Vacuum sewerage systems, a sustainable alternative
Vacuum sewerage systems have been used since the 1960’s as a low cost and environmentally friendly method of transferring wastewater away from houses to treatment plants. This technology appeared as an alternative option to the conventional sewerage systems, such as the gravity system.
Vacuum sewerage systems, in addition to being an economical method, are also environmentally friendly. For this reason, its application is especially suitable for environmentally sensitive areas.
Small carbon footprint
Vacuum sewerage systems enable safe and sustainable wastewater treatment, which contributes both to reducing the ecological footprint and improving living conditions in developing countries. The main advantages of the Flovac system for environmentally sensitive areas are the following:
Flovac Main Network
There is no chance of sewage spills as all pipework operates under a negative pressure; any break in the pipework would suck air into the system, which can be easily repaired. Therefore, it is a safe option because there are no environmental risks. Also, the sealing at the vacuum net allows keeping a low salinity level inside pipes, which saves future complications on periodic controls.
Operational PE Flovac pits with rubber o-rings joints are completely sealed and they avoid rain, water table and tide infiltrations. In addition, the valves are made of thermoplastic material and stainless steel, so they are very durable.
Lastly, energy costs are lower compared to other sewerage systems. This is because any installation requires a single electrical connection point, located at the vacuum station, and no power within the reticulation network. This allows for reduced energy costs.
Flovac application areas
Vacuum sanitation systems are the most suitable option for the following application areas due to the advantages they provide in comparison to the traditional systems:
- Natural areas. National parks, wetlands, lagoons, deltas, special protection areas for birds, etc., whether they have specific legal protection or not.
- Populated areas. Vast areas with low to medium density population where swage can easily pollute the soil.
- Areas with high water table. Residential developments near the coastline, on the slopes of estuaries, near marinas or river marinas, etc.
- Marinas and ports. Marinas, ports, commercial ports, small or large boats, commercial vessels or ferries, etc.
Flovac project in the port of Alcudiamar, Mallorca, Balearic Islands
Flovac project in an environmentally sensitive area in New Zeland
