IS 6279:1971 specifies requirements for equipment used in grit removal devices within sewage treatment plants handling domestic and municipal sewage, including industrial wastes. It covers design, materials, and operational aspects of intermittent and continuous mechanical grit removal devices, grit washing equipment, and velocity control devices. This standard is essential for engineers and professionals involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of grit removal systems to ensure efficient removal of grit particles and protect downstream treatment processes.
Overview
IS 6279:1971 specifies requirements for equipment used in grit removal devices within sewage treatment plants handling domestic and municipal sewage, including industrial wastes. It covers design, materials, and operational aspects of intermittent and continuous mechanical grit removal devices, grit washing equipment, and velocity control devices. This standard is essential for engineers and professionals involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of grit removal systems to ensure efficient removal of grit particles and protect downstream treatment processes.
Audience
Contents
Structure
| Grit Particle Size (Mesh) | Diameter (mm) | Overflow Rate (m³/d/m²) for sp gr 2.65 | sp gr 2.3 | sp gr 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 0.21 | 1890 | 1485 | 1126 |
| 80 | 0.18 | 1670 | 1310 | 1015 |
| 100 | 0.15 | 1320 | 1065 | 800 |
| Component | Material | IS Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Works | Reinforced/plain concrete, Brick, Stone | IS:456, IS:2212, IS:1597 |
| Motors & Electrical | As per IS standards | IS:325, IS:996, IS:1766 |
| Turn Table | High grade cast iron | IS:210 |
| Reduction Gear | Steel or equivalent | IS:1570, IS:1871 |
| Gates | Cast iron/steel | IS:3042, IS:226 |
| Scrapers | Fabricated sheets | IS:513 |
| Shaft | Cold finished steel | IS:1570 |
| Floats | Plastic (PE, PVC, glass fibre reinforced) | - |
| Channels | Steel | IS:3954 |
This summary highlights the scope related to grit removal overflow rates and materials per IS 6279. For design, use Table 2 overflow rates adjusted by site-specific factors.
flowchart
IS 6279: Grit Removal Devices - Key Points
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Flow Velocity in Channel | 0.3 to 0.6 m/s |
| Detention Time in Grit Chamber | 2 to 3 minutes |
| Grit Particle Size Removed | > 0.2 mm |
| Grit Removal Efficiency | 90% or higher |
[ v_s = \frac{(d^2)(g)(\rho_p - \rho)}{18 \mu} ]
flowchart LR
A[Influent Wastewater] --> B[Constant Velocity Channel]
B --> C[Grit Chamber (Square Tank)]
C --> D[Settling of Grit]
D --> E{Mechanical Removal?}
E -- Yes --> F[Continuous Mechanical Grit Removal Device]
E -- No --> G[Manual/Periodic Removal]
F --> H[Disposal of Grit]
G --> H
H --> I[Treated Water to Next Process]
For detailed equipment specs, refer to IS 6279 clauses on mechanical device dimensions and operational
IS 6279: Materials of Construction for Grit Removal Devices
| Component | Material | Reference IS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Civil works | a) Reinforced/plain concrete | IS 456-1964 |
| b) Brick masonry | IS 2212-1962 | |
| c) Stone masonry | IS 1597 (Part I & II)-1967 | |
| Motors, starters, switches | Electrical components (motors, starters, switches) | IS 325-1970, IS 996-1964, IS 1766-1961, IS 1822-1967 |
| Turn table | High grade cast iron | IS 210-1970 |
| Reduction gear | Steel or other suitable materials | IS 1570-1961, IS 1871-1965 |
| Gates | Cast iron or steel | IS 3042-1965, IS 226-1969 |
| Scrapers (fabricated sheets) | Cold rolled carbon steel sheets | IS 513-1963 |
| Shaft | Cold finished steel | IS 1570-1961 |
| Floats | Plastic (polyethylene, PVC, glass fibre reinforced polyester) | - |
| Channels | Steel | IS 3954-1964 |
