The Collection chamber

The Collection Chamber connects the homes to the vacuum sewer system. Wastewater flows by gravity from four to six homes into a collection chamber. Located above the sump is a 90mm (3")  vacuum interface valve which is pneumatically controlled and operated. As the sewage level rises in the sump, air trapped in the 50 mm diameter sensor pipe pushes on a diaphragm in the valve's controller, signalling the valve to open.

Sideview in concrete collection chanber

This occurs when 40 litres of sewage accumulates in the sump, taking a mixture of air and sewage into the vacuum mains. This mixture enters the mains at 4-6 metres per second liquid velocity which transports the sewage in the pit and any in the vacuum main quickly towards the vacuum pump station.

Collection chambers can be made out of a variety of materials, most commonly, concrete, PE, Fibreglass, or even stainless steel. Flovac will supply a pit fully fitted out to meet local conditions.

Most operators and installer prefer the new FLOVAC PE chamber which comes fully fitted with the Flovac valve and all fittings. As it is lightweight, installation is easier as is transportation. Operators prefer the new Flovac chamber as the valve is located in a separate section ensuring that they come into no contact with the sewage at any point. This partitioning of the chamber also ensures that stormwater cannot enter the system via the lid of the chamber. (Ask your Flovac representative for details)

Advanced monitoring at the collection pit can notify the operator and asset owner of a wealth of information about the system:

•     Number of valve firings
•     Information about Illegal connection of stormwater pipes or broken gravity lines with the property boundary
•     Information on wear and tear on valve parts
•     Operator warning of a problem with the valve