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Mobile ViewPLUMBING SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR Septic Guide for Home Buyers or Owners Septic or Sewer Connection? Septic System Design Septic System Designs Master List Septic Inspection Testing Septic Maintenance Repair Septic Component & Product Suppliers Septic Videos SEPTIC AUTHORITIES SEPTIC BOOK, ONLINE SEPTIC BOOKSTORE SEPTIC BIOMATS SEPTIC CARE INSTRUCTIONS SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCES SEPTIC CODES & REFERENCES SEPTIC CONSULTANTS SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC DRAINFIELD INSPECTION & TEST SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LIFE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LOCATION SEPTIC DRAINFIELD RESTORERS? 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Continuous Flow, Suspended Growth Aerobic Septic Systems: here are designs and products CFSGAS for aerobic septic treatment units (ATUs) for onsite waste disposal, also called fine bubble aeration systems. InspectAPedia offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest. We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices, false-advertising, or junk science. Our contact info is at InspectAPedia.com/Contact.htm.This document is based on US EPA EPA/625/R-00/008 Continuous-Flow, Suspended-Growth Aerobic Systems (CFSGAS) but includes expanding edits and comments. We address aerobic septic system design, features, inspection, repair, and maintenance. Product sources are also listed. Where we have reader or septic designer feedback on this and other septic system designs we add those comments to this and related documents. © Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website. Aerobic Treatment Septic Systems - Continuous Flow, Suspended Growth Aerobic Septic Treatment System DesignsDefinition of Suspended Growth vs. Attached Growth Septic Systems:Oxygen-supported (aerobic) bacteria in the mixed liquor perform the primary treatment in the system. As the bacteria themselves die off they remain suspended in the mixed liquor - a "suspended growth aerobic treatment system". Alternatively, a media, such as synthetic fabrics, may be suspended in the treatment tank, permitting the bacteria to attach to the media surfaces - an "attached growth aerobic treatment system". The Suspended-Growth type of aerobic septic system is detailed below. AEROBIC Septic systems add oxygen using any of several types aeration or "fine air bubble" systems to increase the level of effluent treatment in the septic tank by encouraging aerobic bacteria. Aerobic systems produce a better-quality wastewater effluent for discharge into the absorption system for final treatment and disposal. Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. Use of this information at other websites, in books or pamphlets for sale, or in any other form is reserved to the author. Reviewers welcomed and are listed at "References." What is an Aerobic Treatment Unit for Septic Effluent?In residential use, aerobic treatment units (ATUs, also called "home aeration systems" or "septic tank aeration systems") are pre-packaged septic treatment systems which are in essence a mini-wastewater treatment plant for home use. "Aerobic" refers to the use of an air pump to add oxygen to the treatment tank to increase the level of treatment by the system. AEROBIC Septic systems thus require electrical power and cost more to install and operate (more frequent tank pumping) than a traditional gravity septic tank and drainfield. Aerobic treatment, which can produce very high quality treated effluent, is used at sites where a conventional septic drainfield simply wont' work, perhaps because of wet soils or very rocky conditions. ATUs are also used to restore a working septic system where a traditional septic system has failed and is difficult to repair. Other common reasons for installing aerobic septic treatment units include lots close to lakes and streams or lots which are too small to fit a conventional septic system. Aerobic treatment may not entirely eliminate the requirement for a drainfield, but it can substantially reduce the drainfield area and capacity required. This is not a "new" idea. Aeration of wastewater as a means of septic effluent treatment has been in use for more than 100 years (using media filters according to Jantrania). How do Aerobic Septic Treatment Units Work?An aerobic treatment unit is basically an "oxidizer" which uses extra oxygen dissolved in the wastewater to support aerobic microorganisms which in turn decompose dissolved organic and nitrogen compounds into simple CO2 or into inorganic compounds. As microorganisms die off they accumulate as a sludge of biological material, some of which supports the development of new cells or microorganisms to keep the system working. ATU's separate solid waste first in the "trash tank" and later, additional solids are separated in the clarifier or settlement tank from which they may be returned to the primary tank for more treatment. (See the sketch at the top of this page.)