| Part | Material Type | IS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Reinforced/plain concrete | IS 456 |
| Brick masonry | Brickwork | IS 2212 |
| Stone masonry | Rubble & Ashlar masonry | IS 1597 (Part I & II) |
| Motors & Switches | Electrical components | IS 325, IS 996, IS 1766, IS 1822 |
| Cast Iron Parts | Turn table, gates | IS 210, IS 3042 |
| Steel Parts | Reduction gear, shafts, channels |
IS 6279: Design & Operational Requirements for Grit Removal Devices
Theoretical maximum permissible overflow rates for substantially complete grit removal depend on grit particle size and specific gravity (sp gr):
| Grit Particle Size (mm) | Max Overflow Rate (m³/d/m²) for sp gr 2.65 | sp gr 2.3 | sp gr 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.21 (65 mesh) | 1890 | 1485 | 1126 |
| 0.18 (80 mesh) | 1670 | 1310 | 1015 |
| 0.15 (100 mesh) | 1320 | 1065 | 800 |
| Component | Material | IS Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Civil works | Reinforced/plain concrete | IS 456-1964 |
| Brick masonry | IS 2212-1962 | |
| Stone masonry | IS 1597 (Part I & II)-1967 | |
| Motors & electrical | As per IS 325, IS 996, IS 1766 | |
| Turn table | High-grade cast iron | IS 210-1970 |
| Reduction gear | Steel or equivalent | IS 1570, IS 1871 |
| Gates | Cast iron/steel | IS 3042, IS 226 |
| Scrapers | Fabricated sheets | IS 513 |
| Shaft | Cold finished steel | IS 1570 |
| Floats | Plastic (PE, PVC, GRP) | - |
| Channels | Steel | IS 3954 |
flowchart LR
A[Sewage Inlet] --> B[Grit Removal Device]
IS 6279: Intermittent Mechanical Grit Removal Devices
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Detention time | 2 to 3 minutes |
| Settling velocity of grit | 0.3 to 0.5 m/s |
| Grit removal frequency | Intermittent (e.g., daily) |
| Grit particle size | > 0.2 mm diameter |
[ t = \frac{V}{Q} ]
Where:
flowchart LR
A[Influent Wastewater] --> B[Grit Settling Tank]
B --> C[Grit Settled at Bottom]
C --> D[Mechanical Removal Device]
D --> E[Grit Disposal]
B --> F[Effluent Outflow]
Summary: IS 6279 specifies intermittent grit removal devices operate by periodic mechanical extraction of settled grit, ensuring efficient grit separation with minimal operational complexity.
IS 6279: Continuous Mechanical Grit Removal Devices (Clause 4.2)
Though IS 6279 provides specifications for grit removal equipment, detailed formulas and tables for continuous mechanical grit removal devices are generally based on design principles from hydraulic and mechanical engineering:
For grit settling velocity (Stokes’ Law approximation for small particles):
[ V_s = \frac{(g \cdot d^2 \cdot (\rho_s - \rho))}{18 \mu} ]
Where:
| Parameter | Value/Range |
|---|---|
| Flow velocity | 0.3 - 0.6 m/s |
| Channel slope | 1:10 to 1:30 |
| Grit particle size | 0.2 - 2 mm |
| Retention time | 2 - 3 minutes |
flowchart LR
A[Influent Flow] --> B[Grit Chamber]
B --> C[Continuous Mechanical Grit Removal Device]
C --> D[Settled Grit Collection]
D --> E[Grit Disposal]
C --> F[Effluent to Treatment]
For detailed dimensions and equipment specs, refer to IS
IS 6279: Grit Washing Equipment - Key Points
Definition (Clause 2.3):
Grit washing equipment is used in grit removal units (intermittent or continuous) to wash grit free from organic matter before disposal.
| Parameter | Typical Value/Range |
|---|---|
| Grit particle size | 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm |
| Washing water flow rate | 0.5 to 1.5 m³/hr per m² of grit bed |
| Retention time | 5 to 15 minutes |
| Organic matter removal | ≥ 80% |
[ Q = A \times v ]
Where:
flowchart LR
A[Grit Removal Unit] --> B[Grit Washing Equipment]
B --> C[Organic Matter Removal]
C --> D[Washed Grit Disposal]
Note: For detailed dimensions and design, refer to IS 6279 clauses and manufacturer data sheets.
