SEE HOW FLOVAC’S GREEN
VACUUM SEWERAGE SYSTEMS WORK.
Every Flovac green vacuum sewer system we design is unique to its geography, environmental and community needs. See how it works by clicking each locations component’s functionality label in the diagram below to view its features and benefits.
Note: each feature may take a moment to view.
The example above shows a typical canal development and is based on a Flovac green vacuum sewer system project in Queensland, Australia.
– The Vacuum Pump Station (6) has four vacuum mains (3) covering the whole development.
– Approximately 2,600 houses will ultimately be serviced by the Flovac system and will be staged over a number of years.
– On average 4 houses are connected to a Collection Pit (4) which houses the Flovac Valve (5).
– This Flovac system services houses as well as commercial areas, a Hospital (7), office buildings (8), a golf course resort and club house as well as a marina (10) which includes a ‘suck out’ point for the boats.
– The system includes a valve monitoring system (11) that allows the owners to detect if infiltration is occurring or if there are any problems within the system. This delivers reduced operational costs, as all call-outs can be prioritized, energy savings are made and labour costs are lower as the time in the field is shortened.
FOUR
KEY FEATURES
OF FLOVAC’S VACUUM
SEWERAGE
SYSTEMS
SIX
ADVANTAGES
OF FLOVAC
VACUUM SEWERAGE
SYSTEMS
THREE
KEY APPLICATIONS
FOR FLOVAC VACUUM
SEWERAGE
SYSTEMS
Collection Pits
Vacuum Mains
Vacuum Pump Station
Wireless and Wired Monitoring
Vacuum systems have collection pits or vacuum interface chambers are located at the side of the street, connecting up to 4 houses via a gravity feed to receive wastewater. These pits are equipped with pneumatic valves that open when approximately 40 litres (10 gallons) of wastewater enters the sump.
Vacuum mains are a network of small diameter pressure rated HDPE or PVC pipes that connect the collection pits to the central vacuum station. These mains are designed to operate under partial vacuum conditions, allowing them to transport wastewater efficiently and with minimal energy consumption.
The vacuum pump station is the systems heart, where the vacuum pressure is generated. It serves as a centralized point for collecting and transporting wastewater from multiple collection points. The station uses vacuum pumps to create the necessary pressure. It also houses sewage pumps which are sized to discharge all wastewater to the treatment plant or gravity network.
Flovac systems often incorporate advanced control and monitoring technologies. Remote monitoring allows operators to assess the performance of the system in real time, enabling proactive maintenance and efficient management of the sewerage network.
Flovac systems can be more cost-effective than traditional gravity-based systems, especially in challenging terrains or areas with low population density. The reduced need for extensive excavation and fewer materials contribute to overall cost savings.
One of the notable advantages of vacuum systems is their ability to be installed at a shallow depth in the ground and can handle changes of direction without manholes. Vacuum sewerage systems can be installed easily in areas with a high-water table, hard rock or acid sulphate soil areas. The ability for pipes to go around, under or over obstructions or sensitive areas gives much greater flexibility when planning a scheme.
Vacuum systems are designed to be environmentally friendly. The reduced excavation requirements result in less disruption to the natural landscape, and the systems can be installed with minimal impact on flora and fauna. Additionally, the vacuum technology consumes less energy compared to traditional systems.
The installation process for vacuum systems is generally quicker than that of gravity systems. The modular nature of the technology also allows for easier expansion, making it suitable for growing communities or areas experiencing rapid development.
The vacuum technology used in Flovac systems enables efficient and rapid sewage transportation. Adjusting the air liquid ratios remotely through the life of the system minimizes the risk of blockages and allows for the transportation of sewage over longer distances.
Due to the velocity of the system, septicity is unlikely to occur and the likelihood of foul odours is minimized. The closed nature of the vacuum sewerage system prevents the release of unpleasant smells, contributing to a more pleasant urban environment.
Flovac systems are particularly well-suited for new residential developments where efficient wastewater management is crucial. Their adaptability to different terrains and cost-effectiveness make them an attractive option for modern urban planning.
Vacuum systems are often the system of choice in septic sewer replacement programs for small to medium size communities. In some cases, Flovac vacuum sewerage systems can be retrofitted into existing gravity-based systems. This adaptability allows municipalities to modernize their wastewater infrastructure without a complete overhaul.
The efficiency and adaptability of Flovac systems make them suitable for deployment in remote areas or locations with challenging topographies where traditional gravity systems may be impractical.
Vacuum sewerage systems offer a technologically advanced, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative for wastewater management. Their adaptability to challenging environments, coupled with operational and maintenance efficiencies, makes them a compelling choice for modern urban infrastructure. Understanding the intricacies of these systems is key for engineers and decision-makers in planning and implementing effective sewage management solutions.
Contact your Flovac office to discuss whether your project is suitable for a Flovac system. Our engineers will deliver you a free concept design and some cost ideas for your project. The main information that will be required is location, flow rates, discharge location, ultimate catchment area and any staging that will be required. A deployable temporary solution might be helpful in any staging.