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Technology Fact Sheet 1 - EPA 625/R-00/008Description of Continuous-Flow, Suspended-Growth Aerobic Systems (CFSGAS)The activated sludge process is an aerobic suspended-growth process that maintains a relatively high population of microorganisms (biomass) by recycling settled biomass back to the treatment process. The biomass converts soluble and colloidal biodegradable organic matter and some inorganic compounds into cell mass and metabolic end products. The biomass is separated from the wastewater through settling in a clarifier for recycling or wasting to sludge handling processes. Preliminary treatment to remove settleable solids and floatable materials is usually provided by a septic tank or other primary treatment device. Most onsite designs are capable of providing significant ammonia oxidation and effective removal of organic matter. The basic system consists of a number of interrelated components (as shown in figure 1):
Figure 1. A basic Continuous-Flow, Suspended-Growth Aerobic Systems CFSGAS configuration
Several modifications of this basic process are commercially available. These include different aeration devices; different means of sludge collection and recycling to the aerator; the use of coarse membrane filters in lieu of, or in addition to, the clarifier; and process enhancement through the addition of an inert media area on which biofilms can grow. The addition of surfaces where biota can become attached and grow increases the capacity of the system (increased organic loading possible). This last modification is the most significant enhancement and is described below. The combined fixed-film/suspended growth process is sometimes referred to as a class of treatment processes called coupled contact aeration, enhanced, or high biomass systems. To enhance performance and increase the capacity of the aeration tank, an inert support medium is added to the aeration tank. This allows a fixed film of biomass to attach and grow on the medium to augment the suspended microbial population, providing more biomass to feed on wastewater constituents (figure 2). Synthetic trickling filter media, loops of fiber bundles, and a variety of different plastic surface configurations can be suspended in the aeration tank. Advantages of CFSGAS septic systems include increased active microbial mass per unit volume, enhanced potential for nitrification, reduced suspended solids loading to the clarifier, improved solids separation characteristics, reduced sludge production, and resilience under variable influent conditions. Figure 2. An enhanced Continuous-Flow, Suspended-Growth Aerobic Systems CFSGAS or "high biomass" system
Typical Continuous-Flow, Suspended-Growth Aerobic System applicationThese systems are usually preceded by a septic tank and followed by a subsurface wastewater infiltration system (SWIS). Despite some claims of reduced SWIS sizing when compared to the conventional septic tank pretreatment, the designer is cautioned to consider ground water protection. These systems should be applied only where onsite system management services are available. For surface water discharge, the system must be followed by disinfection at a minimum to consistently meet discharge standards. However, some subsurface (non-human-contact) reuse may be implemented without further treatment. High biomass systems can be a low-cost means of upgrading existing overloaded CFSGAS units that currently do not meet BOD or nitrification goals. They can also compete directly with conventional designs because they have greater stability in handling highly variable loadings. Continuous-Flow, Suspended-Growth Aerobic System Design assumptionsThe extended aeration type of CFSGAS is the most commonly used design. At present there is no generic information on design parameters for fixed film activated sludge systems. Package plants are delivered based on design flow rates. A conservative design approach for extended aeration systems is presented in table 1. The inert medium should support additional biomass and add to the total system microbial mass. Because the increase in microbial population is difficult to measure, any "credits" for this addition would have to be based on empirical observation. Claims for significantly decreased sludge production, increased oxygen transfer efficiency, and improved settleability of the sludge have not been universally proved. However, a number of successful installations for onsite and small municipal systems have been in operation throughout the world for more than 10 years (Mason, 1977; Rogella et al., 1988; Rusten et al., 1987).
Onsite package treatment units (see figure 3) should be constructed of noncorrosive materials, such as coated concrete, plastic, fiberglass, or coated steel. Units may be stand-alone or manufactured to drop into a compartmented septic tank. Some units are installed aboveground on a concrete slab with proper housing to protect against severe climatic conditions. Units may also be buried underground as long as easy access is provided to all mechanical parts, electrical control systems, and water surfaces. All electrical components should follow NEC code and be waterproof and/or housed from the elements. If airlift pumps are used, large-diameter units should be provided to avoid clogging. Blowers, pumps, and other mechanical devices should be designed for continuous use because they will be abused by climatic conditions and the corrosive atmosphere within the treatment environment. Easy access to all moving parts should be provided for routine maintenance. An effective alarm system should be employed. Typical land area requirements for package plants are modest. Figure 3. Components of a typical aerobic treatment unit