IS 6279 - Velocity Control Devices in Grit Removal
| Particle Diameter (mm) | Max Overflow Rate (m³/d/m²) for sp. gravity 2.65 | sp. gravity 2.3 | sp. gravity 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.21 | 1890 | 1485 | 1126 |
| 0.18 | 1670 | 1310 | 1015 |
| 0.15 | 1320 | 1065 | 800 |
[ V = \frac{Q}{A} ]
Design (A) such that (V \leq) max permissible velocity (e.g., 0.17 m/s for 1.5 mm particles).
flowchart TD
A[Influent Flow Q] --> B[Velocity Control Device]
B --> C[Grit Removal Channel]
C --> D[Settling of Grit Particles]
D --> E[Effluent Flow]
This ensures
Walkways/Staircases/Ladders (Clauses 4.2.6 & 4.3.5):
Turn Table / Drive Units (Clause 4.2.8):
| Part | Material | Reference IS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Works | Reinforced/plain concrete | IS 456 |
| Brick masonry | IS 2212 | |
| Stone masonry | IS 1597 (Part I & II) | |
| Motors & Switches | Electrical motors/starters | IS 325, IS 996, IS 1766 |
| Turn Table | High-grade cast iron | IS 210 |
| Reduction Gear | Steel or other materials | IS 1570, IS 1871 |
| Gates | Cast iron/steel | IS 3042, IS 226 |
| Scrapers | Fabricated sheets | IS 513 |
| Shaft | Cold finished steel | IS 1570 |
| Floats | Plastic (PE, PVC, GFRP) | - |
| Channels | Steel | IS 3954 |
flowchart LR
A[Equipment] --> B[Walkway/Staircase/Ladder]
B --> C{Width ≥ 90 cm?}
C -- Yes --> D[Handrails on both sides]
C -- No --> E[Non-compliant]
D --> F[Material: Chequered plates or Steel Gratings]
F --> G[Safe Access Ensured]
Note: For detailed design and installation, refer to respective IS codes listed above for materials and electrical components.
IS 6279 - Electrical & Mechanical Controls for Grit Removal Devices
Motors, Starters, Time Switches, Electrode Switches:
Mechanical Components Materials:
| Component | Material | IS Code(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Motors | As per motor type | IS 325, IS 996 |
| Turn Table | High-grade cast iron | IS 210 |
| Reduction Gear | Steel or equivalent | IS 1570, IS 1871 |
| Gates | Cast iron or steel | IS 3042, IS 226 |
| Scrapers | Fabricated steel sheets | IS 513 |
| Shaft | Cold finished steel | IS 1570 |
| Floats | Plastic (PE, PVC, GRP) | - |
| Channels |
IS 6279: Hydraulic Design Parameters for Grit Removal Devices
| Component | Material | IS Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Civil works | Reinforced/plain concrete, brick, stone masonry | IS 456, IS 2212, IS 1597 |
| Motors, starters | As per motor standards | IS 325, IS 996, IS 1766 |
| Turn table | High-grade cast iron | IS 210 |
| Reduction gear | Steel or equivalent | IS 1570, IS 1871 |
| Gates | Cast iron or steel | IS 3042, IS 226 |
| Scrapers | Fabricated sheets | IS 513 |
| Shaft | Cold finished steel | IS 1570 |
| Floats | Plastic (PE, PVC, GRP) | - |
| Channels | Steel | IS 3954 |
| Grit Particle Diameter (mm) | Max Overflow Rate (m³/d/m²) for Specific Gravity (sp gr) |
|---|---|
| sp gr 2.65 | |
| 0.21 (65 mesh) | 1890 |
| 0.18 (80 mesh) | 1670 |
| 0.15 (100 mesh) | 1320 |
flowchart TD
A[Grit Removal Device] --> B[Hydraulic Design]
B --> C[Overflow Rate]
B --> D[Materials of Construction]
C --> E[Grit Size & Specific Gravity]
D --> F[Civil Works]
Clause 4.2.3 Highlights:
| Size of Grit Particle (mm) | Max Permissible Overflow Rate (m³/d/m²) for Sp. Gr. 2.65 | Sp. Gr. 2.3 | Sp. Gr. 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.21 (65 mesh) | 1890 | 1485 | 1126 |
| 0.18 (80 mesh) | 1670 | 1310 | 1015 |
| 0.15 (100 mesh) | 1320 | 1065 | 800 |
Use these rates to size grit removal units for effective particle settling.
