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Guaranteed Environment-Friendly Solution
Guaranteed Environment-Friendly Solution

Vacuum sewer system

Experience the power of our innovative solution for environmentally friendly sewerage disposal – the vacuum sewer system. An original and highly efficient approach to wastewater management. Unlike a conventional sewerage system, the construction and installation of a vacuum sewer system are remarkably streamlined and cost-effective.

What is a vacuum sewer system?

A vacuum sewer system is a hygienic and highly efficient system for environmentally friendly sewerage collection. Compared with conventional sewerage systems, the construction and installation of a vacuum sewer system is considerably simpler and more reasonably priced. The system operates within an enclosed and leak-proof vacuum network, so sewage cannot flow out and pollute surrounding areas. The vacuum sewer system can be installed just below frost level, allowing shallow and narrow trenching and thereby minimizing construction time and environmental disturbance. The flexibility in the pipework installation makes it possible to overcome unforeseen obstacles by passing over, under, or around the obstacle, ensuring minimal delays and eliminating unnecessary expenses. The installation of a vacuum sewer system incurs significantly reduced labor and material costs compared to gravity sewers, primarily due to decreased labor and trenching expenses associated with the use of smaller diameter vacuum mains.

Collection Chamber
Vacuum sewer system overview - with Gravity Connection Interface Unit, Vacuum Connection, Vacuum Piping, Vacuum Station, Odor Filter, Rising Main

How does a vacuum sewer system work?

Compared to conventional sewerage systems that make use of gravity, a vacuum sewer system uses a vacuum to transport wastewater. Sewage flows from a building by gravity into a so called wastewater collection chamber with interface unit. After a certain level is reached, a vacuum valve opens and transports the sewage in combination with air into the vacuum network towards a centrally located vacuum station. Here all the sewage is being collected to eventually ben pumped to a nearby discharge point or treatment plant.This technology makes the vacuum sewer system an improved and more cost-effective alternative than conventional sewerage systems. A vacuum sewer system consists of: a collection chamber with interface unit where the sewage is collected, vacuum pipe network through which sewage and air is being transported, a vacuum station where all the sewage is collected with vacuum pumps, vacuum tank, discharge pumps, control panel and odor filter. After the sewage is collected in the station, the sewage will be transported to a nearby discharge point or sewage treatment plant. Gravity flows the sewage into a collection chamber, where it will be stored for a short time. When the level of sewage inside the collection chamber rises, a starter valve activates the vacuum piston valve, which drains the sewage into the vacuum network. Multiple properties can be connected to one collection chamber. Applications of the vacuum sewer system include: recreational areas, summerhouses, marinas, house boat projects, new residential developments, villages, industrial/governmental projects, canal estates, islands and renovation projects.

Step-by-step guide: different aspects of the system

Step 1 - Vacuum Sewer System Guide

1. Sewage flows into a collection chamber

One of the characteristic features of the Vacuflow system is the presence of the collection chamber. The collection chamber acts as an extra security measure in the system. The  chamber has a large reserve storage capacity.

Step 2 - Vacuum Sewer System Guide

2. The starter valve opens the vacuum piston valve

When the level of sewage inside the collection chamber rises to a preset start level, the starter valve on top of the float activator will activate the vacuum valve to open so that air and sewage will be transported into the vacuum network.

Once a preset stop level is reached, the vacuum valve will close again waiting for the next cylce for emptying the chamber.

Step 3 - Vacuum Sewer System Guide

3. The collected wastewater is transported simultaneously with air

The wastewater is transported out of the collection chamber, into the vacuum piping network and transported to the vacuum station.

Step 4 - Vacuum Sewer System Guide

4. Vacuum pumps in the vacuum station are activated

The vacuum pumps activate once a preset vacuum level is reached in order to maintain the right level of vacuum in the vacuum system.

Step 5 - Vacuum Sewer System Guide

5. The vacuum collection tank is filled with wastewater

The wastewater is transported through the vacuum piping into the vacuum collection tank.

