Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1
UDC 628.314.2-181.4+696.138
BS 6297:1983
Cooperating organizations
The organizations marked with an asterisk in the above list, together with the
following, were directly represented on the Technical Committee entrusted
with the preparation of this British Standard:
British Water and Effluent Treatment Plant Institute of Clerks of Works of Great Britain
Association Inc.
Cement and Concrete Association Institute of Water Pollution Control
Institute of Building Control Officers Water Research Centre
Contents
Page
Cooperating organizations Inside front cover
Foreword iii
Section 1. General
1 Scope 1
2 References 1
3 Definitions 1
4 Collection of information 3
Section 2. Materials
5 Notes on materials 3
Section 3. Design
6 Design: general 4
7 General requirements for tanks 6
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8 Cesspools 6
9 Septic tanks 7
10 Preliminary treatment 10
11 Primary and secondary settlement tanks 11
12 Biological filters including rotating biological contactors,
and secondary settlement tanks 13
13 Activated sludge units 16
14 Tertiary treatment (polishing) processes 19
15 Disposal of final effluent 20
16 Pumping 22
17 Automatic monitoring and alarm systems 23
Section 4. Installation
18 Installation 23
Appendix A References to standards not included in the text 25
Appendix B Relevant sections of statutes and regulations currently
applicable to small treatment works and cesspools 26
Index 41
Figure 1 — Sewage treatment: broad options for small communities 8
Figure 2 — Typical septic tanks, two in series, separate, for
populations of up to 30 27
Figure 3 — Typical septic tanks, two in series, separate, for
populations of over 30 28
Figure 4 — Typical septic tanks, two in series, combined,
for populations of up to 30 29
Figure 5 — Typical septic tanks, two in series, combined
for populations of over 30 30
Figure 6 — Twin inlets for tanks in excess of 1 200 mm wide 31
Figure 7 — Typical tank inlet (crested weir) 32
Figure 8 — Typical upward flow settlement tank 33
Figure 9 — Typical horizontal flow settlement tank 34
Figure 10 — Typical rectangular biological filter 35
Figure 11 — Typical circular biological filter 36
Figure 12 — Treatment on grass plots 37
Figure 13 — Typical upward flow clarifier 38
Figure 14 — Cross section of typical underdrain 39
Figure 15 — Typical sludge drying bed 40
© BSI 01-1999 i
BS 6297:1983
Page
Table 1 — Filter medium capacity 14
Table 2 — Grading limits for 50 mm filter medium 15
Table 3 — Air supply 17
Publications referred to Inside back cover
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ii © BSI 01-1999
BS 6297:1983
Foreword
This code of practice, prepared under the direction of the Building Services
Standards Committee, encompasses the subject matter previously covered by
codes of recommended practice for small sewage treatment works, CP 302:1972,
and for cesspools, CP 302.200:1949. CP 302 and CP 302.200 are withdrawn.
The use of cesspools or of septic tanks without further treatment of their effluent
is generally considered not to be good practice but it is recognized that in some
situations such installations are the only practicable means of dealing with
sewage.
The increasing and wider application of synthetic materials and the production of
larger prefabricated (package) units has been recognized and the scope of the code
has been extended to include treatment units to deal with sewage from
populations of up to 1 000 persons.
New processes developed since the publication of the previous code, such as the
rotary biological contactor, are now included and it is intended that the code
should not inhibit the development and application of other suitable new
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processes.
The code gives guidance for those experienced in the design of small sewage
treatment works. However, it is recognized that not all works are regularly
designed by such persons and it is strongly recommended that specialist advice
should be sought where appropriate, including where ground conditions are
difficult, where there are likely to be abnormal flow or pollution loads, and for the
design of tanks, and biological or other processes.
It is not within the scope of this code of practice to set out in detail the full
operation and maintenance requirements of small sewage treatment works.
Adequate maintenance is essential for even the smallest works to ensure that it
produces the standard of effluent required, and instructions for proper operation
and maintenance should be provided by the designer. For general guidance
see National Water Council Technical Paper No. 4 “The Operation and
Maintenance of Small Sewage Works”.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
This code of practice represents a standard of good practice and takes
the form of recommendations. Compliance with it does not of itself
confer immunity from relevant legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 42, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.
iv
blank
BS 6297:1983
© BSI 01-1999 1
BS 6297:1983
3.13 3.23
effluent polishing (tertiary treatment) scumboard
a further stage of treating sewage by removing a device used at the outlet end of a tank to retain
suspended solids. Consequential removal of residual scum and other floating material
BOD may occur 3.24
3.14 secondary settlement tank
filter medium a tank in which settlable solids or humus is
the material of which the biological filter is formed separated from the effluent flowing through it from
and on which a biological film containing bacteria biological filters or an activated sludge plant
and fungi develops 3.25
3.15 separate system
final effluent a drainage system in which foul and surface water
the effluent discharged from a sewage treatment are conveyed by separate pipes
plant 3.26
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2 © BSI 01-1999
BS 6297:1983
1)
It should be noted that supersulphated cement made to BS 4248 is no longer manufactured in the United Kingdom although it
can be imported if it is required in relatively large quantities.
© BSI 01-1999 3
BS 6297:1983
5.6.2 Admixtures. Admixtures for promoting 5.9 Steel tanks. Pressed steel tanks complying
workability, for improving strength, for entraining with BS 1564 may be used, but should be
air or for any other purpose should be used only with adequately protected, both on the inside and the
the prior approval of the client or his representative. outside, against corrosion.
Calcium chloride as an admixture should not be 5.10 Clay and concrete pipes and fittings. All
used in reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete or clay and concrete pipes and fittings should comply
any concrete made from sulphate-resisting Portland with the relevant British Standards, and wherever
cement. For guidance, reference should be made to practicable should have flexible joints.
CP 110.
5.6.3 Workmanship. Concrete should be mixed in a Section 3. Design
mechanical mixer until there is a uniform
distribution of the materials and the mix is uniform 6 Design: general
in colour. It should be transported to the point of 6.1 Climatic considerations. Design factors in
placing as rapidly as practicable by methods that this code are for average UK temperate conditions
will prevent segregation or the loss of any of the only and the performance of treatment units will
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ingredients, placed as soon as possible and vary with changes in temperature, exposure and
thoroughly compacted by rodding, tamping or altitude. Design factors recommended should not
vibration so as to form a void-free mass around any therefore be adopted for use in non-temperate
reinforcement and into the corners of the formwork climates or in temperate climates with extremes of
or excavation. Exposed concrete should be cured by conditions without special consideration. The
keeping it in a damp condition for at least four days. operation of works is also affected by the prevailing
Concreting should not be carried out when the weather. For example, the desludging of tanks may
ambient temperature is below freezing point or have to be carried out more frequently in hot
when a falling temperature of 4 °C is indicated. conditions, and during periods of frost, filters and
If concreting has to be carried out at or near freezing mechanical plant may be affected by freezing.
point, precautions should be taken to ensure that 6.2 General design considerations
the concrete when placed has a temperature of at
6.2.1 Installation. Sewage treatment works provide
least 5 °C and is maintained above 5 °C until it has for the settlement and retention of solids and
thoroughly hardened. When necessary, the finished usually include biological treatment carried out by
concrete should be insulated and protected after
the use of biological filters or activated sludge, or for
placing. Frozen materials, or materials containing
the biological treatment of raw sewage followed by
ice should not be used.
separation of solids. Before any process or
5.7 Glass fibre reinforced cement (GRC). Tanks combination of processes is used, the required
of GRC for use for small septic tanks and cesspools standard of effluent2) should be ascertained from
are under development; reference should be made to the water/river authority.
