• What can be cooked from squid: quick and tasty

    There are several ways to clean sewer drains generated when people live in a private house. Some are cheaper to install, others are easier to operate. But if the most efficient treatment system is required, then there is only one option - an aerobic septic tank, also called an active septic tank or a biological treatment station. The sewage in it is processed by microorganisms by 98–99%. Although it is large, it is quite simple to arrange with your own hands.

    The task of any system of sanitary wastewater treatment includes their processing and drainage into the ground. First, the effluent is clarified in a sump, during which large suspended matter settles. Then the purified water is drained or used for household needs, and the sludge in the form of sludge is pumped out.

    Septic tank with aerobic wastewater treatment

    However, a wide variety of disinfection and filtration elements are often added to this scheme. Getting into a local treatment system (VOC) of a standard design, sewage effluents undergo three stages of disposal:

    1. Primary filtration, water clarification with precipitation of heavy fractions to the bottom of the tank.
    2. Fermentation with partial decomposition of organic matter.
    3. Drainage into the ground or pumping out with sewage equipment.

    V cesspool all these processes take place in one container. However, this option is only acceptable for small volumes. Wastewater otherwise, due to the overflow of waste, the "cesspool" ceases to perform its functions.

    Numerous types of typical septic tanks subject waste to partial processing up to 60–70% of the volume. Anaerobic bacteria that do not require oxygen help them in this. They are present in the same cesspool, providing continuous fermentation and decay of organic waste in it. However, they are "slow", to speed up their work in the septic tank you have to constantly add a bioactivator.

    General scheme septic tank with aerobic bacteria

    More productive are aerobes - microorganisms that require constant oxygen supply for their vital functions. Therefore, in order to provide them with the necessary oxygen, aerobic septic tanks are supplied with aerators and air compressors.

    It's important to know! Only with continuous pumping of air will a septic tank with aerobes function effectively.

    Deep biological treatment VOC scheme

    An active aerobic septic tank consists of several chambers:

    1. Sump for clarification.
    2. A reservoir with an aerator (there may be several of them).
    3. Prefabricated well with water purified to technical quality.

    For the operation of such a treatment system, not only microorganisms are needed, but also electricity. If bacteria feed on waste, then pumps and compressors need electricity.

    Advice! Aerobic septic tank is a volatile unit. If private house is regularly de-energized due to power failures, it is better to find another cleaning option or take care of an emergency generator.

    How bacteria work in an "oxygen" septic tank

    Anaerobic bacteria are always present in the primary VOC settling tank. Fermentation of waste water in it takes place in two stages: acidic and alkaline. The first occurs at the very beginning after starting, when the septic tank only receives the first volume of sewage. In its course, a large volume of gases with unpleasant odors are formed, which displace oxygen from the tank.

    Due to oxygen starvation in the purification tank, a rapid increase in the number of anaerobic microorganisms begins - this is already alkaline fermentation. Silt at the bottom acquires a dark color and no longer emits fetid odors. But it is in it that anaerobes "live".

    Advice! It is not necessary to completely clean the sump of alkaline sludge. Its small mass at the bottom of the treatment tank is a guarantee of the absence of sewage stench and the correct operation of the VOC.

    Diagram of the wastewater treatment process

    Further, the water clarified in the settling tank enters the after treatment in the aerobic chamber of the septic tank. Aerobic bacteria are already beginning to act here. And the more oxygen they receive, the better and faster they decompose and oxidize organic matter.

    Additional treatment of effluents in an aerobic septic tank is carried out not by natural aerobic microorganisms, but by bacteria specially removed and attached to the filters. They purify wastewater by 99%, which allows the treated water to be reused for technical needs.

    In order for the aerobes to work efficiently, the water in the tank is blown with air - aerated. For this, compressors are used. The settled effluent, when it enters the post-treatment chamber, is mixed with activated sludge, which will rise from the bottom due to the effect of compressed air.

    Aerobic bacteria begin to process organic matter and multiply. As a result, a small amount of additional sludge is formed, settling at the bottom. The volume of the septic tank is calculated so that the sediment from it had to be unloaded no more than once a year.

    Pros of using aerobes for wastewater treatment

    Aerobic septic tanks have four undeniable benefits:

    1. Lack of unpleasant odors.
    2. The minimum number of cleanings - you only need to call the vacuum trucks once a year.
    3. Maximum biosecurity - pollution of land and groundwater is practically excluded.
    4. Possibility secondary use purified water for irrigation or technical needs.

