Buffalo Metrology Inc. (BMI) was recently tasked with reverse engineering an 8 ft outside-diameter clarifier cover used in the mixing/agitation industry. The goal was to inspect the fracture on the tapered face of this component as part of a possible new cover fabrication.

Clarifier agitators are commonly used for groundwater treatment processes to act as a filter to remove impurities such as solids (sludge and scum) that settle in containers or float to the top of liquids. Due to continuous mechanical loading and rotational forces, the clarifier cover integrates several critical features, including bearing alignment surfaces and weld locations. BMI’s customer requested that this cover be inspected to fabricate the original bearing alignment and weld placements.

The primary objectives of the project were:
• Inspect and assess a visible fracture on the tapered surface of the cover
• Capture highly accurate dimensional data of the entire component
• Develop a complete 3D CAD model to support fabrication of a replacement unit
• Ensure all critical functional features were replicated with precision

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