Building Research Establishment Digest No. 216 on Cesspools are provided to receive and retain crude
the suitability of this material where its use is
sewage and form no part of sewage treatment
proposed.
(see clause 8).
5.8 Glass fibre reinforced plastics (GRP). The
A septic tank installation provides only partial
structural performance and durability of tanks
treatment of sewage but is permissible without
constructed of GRP is dependent upon the quality of undue risk of pollution in some locations. Biological
the resin, the glass fibre reinforcement and the treatment to follow primary settlement may be
conditions and workmanship involved in the
necessary and, in some cases, a further polishing
laying-up and curing of the finished product. GRP
stage is required (see clause 14).
has a lower modulus of elasticity relative to its
tensile or compressive strength in comparison to The design criteria given in this code relate
steel, so it is essential that care be taken in the specifically to foul drainage flows and surface water
design to limit strain to acceptable levels; liaison and subsoil water should be excluded from works
with the manufacturer and close supervision on site designed in accordance with the code. Where this is
are therefore strongly recommended, and the not possible, i.e. with partially separate or combined
requirements of BS 4994 should be followed. systems, specialist design advice should be sought.
2)
For example, normal requirements are 30 mg/L max. suspended solids and 20 mg/L max. BOD (described as “30 : 20”).
4 © BSI 01-1999
BS 6297:1983
It is emphasized that a multiplicity of small sewage Measurement of flows on small works is difficult.
treatment works in a limited area, particularly for Nevertheless, where practicable this should be
single houses, is undesirable. Greater efficiency of done. To minimize blockages it is more satisfactory
operation as well as economy of construction can be to measure flow of the final effluent. Where
achieved by collective drainage and treatment continuous measurement is not installed a facility
arrangements. Consideration should first be given such as a V-notch weir should be provided to permit
to the possibility of providing such a scheme as a the use of portable measuring equipment when
preferable alternative to several individual works. required. Portable tipping troughs with recording
In choosing the type of treatment, the designer meters attached have proved to be satisfactory.
should compare the costs of maintenance and 6.2.2 Location and safety
operation as well as the initial capital cost of the 6.2.2.1 Siting. Sewage treatment works should be as
works. For example, the availability and type of far from habitable buildings as is economically
labour should be investigated and the cost of practicable. The direction of the prevailing wind
electricity and fuel in operating treatment units, should be considered in relation to any properties
pumps or other plant should be considered. With when siting the works. A small treatment works
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regard to capital costs, the cost of different types of serving more than one premises incorporating
filter media and the probable life of the various conventional biological treatment should be a
materials of construction are relevant. minimum of 25 m from any dwelling and this should
The designer should make adequate provision, be progressively increased for larger treatment
where appropriate, for unusual pollution loads. works.
These may arise from the use of waste disposal units For works where noise is a factor, e.g. extended
and from the specialized occupancy of premises aeration installations, it is difficult to be specific on
(e.g. public houses, industrial premises), or from the distance from dwellings that will avoid nuisance
high flows from establishments such as hospitals, from noise, as different circumstances, including the
institutions and hotels. Domestic use of detergents relative sizes of plant, merit individual
and disinfectants is not detrimental but excessive consideration. Compressors mounted directly over
use may have a harmful effect on the performance of tanks produce much more noise, because of
the works. reflection and vibration, than they would if located
Rags and floating debris are always a problem in on the ground. Special provisions to reduce noise
sewage treatment works, causing blockages and include placing compressors under cover and
fouling mechanical plant. Prior removal from the surrounding installations with earth banks or
incoming flow is advisable. close-boarded fences.
Excessive quantities of grease and oil may cause Good road access should be provided to enable the
malfunction of a small sewage works. In such cases, tank-emptying vehicle to operate within its
arrangements should be made where practicable for suction-lift capability. Wherever possible, pumping
grease and oil to be removed at source or for them to should be avoided by locating the plant lower than
be excluded from the sewerage system. the premises to be served. If pumping is inevitable
Sludge is continuously produced in the settlement it is preferable to use settled sewage rather than
tanks and needs to be removed at frequent crude sewage. Treatment units should not be
intervals. The disposal of the liquid sludge usually located in an area subject to flooding or where the
accounts for 40 % of the works operating costs. water table can rise to such levels as to cause flow
Drying beds on site are an option but can give rise to into the treatment units.
odour and insect nuisance and pose problems 6.2.2.2 Safety. Safety should be given full
regarding clearance. The cost of removal by tanker, consideration in the design of sewage treatment
ideally to a larger works for treatment, or to works. They should be adequately fenced against
agricultural land, is dependent upon distance unauthorized interference to prevent potential
travelled, but is likely to be comparable in overall accidents.
cost to drying beds and less problematical. Attention is drawn to the provisions of the Health
and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and to the advice
given in Health and Safety Guideline No. 2 “Safe
working in sewers and at sewage works” and other
publications of the National Joint Health and Safety
Committee for the Water Service.3)
3)
Available from Information Services Division, National Water Council, 1 Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H 9BT.
© BSI 01-1999 5
BS 6297:1983
6.3 Types of installation (see Figure 1). The A roof should always be provided to a cesspool for
following types of installation, or combinations of safety purposes, to prevent nuisance and to preclude
them, are covered in the clauses referred to below. entry of surface water and rainwater. The tank roof
Cesspools (see clause 8). should have structural strength adequate for the
location of the tank. Access, with cover, should be
Septic tanks (see clause 9 and Figure 2,
provided in the roof for emptying, cleansing and
Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6 and
maintenance. Where entry is likely to be required,
Figure 7).
at least two access openings should be provided.
Preliminary treatment: removal of rags and Similarly, a roof should be provided to a septic tank,
debris (see clause 10). in which case it may be wholly or partially
Settlement tanks (see clause 11) and Figure 8 removable and be of concrete or timber. If fixed, the
and Figure 9). roof should have adequate access openings, with
Biological filters, including contactors covers, including those necessary for inspection and
(see clause 12 and Figure 10 and Figure 11). cleansing of the inlet and outlet arrangements.
Where it is not roofed a septic tank should be
Activated sludge units and secondary settlement
provided with a protective fence to prevent
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6 © BSI 01-1999
BS 6297:1983
4) Effectivestorage time will depend on the population served, the water consumption and whether there is any infiltration into
the foul drains, but in general a minimum of 150 L per head per day should be a reasonable provision for average circumstances.
© BSI 01-1999 7
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© BSI 01-1999 8
BS 6297:1983
BS 6297:1983
For schools, similar premises and hotels, capacity Typical arrangements for installations using two
requirements can be evaluated separately or separate tanks are shown diagrammatically in
included in the general formula using population Figure 2 (for populations of up to 30) and Figure 3
equivalent (see 3.20) figures for P after taking into (for populations of over 30). Where the two
account factors such as part-time occupancy and compartments are separated by a dividing partition
shared cooking facilities; for example, in as in Figure 4 (up to 30 persons) and Figure 5
appropriate circumstances allowance might be (over 30 persons), connection between the
made in the factor P on the basis of two part-time compartments should be made either as orifices
occupants being equivalent to one full-time arranged horizontally or as vertical slits at each side
occupant. Specialist advice is necessary for plants of the partition (Figure 4) and not by the use of a dip
treating abnormal flows or non-domestic sewage. and communicating pipe (see 9.3).