    The device of a two-chamber anaerobic-aerobic septic tank with a drainage field

    The only drawback is the sensitivity of the microflora of the aerobic septic tank to some chemical compounds that lead to the death of aerobes.

    Important! Aerobic bacteria and household chemicals with a high content of formaldehyde and chlorine compounds are incompatible. These substances simply kill aerobic microorganisms.

    DIY aerobic septic tank installation

    The easiest way to complete the installation of a factory septic tank is an aerobic type. This is a ready-made system that you just need to bury in the ground and bring the sewer to it. It is supplied in the form of plastic or metal containers with a set of compressor and pumping equipment.

    The size of the sump is determined at the rate of 600 liters of effluent for each person living in the house. This is 200 daily liters multiplied by three days. These are the recommendations of SNiP for private cottages.

    Overflow septic tank from two reinforced concrete wells

    With your own hands, an aerobic septic tank can be made from several tanks, for the arrangement of which it will fit:

    1. Brick.
    2. Reinforced concrete rings.
    3. Plastic containers.
    4. Iron barrels.
    5. Car tires.

    You will have to tinker with brick wells, reinforced concrete is heavy and will require lifting equipment. Iron barrels and tanks are subject to corrosive processes. The best option is plastic. But the choice of material largely depends on its availability and cost in a particular region.

    DIY aerobic VOC device

    For the functioning of an aerobic septic tank, you will need equipment:

    • external compressor for air pumping;
    • aerator for saturating the aerobic tank with oxygen;
    • a pump for pumping sludge from the outer tank into a container with bacteria;
    • submersible pump for pumping treated water.

    Important! All this technique requires an electrical connection, a septic tank with aerobes is volatile. This should be taken into account when choosing a local sewage treatment plant for country house where electrical problems are possible.

    Video: odorless aerobic two-chamber septic tank

    If you wish, you can install an aerobic septic tank yourself. It is enough to assemble the factory set of the purification system according to the instructions. But when arranging wells or sedimentation tanks made of reinforced concrete or brick, you will have to work. But anything is possible. It is also important to correctly connect the electrical equipment and load into the aerobic cleaning chamber. The main thing is not to miscalculate with the power and size of the septic tank.

    An anaerobic septic tank is a complex multi-chamber wastewater treatment system under the influence of microorganisms and without the participation of oxygen. It is recommended to buy a modern highly efficient anaerobic septic tank to increase the comfort of living in country houses and dachas where there is no opportunity to connect to the central sewerage system. At the same time, the price of an anaerobic septic tank is very affordable and quickly pays off as a result of savings on utility bills.

    Anaerobic septic tanks for summer cottages.

    Anaerobic septic tank for summer cottages is the best option autonomous sewage system, since it has significant advantages:

    The purification system is completely autonomous and does not require additional equipment in the form of an aerobic compressor.

    An anaerobic septic tank provides high-quality wastewater treatment and guarantees maximum safety for humans and the environment.

    With the correct arrangement of the system, contact with untreated wastewater is excluded.

    Unpleasant odors around the septic tank are completely absent.

    Anaerobic septic tank is easy to install and unpretentious in maintenance.

    If we talk about the shortcomings of this purification system, then we can single out only one drawback - the obligatory ground additional treatment, which occurs after the processing of wastewater by anaerobes. Only after additional filtration industrial water can be used on the farm, for watering the garden / vegetable garden.

    The affordable price of an anaerobic septic tank and high performance characteristics have made it popular among owners of summer cottages and country cottages... Today, buying an anaerobic septic tank from a manufacturing plant or ordering a turnkey device from a professional company is a demanded service that will improve the quality of life and relaxation in the country.

    An anaerobic septic tank uses multi-level wastewater treatment, as a result of which it is purified up to 98% and can be drained into the soil or used for technical purposes. At the first stage of purification, water enters the settling tank, where large heavy impurities settle to the bottom, and fat-containing components float. Here, special microorganisms, anaerobes, process organic matter and break it down into elementary components. This happens within 72 hours.

    Then the purified water is pumped out by a pump into a storage tank or drained into the ground. The anaerobic septic tank is equipped with a ventilation duct through which gases formed as a result of the processing of organic waste by bacteria are removed. For anaerobes, the presence of oxygen is not at all necessary, which means that an anaerobic septic tank can work without a compressor and electricity.

