Smart and future-proof sewerage solution
Benefits of vacuum sewer systems
650+ projects
worldwide
Introduction
Are you looking for a smart and future-proof sewerage solution? Vacuum sewerage combines sustainability, flexibility and efficient operation in a single system. Thanks to lower construction costs, rapid installation, minimal maintenance requirements and environmentally friendly operation, it is a suitable solution for a wide range of projects.
Sustainable and water-saving
Vacuum sewerage is a closed system that is continuously under negative pressure. Air, rather than water, is used to transport wastewater. Thanks to the vacuum, wastewater cannot escape, thereby preventing soil and groundwater contamination. If vacuum toilets are connected to the sewerage system, approximately 80 per cent of water is saved per flush.
New sanitation
Vacuum sewer systems and vacuum toilets represent an important step towards new sanitation. They ensure that water, energy and raw materials are used and reused as efficiently as possible. By reducing drinking water consumption and safely disposing of wastewater, vacuum sewer systems are well aligned with the ambitions for future-proof and circular construction.
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Sustainable solutions
in practice
Eeasier to install and cost-effective
Vacuum sewer systems do not require a gradient. This means we can lay the pipes almost horizontally and at a shallow depth. We lay them in narrow trenches, at a depth of approximately 80 to 120 centimetres. Compared with gravity sewer systems, less excavation work is required. We also use considerably thinner pipes, which reduces labour and material costs.
Thanks to the system’s flexibility, we can easily adapt the pipes to the conditions in the subsoil. If we encounter unexpected obstacles during installation, we simply lay the pipes over, under or around them. This minimises delays and prevents unnecessary costs.
Virtually maintenance-free and reliable
Thanks to its simple design and limited number of components, Vacuflow® vacuum sewerage is virtually maintenance-free and highly reliable in use. The chambers contain few moving parts, keeping maintenance costs relatively low compared with conventional sewer systems.
This simplicity also contributes to the system’s long service life. We are proud of this: some vacuum sewer systems have been in use for over 50 years.
Vaculink®
With Vaculink®, our online management tool for vacuum sewerage, we monitor the vacuum station and the chambers remotely. The tool provides insight into the system 24/7. This enables us to identify faults more quickly and plan maintenance more effectively.
Flexible application in a wide range of situations
The Vacuflow® vacuum sewage system offer a sustainable and efficient solution for a wide range of applications. Thanks to the flexible installation options, we use the system in urban areas, new residential developments, on islands, in sensitive nature and coastal areas, and in marinas, amongst other places. Vacuum sewage also offers clear advantages when renovating or retrofitting existing sewage systems.
A vacuum sewage system is a particularly attractive alternative in locations where a traditional gravity sewage system is complex, costly or involves major disruption. With Vacuflow®, we offer a suitable solution for ground-based sewerage. Our system also provide a reliable solution within the built environment and in the shipping sector.
Would you like to know more about the various areas of application?
Vacuum vs. traditional: the advantages at a glance
Vacuum
Traditional
Installation depth
We lay the pipes at a shallow depth, use small pipe diameters and do not require a gradient. This allows us to minimise earthworks, reduce installation costs, shorten installation time and minimise the environmental impact.
Installation depth
Gravity sewer systems require wide and deep trenches due to the necessary gradient and the large pipe diameters. Consequently, roads become less accessible to pedestrians and motor traffic during construction, and the risk of damage to trees increases
Maintenance costs
A vacuum sewer system is virtually maintenance-free and does not suffer from blockages.
Maintenance costs
Gravity sewage systems require a significant investment and entail relatively high maintenance costs. To create sufficient gradient, multiple pumping stations are often needed. Blockages and infiltration can also further increase maintenance costs.
Environmental impact
A vacuum sewer system is a closed system: no wastewater can escape.
Environmental impact
In gravity-fed and pressure systems, wastewater can leak out and thus contaminate the soil and groundwater.
Flexibility in installation
It is possible to bypass unforeseen obstacles by going over, under or round them.
Flexibility in installation
Unforeseen obstacles, such as water, gas and drainage pipes or tree roots, often require a change to the route or an adjustment to the elevation.
Frequently asked questions about the benefits of vacuum sewerage
Vacuum sewer systems requires less excavation, consumes little energy and offers great flexibility during installation. The Vacuflow® sewage system offers, amongst other things:
- Low investment costs
- Minimal maintenance
- Limited excavation work
- Electricity consumption limited to the vacuum station
- Low energy consumption
- Protection against soil contamination
- Small pipe diameters
- Flexible pipe routes
- Efficient wastewater transport through the addition of air
- Remote monitoring of the vacuum station and collection chambers
The cost savings vary from project to project, but a vacuum sewer system can significantly reduce installation costs. Smaller pipe diameters and less excavation work limit labour and material costs. A vacuum sewer system becomes particularly financially attractive in large, complex areas.
A closed vacuum sewer system reduces the risk of leaks and contamination of soil and water. In addition, the environmental benefits include:
- Protection of groundwater and surface water
- Less excavation work due to smaller pipes and shallow trenches
- Less earthworks
- Less disruption to nature, the landscape and existing infrastructure
A well-designed and well-maintained vacuum sewer system can last for decades and requires relatively little maintenance. Some systems installed by Qua-vac have been in operation for over 50 years, still in their original configuration.
Vacuum sewer systems minimises the impact on the environment and allows for flexible installation in challenging terrain. The main advantages are:
- Less disruption to nature and the environment
- Suitable for areas with a high water table
- Flexible installation around obstacles
- Shallower excavation and smaller pipe diameters
- Cost benefits in areas with scattered development
- Safe wastewater disposal thanks to the closed system
Contact us!
Would you like to learn more about the benefits of vacuum sewer systems? Please contact us! Our specialists are happy to work with you to find a water-saving and future-proof solution.
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