Where waste disposal units are installed, additional For populations of over 60, duplicate tanks, each of
sludge solids are discharged with the sewage and half the total calculated capacity required, should be
the capacity of septic tanks should be increased provided and operated in parallel; this arrangement
by 70 L for each person served. permits all the flow to be passed through one unit
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Where multi-compartment tanks are used, the inlet while the other is being desludged. To enable the top
(settlement) zone should have a capacity of not less water to be decanted when desludging, a decanting
than 2/3 C and the subsequent zones should have a valve should be provided in the wall dividing the two
combined capacity of not less than 1/3 C. tanks; the invert of this valve should be 625 mm
below TWL. Each tank should comprise two
The calculated capacity C is recommended as a
compartments but, where the installation is for
minimum for all types of septic tanks and the figure
more than about 100 persons and surge flows cause
of 180 in the formula may be regarded as made up
less disturbance, consideration should be given to
as follows.
the use of two single-compartment tanks in parallel.
L Except where emptying and desludging will be
Sludge storage capacity 90 carried out only by a tank emptying vehicle, tanks
Balance to cover should be provided with a valve-controlled sludge
a) 12 h storage of average domestic pipe not less than 100 mm in diameter at their lower
water usage of 120 L per head per end, arranged so as to discharge to a sludge drying
day assumed as passing to drains bed or beds. Positioning the sludge pipe slightly
60
b) higher consumptions and/or 90 above the floor level of the tank will facilitate the
30 retention of a proportion of the sludge for reseeding
infiltration etc.
purposes.
180
This code does not preclude the use of prefabricated
NOTE 120 L per head per day is quoted in NWC publication materials, e.g. concrete and glass fibre reinforced
“The Water Industry in Figures” October 1980.
cement or plastics, and the guidance given
Capacities may, however, be increased to take previously on the proportioning of
account of particular circumstances (use of high multi-compartment tanks may be difficult to apply
consumption fittings, projected growth in water directly to non-rectangular tanks made from such
usage, reliable information on infiltration, etc.). materials. The inherent principles are nonetheless
9.2 Arrangement. The design of septic tanks commended and should be followed where
should be such that the discharge of solids in the reasonably practicable. Some adjustment to volume
tank effluent is kept to a minimum. This is best may be necessary to achieve this.
achieved by the use of tanks in series. 9.3 Inlets and outlets. The design of septic tank
For rectangular tanks two in series should be used, inlets and outlets should be such as to introduce the
either by constructing two separate tanks or by crude sewage and to remove the clarified liquid with
dividing a single tank into two by a partition. In the least possible disturbance of the settled sludge
either case the compartments should be not less or the surface scum.
than 1 200 mm deep below TWL for up to 10 persons A satisfactory form of inlet for rectangular tanks not
and not less than 1 500 mm deep below TWL for more than 1 200 mm wide is a T-shaped dip pipe of
larger populations. The first compartment should cast iron or other suitable material not less than the
have a length of not less than twice its width. In the nominal bore of the incoming drain, fixed inside the
larger installations serving over 30 persons, a baffle tank, with the top limb rising above scum level and
should be provided at the inlet and a scumboard at the bottom limb extending about 450 mm below
the outlet. In order to facilitate desludging TWL.
operations, the floor of the first compartment should
have a fall of 1 : 4 towards the inlet end.
© BSI 01-1999 9
BS 6297:1983
For tanks in excess of 1 200 mm in width, two The final outlet for tanks which are less
submerged inlets having inverts at the same level than 1 200 mm wide should be by a 100 mm
are preferable. One method of overcoming the nominal bore dip pipe of cast iron or other suitable
difficulties of dividing small flows is by the use of material fixed inside the tank in a similar manner to
submerged bends of the same nominal bore (not less the inlet dip pipe and 25 mm below it. For wider
than 100 mm) set as closely together as practicable tanks it is necessary to use a weir outlet extending
in a shallow sump formed within a small benched the full width of the tank and protected by a
chamber (see Figure 6). It is important that the scumboard, e.g. of suitable protected timber,
invert of the benched channel of this chamber plastics or asbestos cement fixed 150 mm from the
be 50 mm above TWL, and the inlet ends of the weir and extending 150 mm above and 450 mm
submerged bends should be set flush with the floor below TWL. It is important that the top edge of the
of the sump, which should not be less than 75 mm weir be “true” and set level 50 mm below the inlet
below TWL. The sump may be the full width of the drain. A deflector should be formed either in the
chamber, but should not exceed 1.5 times the structure of the end (outlet) wall or by a
nominal bore of the inlet bends in the other purpose-made deflector to prevent rising particles
direction.The inverts of the outlet end of these bends from reaching the outlet weir.This deflector should
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should be between 300 mm and 525 mm below TWL be located 150 mm below the base of the scumboard
in the tank. A baffle should be provided 150 mm and protrude 150 mm into the tank (see Figure 3
from the inlet end of the tank, extending 150 mm and Figure 5). Consideration should be given to the
below the invert of the inlet pipes and 150 mm provision of access to the outlet pipe for rodding.
above TWL. Where two or more tanks are served by a common
Where duplicate tanks are required, each of which is incoming drain or sewer it is important that the
in excess of 1 200 mm in width, the flow may be invert of the outlet dip pipes serving tanks up
divided equally by forming a crested weir of suitable to 1 200 mm wide and of the weirs serving tanks
length (see Figure 7) on the centre line of the more than 1 200 mm wide are set at precisely the
dividing wall between the tanks at the inlet end so same level.
that the top of the weir is 75 mm below the standing 9.4 Further treatment of septic tank effluent.
water level in the tanks and 100 mm below the When required, further treatment of septic tank
invert of the inlet pipe. This should be so arranged effluent should be carried out by the use of a
that the flow from each side of the crested weir biological filter or disc. Where this is not practicable,
passes through a handstop frame to enable either the tank effluent may be given treatment on land.
tank to be shut off for cleaning purposes by the This latter method is unlikely to produce an effluent
insertion of a suitable handstop. satisfying a 30 : 20 standard (see 6.2). There are two
It is important that the incoming drain or sewer ways by which this can be carried out, as described
should be precisely in line with the centre of the two in clause 12, but the dangers arising from pollution
tanks for a distance of at least 6 m. of local water supplies, from airborne and fly-borne
Where the incoming drain has a steep gradient, at contamination of food and from rat infestation,
least the last 12 m should be laid at a gradient not should be carefully considered.
steeper than 1 : 50 in order to minimize turbulence.
10 Preliminary treatment
Rags and floating debris will inevitably form part of
the flow reaching the works and to reduce blockages
and fouling of plant, particularly with larger
installations, one of the following methods may be
adopted.
a) The placing of a small metal screen
with 30 mm to 75 mm clear spacing between the
vertical bars in the inlet channel. Provision
should be made for overflow or by-pass of the
screen in the event of blockage. Provision should
also be made for the regular and safe disposal of
screenings.
b) The provision of a macerator in the inlet
channel or pipe to chop up all the debris before it
enters the plant.
