Vacum sewer systems

The low-pressure system, also known as vacuum system or vacuum sewer system contains closed pipeline networks without manholes. Vacuum sewer systems are essentially mechanized systems of wastewater transport. Unlike typical gravity sewers, it uses differential air pressure to transport the wastewater and all the sewer mains are under vacuum (under negative pressure). The high transport velocity of the air/water-mixture in the vacuum pipelines prevents sediments. An outlet of wastewater is excluded due to the vacuum occurring inside the system. The system is more economical and efficient compared to the classical gravitational sewage network. Normally the drainage procedure serves as a collection of wastewater in separate systems. Though, vacuum sewer line may be laid in the same trench together with water supply lines and storm water drainage according to the German guideline DWA-A 116-1. In this case, there shall be no physical connections between a public or private potable water supply system and a sewer. The vacuum technology is a special drainage procedure which might – under certain circumstances – be considerably cheaper than the conventional gravity lines sewage system. Investments costs can be considerably lower in comparison with other drainage procedures.