Valve Pit l Vacuum Mains l Vacuum Station
The AIRVAC vacuum station is
similar in function to a gravity sewer lift station. Sewage
is collected in an enclosed wet-well (collection tank) and
sewage pumps then transfer the sewage through a force main
to the treatment plant. To create vacuum in the sewer lines,
the vacuum station also has vacuum pumps.
AIRVAC's packaged vacuum stations consist of two or more vacuum pumps, two sewage pumps, a collection tank and controls . Units arrive at the job site pre-piped, pre-wired and factory tested to minimize construction costs.
The vacuum station skid is housed in a protective structure. A standby generator keeps the vacuum system in operation during extended power outages.
"The system is completely contained, which means workers have no exposure to the raw sewage, and there is little or no smell, even at the vacuum station." - Chuck Adams
"The stations are easy access and real clean. It’s like a traditional lift station without the mess." - Bob Campbell
Click Here to find out what more of our customers are saying about AIRVAC!
The vacuum pumps maintain the system vacuum in the 16” to 20” mercury vacuum (-0.5 to –0.7 bar) operating range. Vacuum pumps do not run continuously; rather the operation is cyclical. Typically run times are 2 to 3 hours per day (4 to 6 hours total).
As sewage and atmospheric air enter the system during valve cycles, system vacuum will gradually decrease from 20” to 16” Hg. The vacuum pumps are sized to bring the vacuum level back to 20” Hg within 3 minutes time. Typical vacuum pump sizes are 10, 15 and 25 horsepower (7.5, 11 and 18.7 Kw). Rotary vane pumps are typically used.
Two, non-clog, dry- pit, horizontal, centrifugal sewage pumps each capable of pumping design peak flow, are used. Dry pit submersible pumps can also be used.
The collection tank is steel or fiberglass and is sized according to peak design flow. Typical sizes range form 1000 to 6000 gallons (3.8 to 22.7 m3). The incoming vacuum mains individually connect to the tank, effectively dividing the collection system into zones.
The electrical controls are housed in a NEMA Type 12 enclosure which generally is mounted on the equipment skid. Control panels can use either relay-logic or PLC logic. The panel includes motor starters, control relays, pilot lights, hand-off-auto (HOA) switches and hour-run meters.
To monitor system performance, a 7-day chart recorder is installed in the enclosure. In addition, an automatic telephone alarm dialer is provided to alert the operator of alarm conditions.