6 HUBER Coarse Screen TrashMax® for Flood Protection in Houston, Texas

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In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas Gulf Coast and struck it hard. The devastating category 4 hurricane caused unprecedented flooding. In addition to more than $125 billion in property damage, the storm completely destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes. Within just four days, more than one metre of rain per square metre fell in many areas in the Houston region, making Harvey the rainiest storm ever recorded in the United States.

Since Hurricane Harvey, the Houston region has repeatedly experienced severe storms, which is why the National Weather Service (NWS) has labelled Houston ‘America's Flood Capital’. The counties in the Houston region have a complex system of dams, pumping stations, reservoirs and retention basins. Fort Bend County, a county in southwest Texas, is part of this system and has more than 100 miles of dykes to contain floodwaters.

Fort Bend, TX: pump station discharge and capacity improved 400%

In response to Hurricane Harvey, the Fort Bend, TX Levee District No. 2 embarked on a major upgrade project to increase the flow and capacity of one of its pump stations by 400%. The goal of the project was to protect the area around the district from 100- year floods in the future. At the heart of the pumping station are seven newly installed vertical turbine pumps with an output of 1,500 HP. Together, these pumps have a total capacity of 63,000 l/s.

HUBER screening technology for successful operation of the pumping station

HUBER was commissioned to supply the necessary screens for the successful operation of the pumping station. This essential cleaning stage protects the downstream pumps from any contamination that usually occurs during flood and rain events.

6 HUBER Coarse Screen TrashMax®

In co-operation with the engineering office, the plant constructor and the owner of the pumping station, the HUBER Coarse Screen TrashMax® with its unique rake design was selected as the screen of choice. The screen, whose main function is to protect downstream equipment, offers a uniquely high intake and discharge capacity in addition to high operational safety and reliable capture of bulky screenings.

HUBER was therefore commissioned to manufacture and supply six HUBER Coarse Screen TrashMax® units. The 11.5 metre high screens have a bar spacing of 76 mm and fit perfectly hydraulically into the six almost 2.5 metre wide channels. These are located in the inlet of the pumping station next to the dyke area. The hydraulic capacity of each individual screen is up to 12,000 l/s.

The hydraulically largest pumping station of its kind in Texas

The ‘André D. McDonald Pumping Station’ in Sugar Land, TX was successfully commissioned in October 2021. Hydraulically, it is the largest of its kind in the state of Texas. It provides an effective measure to protect the homes, businesses and hospitals served by the district. HUBER is proud to be a part of this project.