10 © BSI 01-1999
BS 6297:1983
c) If the sewage has to be pumped at any stage In designing hopper bottomed tanks an angle of
before treatment, a pump incorporating a cutting slope of 60° (giving 51° valley slope) will usually be
edge or a separate macerator unit. satisfactory. In order to reduce possible sludge
Specialist design advice on the need for grit removal accumulation in the valley angle, a tank of steeper
facilities may be necessary. angle of slope of 68° (giving 60° valley slope) may be
considered. This will be approximately 1.4 times the
11 Primary and secondary settlement depth of the shallower tank, and consequently more
tanks expensive.
A typical arrangement is shown in Figure 8.
11.1 General. It is particularly important that
specialist engineering advice be obtained when Prefabricated units are available in steel or plastics
considering the installation of settlement tanks. based materials.
The efficiency of a settlement tank is dependent on A horizontal flow settlement tank is normally
the velocity of the flow, which is determined by the rectangular in plan and should have a length of
tank dimensions. In small sewage treatment works approximately three times its width and a depth
in particular, the considerable variations in flow below TWL of about 1 500 mm. The floor should
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which occur can reduce settlement efficiency. have a fall towards the inlet end of the tank with a
gradient of 1 : 10. To facilitate desludging, twin
Settlement tanks may be of the horizontal flow or tanks should be provided in parallel, and a
upward flow type. Although generally more decanting valve, having an invert level 300 mm
expensive to construct than a horizontal flow tank,
above the floor level of the higher end of the tanks,
an upward flow tank has two distinctive
should be located in the wall dividing the two tanks.
advantages. Since the tank is desludged
A desludging valve should be provided from the
hydrostatically, the need for two tanks in parallel
deep end of each tank and be connected to sludge
for draining down, as in the case of a horizontal drying beds or a sludge pumping chamber. These
tank, is eliminated, and workmen are not required arrangements will vary according to site conditions
to enter it to remove sludge, thus eliminating an
and may be unnecessary when emptying is to be
unpleasant and potentially hazardous task.
carried out only by a tank emptying vehicle.
Facilities should be provided for the regular removal
Dividing very small flows of crude sewage between
of sludge, which is crucial to the performance of all
the tanks is difficult and the use of submerged bends
settlement tanks, and for this to be carried out at or a crested weir as described in 9.3 is
intervals such as will prevent the onset of recommended. The final outlet for horizontal flow
septicity.Failure to do so will result in a serious
settlement tanks should be of the weir type in
reduction in the efficiency. In normal operation,
accordance with the recommendations for a septic
tanks should be desludged at least once each week.
tank as described in 9.3.
Unless otherwise specified, scum retention boards
A typical arrangement is shown in Figure 7.
and removal facilities should be provided for
settlement tanks, since small sewage treatment 11.3 Capacities of primary settlement tanks
works are more likely to receive relatively high 11.3.1 Upward flow tanks. The arrangement of an
proportions of oils, fats and grease than are large upward flow settlement tank should be such that
works. the nominal upward flow velocity through it is less
11.2 Primary settlement tanks. Primary than the settling velocity of the material to be
settlement tanks are used to settle out solids prior removed. A figure of 0.9 m/h at maximum flow rate
to biological treatment and thus reduce the BOD is recommended. Where the maximum flow rate is
load on following units. They should not normally be unknown, the surface area of the tank may be
used for populations of fewer than about 100. calculated from the formula:
An upward flow tank for the range of populations 1 p 0.85
A = -------
-
considered in this code is normally square in plan 10
with a hopper bottom having steeply sloping sides to
provide sludge storage. Sewage enters the tank via where
a feed pipe and is initially deflected downwards by a A is the minimum area (in m2) of the tank at
stilling box. As the sewage is dispersed into the body the top of the hopper; and
of the tank it rises steadily towards a peripheral P is the design population (see item c) of
weir and suspended material falls into the hopper. clause 4 and 9.1).
© BSI 01-1999 11
BS 6297:1983
This formula allows for increased variability of flow 11.4 Secondary settlement tanks. Secondary
rates which occurs as populations decrease. It is settlement tanks, usually known as humus tanks
based on a dry weather flow of 180 L per head per when used in conjunction with biological filters, are
day but should be adjusted pro rata for other values essential components of secondary sewage
of the dry weather flow. The dimensions and treatment where a 30:20 or better quality effluent is
capacity of the hopper can be determined from a required. They are installed immediately following
knowledge of its volume and surface area. biological treatment, either as independent units or
Sludge may accumulate at the rate of 10 L per head as integral parts of packaged systems. It may be
per week and should be accommodated in the lower advantageous to arrange for recirculation of some of
two-thirds of the depth of the hopper. At dry the final effluent through the biological filters.
weather flows of less than 180 L per head per day Secondary sludge may also be transferred to the
this criterion may be critical in determining the primary compartments of septic tanks for storage
capacity of the hopper. The layout should be such and final disposal with the septic sludge. In the case
that the inlet arrangement never becomes of activated sludge units sludge requires to be
submerged in sludge. continuously withdrawn from the settlement tank
for return to the aeration tank.
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12 © BSI 01-1999
BS 6297:1983
Additional capacity should be provided above the 12.2 Conventional biological filters
hopper in a vertical side-wall section between the 12.2.1 Distribution. The effluent should be
top of the hopper and TWL, as shown in Figure 8. distributed evenly over the surface of the biological
The side-wall height should be not less than 400 mm filter, through which it percolates to the floor.
and the gross capacity of the tank should be not less Biological filters are usually either rectangular
than that determined by use of the formula for (see Figure 10) or circular (see Figure 11) in plan,
capacity given in 11.5.2. and various methods of distribution may be used,
11.5.2 Secondary horizontal flow tanks. the most suitable for use in small installations being
(see Figure 9). The calculation of the capacity of a a series of fixed channels or a rotating-arm
horizontal flow tank should be based on the number distributor.
of persons to be served and the dry weather flow.The 12.2.2 Fixed channels for rectangular filters. A
following formula is recommended: series of fixed channels of suitable material should
C = 135 P 0.85 be provided and so adjusted in level that the effluent
flows uniformly through notches in their sides.
These channels should be dosed intermittently by
where
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© BSI 01-1999 13
BS 6297:1983
In Table 1 shown below, the volumes of medium f) The surface of the pieces should preferably be
required for representative numbers of users are rough and pitted.
given; intermediate values may be interpolated on a g) Local availability, having regard to suitability.
linear basis. The volume of medium per user is also
Several mineral materials are suitable for this
given and it can be seen that surge flows are allowed
purpose, the most usual being hardburnt clinker,
for. When waste disposal units are installed, the
blastfurnace slag, hard broken stones and hard
volume of medium obtained from the formula or
crushed gravel.
from the tables should be increased by 30 %, pro
rata for that part of the population equipped with Efficiency is dependent on careful grading; a
waste disposal units. suitable grading for mineral media is 100 mm
to 150 mm at the bottom for a depth of
Where
about 150 mm, the remainder being 50 mm nominal
function V = 1.5 P 0.83 maximum size which requires, in accordance with
V is the volume of medium (in m3) BS 1438, the grading limits given in Table 2.
