within an average of 0.001" - 0.002".  This is your assurance of accuracy in every Vaughan pump. 
• Automated Milling Machines: Further addition of 4-axis automated milling machines allows Vaughan to mass-produce pump casings up to 12" and other intricate shapes.
• Parts Stock: Vaughan's complete parts inventory allows overnight delivery of virtually all pump components, eliminating delays and downtime.

With almost 20,000 units in service, the Vaughan Chopper Pump has not only proven its value in problem solving, but also established itself as the reliable alternative to conventional pumping. Over the years, product reliability has also allowed Vaughan to guarantee the NON-CLOG performance of all chopper pumps. This guarantee is your written assurance of clog-free solids-handling performance, above-and-beyond the standard materials-and-workmanship warranty.

Vaughan Chopper Pumps

Vaughan Chopper Pump

The Vaughan chopper pump is a centrifugal pump with the unique ability of chopping all incoming solids prior to pumping. This not only protects the pump from clogging but also provides added benefits to downstream components and processes.

All wear components are cast steel and heat treated for maximum impact and wear resistance. Combined together, these heavy duty patented components create the ultimate pump for handling severe solids.

This same basic concept has been used in Vaughan’s vertical wet well design for almost half a century. Chopping is accomplished by the scissor action of the leading edges of the impeller veins cutting against the opposing edges of the cutter bar.

All solids are chopped as they enter between the cutter bar and the impeller vens. The smaller solids are easily pumped by the centrifugal action of the impeller.

Available Configurations

• Vertical Wet Well
• Vertical Recirculator
• Submersible Recirculator
• Horizontal End Suction
• Cantilever
• Electric Submersible
• Vertical Pedestal
• Self Primer
• Hydraulic Submersible

Specialty Configurations

Hopper Chopper

Vaughan's "Hopper Chopper" replaces the need for choppers or grinders used to break down vegetables prior to pumping. It combines a Vaughan Chopper Pump with an auger in a hopper, designed to pump whole water-concentrated vegetables such as tomatoes, without added water.

Vortex Chopper

Vaughan's "Vortex Chopper" chops, mixes, blends and discharges large volumes of solids with minimal water added in a batch process.  As an example, the Vortex Chopper can handle up to 200 whole waste chickens at once - feathers and all. The "vortex" action (patent pending) forces all birds into the pump without requiring any additional mechanical devices. Waste chickens are slurred and readied for decontamination, drying, composting or any other means of disposal.

Veggie Chopper

Vaughan's "Veggie Chopper" chops, mixes, blends and discharges whole waste produce from supermarkets for disposal. The "vortex" action (patent pending) forces all produce into the chopper pump without requiring any additional mechanical devices. Waste lettuce, bananas, cabbage, oranges, apples, corn, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes and even pineapples are slurred and readied for disposal

Rotamix Process Mixing Systems

Vaughan's Rotamix® System is a process mixing system designed for complete tank mixing, in lieu of conventional gas or draft tube type mixing.  The Rotamix System includes Vaughan Horizontal End Suction Chopper Pump(s) in combination with Vaughan Floor-Mounted Mixing Nozzles.  Each application is custom engineered, and can include a Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis to assure complete mixing.  This cost effective system provides ease of access to the pump for routine maintenance, and increases overall efficiency by chopping and pumping solids continuously, all for less cost than conventional mixing systems. 

Applications include anaerobic digesters, sludge storage, aeration basins, and any other applications requiring complete and maintained suspension of solids.

Triton Screw Centrifugal Pumps

Combining the benefits of Vaughan’s superior pump designs with the advantages of high efficient, non-clogging performance, the Triton screw centrifugal pump’s open channel impeller is ideal for handling thick sludges, large or stringy solids, shear sensitive fluids and delicate or highly abrasive materials.

Unique features include steep performance curves, non-overloading power characteristics, heavy-duty power frames, flush less mechanical seal design to eliminate water flush requirements, or an optional standard power frame with water flushed mechanical seal or packing.

Features and Benefits include:

• High Efficiency - Energy Savings 
• Low Shear - Gentler Pumping Action 
• Low NPSH - Minimizes Suction Requirements 
• Back-Pullout Casing - For Ease of Maintenance 
• Mechanical Seal or Packing - Allows Full Flexibility 
• Optional Flushless Mechanical Seal - Totally eliminates flush system requirements 
• Upper Cutter - Protects Mechanical Seal 
• Optional Materials - For Corrosion and Abrasion Resistance 
• Proven Severe Duty Mechanical Seals - Most Dependable Sealing System Available 
• Interchangeable with Vaughan Chopper Pump Components - Provides Increased Plant Flexibility

8" - 10" Self-Priming Chopper Pumps

Features:

• World's largest self-priming chopper pumps
• Capable of flows up to 6000 GPM
• Up to 70% efficiency
• Up to 22 feet priming lift
• Replaceable volutes
• Externally adjustable clearances
• Oversized inlets
• Tungsten Carbide cartridge mechanical seal

Pump Applications

Municipal Applications

Clarifier Scum: Vaughan Pumps handle both primary and secondary clarifier scum without plugging or air binding. The optional recirculator is available for both the Vertical Wet Well or Submersible pumps for large pits, or pits with long retention times, to allow pre-mixing of the stratified scum prior to pump out. The oil bath bearing system allows complete pump down of the scum on each cycle.