Step 6 - Vacuum Sewer System Guide

6. Discharge pumps empty the collection tank

The sewage discharge pump transfers the wastewater from the vacuum collection tank to a wastewater treatment plant where the water is treated.

Why a vacuum sewer system?

Traditional vs Vacuflow®

Traditional

Vacuflow®

Traditional Sewer System - Complex
Complex

Numerous lift stations with their high capital cost and maintenance requirements are offset excessive excavation and trenching costs.

Vacuflow Vacuum Sewer System is simple
Simplicity

Non-continuous slope allows shallow trenching to be used resulting in substantial excavation cost savings.

Traditional Sewer System - Environmental Damage
Pollution

Exfiltration can contaminate the surrounding area. Infiltration is a serious problem resulting in existing treatment becoming hydraulically overloaded and the imposition of compulsory over-sizing of treatment plants under design.

Vacuflow Vacuum Sewer System - No Environmental Damage
No pollution

Absolutely fail-safe – field tested and operated under vacuum conditions. A broken main, at worst, results in infiltration (easily detected) never exfiltration.

Traditional Sewer System - Dewatering
Dewatering

Excavating in areas of high water table is expensive due to complicated and time consuming dewatering and trench stabilization procedures.

Vacuflow Vacuum Sewer System has no dewatering
No dewatering

Eliminating and/or minimizes dewatering and trench stabilization problems.

Traditional Sewer System - Inflexible
Non flexible

Unforeseen obstructions such as water or sewer mains, large rocks, etc. usually result in expensive field changes and line rerouting.

Vacuflow Vacuum Sewer System is flexible
Flexible

Vertical lift capability allows unforeseen obstructions to be easily passed over, under, or around resulting in minimum delay and eliminating extra costs.

Traditional Sewer System - High Investment
High investment

200 mm up to 400 mm diameter concrete pipe and vitrified clay pipe sewer main are typical with material costs and excessive unit labour costs.

Vacuflow Vacuum Sewer System has low investment
Low investment

90 mm up to 200 mm diameter PVC or HDPE vacuum sewer mains are typical. Labour and materials costs for installing vacuum piping are dramatically lower, compared to gravity sewers, due to labour and trenching costs associated with smaller diameter vacuum main.

Traditional Sewer System - Excavation Risk
Road obstructions

Wide and deep trenches often make roads impossible to pedestrians and vehicular traffic for long periods of time. Damage to trees and landscaping can be severe.

Vacuflow Vacuum Sewer System minimizes environmental disturbances
No road obstructions

Small diameter mains, installed just below frost level allow shallow and narrow trenching thereby minimizing construction time and environmental disturbances.

Discover the advantages of a vacuum sewer system in comparison to a gravity system on the Vacuflow product page.

Vacuflow System - 90 mm valve

Our solution: Vacuflow

With our profound expertise in the field of vacuum technology, we are dedicated to the environmentally-friendly conveyance and collection of wastewater by means of innovative vacuum sewage systems, revolutionizing the realm of sanitation. The Vacuflow system is the best alternative solution for conventional sewerage systems. It has low investment costs and big construction work can be avoided. Our Vacuflow system only requires energy supply at the vacuum station, which results in low energy consumption. Because of its flexibility, small diameters and shallow trenches, the Vacuflow system is easy to use for diverse applications such as flat areas with high groundwater tables, seaside areas, environmentally sensitive areas, rocky areas, islands, artificial islands and areas where there is not much space for installation of a sewerage system. With our Vacuflow System it is possible to monitor the vacuum station and collection chambers from a distance. With Vaculink, the vacuum sewer system can be monitored. All real-time information from the vacuum station and collection chambers is accessible via computer, tablet, or smartphone. This way you can stay updated wherever you are.

Frequently asked questions

How can we help you?

Curious about our vacuum sewer system solutions? Please get in touch by e-mail or speak with us personally on the phone.

+31 36 546 1999 info@quavac.com

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