P is the design population. 12.2.6 Plastics filter media. Media fabricated from
plastics materials are now available and may be
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It may be possible, with specialist advice, to reduce used in biological filters in place of mineral media.
the volume of the filter by introducing recirculation Three main types are available in the form of
of part of the final effluent in order to dilute the pressed laminar sheets supplied in modules,
influent to the filter. This also eliminates the danger tubular form media and random fill media. These
of the filter medium drying out during periods of low have high void capacity, extended specific surface,
flow. Where this is done the arrangements provided and low bulk density enabling high hydraulic flow to
for secondary settlement in humus tank(s) should be accommodated in smaller working volumes and
be increased relative to the amount of effluent which lightweight structures in comparison with mineral
is recycled. media. Costs of plastics media are however
12.2.5 Mineral filter media. Mineral filter media relatively higher per unit volume than mineral
should comply with the requirements of BS 1438 media, and the risks of freezing or drying in periods
and be chosen with regard to the following of low hydraulic flow are greater in plastics media.
considerations. The specific surface and wetting properties of
a) It should be strong enough to resist crushing plastics media vary widely from one type to another,
under its own weight or when walked on. and no general simple formula can be given to relate
b) It should be obtained washed and dust-free. the performance of plastics media to mineral media.
c) It should not contain any toxic substances or It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s
other undesirable matter likely to be dissolved recommendations with care and if possible to
into the sewage flow. consider the performance of existing plastics media
in similar conditions. Manufacturers should be
d) It should be capable of resisting breakdown consulted in all cases on the installation and
due to the flow of the sewage or under frost orientation of plastics media to avoid possible
action. damage to the filter and to maximize the efficient
e) The general shape of the individual pieces utilization of the special design of the media.
should be roughly cubical rather than very
elongated or flat.
Table 1 — Filter medium capacity
P 4 6 8 10 15 20 25 30 40 50
V 4.7 6.6 8.4 10.1 14.2 18.0 21.7 25.2 32.0 38.6
V/P 1.18 1.11 1.05 1.01 0.95 0.90 0.87 0.84 0.80 0.77
P 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1 000
V 69 122 171 217 261 303 345 385 425 464
V/P 0.69 0.61 0.57 0.54 0.52 0.51 0.49 0.48 0.47 0.46
14 © BSI 01-1999
BS 6297:1983
Table 2 — Grading limits for 50 mm filter 12.2.9 Grassland. Treatment of filter effluents on
medium grassland is a method of removing humus as an
BS 410 test sieves Proportion by mass passing
alternative to secondary settlement. In this method
the filter effluent should be evenly distributed over
mm % the grass from a system of channels and, after
63 100 flowing over the surface, collected in a second
system of channels. The land should be well graded
50 85 to 100
and to avoid scouring should have a gentle slope of
37.5 0 to 30 about 1 : 60 to 1 : 100. Special seeding of the land is
28 0 to 5 not necessary and the grass and other vegetation
needs only occasional cutting to keep the growth
Where plastics media are used they need to be from becoming too rank. The cuttings should be
contained against loss by wind action. A perforated removed from the irrigation area and the
walkway should be provided to give access to the accumulated solids should be removed periodically.
distributor where necessary. The area of grassland required per head of
population is about 3 m2 and the total area should
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© BSI 01-1999 15
BS 6297:1983
In integral plants it is desirable for the inlet zone to Discs can be made from a variety of durable
be baffled or for a weir providing a headloss materials including expanded metal, plastics mesh,
of 10 mm to 20 mm to be installed to minimize the GRP, unplasticized polyvinyl chloride or similar
effect of surges in flow. Treatment is more efficient materials, or high density polystyrene foam. The
when longitudinal mixing is minimized in the packing used in rotating cylinders may be similar to
treatment zone by installation of a number of random fill media used in high rate biological filters.
transverse baffles each providing a headloss of Rotors are also used with a variety of surfaces
about 10 mm. disposed in a spiral or honeycomb form.
The design should facilitate the transfer of excess 12.3.5 Secondary settlement tanks for biological
film, shed from the rotating surfaces, from the contactor units. Secondary settlement tanks can be
treatment zone to a secondary settlement unit, either integral parts of package systems or separate
either by positive mechanical means or by ensuring structures and should conform in principle to the
that sufficient turbulence is induced to carry it provisions of clauses 10 and 11. “The capacity
forward in the effluent stream. Some systems provided should be not less than conventional
incorporate novel or patented features of design. secondary settlement tanks and should allow for the
Licensed copy:Scott Wilson Holdings, 27/04/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, © BSI
12.3.3 Rotor units and drive mechanisms. The accumulation of about 3 months” discharge of
rotational speed (usually 1 r/min to 3 r/min) and humus sludge. Provision may also be made for
diameter of the rotating structure govern the humus sludge to be transferred to the primary
peripheral velocity, which should not settlement tank or septic tank.
exceed 0.35 m/s to avoid stripping of the biomass. 12.3.6 Loading and performance of the biological
Random media, where employed, should be tightly stage. Where full treatment of domestic sewage
packed for the same reason. Biological film to 30 : 20 standard (see 6.2.1) is required, the
accumulates more thickly on the surfaces nearest loading of the rotating surfaces in the biological
the inlet to the treatment zone, and the spacing zone should not exceed 5 g BOD per m2 per day of
between adjacent surfaces of discs in this region settled sewage or 7.5 g BOD per m2 per day as crude
should be designed to prevent the bridging of gaps sewage entering an integrated package plant5). The
between surfaces. loading should be based on the maximum
12.3.4 Construction. The design and alignment of population to be served especially in camping or
the drive shaft should provide adequate strength to holiday areas serving varying numbers. Where
assure long trouble-free life. Failure of power or quality standards are critical, additional tertiary
other interruption of rotation may, if continuing treatment (polishing) should be provided
more than 24 h, allow the biomass on the rotor to (see clause 14).
become unbalanced due to drainage and drying of
the exposed areas. If rotation recommences without 13 Activated sludge units6)
the proper maintenance and cleaning of the discs, 13.1 General. For the purposes of this code,
severe strain will be placed on the shaft and drive. installations operating on activated sludge
It is therefore essential that proper provision for principles are those providing for the aeration of
overload protection of the motor is made and that crude unsettled sewage with activated sludge. An
automatic restart for the motor is provided after an important feature of these installations is that a
electrical failure. long period of aeration should be provided at some
Structures supporting the rotor bearings and drive stage in the process in order to bring about oxidation
should have adequate long term rigidity to maintain of sludge, thus reducing the rate of production of
alignment. Bearings, drive chains and sprockets surplus sludge and the frequency with which this
should be protected from moisture and provided sludge should be removed. In all activated sludge
with easy access for lubrication and adjustment. systems there is a need regularly to remove
quantities of surplus sludge. To ensure that an
effluent of 30 : 20 standard is achieved it may be
necessary to provide a “polishing” stage of
treatment (see clause 14).
5)
Higher loadings may be used provided that adequate technical support data has been supplied.
6)
See “Technical memorandum on activated-sludge sewage-treatment installations providing for a long period of aeration”,
HMSO, London, 1969.
