How do you decide on the best Water Treatment Plant (WTP)?

I have looked at the Biodisc, WPL Diamond and the Titan Ensign, all different systems and of course they all offer low running costs but when you investigate deeper you find out that they all need regular maintenance and emptying will be more often than their adverts.

So has anyone some practical advice on which is the best type of system?

Pugliese

Have you looked at the Bord na Mona Puraflo system? The only mechanical components are a pump and associated timer controls.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmkLIYn6l7U

I specified one of these for a remote rural restoration project and it seemed to work well. The initial septic tank does require periodic sludge emptying but that is no different from any other system.

Thanks Guys

JSH - The Biorock or even the Vortex from the same company look very interesting. I am going to be talking to them today. Also quite like the rainwaterharvesting system they make - no nonsense and straightforward - even I can understand it.

Will report back

Hi PeterStarck. When I had my Mantair active sludge system fitted to my existing onion septic tank, their technician mentioned that they do a lot of conversions from the BioDisk type of installation because of the mechanical problems. Your farmer friend might be interested

Given the changes to legislation re: septic tanks, and the requirement for all package treatment plants to be approved to EN12566-3, how do you gain approval from the EA for a reed bed now? My understanding is that they are working towards registration of all domestic foul treatment plants/tanks etc over the next year or so, with the aim of getting old septic tanks replaced with proper treatment plants, I presume.

The idea of exploiting private treatment plants for tax revenue seems cynical, but probably correct.......

I thought size might be an issue with a reed bed system, so I've been doing a bit of internet research. According to these people: http://yes-reedbeds.co.uk you only need 10 m² of reeds for a 4 to 6 person house, which sounds quite reasonable to me. I could pretty easily fit a 2 m x 5 m bed in the space where I'm planning to put the treatment plant, and have room for an onion tank or whatever before it. The run-off could go to the stream alongside (the EA have already approved discharge to this).

I may look at this further, as I'd disregarded reed beds on the basis that I'd need a lot more area than that.

The output from my WPL Diamond runs straight into a Klargester reed bed system and then into the ground. I think the output from the Diamond could go directly into a stream if available.

The outlet for an onion septic tank can be around a metre below ground level, although I don't know if there is a minimum depth. If you are working on a level site, you may need a pump to lift the liquor up to the next part of the treatment. If you have a pumped air system with an airlift in it already, this will continuously lift the treated water well above ground level if necessary

I am not sure if the Mantair system has the EN 12566-3 Certificate? Without it, you won't be able to get an Exemption from the Environment Agency when the current review is over. Worth checking before you buy.

I have installed two systems myself and lived with both. The first was a Klargester with rotating contactor discs. The second a Biodigester aeration plant.
The first exhibited repeated stench problems. Talking to other users they confirmed that it is common. The regional water company told me they had stopped installing more contactor disc systems due to frequent call outs (we were discussing small village treatment plants) . The aerator never went wrong at all.

Fitting was also interesting. The location of the anchors on the Biodigester meant I needed far less concrete. On the Klargester they were at the top but on the Biodigester they are near the bottom. Now call my tight fisted by why waste an extra 5 cube of concrete when you have a mountain of excavated material.

In my professional work I was on a station that had examples of the pumped circulator systems. Not recommend, they were considered a nightmare.

Posted By: dellybeanheadPugliese, Did you speak to them. What did you think?

A rather belated reply - sorry.

I did favour the Biorock system but after speaking with the suppliers it became apparent it was not suitable for our terrain. So I then concentrated on the Vortex, comparing it to other compressor systems. I ended up choosing the Vortex for many reasons but the main ones were effluent quality due in part to there recycling sludge management system, quality serviceable compressor, no concrete required with the instal and the cost. Their website explains it better http://www.crystaltanks.com/vortex_sewage_treatment_plant.html

Wise choice? We will now find out as a Vortex 10 was delivered yesterday (after the delivery driver took out a neighbours wall) - mind you it is a big b***** - might have been a bit over zealous with the sizing!