PISTA® 360™ Vortex Grit Chamber

The PISTA® 360™ Vortex Grit Chamber incorporates the proprietary V-FORCE BAFFLE™, an integral flow-control baffle designed for both the inlet and outlet of the main chamber. The inlet baffle directs wastewater into the chamber to establish the correct vortex flow pattern and prevent hydraulic short-circuiting.

The system provides a full 360° flow path through the chamber, extending the grit extraction path and maximising the opportunity for grit particles to settle onto the chamber’s flat floor. During periods of reduced flow, the V-FORCE BAFFLE™ increases chamber velocity to help maintain effective grit capture across a wide range of operating conditions.

At the outlet, the V-FORCE BAFFLE™ functions as an integrated slice weir, controlling the water level within the chamber and inlet channel. This eliminates the need for a separate downstream level-control device while maintaining channel velocities between approximately 0.5 m/s at minimum flow and 1.1 m/s at peak flow.

By integrating water-level control directly into the grit chamber, the PISTA® 360™ can reduce downstream footprint requirements and associated construction costs. The system is designed to achieve 95% grit removal efficiency for particles as small as 105 µm.

PISTA® 360™ Technical Data
Flow Capacity Up to 378,500 m³/day
Inlet / Outlet Arrangement Full 360° arrangement with V-FORCE BAFFLE™
Grit Removal Efficiency 95% removal down to 105 µm particles
Channel Velocity Approximately 0.5 m/s at minimum flow to 1.1 m/s at peak flow
Turndown Ratio 10:1
Water-Level Control Integrated into the outlet V-FORCE BAFFLE™
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Frequently Asked Questions

The V-FORCE BAFFLE™ controls the flow entering and leaving the grit chamber. At the inlet, it establishes the correct vortex pattern and helps prevent hydraulic short-circuiting. At the outlet, it controls the chamber water level and directs flow out of the system.

The full 360° flow path increases the distance travelled by grit within the vortex chamber. This provides more opportunity for grit particles to separate from the wastewater and settle onto the chamber’s flat floor for extraction.

The PISTA® 360™ is designed to achieve 95% removal of grit particles down to 105 µm, helping protect downstream pumps, pipelines and treatment equipment from abrasion and accumulation.

No. The outlet V-FORCE BAFFLE™ acts as an integrated slice weir that controls water levels within the grit chamber and inlet channel. This removes the need for a separate downstream submerged weir or comparable level-control device.

Yes. The system is designed for a 10:1 turndown ratio and maintains channel velocities of approximately 0.5 m/s at minimum flow and 1.1 m/s at peak flow. The baffle also increases vortex chamber velocity during lower-flow periods to support consistent grit capture.