Onsite wastewater treatment and dewatering systems

Abstract

A drainage product has at least one conveyance component having at least one outlet, and at least one aggregate bundle comprising a quantity of light weight aggregate material encapsulated in a geotechnical material positioned in relation to the drainfield conveyance component in at least one orientation selected from: attached to, placed adjacent to or beneath or on top of or inside or commingled in some iteration of the conveyance component, or adjacent the outlet of the conveyance component, or between two conveyance components, to provide an improved drainfield for a sewage disposal and dewatering systems.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention is directed to onsite wastewater treatment and dewatering systems. While the discussion below primarily addresses wastewater treatment systems, the principles of the invention also apply to dewatering systems generally. What has been shown and described is a drainage product which provides improved protection and strength for the distribution or conveyance medium, [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) are usually deployed in suburban or rural areas that are not connected to municipal or city sewer systems. The OWTS is comprised of two primary components called the septic tank and the drain field. This waste stream is typically provided by a single family residence, but could easily be provided by commercial constructs such as a restaurant or office complex. [0005] The septic tank can be constructed from a variety of materials. The current sta...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a new drainage system that includes a conveyance component and an aggregate bundle. The aggregate bundle is made of lightweight material encapsulated in a geotechnical material and is positioned in relation to the conveyance component. This new design improves wastewater disposal and dewatering systems by providing alternative trench architecture and interface design. The technical effect of this patent is an improved drainage system that enhances the performance of sewage disposal and dewatering systems."

Problems solved by technology

Gravel disadvantages include: It is a non-renewable resource, so supplies are limited and its cost is rising, Gravel is dense (heavy) and it requires energy to make, transport, and place it, Labor costs are high.

Site impact is negative from the heavy equipment and stray pieces of stone.

Even after cleaning the stones, the fines or dust levels in gravel are significant.

The level of fines adversely impacts the flow characteristics of gravel.

Thus, the amount of excavation and the amount of drainfield product contribute to the total cost of the onsite system.

Longer alternative product trenches are cost prohibitive when compared with gravel.

LDP manufacturers are fighting this change, but their efforts are falling on deaf ears.

However, adding two more pipes to the trench or adding ⅔'s more trench length to an onsite system that is currently priced equivalent to gravel may be economically unfeasible.

Other problems associated with LDP are the surrounding filter fabric and the ability of the pipe to deliver effluent to the soil.

Eventually, the filter fabric clogs and once it clogs, the system may fail.

Their cost is dependant upon the width of the product and the weight of the plastic used to make the chamber.

If chambers were required to provide a one to one relationship with gravel, the cost might prohibit them from participating in the market.

More product material, even at reduced lengths means more cost.

The effluent enters the pipes and leaks effluent into the trench.

Once the clogging mat or biomat forms on the inside of the geotextile fabric, the filter may “plug” and the system fails.

The cost of this unit renders it unfeasible to manufacturer and sell.

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