Digester Scum Blanket: Anaerobic digesters are notorious for the formation of scum blankets due to grease, hair and other floatables. The Vaughan Scumbuster® virtually eliminates the effects of a scum blanket and prevents it from reforming by homogenizing and conditioning. This type of mixing allows digesters to regain their design capacity, extends the time between cleanouts and generates more methane gas. The Scumbuster with a 20 HP, 1750 RPM Explosion Proof motor will handle most digesters up to 80 feet in diameter. Larger diameter digesters, or heavy scum blankets, may require 2 pumps.

Digester Mixing: Vaughan Pumps effectively mix digester sludge, replacing gas, draft tube, submersible prop, or other pump mixing systems, while increasing digester efficiency by continuously chopping solids without the need for expensive pre-grinders or comminutors.  Vaughan's 8"- 12" pumps produce volumes up to 8000 GPM.

Digester Recirculation: Vaughan Chopper Pumps effectively re circulate digester sludge through heat exchangers, increasing digester efficiency while eliminating clogging of the heat exchanger and the need for expensive pre-grinders or comminutors.

Lift Stations: Raw incoming solids are chopped and pumped dependably with Vaughan Chopper pumps, replacing standard non-clog pumps and eliminating the need for expensive pre-grinders or comminutors in troublesome sewage applications - especially prisons, hospitals, restaurants and other institutional and public facilities.

Septage: Raw concentrated solids from septic tanks create a severe pumping environment for standard sewage pumps. Rags and plastics can clog solids handling type pumps.

Sludge Transfer: Vaughan Chopper Pumps handle up to 18% solids in municipal sludge. The chopping action eliminates roping caused by the wrapping of hair and rags due to pre-rotation of recessed impeller pumps.

Agriculture / Dairy Applications

Jim Vaughan invented the first chopper pump back in 1960, after working on local dairymen's pumps in his repair shop and realizing the need to "chop" the solids while pumping. Since then, Vaughan chopper pumps have been successfully applied on dairies where high reliability and low maintenance are demanded.

Applications for Vaughan chopper pumps on dairies included:

• Barn Flush Pit
• Separator Feed
• Lagoons
• Digester Mixing
• Scraped Manure

Industrial Applications

Automotive / Steel: Automotive manufacturing and steel mills produce waste solids that plug conventional non-clog pumps. Vaughan pumps solve these problems in the following applications:

• Paint overspray sludge
• Chrome based painting slurries
• Body metal, glass and plastic
• Mineral and oil wash down
• Boiler blow down
• Coke tar decanter sludge
• Iron ore pellets

Chemical / Petrochemical: Suspended solids in chemical production and waste treatment create very difficult pumping applications. Major chemical manufacturers have all benefited by using Vaughan Pumps in the following severe duty pumping applications:

• Detergent cakes
• Hand cleaners with pumice
• Latex skins
• Lead oxide slurries
• Paint sludges
• Plastics

Contractor Services: Industrial and hazardous waste solids suspended in chemical solutions create the worst environment for any pump. Lagoon cleaning, sludge dewatering and storage tank cleaning all require dependable pumping equipment to handle the unknown plastics, glass and metals in applications such as:

• Hazardous waste cleanup
• Lagoon cleaning
• Recycled solvents
• Sludge dewatering
• Storage tank cleanout

Food Processing: Vaughan pumps are ideally suited for waste handling in all types of food processing. Food industries such as restaurants, poultry, pork, beef, fish, fruit and vegetable processing have benefited from dependable Vaughan pumps handling:

• Blood and bones
• Vegetables such as carrots, corn husks, potatoes and tomatoes
• Poultry feathers, whole chickens and turkeys
• Seafood Processing waste

Vaughan pumps are also ideally suited for waste handling in rendering operations. All types of rendered solids are handled successfully, such as:

• Fleshing and pieces of hide
• Offal
• Horns, Hooves, ears, fat and hair

Institutional & Correctional: Vaughan Chopper Pumps are ideally suited for institution and correctional facility pumping stations. The combination of chopping and pumping not only eliminates plugging on rags, clothing, bed sheets, towels, blankets, plastics and other stringy materials. Vaughan pumps can directly replace existing pumps, eliminating the need for a pre-grinder or comminutor. Applications include:

• Sewage lift stations
• Kitchen waste

Mining / Sand & Gravel: Extremely abrasive environments are detrimental to conventional sleeve bearings, packing and lip seals. Vaughan's unique seal-and-bearing design with the patented seal shroud addresses these problems. Heat treatment of wear parts extends pump life, while minimizing maintenance costs. Applications include:

• Acid mine water
• Coal and sand washing
• Concrete batch plant sumps
• Sand and gravel silt ponds
• Truck wash down sumps

Paper & Wood Products: Vaughan pumps provide trouble free operation for the Pulp & Paper industry in applications such as:

• Wood yard sumps
• Log Soaking vats
• Chip Conveyors
• Yard Sumps
• Coal Pile Runoff
• Conveyor Gallery sumps
• Fly Ash and carbonized bark
• Knot and bark handling
• Drainage Sumps