About Septic Tanks

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Sodium aluminate is a very strong alkaline agent. It is one of many chemicals used in the treatment of wastewater. Sodium aluminate may be used alone or in combination with ferric sulfate and or with aluminum sulfate. When the solids content of the water is high, sodium aluminate may be added using calcium hydroxide.

Sodium aluminate forms a flocculate in very dilute solutions. Aluminum hydroxide is the acting flocculent precipitate. The cause of the coagulating property of the sodium aluminates is due to the sodium ion.

The main function of coagulants is to provide ions that are capable of neutralizing the electric charges present on most of the colloidal material suspended in the water, thus causing precipitation. The physical properties of the flocculate are high surface to volume ratio. This provides enough space for colloidal particles to adhere.

Algaecides are chemicals that kill algae when added to water. Examples are copper sulfate, iron salts, rosin amine salts, and benzalkonium chloride. Algaecides are effective against algae, but algal blooms. The problem with most algaecides is that they kill all present algae, but do not remove the toxins released by the algae.

Antifoam compounds are available either as powder or as an emulsion of the pure product. They are chemicals used in the treatment for wastewater. Foam is a mass of bubbles created when certain types of gas are dispersed into a liquid. When foam is not held under control, it can reduce the capacity of equipment and increase the duration and costs of processes. Antifoam blends contain oils combined with small amounts of silica. Due to two silicone properties, incompatibility with aqueous systems and ease of spreading, foam is broken down.

Standard activated sludge equipment, in which aerobic bacteria ingest organic substances such as sugars and protein. The sugar and protein are then metabolized into water and carbon dioxide. This process is widely used by wastewater treatment facilities to prevent environmental pollution.

The principle and its configuration are quite simple. The wastewater in the storage tank is transferred into the aeration tank. Inside the tank, aerobic bacteria are
activated through air bubbles to decompose BOD components by oxidation. Then in the sedimentation separation tank the bacteria (sludge) are separated by difference of specific gravity, followed by discharging the supernatant fluid.

There are several concerns during the daily operation of the equipment, particularly bulking phenomenon due to proliferation of fungi. When the bulking occurs, it will
float. When this occurs in the sedimentation separation tank, the bacteria (sludge) are not able to separate by difference of specific gravity. Sludge is then mixed
with the treated water, deteriorating water quality of the effluent.

The sedimentation separation tanks part of solid liquid separation is replaced by a MF membrane separator. The membrane filter element is submerged in the aeration tank and clear treated water is sectioned out from the element instead of using the sedimentation separation tank. Accordingly, this activated sludge equipment has merits, such as solving the bulking problem. In addition, the treated quantity per unit volume increases and the excess sludge decreases by increasing MLSS concentration.

Biosolids is the soil-like residue of materials removed from sewage.

In 1991, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) recognized the term biosolids. By 2004, the word Biosolids was used universally. Biosolids is the soil-like residue of materials removed from sewage during the wastewater treatment process. During treatment, bacteria and other macroscopic organisms break down sewage into simple and more stable forms of organic matter. The organic matter combined with bacterial cell masses, settles out to form biosolids. According to USEPA, biosolids that meet treatment and pollutant content criteria can be safely recycled and applied as fertilizer to sustainable improve and maintain productive soils and stimulate plant growth.

Biosolids in their liquid form resemble muddy water containing 1-10% solids. During the second phase of the treatment, the biosolids may be dehydrated turning into
a cake with the texture of a wet sponge. In this stage, it contains 11-40% solids.

As of 2002 in the United States, about 60% of all biosolids were beneficially used as fertilizer for growing crops. Biosolids that meet the Class B treatment and pollutant criteria, in accordance with USA Standards for the use or disposal of sewage sludge, Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 503 (40 CFR 503) can be applied to land with formal site permit restrictions, and strict record keeping. Biosolids that meet Class A pathogen reduction requirements, or (PFRP) Process to Further Reduce Pathogens, have the least restrictions on use. PFRPs include composting, heat drying, heat treatment, thermophilic aerobic digestion, beta or gamma ray irradiation, and pasteurization.

