Vacuum Systems – the advantages
Vacuum is a long established alternative to gravity and pumped drainage systems and In comparison to conventional sewer systems, a vacuum sewer system provides major advantages in the following applications:
- Existing residential area with septic tanks
- Development of new residential areas
- Sewer systems located near lakes, rivers, coastlines and flood plains
- Flat terrain
- Opening up weekend facilities or recreational establishments (highly variable wastewater flows)
- Rolling hills with small elevation changes
- High groundwater table
- Unfavorable soil conditions e.g. sand, rock, risk of soil settlements (ground subsidence)
- Sewer rehabilitation
Vacuum sewer systems offer distinct advantages to residents/ homeowners as well as to developers & operators:
- Lower construction costs
- Considerably shorter construction periods
- Minimal installation depth of the pipelines in narrow and shallow trenches
- Small pipeline diameters ranging from 4 in to 10 in (d90 – d250)
- Flexible system layout
- Easy to install pipelines around obstacles
- Drinking water and vacuum mains can be laid in a common trench where local codes allow
- Closed system – no leakage or odour
- No exfiltration –
- No infiltration – less upsets at the treatment plant
- One central vacuum station can replace several pumping stations
- Flood-proof – Vacuum systems can prevent flood waters entering the sewer system meaning that the sewers still operate if the area is flooded.
- Simple and cost-effective operation and maintenance
- Electricity only required at 1 location; no electricity required at the collection chamber/ valve pit
- Phasing of large service area easily accomplished
- Somewhat independent of topography