Vortex pumps are designed to pump large solids and gritty sludge. The spinning action of the impeller creates a vortex or whirlpool. This whirlpool increases the velocity of the material being pumped. They are used widely in applications where the liquid being pumped contains large amounts of solids or debris that could clog or damage the pump's impeller. The impeller spins in an area of the volute that is completely out of the liquid flow path. Since the impeller is not in the flow path of the volute, the pump is ideal for handling liquids that contain long stringy solids, large diameter solids, slurries or a combination of all of these without plugging up. The matter that goes into the pump suction will be pumped out as long as the solids are smaller than the discharge connection. They are used in raw sewage lift stations, grit handling, sludge recirculation, coal wash, citrus waste and sugar waste handling applications.