    An anaerobic septic tank, the price of which is quite acceptable, needs to be cleaned once every 1-3 years. It all depends on the volume of the septic tank and the amount of wastewater. To keep the bacterial colonies in the tank, it is necessary to leave about 20% of the activated sludge. The number of anaerobes can be increased by pouring special biomaterials into the purification system.

    Anaerobic septic tank in winter does not need conservation, since as a result of the vital activity of bacteria, the temperature of the wastewater in the tank increases, and the structure does not freeze in frost. Therefore, buying an anaerobic septic tank would be a great idea for a country house or summer cottage where the family does not live permanently.

    To find the right anaerobic septic tank for your home or summer cottage, you must first calculate the potential volume of the purification system. To do this, the number of users living in a house with a standard set of plumbing fixtures is multiplied by the average daily rate of water consumption (200 liters) and the result is tripled. Thus, a family of 4 needs an anaerobic septic tank with a capacity of 2400 liters. Experts recommend adding 20-30% of the margin so that the system requires less attention to itself.

    Anaerobic septic tank is presented on the market by manufacturing plants in several forms:

    With one camera. This is the most compact and simple anaerobic septic tank, the price of which is the most affordable. It is installed in houses where the volume of wastewater is not more than 0.5-0.8 cubic meters. meters.

    With two cameras. Such anaerobic septic tank can easily serve a family of 2-3 people and is installed in houses with permanent residence and a standard set of plumbing.

    With three cameras. This type of septic tank involves mechanical, anaerobic and aerobic wastewater treatment.

    Modern anaerobic septic tanks are made of high-strength polyethylene or fiberglass, they do not corrode in a humid environment and are able to withstand soil pressure. Factory structures are already completely ready for installation and have all the necessary holes for the pipeline. It is worth remembering that only a properly equipped anaerobic septic tank is the key to a comfortable stay in the house or in the country.

    In the process of work, an anaerobic septic tank showed itself well. It purifies wastewater from all kinds of pollution in a biological way quite qualitatively and is relatively inexpensive. He is . But the main thing is that it is unpretentious in leaving.

    Anaerobic septic tank is a sealed container in which the decomposition of organic matter takes place. Substances are processed and decomposed by anaerobic bacteria. As a result of their vigorous activity, anaerobes produce large amounts of methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and other gases. The main purpose of these bacteria is to decompose complex substances into simple forms.

    The design is the most diverse. The septic tank is single-chamber, two-chamber and three-chamber. The greatest demand was for two-chamber septic tanks. The first chamber is the most voluminous, since the basic cleaning process takes place in it. In the second chamber, the water receives an additional degree of purification and is clarified. The gases generated by the anaerobes are removed by means of a ventilation pipe.

    Microbes as a result of exposure significantly increase temperature regime air drain. The only drawback is the presence of a soil purification system. The anaerobic septic tank is made from concrete rings, plastic and polypropylene. The tank for an anaerobic septic tank must be resistant to a negative environment. They make this septic tank on their own using a European Cup, since this material is cheap and reliable. This septic tank is perfect for your country house and sauna.

    An anaerobic-type home sewage device is effective under conditions:

    • the soil on the site is quite light, consisting of sand, sandy loam or light loam;
    • level groundwater short;
    • open bodies of water are located at a distance from your site.

    Such conditions are most favorable for the construction of an autonomous sewerage system. Underground structures consist of several filter wells, blocks and sand and gravel fields for the final additional treatment of effluents and their entry into the ground. There are two stages of effluent fermentation in filtration chambers: acidic fermentation and alkaline.

    In the first stage, during acidic fermentation, the waste content is oxidized. Organic compounds decompose, their heavy fractions precipitate. At the same time, gas is released, which raises particles of sludge formed during fermentation to the surface of the container. As a result, oxygen is displaced, anaerobic bacteria begin to develop.

    The second stage is alkaline fermentation, in which all processes occur faster, there are no more fetid odors. At the same time, methane gas is released, respectively, the process of the second stage in an anaerobic septic tank is called methane. Sludge formation is already less, and it does not contain fetid inclusions.

    To speed up the processing of sewage, artificially derived strains of anaerobic bacterial compounds are used. They contribute to the complete disintegration of the contents of the sewage system into soluble substances, gases and sedimentary sludge.

    A good example of an autonomous sewerage system is the septic tanks presented in the line of anaerobic installations on the ALFATEP website. These are TOPOL-ECO TOPAS, YUNILOS ASTRA models. They are effective, do not require constant attention in service. The systems are frost-resistant and efficient in terms of volume and degree of purification. Model brands indicate the volume of wastewater that they are 100% able to accept and purify.

