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RobaScrew
Lifting screws for maximum flow rates at reduced operating costs
The new generation
of lifting srews
The RobaScrew lifting screw combines a sturdy metal central tube with a highly wear-resistant helix made of PE-UHMW. Whether used as a flexible system solution or a high-performance individual component, it enables the reliable and long-lasting conveyance of wastewater, sludge, and abrasive and corrosive media.
The Benefits of RobaScrew at a Glance
Our high-performance plastic Robalon®
Lifting screws from Röchling Industrial Oepping are manufactured from the high-performance plastic Robalon®. For over 60 years, we have been processing and refining this material, which is used in many industries worldwide. Robalon® is a sintered plastic consisting of ultra-high-molecular-weight low-pressure polyethylene (UHMW-PE), alloyed with molybdenum disulfide, cross-linking agents, and UV stabilizers, and produced using a special long-term sintering process. For this reason, RobaScrew lifting screws are characterized by maximum abrasion resistance, reliability at low temperatures, chemical resistance, and a long service life.
Why plastic instead of steel?
Unlike conventional steel screws, minor damage to RobaScrew lifting screws is not a problem, as there is no corrosion protection that could be compromised. The minimal clearance required for RobaScrew lifting screws in the steel trough has a positive effect on efficiency — especially when compared to classic steel lifting screws. Combined with their significantly lower weight, RobaScrew lifting screws achieve a higher hydraulic efficiency than conventional steel screws, depending on the water level.
Read the results of the study conducted by BOKU Vienna here:
Key Technical Specifications
Models
The Röchling Engineering Team develops the best possible solution for the screw pump system based on the specific requirements for flow rate and head at the site.
- Single-, double-, or triple-screw models
- Models for hazardous areas
- Flow rates up to 260 L/s
Our designs
RobaScrew compact
Versatile application
Suitable for both new construction and retrofitting in existing structures as part of renovation projects in a trough-in-trough configuration.
Corrosion-resistant construction
The trough and all steel components are made entirely of stainless steel—for high durability, low maintenance, and optimal performance even in demanding environments.
Variable drive solutions
Available with either direct drive including a torque support or with an external drive motor and maintenance-free drive shaft with a flexible coupling for quiet and reliable operation.
Maintenance-friendly bearings
Central lubrication for upper and lower bearings; bearings easily accessible for simple maintenance.
Reliable installation
RobaScrew compact screw conveyors are installed by the in-house RobaServ service and installation team—for maximum safety, short installation times, and minimal downtime.
Robalon® trough lining
The rehabilitation of concrete troughs, with or without steel linings, represents a significant expense for operators. The Robalon® trough liner provides a quick and cost-effective solution to get the trough back up and running quickly.
Corrosion-resistant functional layer
Low-friction and safe operation thanks to a plastic lining made of abrasion-resistant UHMW-PE.
Covers unevenness
Smooths out minor chips and unevenness in the trough.
Easy maintenance
An integrated visual wear indicator detects application-related wear at an early stage. Replacement can be performed without dismantling the screw, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.
Customer Story
Customer: Linz-Unkel Wastewater Disposal Association
Initial situation
Since the wastewater treatment plant was built in 1993, steel augers had been in use for the return sludge, and these had been subjected to heavy wear and tear over the decades. Corrosion, material fatigue, and increasing maintenance requirements made it increasingly clear that a sustainable solution was needed.
Challenge
The ongoing operation of the wastewater treatment plant could not be interrupted at any time. Consequently, the time window for replacing the screws was extremely tight. Therefore, a solution was needed that was a perfect fit, quick to install, and permanently reliable.
Solution
After taking precise on-site measurements, the decision was made to install the RobaScrew compact lifting screw in a trough-in-trough configuration. This design allows the old screws to be replaced without having to laboriously dismantle the existing reinforced concrete trough—a decisive advantage for an efficient retrofit. Installation was carried out by the Röchling service team and was completed within 1.5 days.
Result
Along with the new RobaScrew compact screw conveyors, a modern drive system with variable-frequency drive control was installed. The result: energy savings of 48,000 kWh per year, a reduction of 18.3 tons of CO2, significantly lower maintenance requirements, and high corrosion resistance thanks to Robalon®.
Expert opinions
Operators, maintenance engineers and experts are impressed by this revolution with comprehensive added value.
KLAUS PFLEGER
Senior management, Mühltal water treatment association
“The ROBALON lifting screw saves me considerable maintenance and servicing costs. I don’t have to look after a lubrication pump, so there are no greasing costs. Minor damages to the screw which previously impaired the corrosion protection are now negligible.”
DI THOMAS KÖGLER
Eisenstadt Wastewater Association
“I am very satisfied with the performance of the whole screw renovation. I received what I was promised. The two ROBALON return screws have been running brilliantly from the outset. Their durability will be shown in coming years.”
FRANZ BRANDSTÄTTER
Senior management, Meisl GmbH
“Working with the firm Röchling Leripa is hugely beneficial for our company, opening up to us new fields of activity with the ROBALON lifting screw.”
GUNTER MOSTLER
Engineer Planner, engineer with Eitler & Partner Ziviltechniker GmbH
“Alongside existing studies on the energy benefits, for me it is the low weight, cost-effective renovation and assembly requirements, as well as the almost maintenance-free bearing which are my reasons for choosing the ROBALON lifting screw.”
Wastewater treatment plant Aigen/Schlägl
- Type: intake and return screw in steel trough
- Outside-diameter spiral: 705 mm
- Total length of A-tube: 5.395 mm
- Flow rate: 90 l/sec.
- Successful operation since 2016
