Say Goodbye to Wastewater Blockages: Introducing the Velocity Sentinam Intelligent Pumping System
Posted on 20th June, 2025 by Dura Pump 
Are you facing persistent and costly blockages in your wastewater system? For facilities managers in demanding environments like hospitals, prisons, universities and large public estates, this is an all too familiar challenge.
The constant battle against fats, oils and grease (FOG) and high solid content can lead to frequent system breakdowns, operational disruption and expensive interventions, such as hiring tankers to clear the mess.
But what if there was a more efficient, cost-effective and long-lasting solution?
A Smarter Solution for a Longstanding Problem
We’ve launched Velocity Sentinam, our new intelligent pumping system designed to eliminate blockages and reduce maintenance costs. This is more than just a robust pump setup; it’s a complete, end-to-end solution that thinks for itself, giving your estates team the insight and control they’ve never had before.
Tried and tested, Velocity Sentinam has been running successfully for over a year at a number of our customer sites, preventing blockages in some of the UK’s most demanding infrastructure environments.
How it Works
Velocity Sentinam combines three powerful elements into one bespoke solution for your pump station, designed to tackle the toughest wastewater challenges and make blockages a thing of the past.
ONE: Unrivalled Pumping Power
At its core, the system uses heavy-duty, industrial-grade submersible cutter pumps engineered to handle the most difficult waste.
- Advanced Cutting: Equipped with advanced cutting, shredding and tearing capabilities, these pumps can handle FOG, wet wipes, sanitary items, cloths, towels, bed sheets, and even shoes. Replaceable cutter blades are also available.
- De-Ragging Functionality: The system is smart enough to detect load increases caused by debris. It automatically reverses the pump to clear the obstruction before it becomes a problem, then resumes normal operation.
TWO: The Brains of the Operation: SenIQ Intelligent Controls
This is where the system’s intelligence shines. The bespoke control panel, fitted with an HMI/PLC controller and inverter drives, delivers operational excellence through adaptive technology.
- Surface Skimming: The pumps automatically lower fluid levels multiple times a day to skim floating debris and FOG from the surface, preventing the buildup that causes major blockages.
- Adjustable Start/Stop Points: By varying the pump activation levels, the system prevents debris from accumulating at fixed points, ensuring a cleaner, more efficient sump.
- Seamless Integration: The control panel integrates fully with your existing Building Management System (BMS) and can be equipped with flashing/sound beacons for on-site alerts.
THREE: Total Visibility and Control: SenSync Remote Monitoring
SenSync provides the critical remote monitoring element, giving you peace of mind and proactive control.
- Live Data & Instant Alerts: Instantly be alerted to pump faults, power issues, or pit level concerns via mobile or email. Connected via GSM or Ethernet, it delivers fast and reliable reporting without requiring on-site attention.
- Performance Insights: SenSync tracks performance trends over time, helping you identify wear and address potential issues long before they escalate into failures.
The Tangible Benefits: Operational and Financial Wins
By investing in Velocity Sentinam, you are investing in a system that delivers excellent efficiency, reliability, and long-term savings.
- Reduced Costs: Save hundreds of thousands of pounds by eliminating the reliance on emergency tanker services.
- Minimised Downtime: Zero blockages mean reduced engineering time, fewer callouts, and uninterrupted operations.
- Improved Monitoring: Enhanced control and 24/7 visibility allow you to manage your systems proactively.
- Peace of Mind: Gain confidence in knowing your wastewater system will not let you down.
Case Study: NHS Hospital Trust Achieves Zero Blockages and Zero Downtime
The Challenge
Our NHS hospital client, part of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, was facing ongoing issues with its sewage systems. Frequent blockages led to patient and compliance inconvenience, system downtime, and the expensive, recurring cost of hiring tankers to remove waste.
The Solution
Having already seen the Velocity Sentinam system operate flawlessly for over 11 months in a similar NHS hospital, we knew it was the perfect solution.
The system was designed to solve the hospital’s specific problems head-on:
- FOG and Floating Debris: The SenIQ controls initiated regular surface skimming cycles, lowering fluid levels to remove FOG buildup before it could solidify.
- High Solid Content: The industrial-grade cutter pumps were installed to shred any non-flushable items and solid waste that entered the system.
- Recurring Blockages: By combining intelligent skimming with adjustable start/stop levels, the system optimised sump cleaning and eliminated the conditions that cause blockages.
- Expensive Tankers: With blockages eliminated, the need for costly tanker callouts was removed entirely.
Before the upgrade, a final super tanker was used to clean and empty the 3,000-gallon pump station. We then installed the complete Velocity Sentinam solution, modifying the pump claws to fit the existing pedestal arrangements for a seamless retrofit. The system’s SenIQ control panel was configured for energy optimisation, matching pump duty to the incoming flow rate, and SenSync remote monitoring was activated to provide live tracking and automated alerts.
The Outcome
The installation has delivered significant operational and financial benefits for the hospital.
- Zero Blockages: The system has experienced no blockages and no downtime since installation.
- Major Cost Savings: Tankers are no longer needed, saving significant operational expenditure.
- 24/7 Peace of Mind: The SenSync remote monitoring gives the estates team full visibility, ensuring the system is operating at its optimum while protecting patient safety and hospital operations.
Velocity Sentinam is keeping the hospital’s wastewater flowing, all while helping it meet stringent NHS compliance and sustainability targets.
