Step Screen 

Introduction

The Step Screen from Purecreek Environmental Services is designed to offer efficient, low-maintenance coarse screening of wastewater using a stepped profile to reduce clogging and improve flow. Ideal for municipal and industrial applications, the step screen protects downstream processes by removing large solids and debris while maintaining consistent performance.

Applications

Municipal wastewater treatment headworks and pumping stations

Industrial wastewater pretreatment (food & beverage, pulp & paper, textile, chemical)

Stormwater systems, combined sewer overflows

Pre-screening before fine screens, membranes, or biological treatment

How It Works

Water flows across a series of stepped plates or panels arranged at increasing height. Coarse solids are captured on each step; as flow continues, debris advances from plate to plate until it is lifted or swept off the final step by mechanical rakes, scrapers, or brushes. The stepped design promotes self-cleaning and reduces tendency for material accumulation and clogging.

Models & Options

Step Profiles: plate spacing, height of steps, angle of inclination customizable depending on debris size and flow rates

Configurations: vertical, inclined, or channel-mounted installations

Materials: stainless steel AISI 304 / 316 standard; optionally coated steel for more aggressive environments

Drive & Cleaning Systems: scraper or rake mechanisms, manual or motor-driven; optional brush cleaning or spray wash

Technical Specifications (example values, customizable)

Parameter

Approximate Value / Options

Flow capacity

up to 800-1000 m³/h (variable by width & spacing)

Step height

typically 30-100 mm per step

Plate (step) spacing

custom per debris size (e.g. 10-50 mm)

Inclination / installation

often 45°-60°, vertical or inclined

Drive power

0.5-5 kW depending on size & cleaning mechanism

Material of construction

Stainless steel 304 / 316

Key Benefits

  • Reduced clogging thanks to stepped design and self-cleaning flow
  • Reliable removal of large solids and coarse debris before more sensitive treatment stages
  • Low maintenance costs with fewer manual cleaning interventions
  • Durable materials for long service life in corrosive or abrasive environments
  • Customizable size, step height, and spacing to adapt to plant requirements

Compliance

Developed in partnership with SEFT Group, Purecreek step screens are engineered to meet Canadian standards (CSA / UL / ETL) and built with materials that ensure corrosion and wear resistance according to industrial norms.

Case Reference

In a municipal plant, installation of a step screen reduced clogging incidents at downstream pumps by 60%, and maintenance hours by 70%, resulting in major operational cost savings.

Maintenance & Operation

  • Periodic inspection of step plates, scraper/rake mechanisms
  • Cleaning via rakes, scrapers, brushes, or optional spray washes
  • Replaceable plates or steps, wear parts accessible
  • Safety guards and access for maintenance

Call to Action

👉 Contact Purecreek Environmental Services today to request a datasheet or get a customized step screen solution for your wastewater treatment project.