How a septic tank works
The modern Topas treatment system from the well-known Russian company TOPOL-ECO is very popular among consumers due to the high degree of wastewater treatment, as well as simplicity and ease of use. The manufacturer promises effective wastewater treatment by 95%. At the exit, activated sludge is formed, which is a good fertilizer for your site. Let us consider in detail the principle of operation of the Topas sewer, its design features and conditions for proper operation.
Placement of a Topas-type septic tank on the site
Brief scheme of the septic tank
- Effluent from the sewer pipe is poured into the first chamber, where large particles settle to the bottom;
- The airlift pumps the settled water into the second compartment - the aerotank, where bacteria actively decompose organic matter;
- The third stage is the entry of effluents into the sludge pyramid;
- After all stages of purification, the water becomes 95% purer, therefore, by gravity or with the help of a pump, it flows out of the last fourth chamber of the station.
As a result, the output is almost pure water, which can be used for technical needs, for example, to water the lawn or flowers. During operation, the station consumes a minimum amount of electricity. It is convenient and reliable for private and country houses, sanatoriums, recreation centers, summer cottages.
How does a sewer plant work?
Structurally, it is divided into 4 compartments. Each of the compartments is responsible for a certain degree of water purification. Initially, liquid is poured from the sewer pipe into the first compartment. Here there is a separation of large fractions from smaller particles (large particles settle to the bottom). This compartment is considered a sump, as waste water accumulates here. But here bacteria begin their action, which decompose organic matter into silt and water. If the water level has reached the level of the float switch, then a signal is given to turn on the first compressor. Fats and substances that are lighter than water float on the surface of the water.
Topas septic tank size The second section of the station
Now the liquid slowly flows into the second compartment (aerotank), where settling is also carried out with particles of large fractions settling to the bottom. Between the first and second compartment is a special filter that catches hair and large particles. This filter is considered a coarse filter. It is here that the active work of aerobic microorganisms begins, which practically eat up small particles, and break larger ones into small elements. This is how organic impurities are removed from the water.
With the help of a compressor, oxygen enters here, the main function of which is to mix dirty water with activated sludge for greater efficiency. Also, oxygen is necessary for the vital activity of aerobic microbes that decompose organic matter. Without oxygen, they simply die. In the second compartment, the water becomes 50% cleaner.
Cleaning in the third compartment
The third compartment, which is called the secondary sump, receives all the liquid actively mixed with the compressor. There is a special pyramid here, where silt with water enters with the help of an airlift. Further, the water is separated into activated sludge and purified water. The spent sediment remains at the bottom, and the one that is still active (live microbes) falls back into the first compartment for further cleaning work.
Fourth chamber
The fourth compartment is called the reception. Here is lighter water that has undergone decomposition of organic matter in the three previous chambers. Water through the top of the pyramid enters the fourth chamber and waits until it reaches the level of the outlet. If the level is reached, then it simply flows out through the outlet. If no water was added to the first chamber at this time, then the level in the fourth one will be insufficient for the liquid to leave the compartment. In this case, it remains in place and is even more cleaned. This is called the second phase.
installation and maintenance of a septic tank Topas Some models of septic tanks consist of 2 pyramidal chambers (second and third), in others there may be only the second or only the third. In most cases, it is the third compartment that has the shape of a pyramid. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly pump out the accumulated sludge. If you do not pump out the accumulated sludge in time, then this can cause the failure of the entire structure.
Topas station design includes:
- special cover with air intake;
- the first chamber (reception), where effluents are cleaned by 50%;
- the second chamber is the aerotank (the wastewater is cleaned by another 30%);
- airlift and pumping unit (required for pumping water from compartment to compartment);
- compressors (supply air to the drains, supporting the active vital activity of bacteria);
- the third compartment of the septic tank (the drains are cleaned in it, and the spent sludge settles to the bottom);
- fourth chamber for final cleaning;
- filters;
- sludge hose.
What is activated sludge
To quickly understand how Topas works, you need to know what activated sludge is and how exactly it purifies water. Activated sludge is a sludge mass, which includes special microorganisms that provide biological treatment. Pollution in the drains is decomposed by the work of these aerobic bacteria. They are called that because of the fact that for their life and work it is necessary that oxygen be present in the water. But in the production of modern sewage treatment plants, two types of bacteria can be present:
- aerobic;
- anaerobic.
If oxygen is vital for aerobic bacteria, then anaerobic microorganisms can only live in an environment where it is not available. In the Topas station, the entire process of eliminating organic matter is carried out by aerobic bacteria that receive oxygen due to the operation of the compressor. Small air bubbles saturate all the water and actively mix them for better cleaning work of bacteria.
