Wastewater & Sewage Grinders

A wastewater grinder is a mechanical device installed in sewage collection and treatment systems to reduce solid waste — such as rags, wipes, plastics, and other debris — into small, uniform particles. Wastewater grinders typically use counter-rotating cutters or a rotating drum-and-comb mechanism to shear solids as flow passes through the unit. They are installed in open channels (channel grinders), directly in pipelines (inline grinders), or in gravity-fed configurations. By reducing solids upstream of pumps, centrifuges, and other process equipment, wastewater grinders prevent clogs, reduce maintenance costs, and improve overall plant reliability. Franklin Miller has manufactured wastewater grinders since 1918 and offers models for every installation type and flow condition.

A comminutor is a type of wastewater grinder that uses a rotating drum with cutting teeth and a stationary comb to shear solids in an open channel. It is one of the earliest forms of wastewater grinding technology. Modern wastewater grinders — such as Franklin Miller’s TASKMASTER twin-shaft grinders — use dual counter-rotating cutter stacks that provide more thorough size reduction, better handling of rags and wipes, and easier maintenance through cartridge-style cutter assemblies. Franklin Miller manufactures both comminutors (the DIMMINUTOR line) and advanced twin-shaft grinders (TASKMASTER) to serve every application.

Franklin Miller grinders are engineered to handle a wide range of challenging solids commonly found in wastewater and industrial applications. These include rags, wipes, plastics, wood, sludge, food waste, and other debris. Their robust construction ensures reliable performance in demanding environments.

By effectively reducing solids to manageable sizes, Franklin Miller grinders prevent clogs and protect downstream equipment such as pumps, centrifuges, and filter presses. This leads to decreased maintenance, reduced downtime, and improved overall efficiency of wastewater treatment systems.

Franklin Miller grinders incorporate innovative features like CUTTER CARTRIDGE® technology, which simplifies maintenance by reducing the number of individual cutter components. Other advancements include high-torque drives, precision engineering for reduced wear, and optional control systems for remote monitoring and automation.

Yes, Franklin Miller offers a range of grinders with various cutter configurations, sizes, and mounting options to suit specific application requirements. Whether you need an inline, channel, or gravity-fed installation, there are models designed to meet your operational needs.

Franklin Miller grinders are engineered for low maintenance and long service life across the entire product line. All twin-shaft TASKMASTER models feature hardened steel cutters, sealed bearings, and heavy-duty gear drives rated for continuous 24/7 operation. The TASKMASTER TM8500 and TM6500 models offer CUTTER CARTRIDGE® technology, which allows the entire cutter stack to be removed and replaced as a single unit without disturbing the piping or housing — significantly reducing service downtime. The DIMMINUTOR uses a stationary comb-and-drum design with no bearings in the flow stream, minimizing wear and simplifying routine maintenance. The Super Shredder’s open-center spherical rotor is designed for easy access and inspection. Regular inspections and timely replacement of wear parts help ensure long-term, trouble-free operation across all models.

Choosing the right grinder involves assessing factors like the type and volume of solids to be processed, flow rates, and installation constraints. Franklin Miller's experienced team can assist in evaluating your specific needs to recommend the most suitable grinder model for your application.