High Performance Sewer System

Abstract

The system comprises one or more of the following: primary treatment units, flexible pipes, and optionally, one or more pumps. The system is designed and installed in a manner that enables the flow of liquid to be predominantly due to gravity, although one or more pumps may optionally be included at key positions. The system can be sealed and pressure tested in order for optimal performance to be achieved during operation.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A flow attenuation device comprising an outlet assembly configured to provide a more consistent flow rate of liquid and to substantially eliminate instantaneous surge loads. 
     
     
         18 . The flow attenuation device of  claim 17 , wherein the outlet assembly comprises one or more substantially vertical pipes each with an upper end and a lower end,
 one or more outlet pipes substantially perpendicular to and in fluid communication with the one or more substantially vertical pipes, wherein at least one of the one or more substantially vertical pipes comprises one or more partitions that divides the pipe into two or more sections along its vertical axis from the lower end at least until the point where the substantially vertical pipe connects with one of the one or more outlet pipes; and   a plug with one or more orifices inserted into at least one of the two or more sections at the lower end of the at least one of the one or more substantially vertical pipes, wherein liquid passes through the one or more orifices prior to entering the one of the one or more the outlet pipes.   
     
     
         19 . The flow attenuation device of  claim 17 , wherein the outlet assembly comprises one or more substantially vertical pipes each with an upper end and a lower end; and
 a plug with one or more orifices inserted into the lower end of at least one of the one or more substantially vertical pipes.   
     
     
         20 . The flow attenuation device of  claim 17 , wherein the outlet assembly comprises a tee pipe; the tee pipe comprises one or more partitions that divide the tee pipe into two or more longitudinal sections and
 a plug with one or more orifices inserted into at least one of the two or more sections that limits the flow of liquid effluent entering the plugged section.   
     
     
         21 . The flow attenuation device of  claim 17 , wherein the outlet assembly comprises a tee pipe and a restricted diameter weeping tube or siphon connected thereto. 
     
     
         22 . A sewer system for carrying sewage effluent from a source of sewage for treatment at a sewage treatment center, the sewer system comprising:
 an inlet pipe for carrying solid and liquid sewage from the source of sewage;   a primary treatment unit for receiving the solid and liquid sewage from the source of sewage via the inlet pipe, wherein the inlet pipe is sealingly connected to the primary treatment unit via a connection so as to be substantially airtight, the primary treatment unit comprising a first compartment for receiving the solid and liquid sewage and a second compartment in fluid communication with the first compartment by means of a conduit for receiving substantially liquid sewage from the first compartment, wherein liquid and solid components of the sewage are substantially separated in the first compartment and the solid components of the sewage so separated are retained in the first compartment;   a lateral sewer pipe for receiving substantially liquid sewage from the second compartment, the lateral sewer pipe sealingly connected to the second compartment;   a collection main sealingly connected to the lateral sewer pipe so as to be substantially airtight for conduct whereby the substantially liquid sewage is carried to the treatment center; and   one or more vents sealingly connected to any of the primary treatment unit, lateral sewer pipe or collection main to permit the exchange of gasses between the sewer system and external environment during operation,   
       wherein the system is substantially airtight when the vents are sealed. 
     
     
         23 . A method of designing the sewer system of  claim 22 , the method comprising the steps of:
 a) determining an impact of fluid dynamic factors on the system;   b) determining an impact of local topography and geology of an area including all local site conditions on the system;   c) determining an impact of wastewater flows per capita and existing water consumptions rates on the system;   d) determining a venting requirement of the system and an impact of number of vents, placement of vents and separation distances between vents on the system   e) determining one or more access points and maintenance serviceability requirements of the system;   f) determining an impact of different materials and techniques on the system in light of the factors identified in the previous steps; and   g) designing the layout of the sewer system in light of the factors identified in the previous steps so as to take advantage of topographical features, the features of the present system, minimize disruption to residents, and to optimize the flow capacities of the liquid through the system.   
     
     
         24 . The sewer system of  claim 22 , configured for retrofit to an existing sewer system; wherein sewage is redirected from the existing sewer system to multiple primary treatment units. 
     
     
         25 . The sewer system of  claim 22 , wherein the first compartment of the primary treatment unit comprises a conduit leading to the second compartment, the conduit comprising at least one tube; wherein the tube is positioned at an angle relative to the central vertical axis of the primary treatment unit.