Chapter 19- Sanitary Sewer Design

ALTERNATIVE SEWERS

The most common alternative sewer systems are small-diameter gravity (SDG), pressure, and
vacuum sewers

Small-Diameter Gravity (SDG)

The SDG sewers may be either constant gradient or variable gradient. Both use small diameter
pipes to carry septic tank effluent to a treatment facility. The septic tanks are an essential part of the
system as they provide a place for removal of heavy solids, grease, and grit that would otherwise plug
the pipe.

The advantages of SDG sewers over conventional sewers include lower capital cost because of
reduced pipe and installation costs; clean-outs instead of manholes; reduced lift station costs because of
pretreatment and flow attenuation by the septic tanks; and reduced I/I. Another potential advantage is
reduction in treatment costs because of septic tank pretreatment. Disadvantages of SDG sewers include
maintaining and pumping the septic tanks, odors, and corrosion because of the anaerobic conditions in
the septic tank that result in hydrogen sulfide production.

Pressure Sewers

The two major types of pressure sewer systems are the septic tank effluent pump (STEP) system
and the grinder pump (GP) system. The STEP system, like the SDG system, requires a septic tank for the
same reasons as the SDG system. The GP system grinds the solids in a small tank on the residence
property and pumps the wastewater into the pressure pipe system

The benefits of pressure sewers primarily relate to installation costs because the sewer uses
small diameter pipe that is laid just below the frost penetration depth. Some site conditions particularly
favor pressure pipe systems. These include hilly terrain, rock outcropping, high water tables, and
lakefront property that lacks a natural slope for a gravity sewer. Because the pipe is pressurized, I/I is
not a problem.

Vacuum Sewers

These systems depend on a central vacuum source. A valve is used to separate the gravity
portion of the waste system from the vacuum at the source. When the valve opens, a slug of
wastewater followed by a slug of air enters the pipe system. The slug of wastewater is propelled into the
main by the differential pressure of the vacuum and the air slug. The Drop manhole 150 mm water main
Water main 0 0 FIGURE 19-14 Typical sewer contract drawing. wastewater in the main flows to the
lowest local elevation by gravity. When the next upstream valve opens, the new slug pushes the
downstream slug further downstream. After a number of these sequential valve openings, the
wastewater arrives at a central vacuum source and a transfer device, such as a pump, moves the
wastewater to a treatment plant or an interceptor sewer.

Pump Station Design

Wastewater pumping stations are generally classified as one of the following types: wet well/dry
well; submersible; suction lift; and screw pump. Only the first two will be discussed here. Pump station
design includes the following elements: force main design, pump selection, and station layout. These are
the topics of this section.

Force Main Design

As noted earlier in this chapter, a force main is a pipeline designed to carry wastewater under
pressure from the pump station to one of the following discharge points: a gravity sewer, a storage tank,
or a wastewater treatment plant. The internal pressure of a force main is usually at a maximum at the
pumping station. It decreases to, or nearly to, atmospheric pressure at the point of discharge. The force
main is an integral part of the pumping system, as its design and the system headcapacity curve are
required to size the pump(s)

Pump Selection

Sewage is commonly pumped using specially designed centrifugal pumps. Of the three types of
centrifugal pumps, axial flow pumps are not recommended for use with untreated wastewater.

Conventional Pump Station Design

Conventional pump stations are required for larger flows ( 0.2 m3 /s) or where the wastewater
must be screened to protect the pumps. Conventional stations are custom-designed for a particular
location.

Factory-Assembled Pump Stations

Also known as prefabricated lift stations, factory-assembled pump stations are used in collection
systems with low flows and where the need to protect the pump from clogging with debris is minimal.
Of the three types, pneumatic ejection, dry pit, and wet pit, only the latter two will be discussed here.
Sewer Safety

OSHA specifies the rules for entering a confined space. Table 19-9 lists appropriate equipment
for entering a manhole. Among the many precautions for working in a sewer manhole, a lift station wet
well, or a prefab pumping station dry well, the following three are held up as vital:

1.Never work alone. Preferably, the crew should consist of three people, one of whom stays topside at
all times.

2.Check the atmosphere before entering —even if there has never been a problem before or “It is
always ok.” At least one fatality occurs each year because of this assumption.

3.Use a safety harness and have a tripod and hoist topside. Entrance and egress are difficult enough
without injury or incapacitation. It is virtually impossible for a rescue person to carry another individual
out.

4.Use a safety harness and have a tripod and hoist topside. Entrance and egress are difficult enough
without injury or incapacitation. It is virtually impossible for a rescue person to carry another individual
out.

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