Advances in onsite treatment were on display at the 28th Annual Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 28 to March 1.
The event attracted 11,415 attendees representing 4,688 companies and municipal agencies. The record total of 562 exhibitors included producers of treatment units, tanks and accessories, pumps, controls, drainfield media, software, and other products of interest to onsite professionals. Here is a sampling of new products on display.
Two alarms in one
The TS150 exterior dual alarm from Septronics Inc. can be configured to monitor a filter and a pump, two basins, or a high-level and low-level alarm. The unit operates on 120V AC primary voltage with secondary battery backup (9V to 15V). It includes touch-pad operation and automatic alarm reset. Red alarm LED, green power-on LED, and yellow filter alarm LED are included. The alarm horn generates 83-85 db. Call 888/565-8908 or visit www.septronics inc.com.
Efficient filter
BioDisc filters from Geoflow Inc. are placed between the effluent pump and the drip dispersal field to trap debris that could plug tubing and drip emitters. The units are designed for flows high in organics.
The disc filters are protected with molded-in Geoshield material to discourage biological growth on the element. Filters can be installed in a self-cleaning mode with a second filter and two solenoid valves, or they can be cleaned manually. The filter body and discs are molded from nylon resins. Filtration is 120 mesh/130 micron. The two-piece body is serviced by untwisting and includes an O-ring seal. Call 415/927-6000 or visit www.geoflow.com.
Drainfield remediator
The Aquaworx remediator from Infiltrator Systems Inc. is designed to restore failing septic systems with minimal landscape disruption. Inserted into an existing septic tank, it reverses the drainfield clogging process. The unit includes a bacterial catalyst, a blend of aerobic bacteria that accelerate the consumption of clogging matter (biomat) in the drainfield.
The system includes an airlift column. Cuspated plastic is wrapped around the bottom outside of the unit and placed within and above a bubble diffuser. The cuspated plastic provides a substantial surface area for colonization of the introduced bacteria. The unit aerates and circulates effluent within the septic tank to generate an active bacteria culture, which creates an aerobic environment within the unit. These bacteria then enter the drainfield and consume the clogging layer. Call 800/718-2754 or visit www.infiltratorsystems.com.
New chamber style
ARC 18 drainfield chambers from Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. are designed to maximize infiltrative surface area and storage capacity. The chambers include an integral 20-degree articulation connection.
The units, made from HDPE, are five feet long with a secure joint connection that enables sections to be quickly installed in straight or contoured applications. A diamond-plate traction pattern on the external corrugations provides a non-slip surface. An optional side port coupler easily snaps onto the chamber for cleanout access and to provide additional plumbing options.
Weighing 15 pounds, the sections can be installed by one person. The corrugated design increases load-bearing strength in a trench, meeting the H-10 (16,000 pounds per axle) specification. Call 800/821-6710 or visit www.ads-pipe.com.
Flow controller
A flow controller from Polylok Inc. makes it easy to alternate or divide the flow of effluent between two separate drainfields. It is installed by direct attachment to Schedule 40 or SDR 35 pipe. A channel split design enables an equal split of the wastewater stream. The valve can be set for equal distribution or to direct all flow to one side or the other. An optional handle simplifies the process of adjusting flows. Call 888/765-9565 or visit www.polylok.com.
Landscape rocks
Artificial rocks and boulders from Topp Industries Inc. can be used to hide above-ground components of onsite treatment systems. The rocks are made of weather-resistant polyethylene resin that is fade-resistant and has a natural look and feel. Call 800/354-4534 or visit www. toppindustries.com.
Advanced treatment
Algaewheel technology from Oldcastle Precast is a complete onsite design that includes a single-pass, flow-through system capable of treating high-strength waste. The Algaewheel consists of a single vessel in which biological and ecological treatment and filtration occur.
Bacteria colonies in the aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic portions of the unit provide biological treatment. Algal colonies provide expanded treatment. The primary treatment tank removes large, inert solids. The bacpac treatment tank uses Algaewheel technology to provide secondary treatment and remove phosphorus. Tertiary treatment occurs in a standard settling tank where converted nitrates are removed as nitrogen gas. Call 800/428-8110 or visit www.oldcastle precast.com/onsite.
Dual-purpose tank
The MultiTank from Roth Global Plastics Inc. can be used as a septic, holding or pump tank, rainwater tank, or potable water cistern. It has an inner layer of FDA-approved virgin HDPE, two inside layers of polyethylene for stability, and an outer layer of black UV-stabilized polyethylene. The tanks are manufactured with a computer-controlled blow molding process. Call 866/943-7256 or visit www.roth-usa.com.
