What does ATU stand for in sewage treatment?
Aerobic Treatment Unit An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) consists of several processes that function together to provide a high quality effluent. These are gross solids (trash) removal, aeration, clarification, and sludge return. These processes are generally contained within separate chambers of a single tank.
What is an aerobic treatment unit in wastewater treatment?
Aerobic Treatment Unit. An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) consists of several processes that function together to provide a high quality effluent. These are gross solids (trash) removal, aeration, clarification, and sludge return. These processes are generally contained within separate chambers of a single tank.
What is an ATU or aerobic septic system?
An ATU is also sometimes called an aerobic septic system, however this is actually incorrect. An ATU is a type of home sewage treatment plant (HSTP), and are used on properties that are not connected to a sewerage main. They can also be known as Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems and are electrically driven mechanical systems.
What is an ATU and how does it work?
An ATU is a type of home sewage treatment plant (HSTP), and are used on properties that are not connected to a sewerage main. They can also be known as Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems and are electrically driven mechanical systems. How does an ATU work?
What is an aerobic sewage treatment system?
An aerobic treatment system (ATS), often called an aerobic septic system, is a small scale sewage treatment system similar to a septic tank system, but which uses an aerobic process for digestion rather than just the anaerobic process used in septic systems.
How does an aerobic treatment unit work?
1:0613:34Basics about Aerobic Systems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn a conventional system you're going out through lateral lines or through pressure dose whereasMoreIn a conventional system you're going out through lateral lines or through pressure dose whereas with a treatment plant you can go through regular lateral lines or spray irrigation or drip.
How does an aerobic septic system work?
An aerobic system injects oxygen into the treatment tank. The additional oxygen increases natural bacterial activity within the system that then provides additional treatment for nutrients in the effluent.
How do you maintain an aerobic septic system?
8 Dos and Don'ts for Aerobic System MaintenanceRegularly Inspect Your Septic System. ... Pump Out Whenever Necessary. ... Be Water-wise. ... Use Licensed, Certified Companies. ... Flush Solids Down the Drains. ... Pour Harsh Chemicals in Your Toilets. ... Park Cars or Trucks on Your Drainfield or Reserve Area. ... Add Septic Tank Additives.
What are the disadvantages of an aerobic septic system?
Increased cost: An aerobic septic system can cost up to three times as much as a traditional septic tank. The cost varies by design and location, but they are almost always more expensive than a traditional system. Property owners must weigh this cost with potential conveniences, such as space-saving measures.
What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic water treatment?
While both rely on a process of microbial decomposition to treat wastewater, the key difference between anaerobic and aerobic treatment is that aerobic systems require oxygen, while anaerobic systems do not. This is a function of the types of microbes used in each type of system.
Which is better conventional or aerobic septic system?
Conventional septic systems are generally less expensive than aerobic systems, though this is not always the case. Conventional systems involve much less maintenance than aerobic systems. Both conventional septic systems and aerobic systems are environmentally friendly when designed, used, and maintained properly.
What is the benefit of an aerobic septic system?
An aerobic septic system gives you cleaner treated effluent, so there is less likelihood of groundwater contamination. If your home is located in an area with a high water table, it is advisable to install an aerobic septic system to avoid water pollution.
How often should an aerobic septic system be pumped?
every three to five yearsHow Often Should My Aerobic System Be Pumped? There are many variables that affect how often your system needs to be pumped. This is determined by the usage of your system, and the number of people living in your home, we suggest that your system be pumped every three to five years.
Do aerobic septic systems smell?
A common myth is that aerobic systems smell. Well, some do, but they shouldn't! A smelly septic system is a sign of a problem, one that needs to be fixed sooner instead of later.
Can you use a garbage disposal with an aerobic septic system?
But is it wise to install a garbage disposal if you own a home with a septic system? From our perspective, the simple answer is no. We recommend that you avoid using a garbage disposal with a septic system for three reasons: It reduces the effectiveness of your septic system.
How do you know when your aerobic septic tank is full?
How to tell your septic tank is full and needs emptyingPooling water.Slow drains.Odors.An overly healthy lawn.Sewer backup.
Are aerobic septic systems good?
