by: Scott Leahy
A sewerage drain field and a septic tank make up a small scale sewage treatment system. A septic tank is basically a rectangular shaped underground receptacle for wastewater. It is watertight, made of concrete, and consists of tanks that are divided into chambers. The first chamber has twice the volume as the second and the majority of the organic solid matter, referred to as sludge, gets settled here. The second chamber further purifies the wastewater.
The septic tank collects wastewater from toilets, showers, sinks, etc. Due to the absence of a current the sludge quickly settles down to the tank floor. Anaerobic bacterial digestive activity on the sludge leads to the generation of methane and carbon dioxide; the sludge is stabilized and does not rot anymore. Particles of stabilized sludge stay settled, some may float to the top as scum.
A septic tank should be constructed such that there is maximum contact time with the microorganisms so as to enable swifter digestion of the sludge. This is achieved by placing the inlet, overflow, and outlet diagonal to each other and by making the streams flow in vertically placed pipes.
The semi-purified water moves to the second chamber via the overflows that are constructed such that the upward motion of water prevents larger particles from flowing into the second chamber. The feeding, digestion, and settlement of organic matter continues in the second chamber. The retention time in the second chamber is half that of the first chamber because of its size and the fact that the amount of organic matter to treat is less. The outlet is constructed in the diagonal corner to the overflow.
The treated wastewater is directed to a drain field, also known as a seepage field, where any impurities that still exist get decomposed naturally, the water is taken up by the plant root system or it may even become a part of the groundwater. The large sized drainage field is required if the soil is not very porous. A septic system can be made to work entirely by using gravitational forces; at some places, however, a pump may be required to overcome topographical limitations.
The rate of sludge generation in septic tanks is around 0.05 cubic yards every year for an individual. Septic tanks need to be emptied every few years so that there is enough reaction space for the microorganisms to attack the wastewater and for the sludge to settle.
The septic tank may be emptied every 5-7 years depending upon the amount of wastewater it processes. The tank is emptied using an exhauster truck manned by trained personnel. The sludge that is sucked into the exhauster truck is released into public waste water treatment plants, sanitary landfills, or sludge drying beds.
Properly digested sludge can be used as a natural fertilizer; this is possible only if no fresh wastewater is added to the tank for at least one week.
The design of the septic tank should be such that the wastewater always flows in its designated path and no short circuits in the water flow occur. T-pipe-connectors with inflow and outflow openings under the water level should be used for inlet, overflow, and outlet pipes. This prevents the floating scum from clogging the pipes. A grease trap should be provided for the wastewater inflow pipe.
About The Author
Scott Leahy recommends you visit The Laundry Alternative to learn about septic tanks. See http://www.laundry-alternative.com/ for more information.
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Camping In A RV For Fun And Pleasure
Camping In A RV For Fun And Pleasure
by: Sintilia Miecevole
Camping for most people means a tent and sleeping on a mat on the ground. If that doesn't really appeal to you, then camping in an RV is what you need. It is the ultimate camping adventure.
RV's come in many sizes and shapes. They start with campers that fit in the back of a pickup truck. These can have full kitchens, beds, a shower and toilet in them.
Next there are van conversions called Class B motorhomes that are basically a cargo van converted into a camping vehicle. These can have a raised roof for more head room. They also contain the same amenities as the truck camper.
Next up is the Class C motorhome. The front end looks like a pickup truck, but the similarity ends there. There is a sleeper extension over the cab and the back end looks like any motorhome you are probably familiar with. Basically a cargo box with windows, but much prettier. The Class C has all...
Camping In A RV For Fun And Pleasure
Beds > Camping In A RV For Fun And Pleasure
7 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Mattress
7 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Mattress
by: D Ruplinger
Purchasing a mattress is the most important furniture purchase you?ll make because you spend more time on a mattress than on any other piece of furniture you own, unless you have a tendency to fall asleep every night in a recliner like my husband does.
The seven items below are things you should be aware of and to consider before you purchase a mattress since that mattress will be a huge factor in the quality of sleep you receive each evening.
1) Decide on a budget. The prices of mattresses vary a great deal. If price is your number one consideration you can find an inexpensive mattress and box spring set for a few hundred dollars. But I recommend buying the best mattress and box spring you can afford. When you buy a mattress you get what you pay for. My first two mattress purchases were based on price and I never really got a good night?s sleep. I saved and bought a...
7 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Mattress
Beds > 7 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Mattress
Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?
Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?
by: Hazel Prechtel
Waterbeds are a very popular bedroom option because they provide such a gorgeous sleep and total rest for the entire slumber. Waterbeds are a revolution in sleeping because as soon as you lie on a waterbed you will notice a big difference from your normal bed. A waterbed feels a lot different from your traditional inner spring mattress style bed.