    Features of installation, operation and maintenance of a septic tank

    Such installations of the underground type consist of one or more filtration chambers. They recycle small amounts of sewage generated by human habitation. Depending on the model, septic tanks have appropriate design features that you need to know before purchasing and installing equipment on your site.

    There are general rules, with the help of which you should navigate when arranging processing plants. To select equipment, you need to know the initial data:

    • location of treatment facilities in relation to housing;
    • sanitary distance to drinking water supply facilities and others;
    • daily water intake;
    • the number of points of sanitary and hygienic facilities with a drain;
    • climatic conditions, the degree of soil freezing in the cold season.

    As a rule, a septic tank is installed at a distance of at least 15-20 meters from residential buildings and at least 25-30 meters from a source of drinking water. The sewer hatches must be accessible by the sewer truck. The size, volume of cleaning devices depends on daily consumption water and, accordingly, sewage discharges. With a waste level of up to one cubic meter, a septic tank with one chamber is suitable. With a drain volume of 5 to 8 cubic meters, a two-chamber device is used.

    The working volume of the cleaning devices is provided based on the frequency of unloading no more than one or two times a year. A complete purification of sludge should not be carried out, it is necessary to leave about a third part in order to maintain a beneficial bacterial background. The main positive sides using anaerobic septic tanks:

    1. Cleaning is carried out once or twice a year.
    2. Soil pollution by sewage is excluded.
    3. The use of purified water for soil moistening and other technical purposes.

    There are many models of septic tanks that differ in the method of wastewater treatment. The process involves two types of bacteria: anaerobic and aerobic. For the former, special conditions are not needed, they enter the reservoirs along with wastewater, live and reproduce, recycling organic waste.

    Aerobic microorganisms can also exist independently, but there are treatment facilities in which comfortable conditions are created for them. These are aeration stations with a compressor and complex mechanisms. Oxygen is supplied to the chambers, due to which the vital activity of bacteria is activated. The features of each type of septic tank are described in the article.

    Without microorganisms, it is impossible to purify wastewater from organic impurities. Anaerobic bacteria, which live without oxygen, recycle waste to form solid minerals. They settle to the bottom, making the liquid lighter. The sediment is removed; it is unsuitable for use as fertilizer.

    Methane is released from the work of anaerobes. Septic tanks, the principle of which is based on the vital activity of anaerobic bacteria, are popular among summer residents if the device is not equipped with ventilation.

    Aerobic bacteria require oxygen. It enters through the vents. Industrial plants have a compressor, aerators, special containers where the effluent is enriched with oxygen. Such installations consume electricity. The degree of purification is up to 98%.

    Operation of various types of devices

    The decomposition of organic matter in anaerobic septic tanks takes place in 2 stages. Slow fermentation takes place at first. A foul-smelling sludge is formed, its particles sometimes rise upward. Gradually, the space of the chamber is filled with gases, displacing oxygen. An environment is created that fully corresponds to the living conditions of anaerobic bacteria.

    Anaerobic septic tanks hermetic

    Organic matter starts to disintegrate. The results are different than in the first stage. The smell disappears, methane and dark sludge are formed, which is called living. It contains many bacteria that provide the processing of organic matter. With insufficient intensity of the process, live microorganisms are bought and added to the septic tank.

    In aerobic septic tanks, bacteria need oxygen. The living conditions of anaerobes for this type of bacteria are completely unsuitable. The activity when air enters through the ventilation holes is low, but the vital activity of microorganisms is ensured.

    Important! To fully realize the potential of aerobic bacteria, a forced supply of oxygen is used, which is pumped by a compressor.

    It is placed away from the septic tank or installed in a factory structure. Oxygen enters the drains through aerators - perforated tubes immersed in a liquid.


    Compressor and aerators for aeration septic tank are required

    Industrial products are not limited to aeration chambers alone. They are deeply cleaned: mechanical, anaerobic and aeration. In most devices, the cycles are repeated until the cleaning is up to 98%.

    Types of cleaning devices by design

    The plant stations are of the anaerobic or mixed type. Devices from one camera are the simplest, non-volatile. They are suitable for houses with a water intake from no more than two points, and the amount of drains is not more than 800 liters. Two-chambered can serve a family of up to three people.

    Three-chamber devices have combined system with cleaning chambers different types and tertiary treatment in soil or biofilter. Recommended for use in homes where people live.

