Fig. 7.—Mechanical Screen.
In the case of the screen, manufactured by Messrs. Whitehead and Poole, illustrated in [Fig. 8], the bars are of tapered steel, and are so arranged that they can be removed and replaced if necessary. The special friction drive with which this machine is fitted, prevents the breaking of the chain should the rake prongs become caught in the screen. The rake-cleaning gear consists of two swing levers, which carry a cleaning comb and a balance weight to hold it in position over the dirt tray. As the rakes bring up the screenings and reach the delivery position, they pass through the cleaning comb, which is, at the same time, forced down by a catch on the chain engaging with flanged rollers on the end of the swing levers. In this way the rakes are effectively cleaned, and it is impossible for the rake prongs and the comb to foul each other.
In addition to the screens already described, mention may be made of the special drum-shaped screen invented by Mr. Baldwin Latham and the numerous types of mechanically-operated screens in use in Germany, all more or less elaborate in character. Further details of these are probably unnecessary, as the aim of the engineer engaged in the design of sewage disposal works should be to adopt those appliances which are of the simplest possible form consistent with the requirements of the case with which he is called upon to deal. Some engineers prefer to use screens specially designed by themselves to meet the requirements of each particular scheme, and while this method provides scope for the exercise of a considerable amount of ingenuity, it is liable to involve greater expense than would be incurred by the adoption and possible adaptation of one of the various types already on the market.