To prevent aerobic microorganisms from dying inside the chambers, it is important not to use aggressive detergents and cleaning chemicals on the farm. The same applies to plastic elements, polyethylene films and other non-decomposing substances, which will also not be processed by bacteria, but will cause sewage failure, since the installation does not have any cutting elements in its design and will not be able to crush all these objects.
Purification with activated sludge is considered the most optimal of all existing today. Biological treatment combined with fine bubble aeration gives the maximum effect. The output is almost transparent water and a sediment that is absolutely safe for the environment. The bacteria that decompose organic matter inside the septic tank chambers are harmless and multiply on their own, so there is no need to maintain their numbers.
internal septic system Topas The natural process of the work of microorganisms, which, for all this, also consume oxygen, ends with the effective splitting of organic contaminants in the currents. As a result, the water does not rot or emit unpleasant odors, so you will not hear any signs on the site that there is a sewer system somewhere nearby.
Microorganisms contained in activated sludge take part in not one, but several cleaning cycles. They decompose organic matter until they die. The dead are called waste sludge. It settles to the bottom in a special stabilizer and from there it should be periodically pumped out. It is this silt that is recommended to be used as a fertilizer for trees that are not fruit trees, and for ornamental shrubs. As a result of multi-stage purification, the water becomes 95% transparent. It can be safely poured directly onto the soil or into open water without fear of harming the environment.
What you need to know about Topas
This station does not tolerate long breaks in operation, as living microorganisms are always hungry. Otherwise, in the absence of new flows of polluted water with organics, they will gradually die, and as a result, further operation of the system will become impossible. Therefore, it is recommended to use this type of structure where you or your family will live all year round. Or at least come every weekend.
The manufacturer promises high-quality work of the structure for 50 years under conditions of competent operation and timely maintenance. In no case is it allowed to drain into the sewer anything that you can pour into the ordinary city sewer network. It is forbidden to dump sand, construction debris, plastic and other bags, aggressive detergents and cleaning chemicals. Even the remains of mushrooms cannot be dumped here. It is also forbidden to drain technical oil, alkali, residues of acids, medicines, as well as rotting parts of vegetables or fruits.
In order not to deteriorate the quality of the outlet water, it is not recommended to exceed the maximum allowable daily volume specified by the manufacturer. Therefore, before choosing a model, be sure to determine how much water you and all your family members spend per day. For example, if you order a miniature Topas 5, you will not be able to use a washing machine and a bath, you will need a model with a large volume.
Maintenance - sludge removal
Autonomous sewerage Topas, the principle of operation of which was discussed in detail above, requires periodic maintenance in the form of pumping out the accumulated waste sludge. The sludge is pumped out several times a year (depending on the volume of the station, as well as the frequency of operation) using a drainage pump. The pumped-out sludge can be used as fertilizer for flowers, barren bushes and trees. Some use it as fertilizer for the garden, but this is optional.
system of overflows and accumulation of a septic tank Topas It is also necessary to carry out monthly cleaning of the coarse filter. Compressor diaphragms can be replaced once a year. But every 10-12 years it is recommended to carry out a complete cleaning of the system and completely change all aerators. It is not necessary to call vacuum trucks to pump out sludge, you can pump it out yourself using a special pump. This makes it possible to locate the station anywhere on your site, even where there is no possibility for a car to drive. You will also save money on sewer calls, which will be frequent in the case of a conventional cesspool.
Benefits of a biological treatment plant
Topas will perfectly cope with any household drains that do not contain aggressive detergents and cleaners. If you follow the rules for operating the station, then it will last for more than a dozen years. The popularity of this treatment plant is due to the high degree of purification, ease of installation and operation, as well as the ability to save water (treated water can be used as process water).
The station can be installed on any type of soil and in any climatic zone. It is very compact, airtight and completely underground. During the work of aerobic bacteria, you will not hear any smells or noises in your area. A wide range of products from this manufacturer allows you to choose the best option for the needs of any family. You can find a model for visiting the cottage of a small family of three, or you can find a modification for an entire recreation center or sanatorium.
For a summer house, where a family of up to 5 people will periodically live, the Topas 5 model is suitable. But the Topas 75 modification is able to provide comfortable use of the sewerage system for up to 75 people. Therefore, it is perfect for serving a sanatorium or recreation center. Also, the installations differ in the designations PR and US. PR - a septic tank with forced water drainage, which is recommended to be installed at a high level of groundwater on the site. But the septic tank with the US prefix denotes enhanced water drainage. It is used when the station is located at a depth of more than 1.4 m from the location of the sewer pipe.
