Pressurized sewage systems and self-cleansing process

Abstract

This master thesis explores the performance of pressurized sewage systems and its effect on self-cleansing of distribution pipes. Pressure sewage systems are mostly applied in non-urban areas where these systems connect and distribute wastewater from household to the main sewage pipeline. The biggest concern for these distribution systems is the possible accumulation of sediments in the sewer pipes, although it is a common phenomenon. The main goal of this thesis is to demonstrate that pressurized sewage systems can achieve the self-cleansing process even with velocities that are lower than defined by standards. The test was conducted at Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in Ås, Norway. In this project, observation of wastewater distribution through Environment One (E/One) grinder pump and pressurized pipes was conducted and analyzed. This project was designed to reproduce the real setting as close as possible from the wastewater tank, which represents wastewater source in this case, to the gravitational sewer as a final recipient. Through the analysis, the thesis argues that pressurized sewer system represents a potentially good solution for wastewater distribution in non-urban areas. These systems are achieving self-cleansing effect in pipes, which makes them efficient, self- sustainable and safe for the purpose of distributing wastewater from household to the main sewer.