    The material for manufacturing is durable and lightweight - polyethylene, fiberglass. The tanks do not rust, do not rot, they are simply transported and assembled. There are stiffening ribs in the body, which prevents deformation.

    Advantages and disadvantages

    All types of septic tanks have their own advantages, but not without disadvantages. Their features are systematized in the table:

    Types of septic tanks Conditions Temperature Service Examples of typical devices Decay products Purification degree
    Anaerobic Oxygen-free space + 9 ° - + 37 °, optimal + 28 ° Regular removal of solid sediment, liquid as it accumulates Cesspools, storage tanks from 1–2 containers Mineral solid sludge not suitable for fertilization, methane gas, liquid Up to 60%
    Aerobic non-volatile Presence of air - enters through ventilation openings + 5 ° - + 45 °, optimal + 12 ° Pumping water and non-degradable solids no more than once a year Non-volatile septic tanks, 2-3 chambers Activated sludge, carbon dioxide, liquid Not 60-70%
    Aeration Forced oxygen supply through aerators + 5 ° - + 45 °, optimal temperature conditions + 15 ° Removal of sediment from the sump every 2-3 years Complete biological treatment plants with 3-4 chambers Service water suitable for irrigation, sludge for fertilization 95–98%

    Without insulation, anaerobic and non-volatile septic tanks will freeze in winter. If the treatment plant has a compressor, it is not afraid of the cold.

    K.A. Lipatov, engineer of LLC "SepticSuper"

    Anaerobic devices

    Among the advantages of anaerobic devices are the following:

    • completely autonomous structures;
    • no electricity required;
    • easy maintenance;
    • affordable cost.

    Advice. Stations of this type are appropriate when the volume of wastewater is insignificant, people live in the house seasonally.

    Advanced anaerobic septic tank with infiltrator and storage well

    The devices do not need conservation for the winter, artificial support for the vital activity of microorganisms. Often suction trucks are involved, sludge and water are not suitable for reuse.

    Aerobic non-volatile

    Normal appearance such a device is a sealed cylinder with two or three chambers. They carry out mechanical, anaerobic and aerobic cleaning. They are not connected to electricity, the processes occur naturally, so the treatment in such a septic tank is shallow. In addition to purchased products, they use home-made structures made of concrete, brick, metal.


    Diagram of an aerobic non-volatile septic tank with a biological filter

    Among the disadvantages are:

    • the need for an additional filtration device;
    • volumetric earthworks;
    • the need for sediment removal and cleaning.

    Aeration stations

    The principle of aeration is used in combined septic tanks that operate as an autonomous system. The devices are made in various combinations:

    • sequential anaerobic and aerobic purification, after which the liquid is discharged into the accumulator;
    • aeration system and tertiary treatment in the ground;
    • mechanical, anaerobic, aerobic purification with further discharge.

    The service of the system does not require the services of a sewer. Pure industrial water can be used or discharged without harm to nature, there is no fetid odor.

    The disadvantages include the high cost and the need to be connected to electricity.

    Criterias of choice

    The treatment plant market is represented mainly by two types: aeration (aerotanks) and various modifications of septic tanks with a combination of processes. They create artificial conditions that speed up cleaning, automation makes it easier to use. Often, biofilters are additionally used, the process in which is similar to filtration fields. The difference between the aeration tank is that the cleaning takes place in the tank itself. The process is accelerated by the forced supply of oxygen.

    Deep multi-stage wastewater treatment takes place in aeration devices

    The choice is very difficult - there are conventional septic tanks and aeration tanks on sale, which are produced under the same brand. There are several large groups of treatment facilities - aeration with an external power source and aerobic non-volatile, in which air is supplied through openings naturally... Anaerobic septic tanks also work without electricity.

    In addition, there are hybrid-type designs containing a septic tank and an aeration tank. A biofilter is often used in conjunction with them, since it works with pre-treated wastewater.

    When choosing the design of a treatment plant, the following factors are taken into account:

    • the number of people living in the house - the required power depends;
    • material - affects durability;
    • site relief;
    • complexity of installation;
    • budget.

    There is no one-size-fits-all device. The table shows the conditions under which a certain type of septic tank is ideal:

    Questions and answers

    No, consumption rate is not the only criterion. Other conditions are also important: type of soil, GWL. Particular attention is paid to the salvo discharge. It is impossible to use a bath with some devices, because the volume of wastewater exceeds the capacity of the tank, and this leads to an emergency.