| Component | Material | IS Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Works | Reinforced concrete, brick, stone | IS 456, IS 2212, IS 1597 |
| Motors & Starters | Electrical motors & switches | IS 325, IS 996, IS 1766 |
| Turn Table | High-grade cast iron | IS 210 |
| Reduction Gear | Steel or suitable materials | IS 1570, IS 1871 |
| Gates | Cast iron or steel | IS 3042, IS 226 |
| Scrapers | Fabricated steel sheets | IS 513 |
| Shafts | Cold finished steel | IS 1570 |
| Floats | Plastic (PE, PVC, GRP) | - |
| Channels | Steel | IS 3954 |
flowchart LR
A[Ground Level Blower
Frequently Asked
IS 6279 covers equipment specifications for grit removal devices used in sewage treatment plants handling domestic and municipal sewage, including industrial wastes.
Loading diagram...
This ensures protection of downstream equipment and smooth plant operation.
According to IS 6279 Clause 3.1 Table 4.2, the recommended materials for constructing grit removal equipment are:
Civil works:
Mechanical parts:
Floats: Plastic materials such as polyethylene, PVC, or glass fibre reinforced polyester
These materials ensure durability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength for effective grit removal in sewage treatment plants.
Design note: Grit removal devices should handle particles ≥ 0.15 mm size and specific gravity ≥ 2.3 (Clauses 3.4 & 3.5).
IS 6279 Design Guidelines for Grit Particle Size & Specific Gravity
Particle Size:
Design grit removal devices to remove particles ≥ 0.15 mm unless otherwise specified (Clause 3.4).
Specific Gravity:
Design for particles with a specific gravity of 2.3, unless actual testing indicates otherwise (Clause 3.5). Specific gravity can vary significantly, so testing is recommended.
Flow Velocity:
Max flow velocity in grit chambers depends on particle size & specific gravity. For 1.5 mm particles with specific gravity 2.3, velocity should not exceed 0.17 m/s (Clause 3.7).
Capacity:
Devices must handle peak grit volumes, typically up to 0.3 m³ per 1000 m³ sewage during peak loads (Clause 3.9).
| Parameter | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Particle Size | 0.15 mm |
| Specific Gravity | 2.3 |
| Max Flow Velocity | 0.17 m/s (for 1.5 mm, SG 2.3) |
| Peak Grit Volume | 0.3 m³ / 1000 m³ sewage |
Loading diagram...
This ensures effective grit removal tailored to particle characteristics and flow conditions per IS 6279.
According to IS 6279, mechanical grit removal devices must include the following safety features:
Automatic Motor Cut-Out: Devices must have electrical or mechanical systems to automatically stop the motor if overloaded due to:
Standby Arrangement:
Continuous Operation Design:
These features ensure operational safety, prevent equipment damage, and maintain uninterrupted grit removal.
To design grit washing equipment minimizing organic matter content per IS 6279:
Design Recommendations:
Loading diagram...
This ensures compliance with IS 6279 organic content and disposal requirements.
Ask AI about any clause, requirement, or provision in IS 6279. Get instant, clause-cited responses powered by our indexed library.
Free tier includes 150 queries (50 AI + 100 Reference) · No credit card required