The National Research Council published in July 2002, Biosolids Applied to Land:
Advancing Standards and Practices. The NRC concluded that there was no documented scientific evidence stating biosolids regulations have failed to protect public health. Despite the NRCs ruling, there is persistent concern on possible adverse health issues. The NRC noted that further research was needed and made approximately 60 recommendations addressing public health concerns, scientific qualms, and gaps in scientific data relating to the sewage sludge standards. As of 2004, the USEPA has had insufficient funding to implement the NRC recommendations.

In 1997 the United States, municipal wastewater treatment plants annually produced about 7.7 million dry tons of biosolids. In 1999, about 6.8 million dry tons were produced according to sources relying on USEPA estimates. The NRC states, about 5.6 million dry tons was the normal US annual biosolids production rate for 2002.

Septic sewers are actually a wise environmental and financial option for sewage treatment.

Septic sewers are actually a wise environmental and financial option for sewage treatment. Though most of us participate in a public sewer system, septic sewers are like our own private waste treatment and disposal plant. In residential homes, septic tanks are buried in your front or back yard. Like a sewer system, everything that goes down your drains will run right into your septic tank.

If you’ve lived with septic sewers, you are conscious of water use and good septic practices. Because of the limited space in your tank, you can actually fill the tank up faster than it can naturally drain. Since everything goes into your tank, you have to be especially careful as to what you use, from laundry detergents to the type of toilet paper, and how much you put into your drains. Some plumbers suggest not using liquid fabric softeners, because they can clog the drain holes in the drainage lines, resulting in very expensive repairs.

In terms of solids, you should never put any non-organic materials down the drain. Sanitary napkins, applicators, and paper (look for easily dissolving toilet paper) should never be flushed down a drain. What isn’t biodegradable will sit in septic sewers indefinitely. Even organic material should be allowed sparingly down drains. Limit use of the garbage disposals when you are putting solid food into the drain. It would be better to toss food products away in your garbage, or start a compose pile. Excess amounts of food products in your septic system can take a long time to break down.

Be aware of cleaning products. Products such as house hold bleach can upset the natural waste treatment process occurring in your septic tank. Bleach and other chemicals can destroy the microbes necessary for breaking down organic materials.

There are products on the market that claim to be able to reestablish the bacteria balance to your septic system, but it is best to limit the amount of chemicals you permit into your system. Additionally, you should limit amount of lint from your washing machines into your system by install a washing machine filter. Lint can clog the drainage of your septic tank, blocking other waste from draining out of it.

There are several products on the market that claim to enhance your septic tank’s performance and lifespan. In fact, few septic tank products on the market are useful.

Septic tanks are self-sufficient, and if you practice regular maintenance and good drain hygiene at home, youd need to do little to your septic tank. This article will discuss the use and value of basic septic tank products that should aid you in deciding what products will be useful to you. It will also inform you of what to do to maintain a healthy septic system.

The more controversial septic tank products are additives. Much of the literature shows that chemical additives actually harm your septic system. Biological additives seem to do very little or nothing to aid your septic system. The make up of a septic tank depends on microbes and bacteria to breakdown organic material that is collected in the tank. Chemical additives can kill these microbes, upsetting the entire processing system of your tank.

If the solids do not broke down properly, they can drain out of the tank untreated. This seepage is both an environmental and heath hazard. Depending on local and state laws, you may be held liable for this hazardous waste on your property. Untreated solid materials may also clog the small holes in the bottom of the septic tank over time, eventually leading to an unnecessary expense.

As water enters your septic tank, it displaces processed wastewater, sending it out through drains in the bottom of the tank and into your yard. This is part of the natural cycle of your septic tank. By using chemical septic tank products, you can destroy this cycle.

Septic Tank Products for Your Vent Filters

An important part of your septic system involves the release of sewage gases through vents on your roof. Vent pipes are attached to your drainpipes to help pressurize as water goes down the drain. During this process, sewage gases exit through these pipes and outside through vents on the roof.

The vents also help to keep sewer gases out of your home. As the gases exit your home, they are blown away, so you never notice them. Unfortunately, these gases sometime linger due to various climate conditions. You might end up with sewer gas smells around your house; the smells are similar to rotten eggs.

You can eliminate these sewer gases by installing carbon filters to the vent pipes on your roof. The charcoal in the filters absorbs the sewer gases as they exit which will stop the bad sewer smells immediately.