Flovac vacuum sewerage system

Differential air pressure is the driving force in Flovac vacuum sewer systems. The vacuum sewer lines are under a vacuum of -50kPa to -70kPa created by the vacuum pumps located at the vacuum pump station.

The pressure differential between the atmospheric pressure and the vacuum in the sewer lines of 50kPa - 70kPa provides the energy required to open the FloVac valves and to transport the sewage.

Sewage flows by gravity from homes into a collection chamber. When 40 litres accumulates in the sump, the vacuum interface valve located above the sump automatically opens and differential air pressure propels the sewage through the valve and into the vacuum main.Sewage flows through the vacuum lines and into the collection tank at the vacuum station. Sewage pumps transfer the sewage from the collection tank to the wastewater treatment facility or nearby gravity manhole. There are no electrical connections required at the home. Power is necessary only at the vacuum station.

Importantly stormwater does not enter the system. This reduces the capital costs of both the reticulation network and treatment facilities as well as the energy use and maintenance costs.

As no sewage is sitting anywhere in the network for any length of time it is obvious that no septicity can occur and therefore no odours.