Vacuum drainage system
Vacuum Drainage Systems have become a popular alternative to conventional gravity drainage systems. They offer a flexible and modern approach to building design, and are increasingly being used in high-end buildings globally.
However, it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of both systems before deciding.
- Sustainable
- Hygienic
- Space-saving
- Flexible
The benefits outweigh the cons of Vacuum Drainage Systems, making it a popular choice for high-end buildings globally.
Components
A vacuum drainage system consists of a Vacuumarator® pump, a control panel, vacuum piping, and vacuum toilets (VC™).
The Vacuumarator® pump is the most reliable vacuum generator available for vacuum systems. Greywater tanks can be used to connect washbasins, sinks, and showers to vacuum drainage systems. Vacuum toilets are white porcelain toilets that look and function like conventional toilets. They are operated using a single button, making them simple and intuitive to use.
In contrast, conventional gravity drainage systems use large-diameter piping to ensure that wastewater flows away from the building by gravity. These systems require vent pipes to maintain airflow and wastewater flow, which can increase coordination requirements, structural penetrations, and pipework.
Sustainability
One of the main advantages of Vacuum Drainage Systems is their water efficiency. Vacuum toilets (VC™) use significantly less water per flush compared to conventional toilets, thus reducing water consumption.
In a typical office building, a vacuum toilet uses only 1 liter (or less depending on the toilet model) compared to a conventional toilet that uses between 4-6 liters per flush. This means that a vacuum toilet can save up to 57 million liters (about 15057804 gal) of drinking water throughout of the building's lifespan. This makes it an environmentally friendly option.
Hygiene
Vacuum toilets are known for their superior hygiene as they use a vacuum to draw the waste away and have lower risk when it comes to bioaerosol generation.
This means that the release of germs through the air causing disease or surface contamination is minimal on a vacuum toilet (VC) compared to a traditional gravity toilet.
Also, vacuum systems are completely closed, allowing no unwanted items or animals from the sewer to enter the toilet bowl.
Space-saving
Vacuum pipework is much smaller in diameter than gravity piping and horizontal runs of vacuum pipework can be installed flatter compared to gravity drainage.
Vacuum drainage pipework can be (is often) routed into ceiling void. This means that more space can be used for other purposes, and there is less need for additional vent pipes, making the coordination of pipework much simpler.
Flexibility
Vacuum drainage systems provide greater flexibility in office buildings. Small-diameter pipework and flexible routing in ceiling or floor voids make both installation and future modifications easier, without affecting the floors below.
Connections from kitchenettes, tea points, and other appliances can be routed in ceiling or floor voids. This helps avoid wet services in sensitive areas below and allows appliances to be installed in areas without existing drainage pipes.
The small-diameter vacuum pipes can also be routed around ducts and structural beams. This makes it possible to place new or retrofitted appliances almost anywhere within the floor area.
A single central pump located in the basement can serve the entire building. This simplifies maintenance compared to using multiple pumps for separate kitchenette areas.
Investment and maintenance
Introducing Vacuum Drainage Systems, which despite higher installation costs for smaller systems, offer lower maintenance needs and fewer blockages than Conventional Gravity Drainage Systems.
The installation of Vacuum Drainage Systems can be more expensive than Conventional Gravity Drainage Systems for smaller systems, which can make it a less attractive option for some.
Although Vacuum Drainage Systems require less maintenance and would attract less blockages compared to Conventional Gravity Drainage Systems, they still need to be maintained regularly.
Vacuum Drainage Systems are a better choice when it comes to environmental sustainability, hygiene, and Return on Investment. It also offer greater flexibility in building design and are a more space-saving option.
Although many think the initial investment is higher, this often proves to be a more economical solution when all elements are considered (savings in water consumption, labor, and materials).
Contact JETS
Feel free to contact us in order to get advice and information on how Jets® can be adapted to your project.
Follow us on LinkedIn
On LinkedIn, you see more about how JETS is adapted in different industries.
