Negative pressure instead of gravity
What is a vacuum sewer system?
650+ projects
worldwide
Introduction
With more than 50 years of experience, Qua-vac is a leading global expert in the field of sustainable vacuum sewer and collection systems. From our headquarters in the Netherlands, we design, manufacture and supply systems for a wide range of sectors, including maritime industry, residential construction and industry, as well as complete urban sewerage networks. On this page, we briefly explain what vacuum sewer is and how the principle of vacuum sewer works.
How does a vacuum sewer system work?
The movement of wastewater relies on a clever interplay of gravity and differential air pressure rather than complex machinery. First, domestic or industrial wastewater flows via standard gravity into a localised collection chamber situated near the properties. Once the wastewater in this chamber rises to a specific level, a float activator triggers a purely pneumatic starter valve, which automatically opens the main vacuum piston valve. Because the system utilises the pressure difference between the outside atmosphere and the vacuum network, a rush of atmospheric air enters the chamber and forcefully drives the wastewater forward into the lines. This reliance on air pressure and vacuum forces means the entire process requires no electrical power at the point of collection. From the vacuum station, the wastewater is discharged to (often) the sewage treatment plant with pressure pumps and pressure pipes.
Comparison with traditional sewer systems
Vacuum sewer systems combine sustainability, flexibility, and targeted performance in a single system. The differences from traditional gravity sewer systems:
- Electricity is only needed at the vacuum station
- Collection chamber can operate for years without electricity
- The piping is significantly thinner.
- Pipes can be laid flexibly and without a continuous slope
- Shallow trenches are possible, and dewatering is generally not required
Step by step explanation
- Wastewater flows by gravity into a collection chamber.
- When the level in the chamber rises to a certain level, the float in the chamber activates the valve.
- The valve opens, and the wastewater is transported together with air through the pipeline network to a tank at the vacuum station.
- As soon as the level in the tank is high enough, the wastewater is transported to a wastewater treatment plant or discharge point in the area.
- Once the wastewater has been pumped out of the collection chamber, the float drops and closes the valve. The vacuum pumps automatically restore the required negative pressure in the pipeline network, allowing the process to start again as soon as sufficient wastewater is supplied.
Optionally, the Vaculink® monitoring system can be used to monitor the status in real time and 24/7.
Benefits of a vacuum sewer system
Vacuum sewage has unique benefits:
- No slope is required, so pipes can be laid shallow and flat
- Because the system is continuously under pressure, wastewater will never leak
- Combined with vacuum toilets, enormous (drinking) water savings can be achieved
- The system is cheaper to build and maintain than traditional gravity sewers
- Vacuum sewer is extremely flexible in construction and expansion
Applications of a vacuum sewer system
Vacuum sewer systems have a wide range of applications. Within our divisions, we use the system for the following applications, among others:
Infra (Vacuflow®)
- Eilanden
- Resorts
- Built environment
- Business parks
Building
- Retail
- Residential development
- Healthcare
- Utility
Marine
- Commercial shipping
- Yacht building
- River cruise ship
- Naval vessels
Frequently asked questions about vacuum sewage systems
Vacuum sewage works on air and negative pressure while gravity sewage works on gravity. In gravity sewerage, a continuous slope is required so that the wastewater can sink to the lowest point while vacuum sewer can be laid flat.
Technically, vacuum sewer is suitable for existing and also new homes. However, a complete system is too expensive for an individual home. As part of a collective system, it becomes interesting from about 10 homes where the following applies; The more homes, the more interesting.
The ground-bound pipes of a vacuum sewer system are laid at about 80 cm. depth. The big advantage is that the pipes can be laid flat and no slope is required. As a result, no dewatering is usually required.
Vaculink® is Qua-vac’s online monitoring system that allows wells and pumps to be monitored in real time and 24/7. In wells, this can be done both wired and wirelessly. .
Contact us!
Please feel free to contact us if you need any more information. Thanks to our many years of experience with vacuum, vacuum sewer and vacuum toilets, we can certainly help you further. By the way, did you know that by combining vacuum toilets with vacuum sewers, enormous amounts of water can be saved? We are happy to tell you more about this too.