For engineered package plants, final clarifier designs should be conservative for high MLSS and poor settleability of biomass. Because of the potential for bulking sludge, secondary clarifiers should be equipped with surface skimming devices to remove greases and floating solids, as well as efficient screens. Performance of Continuous-Flow, Suspended-Growth Aerobic SystemsWell-operated CFSGAS extended aeration units that are well operated can achieve BOD concentrations ranging from 10 to 50 mg/L and TSS concentrations ranging from 15 to 60 mg/L. Some studies (Brewer et al., 1978; Hutzler et al., 1978) have indicated poorer performance owing to surge flows, variable loading, and inadequate maintenance. Nitrification can also be significant in these aeration units during warmer periods. Some nitrogen removal can be achieved by denitrification, which can remove 30 to 40 percent of the total nitrogen (TN) under optimum conditions. Average total nitrogen effluent concentrations in residential extended aeration units range from 17 to 40 mg/L. Fecal coliform and virus removal has been reported in the range of 1 to 2 logs. High biomass systems have produced BOD and TSS effluents of 5 to 40 mg/L. Although they are less dependent on temperature than the extended aeration CFSGAS, temperature does have an impact on their seasonal capability to nitrify the influent ammonium-nitrogen to nitrate-nitrogen. All CFSGAS systems do an excellent job of removing toxic organics and heavy metals. Most CFSGAS systems do not remove more than a small percentage of phosphorus (10 to 20 percent) and nitrogen (15 to 25 percent). Management requirements for Continuous-Flow, Suspended-Growth Aerobic SystemsCFSGAS systems must be managed and maintained by trained personnel rather than homeowners to perform acceptably. Power requirements vary from 2.5 to 10 kWh/day. They should be inspected at least every 2 to 3 months. During these inspections, excess solids pumping should be based on the mixed liquor measurements. It is estimated that an effective program will require between 12 and 28 person-hours annually, in addition to analytical testing of the effluent, where required. Management contracts should be in place for the life of the system. Common operational problems with extended aeration systems are provided in table 2. Residuals generated will vary from 0.6 to 0.9 lb TSS per lb BOD removed, over and above the normal septic tank sludge produced.
Continuous-Flow, Suspended-Growth Aerobic System Risk management issuesCFSGAS systems require effluent disinfection at a minimum to meet surface discharge or any surface reuse water quality requirements. They are quite sensitive to temperature, interruption of electric supply, influent variability, or shock loadings of toxic chemicals. The septic tank helps protect these units from the latter problems. Aesthetically, noise from the blowers is the major irritant, while odors can be significant during power outages or organic overloading periods. High biomass units are more resistant to the above impacts. The systems are not well suited to seasonal use because of long start-up times. [DF note: we agree, and this is the chief complaint that we have heard from readers. As a start in addressing aerobic treatment unit noise, we advise checking with the manufacturer of your unit to be sure that it is properly installed and maintained.] Continuous-Flow, Suspended-Growth Aerobic Systems CostsThe installed costs of package plants are highly variable but are usually less than $10,000. Operation and maintenance (O/M) costs are primarily dependent on local power and labor costs, varying from $400 to $600 per year in most cases. Other Aerobic Septic System Designs:Simplest Two-Chamber Aerobic Treatment Unit DesignWaste from the occupied building is fed into a septic tank primary treatment chamber where it is kept agitated and aerated (oxygenated) by an air pump and rotor or mixer. By increasing the oxygen level in the effluent, we increase activity by the tank's aerobic bacteria and other naturally occurring microorganisms such as fungi, protozoa, rotifers, and other microbes. Effluent passes out of the primary treatment tank into a settlement chamber where sludge settles out for recycling into the primary treatment tank. Clarified effluent passes to an absorption or further treatment system. An alarm system is usually installed to tell the building owner if the equipment has stopped working. Three-Chamber Aerobic Septic System ATU Design
Suspended Growth vs. Attached Growth Septic Systems: Oxygen-supported (aerobic) bacteria in the mixed liquor perform the primary treatment in the system. As the bacteria themselves die off they remain suspended in the mixed liquor - a "suspended growth aerobic treatment system". Alternatively, a media, such as synthetic fabrics, may be suspended in the treatment tank, permitting the bacteria to attach to the media surfaces - an "attached growth aerobic treatment system". The Suspended-Growth type of septic system is detailed above. Saturated vs. Non-Saturated Wastewater Treatment Systems: An aerobic treatment unit (ATU), because it involves a tank filled with wastewater and forced oxygenation of that wastewater, is a type of saturated wastewater treatment system. Other non-saturated wastewater treatment systems such as trickling filter beds use passively-infused air to support their oxygen-supported microorganisms. Unlike ATUs, non-saturated systems allow passive air contact with effluent as it moves through the media. Air is not being pumped. Both types of systems make use of aerobic microorganisms. Four-Chamber Aerobic Systems - 4-chamber ATU DesignFour-chamber Aerobic Treatment Units are also designed for and used in some areas, though how we count chambers may be confusing - some designers may not design or count a separate aeration chamber. A four-chamber aerobic tank uses
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