16 © BSI 01-1999
BS 6297:1983
13.2 Location. Attention is drawn to the 13.4.2.2 Capacities. The capacity of the aeration
recommendation given in 6.2.2 that the site should compartment should be not less than 230 L7) per
be sufficiently far from habitable buildings to avoid head of resident population. Retention time should
the risk of noise nuisance. An electricity supply is be at least 24 h and up to 48 h may be provided
required. depending on the strength of sewage and the
13.3 General requirements. The installation standard of effluent required. Maximum daily BOD
should incorporate the following features: loading should be between 0.05 kg/(kg·d)
and 0.15 kg/(kg·d) MLSS and a concentration
a) adequate protection against corrosion;
maintained of 2 000 mg/L to 5 000 mg/L MLSS. The
b) standby electrical equipment incorporating design of the settlement compartment should be
automatic changeover, where practicable; such that the maximum surface loading (flow per
c) automatic restarting in the event of power unit area) does not exceed 22 m3/m2
failure; per 24 h [0.9 m3/(m2·h)].
d) arrangements for the removal and disposal of 13.4.2.3 Air supply. The duty air compressor(s)
surplus sludge; should be capable of producing up to 17 m3 per day
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e) adequate control of flow to minimize risk of of air at 2 m water depth per head of population, the
washout of activated sludge; volume required being dependent upon the bubble
size and depth of immersion as shown in Table 3.
f) if below ground level, adequate protection
against flotation. Table 3 — Air supply
13.4 Types of installation Bubble Depth of Air supply per
size aerator day per head of
13.4.1 General. There are three types of installation: population
a) extended-aeration; mm m m3
b) contact stabilization; Coarse bubbles 8 2 16.8
c) oxidation ditches. 3 12.0
Types a) and b) are normally prefabricated
3.5 9.5
factory-built units, often referred to as “package”
plants. The minimum capacity varies with different Fine bubbles 2 to 4 2 8.4
manufacturers; as a guide, type a) is suitable for 3 6.0
populations of not less than 25 and types b) and c)
for populations of not less than 70. 3.5 4.8
Specialist advice is necessary when considering the With mechanically aerated systems the aerator
use of any of the three types. Where waste disposal capacity potential should be not less than 2 g oxygen
units are installed, due allowance should be made per g BOD applied.
regarding air supply requirements and tank
capacities.
13.4.2 Extended-aeration installations
13.4.2.1 General. The extended-aeration process
involves treatment in two compartments, an
aeration or mixed liquor compartment and a
settlement compartment. Sewage, which will
usually be screened or macerated, flows to the
aeration compartment where it is aerated in
admixture with activated sludge. The sludge is
separated from the mixed liquor in the settlement
compartment which is usually integral with the first
compartment but separated from it by a partition.
The sludge is recycled to the aeration compartment
either by gravity pump or by air-lift. The
supernatant liquor (treated effluent) leaves the
plant over a weir.
7)
As in the Technical Memorandum, this figure is equivalent to a BOD loading of 240 mg/L of aeration capacity per day on the
basis of 55 g BOD per head per day.
© BSI 01-1999 17
BS 6297:1983
fourth (aerobic digester) compartment where the rotor, extending to at least 4.5 m downstream.
surplus sludge is further aerated to oxidize it as Provision should be made for separate settlement of
completely as possible before being removed for sludge before discharge of final effluent if the ditch
disposal. is designed for continuous operation.
13.4.3.2 Capacities. The combined capacities of the 13.4.4.2 Capacities. The capacity of the ditch should
first (contact) and the third (re-aeration) be not less than 260 L per head of population. In the
compartments should not be less than 114 L per case of continuous operation, where separate
head of population served. The design of the second settlement is required, the design of the settlement
(settlement) compartment should be the same as for compartment should be the same as for
extended aeration installations.The capacity of the extended-aeration installations. The BOD/sludge
fourth (aerobic digester) compartment should be not loading should lie between 0.05 kg/(kg·d)
less than 90 L per head of population. The and 0.15 kg/(kg·d). Mixed liquor suspended solids
BOD/sludge loading for the combined stages should should be maintained between 2 000 mg/L
lie between 0.05 kg/(kg·d) and 0.15 kg/(kg·d) MLSS. and 5 000 mg/L.
13.4.3.3 Air supply. The duty air compressor(s) 13.4.4.3 Aeration. The mechanical aerator should
should be capable of producing a volume of air provide not less than 2 g of oxygen per g BOD8).
consistent with Table 3. Air input should be 13.5 Settlement of activated sludge
allocated to the three stages, contact, re-aeration
13.5.1 General. Prefabricated factory-built
and digestion, approximately in proportions 2 : 4 : 3
treatment units generally include settlement
respectively.
facilities. However, for the larger units it may be
necessary to construct settlement facilities in situ or
in vessels separate from the biological section.
Designs of settlement tanks vary with the
manufacturer, but the following basic elements
should be included.
13.5.2 Loading rates. Surface loading should not
exceed the rate of 0.9 m3/(m2·h) at peak flow, and
the capacity of the tank should be sufficient to
provide a minimum retention of 2 h at peak flow.
The maximum solids load per unit surface area
should not exceed the rate of 5 kg/(m2·h).
8) Biological treatment plants are constantly under development and new methods may become available in the future which
may lead to different design parameters.
18 © BSI 01-1999
BS 6297:1983
13.5.3 Inlet arrangements. The inlet pipe should Several methods are now available. These include
be 100 mm minimum diameter in suitable material slow sand filtration, rapid sand filtration,
such as low carbon steel, unplasticized polyvinyl microstraining and retention in lagoons. In small
chloride or cast iron. On entering the centre feed sewage treatment works the following methods are
well or stilling box, the pipe should turn through 90° more common:
to discharge vertically as close as possible to the a) treatment over grass plots;
tank centre at approximately liquid level. The
b) upward-flow clarifiers (not normally used with
stilling box should be square or circular and should
activated sludge plants).
have a side length or diameter of approximately 1/6
of the tank side length or diameter. Its upper edge 14.2 Treatment over grass plots (see Figure 12).
should be not less than 75 mm above water level and This method is inexpensive and can remove
its lower edge should extend to the bottom of the about 70 % of residual suspended solids and 50 % of
vertical side wall level in the case of an upflow tank, BOD. The rate of treatment, calculated on the area
and 800 mm to 1 000 mm below water level in the in use at any one time, should not
case of a scraped circular tank. exceed 0.85 m3/(m2·d) at maximum flow of
about 0.3 m2 per head of population. (The use of
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9)
Reference: “Tertiary Treatment and Advanced Waste Water Treatment.” Manuals of British Practice in Water Pollution
Control. The Institute of Water Pollution Control, 1974.
© BSI 01-1999 19
BS 6297:1983
The top of the perforated floor supporting the gravel In warm sunny conditions tertiary treatment
should be 450 mm below the surface of the liquid in lagoons may behave similarly to oxidation ponds but
the tank as controlled by the level of the outlet, they should be designed to suit the least favourable
which should be in the form of a weir 300 mm above conditions at the site. In the design, advantage can
the surface of the gravel. The perforations in the sometimes be taken of local topography, and natural
floor should be able to retain the medium but be of depressions may be modified if the soil is sufficiently
sufficient size to allow a free flow of liquid through impervious. In order to encourage plug flow, lagoons
it. The floor and its support should be designed to should preferably have a length about 3 times their
accommodate both the weight of the medium and width. Inlet pipes should be provided with baffles or
the superimposed weight of a man when cleaning. other means of quickly spreading the flow across the
The edges of the floor adjoining the walls should be width of the lagoon. The depth of lagoons should not
sealed for a distance of 100 mm to obviate the risk of be less than 1.5 m. In order to prevent the discharge
the flow short-circuiting between the gravel and the of scum or of excess algal growth in hot weather,
wall. baffles should be provided at the discharge point to
A vertical inlet baffle should be provided to achieve permit discharge from not less than 0.5 m below the
surface.
