S&L’s experience flows from more than four decades of thorough R&D and 2,700+ PISTA® installations throughout North America and the world.
Advancing the Science of Grit Removal Through Comprehensive R&D
Smith & Loveless knows grit removal and headworks. Our experience flows from more than four decades of thorough R&D and 2,700+ PISTA® installations throughout North America and the world. Along the way, we’ve continued to enhance the complete system with innovations that deliver unparalleled results. With the PISTA® Grit Removal System you receive the finest in system performance backed by the value-added experience and support of Smith & Loveless.
PISTA® Innovation Timeline
1973 – Original PISTA® Grit Removal System 270° Introduced
- Patented flat bottom floor
- Forced vortex flow pattern
- Coanda Ramp facilitating laminar flow
- Axial-Flow Propeller enhancing flow pattern
1974 – PISTA® Grit Screw Conveyor Introduced
The second-stage PISTA® Grit Screw Conveyor is designed to work in concert with the complete PISTA® Grit Removal System, providing superb dewatering and high retention of fine grit without the burden of high maintenance.
1982 – 4″ PISTA® TURBO™ Grit Pump Debuts
Removes grit from the storage hopper and transports it to the grit washing and dewatering equipment.
1988 – First 360° PISTA® Desgin
Flow travels 360°, providing maximum travel for effective grit removal.
1998 – 6″ PISTA® TURBO™ Grit Pump Debuts
Removes grit from the storage hopper and transports grit to the grit washing and dewatering equipment.
2009 – PISTA® 360™ Grit Chamber with V-FORCE BAFFLE™ Introduced
- Patented integral flow baffle directs the inlet flow into the chamber to ensure proper vortexing and prevent short circuiting
- Removes 95% of grit down to 140 mesh particle size
2009 – PISTA® TURBO™ Grit Washer with TRI-CLEANSE Technology™ Debuts
Produces clean girt and minimal odors.
2010 – PISTA®WORKS™ Introduced
Complete screening and grit removal package, all in one skid package.
2010 – 500 GPM PISTA® DURALYTE™ Grit Concentrator Debuts
Built with uncompromising strength and durability, yet the lightweight bottom cone is removable by one person. There are no disconnecting pipes.
2014 – QUICKSMART™ System Controls
Powerful touchscreen controls for operation of central headworks functions.
2014 – OPTIFLOW™ 270° Baffle Announced
Increase grit removal efficiency to 95% (down to 100 mesh) in 270® channels with baffle upgrade system or new system option.
2015 – PISTA® VIO™ Grit Removal System
Offering full 360° variability of the inlet and outlet chambers, for simple installation into existing sites or an efficient footprint for new sites.