Pressure drainage
With pressure sewer systems, small domestic pumping stations carry waste water from individual houses or groups of houses to a pressure pipe network which conducts the sewage away for treatment. In addition, the flow processes in the pipe network are regulated and assisted by compressed air irrigation stations. Pump chambers to which multiple houses are connected must be outfitted as double-pump systems. The pressure lines end in a gravity sewer or directly at the sewage works.
If the incline of the ground is insufficient, subsoil conditions are unfavourable or there is a high groundwater level, pressure sewer system is at a clear advantage. The pump technology enables the waste water to be conducted uphill and downhill and the sealed, leak-tight pipe system prevents the contamination of groundwater (e.g. in water protection areas). The depth at which the pressure line is laid can be slightly below the surface in frost-free locations.
The pressure pipes can also be laid cost-effectively using ploughing and drilling technology, thus making the investment manageable even for areas with low population density. The simple laying process for pressure sewer system results in a very high degree of freedom in terms of the pipe route, which means that obstacles such as streams, buildings etc. can simply be circumvented or underrun.
Gravity pipe versus pressure pipe
Pressure drainage | Gravity sewer system |
---|---|
Small pipes from DN 32 | Large dimensioned pipes |
High installation rates per day | Earthworks for months |
Parallel laying of drinking water, electricity, telephone, wastewater e.g. with cable plow possible | No parallel laying of different pipes possible |
Installation independent of the condition of the soil | Soil layers like e.g. sand and groundwater level have to be respected |
Laying independent of the terrain | Gradient should be noted, eventually intermediate pumping stations have to be installed |
Less field damages | High field damages due to earthworks |
Less disruptions to residents due to fast laying | Higher disruptions to residents |
Traffic flow is not disturbed | Road closures neccessary |
Long-lasting flexible PE-HD-pipes | Risk of breaking of concrete pipe |
Components of the pressure sewerage system
Chamber
The collecting space (chamber) doubles as an emergency overflow space. One or more buildings can be connected to a chamber and pumping station.
- Ventilation
- Sufficient power supply
- Control and alarm equipment
- Level indicator in collecting chamber for automatic control of the pumps
- Stop valve with backflow preventer (ball valve) and irrigation connection option
- The emergency overflow volume must be 25% of the daily inflow.
Pump technology
Submersible pumps with cutting mechanisms are used in the domestic pumping station. The cutting system ensures that wrongly directed sewage, such as cloths or sanitary products, are safely reduced and removed. Cutting-wheel pumps enable the use of small pressure lines from DN 32. The power necessary should not exceed a connected load of 16 amperes. The power supply must already have been coordinated with the energy provider in the planning phase.
Compressor stations
Pressure pipe irrigation stations automatically introduce compressed air into the system to support the flow processes in the pressure lines. This results in the following:
- The waste water spends less time in the pipes
- Deposits are broken down by high irrigation speeds
- Oxygen is introduced into the waste water
- The build-up of hydrogen sulphide is prevented.
Pressure pipe irrigation stations must be arranged such that, if possible, they feed into all critical pipe areas.