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20 © BSI 01-1999
BS 6297:1983
In less porous subsoils, a subsurface irrigation Divide this time by the depth in millimetres of
system may be practicable as a more suitable water placed in the hole. The answer gives the
alternative. It should be very carefully designed and average time required for the water to
consists of a system of field drains which should be drop 1 mm. Take care, when making the test, to
constructed using porous or perforated pipes, laid in avoid abnormal weather conditions such as heavy
trenches, with a uniform gradient which should be rain, severe frost or drought. The percolation test
not steeper than 1 : 200. The pipes should be laid on consists of carrying out the above measurement
a 150 mm layer of clinker, clean gravel or broken three times, and taking an average of the three
stone 20 mm to 50 mm grade and the trenches filled results. In the event of any of the measurements
to a level 50 mm above the pipe and covered with in a test being 50 % or more above or below the
strips of plastics material laid to prevent the entry average, make a further three measurements and
of silt. The remainder of the trench can be filled with calculate a further average. unless an average
normal soil. Pipes should be laid at a minimum value of VP of 24 s/mm or less is obtained (in
depth of 500 mm below the surface. If the level of the which case no further tests are needed) make
water table rises in the winter to within 1 m of the further tests on a minimum of three different
proposed invert of the irrigation system, it is not locations on the route of the land drain, or at least
Licensed copy:Scott Wilson Holdings, 27/04/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, © BSI
normally advisable to use subsurface irrigation. three tests on separate days on the site proposed
The floor area of subsurface drainage trench for a soakaway.
(At in m2) required to disperse effluents from septic Where deep excavations are necessary a modified
tanks may be calculated from: test procedure may be adopted using a 300 mm
At = P × V P × 0.25 earth auger. Bore the test hole vertically to the
appropriate depth taking care to remove all loose
where debris.
P is the number of persons served by the Make water level observations referring to a fixed
tank; and datum using a dip stick or some suitable
Vp is the percolation value obtained as alternative water level indicator.
described in 15.3.2
The value found in this way is called the percolation
For effluents which have received secondary value (Vp in s) of the soil and can be used to
treatment followed by settlement, this area should determine the area of drainage trench floors
be reduced by 20 %, i.e.: required to disperse effluents. If the percolation
A t = P × V P × 0.25 value exceeds 140 s the soil is not suitable for
drainfields. From 140 s to 100 s (about 10 h to 7 h to
The area determined should be used to calculate fall 250 mm), underdrains are desirable.
either the total floor area of the drainage trench and 15.3.3 Underdrains. Where underdrains are
therefore the length of land drain, or alternatively necessary, drainage trenches should be constructed
the floor area of one or more shallow soakaways. not less than 600 mm deeper than the above
Drainage trenches should be from 300 mm trenches, and the lower part filled with pea gravel
to 900 mm wide, and areas of undisturbed (see Figure 14). A second system of drainage pipes
ground 2 m wide should be maintained between should be laid on the bottom of the trenches to
parallel trenches. convey surplus drainage to an outfall in a surface
15.3.2 Percolation test. To determine the area of ditch or watercourse. Underdrains are costly, and a
land required a percolation test is essential; the secondary treatment system able to produce an
following method should be adopted. effluent suitable for surface discharge may be
preferable.
Excavate a hole 300 mm square to a
depth 250 mm below the proposed invert level of
the land drain. Where deep drains are necessary
the hole should conform to this shape at the
bottom but may be enlarged above the 250 mm
level to enable safe excavation to be carried out.
Fill the 300 mm square section of the hole to a
depth of at least 250 mm with water and allow it
to seep away overnight. Next day, refill the test
section with water to a depth of at least 250 mm
and observe the time, in seconds, for the water to
seep away completely.
© BSI 01-1999 21
BS 6297:1983
15.4 Disposal on land. Disposal of effluent on land The floor may be of concrete laid to a fall of 1 : 200
involves the distribution of the effluent overground and the walls of brick, in situ concrete or precast
so that loss occurs by seepage into the ground and by panels. The height of walls should be kept to a
evapo-transpiration. The area of land required, minimum in order to avoid obstruction to the
which should be divided into two portions to permit passage of air over the surface of the sludge, which
each to be rested in turn, will vary according to its assists evaporation of the surface liquor. Porous or
nature. Up to 100 m2 per person may be required perforated pipes of 75 mm nominal bore should be
where the ground is of heavy clay. The percolation laid on the floor, with 225 mm average depth of
test carried out in the surface strata as described coarse medium (clinker or other hard material)
in 15.3.2 may be helpful in the determination of the graded from 40 mm to 28 mm topped with a 50 mm
area of land required. Distribution of the effluent on layer of fine medium (clinker-ash or sharp sand) and
the land should be made by a system of channels. finished with a level surface. Purpose-made tiles
Where the final effluent is to be pumped, may be used instead of the pipes, laid in accordance
distribution of the effluent on land could be made by with the manufacturer’s recommendations, with
the use of a spray irrigation system. appropriate adjustments to the nature and depth of
the medium. The size of each bed should be such
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16 Pumping
16.1 General. Where pumping is unavoidable
because of site conditions (see 6.2.2) the following
points should be considered:
a) availability of electricity (almost essential);
b) the location of pumps;
c) availability of a suitable pump;
22 © BSI 01-1999
BS 6297:1983
d) the advisability of installing pumping units in Where settled sewage is pumped to the biological
duplicate; filter bed, consideration should be given to the use of
e) suitable housing for equipment; the pumping equipment to recirculate a proportion
of the humus tank effluent; this will enable the size
f) lagging of all exposed pipework to prevent
of the biological filter to be reduced and also obviate
damage by frost;
the incidence of septicity in the system.
g) occurrence of septicity.
16.6 Standby equipment. All mechanical
It is strongly recommended that specialist equipment should be in duplicate. The arrangement
advice be sought. should ensure that the operation of the standby
16.2 Flow control. Where electricity is available pump is automatic and cuts out the duty pump.
and automatic flow control is adopted, the sewage or Where practicable an overflow facility and a
effluent should be delivered from a sump having a warning device should be provided to cover the
capacity between top and bottom water levels10) of possibility of total pump or power failure.
not more than 1/24 DWF11). Capacity should also be 16.7 Pump house. Any pump house should be of
provided between the inlet to the sump and the adequate size and have adequate access and
Licensed copy:Scott Wilson Holdings, 27/04/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, © BSI
cut-in level of the pump, to provide storage in the facilities to allow for proper maintenance of
event of power failure or other emergency. equipment including removal where necessary. The
16.3 Pump location. Site conditions usually pump house should be provided with adequate
determine the most suitable position for the pump ventilation, lighting and heating.
within the treatment works. Generally, the most 16.8 Septicity. Oversizing of sumps and rising
satisfactory arrangement is to pump septic tank or mains may result in septicity due to sewage being
settlement tank effluent to a filter bed built mainly held for long periods. Septic sewage causes odour
above ground. If the inlet to the works is deep (2 m problems and can lead to poor sludge settling
or more) pumping the crude sewage flow to the characteristics in activated sludge plants.
sewage treatment works built at a higher level may
then be the most economical arrangement. 17 Automatic monitoring and alarm
16.4 Pump selection. There are many types of systems
pump and ejector suitable for raising crude sewage,
Consideration should be given to an automatic
tank effluents and final effluents but in each case a
alarm system, actuated by plant failure or
robust unit is necessary. Where crude sewage is
malfunction:
being pumped, provision should be made to avoid
blockages. a) where the final discharge is to a potentially
vulnerable watercourse requiring a high quality
The required output of the pumping plant is most
effluent;
important and will influence the choice of pump.