Provides Higher Level of Treatment An aerobic septic system gives you cleaner treated effluent, so there is less likelihood of groundwater contamination. If your home is located in an area with a high water table, it is advisable to install an aerobic septic system to avoid water pollution.
What is the purpose of a treatment unit in the system?
An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) consists of several processes that function together to provide a high quality effluent. These are gross solids (trash) removal, aeration, clarification, and sludge return. These processes are generally contained within separate chambers of a single tank.
Why are aerobic processes preferred for sewage treatment?
Aerobic wastewater treatment is a biological process that takes place in the presence of oxygen. Aerobic wastewater treatment encourages the growth of naturally-occurring aerobic microorganisms as a means of renovating wastewater. Such microbes are the engines of wastewater treatment plants.
How does oxidation pond work?
Oxidation ponds, also called lagoons or stabilization ponds, are large, shallow ponds designed to treat wastewater through the interaction of sunlight, bacteria, and algae. Algae grow using energy from the sun and carbon dioxide and inorganic compounds released by bacteria in water.
What is the difference between primary and secondary treatment of wastewater?
Wastewater is a part of life - whether it is the water that is flowing down your bathroom sink, the liquids that are coming from your washing machi...
Home Wastewater Treatment and Groundwater
Treated wastewater and groundwater are used among many homes everyday for a number of different purposes. Both are generally safe to use, unless th...
Can a normal plumber install a wastewater treatment system?
Do regular plumbers have the appropriate qualifications?Are you looking to have an on-site sewage treatment facility installed onto your property,...
What does it mean when the water in the aeration chamber is grayish brown?
Alarms or lights going off. Any changes in the system's normal operating sound. Any changes in the normal color of the wastewater in the aeration chamber (for example, if the color is grayish brown rather than chocolate brown, this can sometimes indicate problems). Excessive solids, foam, or scum in the unit.
What is the middle of an aeration chamber?
The middle, or aeration chamber, is where air is pumped into the chamber to provide oxygen for the aerobic bacteria. The air is brought into the aeration chamber at the bottom and either flows freely throughout the chamber "suspended growth" (Fig. 2.) or flows through a "fixed film media" (the black block in Fig. 1). Figure 2.
What is an aerobic treatment unit?
Aerobic treatment units, also called activated sludge tanks, are a common method of biological treatment used in municipal wastewater treatment facilities. According to Chapter 73 of the PA Rules and Regulations, traditional septic tanks can be replaced with aerobic treatment tanks.
Why are ATUs not used?
A major reason that ATUs are not more widely used is concern about operation and maintenance by homeowners. ATUs are not passive and therefore require regular maintenance, and inspection. Abuse or neglect can easily lead to component failure or unsatisfactory performance.
How to prevent aerobic system from overloading?
Conserve water to avoid overloading the system. Be sure to repair any leaky faucets or toilets. Divert all non-wastewater sources of water , like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps, away from the aerobic system.
Is ATU better than septic?
The quality of effluent leaving an ATU is considerably better than that discharged from a septic tank. Therefore, owners of on-lot systems with an ATU may reduce the size of their absorption fields by one-third, thus requiring a smaller absorption field than would be required if a septic tank had been used.
Can a septic tank be replaced with an aerobic tank?
According to Chapter 73 of the PA Rules and Regulations, traditional septic tanks can be replaced with aerobic treatment tanks. In some cases, where the treated wastewater must be discharged into shallow soils, an ATU may make it possible to eliminate further pretreatment units within the system. Aerobically treated wastewater permits ...
What is the process of nitrification?
Nitrification is the breakdown of ammonia (NH3+) to nitrate (NO3-) by microorganisms in aerobic conditions.
What is an ATU system?
ATUs, which are certified as Class I aerobic systems, treat wastewater well enough to be used in conjunction with spray systems, which distribute treated wastewater over lawns. Combined with disinfection, they are the most common way to treat wastewater for spray systems.
What is aerobic treatment unit?
An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) consists of several processes that function together to provide a high quality effluent. These are gross solids (trash) removal, aeration, clarification, and sludge return. These processes are generally contained within separate chambers of a single tank. A series of tanks can be configured to have wastewater pass through an aerobic treatment train.
What is the purpose of ATUs?