In any event though, the waterbeds of today are not the wavy, sea sick style waterbeds that you might perceive them as. Waterbeds have changed for the better and are now a very popular bedding option. Today's waterbed is totally comfortable and completely shapes your body - structure and size - so that you get the optimum slumber. When you lie on a new modern day waterbed you will find it to be so comfortable that you will not want to move. It quite simply is far more luxurious than a standard inner spring bed.
With the recent...
Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?
Beds > Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?
Don't Let These Common Diseases Eat Your Roses
Don't Let These Common Diseases Eat Your Roses
by: Ron King
After working hard to grow a beautiful rose, you job is half done. Now you must protect it to maintain that beauty.
Roses can be weakened during the winter dormancy and become susceptible to disease when the growing season begins. Even among roses that survived winter unscathed, spring rains, and summer heat and humidity can open the door to a variety of infections.
Here is a summary of the most common diseases which pose a threat to your roses.
Rust
Rust is an orange powder, which appears on the undersides of leaves and will spread to other parts of the plant.
Powdery Mildew
This is a fungus disease that produces a white powder along the tops and bottoms of the leaves and along the stems. If untreated, the plant?s growth will be stunted, and the leaves will die and drop off.
Blackspot
The disease appears as circular black spots on the plant's...
Don't Let These Common Diseases Eat Your Roses
Beds > Don't Let These Common Diseases Eat Your Roses
Shipping Is Big Industry Worldwide
Shipping Is Big Industry Worldwide
by: David Arnold Livingston
Shipping has become a commercial enterprise for transferring or transporting of goods, cargoes and other materials from one location to the other through the sea by ships. Shipping is a vital part of the economy not only of certain countries but the whole world as well. Each country has its own standards and policies regarding shipping. For efficiency of shipping, some countries have special naval ships to make sure that the lawful goods will be successfully transported to the supposed location. The "merchant navies", as what it is called are made from tough durable materials to ensure the safety of the goods as they traversed through rough and huge waves. The merchant navies are carriers of international goods intended for shipping.
There are various sea vessels involved in shipping. It may include box boats or container ships, bulk carriers, tankers, ferries, cable layers, dredgers...
Shipping Is Big Industry Worldwide
Beds > Shipping Is Big Industry Worldwide
Vacation in Italy - Private Holiday Homes versus Hotels
Vacation in Italy - Private Holiday Homes versus Hotels
by: Milan Matchev
Vacationing in Italy is a dream come true for so many Americans.
Those who have Italian heritage often wish to see where their families originated.
Those who have no Italian lineage still look upon Italy as one of the foundations of Western civilization. Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Florence, Umbria, Chianti, San Gimignano, Siena, Orvieto, Todi, Assisi, Spleto and Montepulciano
are all legendary to those of us raised in the ?new world? and for many are simply places we?ve read about in our school books, or seen on television or in the movies.
Many Americans, sadly, know little of the geography of Italy, but do appreciate the food. After all, pizza and spaghetti are considered as American to us as apple pie and hot dogs.
But only on a trip to Italy can a person really appreciate this magnificent country, home to Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo,...
Beds > Vacation in Italy - Private Holiday Homes versus Hotels
Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?
Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?
by: Hazel Prechtel
Waterbeds are a very popular bedroom option because they provide such a gorgeous sleep and total rest for the entire slumber. Waterbeds are a revolution in sleeping because as soon as you lie on a waterbed you will notice a big difference from your normal bed. A waterbed feels a lot different from your traditional inner spring mattress style bed.
In any event though, the waterbeds of today are not the wavy, sea sick style waterbeds that you might perceive them as. Waterbeds have changed for the better and are now a very popular bedding option. Today's waterbed is totally comfortable and completely shapes your body - structure and size - so that you get the optimum slumber. When you lie on a new modern day waterbed you will find it to be so comfortable that you will not want to move. It quite simply is far more luxurious than a standard inner spring bed.
With the recent...
Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?
Beds > Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?
Tips On Choosing The Best Dog House For Your Pet
Tips On Choosing The Best Dog House For Your Pet
by: Nicole Martins
The Humane Society of America recommends dogs live indoors but sometimes it just isn't possible. Maybe you own a large dog and just don't have enough space in your home for the newest, furriest member. In this case, a dog house is a must. Here are a few tips on finding a dog house to suit your pet.
The most obvious factor - geographic location
If you live in an area with freezing cold winters and plenty of rain you should consider a heated dog house or at least one that is well insulated and waterproof. If it's really cold you can add in a heated bed or pad. Make sure you use a heated pad that's designed for animals and not humans, as the latter can get too hot for a dog. Heated pet beds operate safely at a lower voltage and are usually built to be chew proof. Look for cedar chip stuffing, too, as it repels the fleas. If you are concerned that other dogs or critters from...
Tips On Choosing The Best Dog House For Your Pet
Beds > Tips On Choosing The Best Dog House For Your Pet
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