Three times DWF is the maximum pumping rate b) where there is a need for a quick reaction to
recommended (except for raising final effluent) and malfunction, e.g. flooding; and/or
the design of the sewage treatment works should c) to reduce the time and expense spent on
compensate for any higher rate of flow. routine inspections.
16.5 Pumping effects. The limitation of the output
of a pump or ejector to three times DWF is most Section 4. Installation
difficult to achieve when small flows of crude sewage
are to be pumped. If crude sewage is pumped to the 18 Installation
septic tank or settlement tank at a rate greater than 18.1 Workmanship. Workmanship should be of a
three times DWF then additional tank capacity is good standard and methods of working should be in
needed to improve the flow characteristics. accordance with the relevant British Standard
Pumping settled sewage to the biological filter will codes of practice and the National Water Council
usually cause the least interference to the natural Civil Engineering Specification for the Water
flow of sewage through a treatment works. Should Industry. Electrical installations should be in
the rate of flow exceed three times DWF it will be accordance with the appropriate recommendations
necessary to provide increased filter and humus of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
tank capacity.
10)
Top and bottom water levels, as applied to a pump sump, are the levels at which the pump cuts in and out respectively.
11) Inpractice it may be difficult to build a sump of less than 180 L capacity (i.e. 1 200 mm × 900 mm × 150 mm draught) or
provide a suitable pump of less than 0.30 L/s.
© BSI 01-1999 23
BS 6297:1983
24 © BSI 01-1999
BS 6297:1983
BS 1162, BS 1418, BS 1410, Mastic asphalt for building (natural rock asphalt aggregate).
BS 1194, Concrete porous pipes for
under-drainage.
BS 1196, Clayware field drain pipes.
BS 1211, Centrifugally cast (spun) iron pressure pipes for water, gas and sewage.
BS 1247, Manhole step irons.
BS 1387, Steel tubes and tubulars suitable for screwing to BS 21 pipe threads.
BS 1973, Polythene pipe (Type 32) for general purposes including chemical and food industry uses.
BS 2035, Cast iron flanged pipes and flanged fittings.
BS 2494, Materials for elastomeric joint rings for pipework and pipelines.
BS 2760, Pitch-impregnated fibre pipes and fittings for below and above ground drainage.
BS 3506, Unplasticized PVC pipe for industrial purposes.
BS 3656, Specification for asbestos-cement pipes, joints and fittings for sewerage and drainage.
BS 3796, Polythene pipe (Type 50) for general purposes including chemical and food industry uses.
BS 3921, Clay bricks and blocks.
BS 4211, Steel ladders for permanent access.
BS 4461, Specification for cold worked steel bars for reinforcement of concrete.
BS 4466, Specification for bending dimensions and scheduling of reinforcement for concrete.
BS 4482, Hard drawn mild steel wire for the reinforcement of concrete.
BS 4483, Steel fabric for the reinforcement of concrete.
BS 4622, Grey iron pipes and fittings.
BS 4660, Unplasticized PVC underground drain pipes and fittings.
BS 4772, Specification for ductile iron pipes and fittings.
BS 4962, Specification for plastics pipe for use as light duty sub-soil drains.
BS 5262, Code of practice for external rendered finishes.
BS 5390, Code of practice for stone masonry.
BS 5480, Specification for glass reinforced plastics (GRP) pipes and fittings for use for water supply or
sewerage — Part 1: Dimensions, materials and classification.
BS 5481, Specification for unplasticized PVC pipe and fittings for gravity sewers.
BS 5493, Code of practice for protective coating of iron and steel structures against corrosion.
(formerly CP 2008)
BS 5572, Code of practice for sanitary pipework. (formerly CP 304)
BS 5628, Code of practice for the structural use of masonry.
BS 5911, Precast concrete pipes and fittings for drainage and sewerage.
© BSI 01-1999 25
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Figure 3 — Typical septic tanks, two in series, separate, for populations over 30
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© BSI 01-1999
Figure 5 — Typical septic tanks, two in series, combined for populations over 30
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© BSI 01-1999
Figure 12 — Treatment on grass plots
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BS 6297:1983
Index12)
access to tanks 7 pumping 16
activated sludge 3.1, 13 rags and debris 10
aerobic action 3.2 regulations Appendix A
aggregates for concrete 5.2 rotary biological contactor 3.22, 12.3
aggregates for mortar 5.3 safety 6.2.2.2
anaerobic action 3.3 scumboard 3.23
baffle 3.4 secondary settlement tank 3.24, 11.4, 12.3.5
biochemical oxygen separate system 3.25, 6.2
demand (BOD) 3.5, 6.2.1, 11.2, 12.3.6 etc. septic tank 3.26, 9
biological filters 3.6,12 sewage 3.27
bottom water level (BWL) 3.7 storm sewage 3.28
cement 5.4 sludge 3.29
cesspool 3.8, 8 sludge drying and disposal 15, 9.2, 13.5.5, 15.5
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12)
This index is not exhaustive but contains references to most main topics.
© BSI 01-1999 41
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blank
BS 6297:1983
Publications referred to
Standards publications
BS 12, Specification for ordinary and rapid-hardening Portland cement.
BS 146, Portland-blastfurnace cement.
BS 146-2, Metric units.
BS 812, Methods for sampling and testing of mineral aggregates, sand and fillers.
BS 882, BS 1201, Aggregates from natural sources for concrete (including granolithic).
BS 882-2 BS 1201-2, Metric units.
BS 915, High alumina cement.
BS 915-2, Metric units.
BS 1047, Specification for air-cooled blastfurnace slag coarse aggregate for concrete.
BS 1047-2, Metric units.
BS 1198, BS 1199 and BS 1200, Building sands from natural sources.
BS 1438, Media for biological percolating filters.
Licensed copy:Scott Wilson Holdings, 27/04/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, © BSI
Other publications
Building Research Establishment Digest No. 174.
Building Research Establishment Digest No. 216.
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
HMSO. Technical memorandum on activated-sludge sewage-treatment installations providing for a long
period of aeration.
Institute of Water Pollution Control. Manuals of British Practice in Water Pollution Control. Tertiary
treatment and Advanced Waste Water Treatment.
National Joint Health and Safety Committee for the Water Service, Health and Safety Guideline No. 2.
National Water Council. Civil Engineering Specification for the Water Industry .
National Water Council. Technical Paper No. 4.
National Water Council. The Water Industry in Figures.
© BSI 01-1999
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