ATUs use biological processes to transform both dissolved and solid constituents into gases, cell mass, and non-degradable material. An important feature of the biological process is the synthesis and separation of microbial cells from the treated effluent.
Why are ATUs used in septic systems?
ATUs are useful in environmentally sensitive areas or locations that are less suitable for conventional or gravity flow septic systems, such as inappropriate soil conditions where the water table is too high to allow the drainfield to operate effectively.
What happens when you add too much water to a wastewater system?
Too much water or wastewater in the system dilutes the bacteria food source. Adding too much organic matter (like fat, grease, or garbage disposal debris) results in more solids than the bacteria can consume. The more organic matter, the more frequently the system must be pumped.
How many ATUs are there in Washington?
Because ATUs are more complicated than conventional septic systems, maintenance is key to their life and performance. There are more than 20 brands of ATUs approved for use in Washington state and each has individual requirements specified by the manufacturer that must be performed by an approved specialist.
What is an aerobic treatment unit?
Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) are similar to standard se ptic systems in that they use natural processes to treat wastewater. But unlike conventional systems, ATUs also use oxygen to break down organic matter, much the same as municipal wastewater treatment systems, but in a scaled-down version.
What does gray/black mean in a sludge tank?
Check clarity of effluent — should be clear, brownish color; gray/black means proper oxygenation is not occurring. Record sludge level in pretreatment tank — pump as needed and refill with water. Additionally, if the ATU system has a disinfection unit, quarterly fecal coliform testing is required.
Why do you use the toilet a few times?
Use the toilet a few times to allow the microbes enough time to rebuild themselves before doing laundry or other high-water usage activities.
What are the requirements for a CMS?
Some of the requirements specified by the manufacturer and performed by the CMS are: Check electrical panel for functioning alarms. Check and clean filters on aerator. Check odor — should be “musty”. Check clarity of effluent — should be clear, brownish color; gray/black means proper oxygenation is not occurring.
What is the F:M ratio?
The food-to-microorganism ratio (F:M ratio) is a key to good treatment. An ideal F:M ratio supports all the life forms needed for treatment and creates MLSS that settles well in the clarification process of a suspended growth system. Unsettled microorganisms can cause BOD and TSS to show in the effluent. Since there is typically no measurable MLSS in attached growth system, the impact of a fluctuating F:M ratio is not as problematic to the effluent.
What is the nitrogen used for in BOD5?
Phosphorus is a key component of DNA, RNA, ATP and cell membranes. For every 100 mg/L of BOD5 the treatment unit needs to remove, 10 mg/L of nitrogen and 1 mg/L of phosphorus are necessary for microbial growth .
What are the elements needed for an ATU?
Just like any living thing, the biology in the ATU needs certain elements to live and perform properly. Water is the universal solvent and is a hydrolyzing agent allowing things to be broken down. Air is introduced by the ATU to provide the bacteria with necessary oxygen.
What is suspended solids?
Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) is a measurement of all the material floating in the reaction chamber , including the microbes (alive or dead) ...
Why do ATUs need maintenance?
ATUs do require maintenance due to moving parts and conditions required to keep the microbes healthy. The biological sludge byproduct also accumulates and must be removed periodically to maintain system performance.
How does nitrogen treatment work?
It takes time and temperatures at or above 50°F to develop nitrification bacteria. Consistent food is not required, but they do require alkalinity which is not always present in the source water and hence will need to be added. The nitrification process produces nitrate when the bacteria break down the ammonia molecule present in wastewater. Denitrification bacteria need oxygen to survive, but with a low supply they will strip the oxygen off the nitrate molecule produced in the nitrification process. This will produce nitrogen gas that is released into the atmosphere. Denitrification bacteria also need “food” or an electron donor such as a carbon source. An electron donor may need to be added for a sustainable ATU if there is not enough to keep the bacteria performing as they should.
What is aerobic treatment unit?
Providing a suitable environment for microorganisms to treat wastewater is what aerobic treatment units (ATUs) are all about . These advanced systems outshine alternatives on tight lots where there is no room for conventional treatment and on sites with poor soils, shallow vertical separation distances to limiting conditions, and horizontal setback restrictions. Some systems can be designed for the treatment of high-strength wastewater or where total nitrogen removal is required.
