Aeration Chamber
Sewage is aerated as soon as it enters the Aeration Chamber and mixes with the aerated liquid already in the Aeration Chamber. A fine bubble EPDM air diffuser injects air near the bottom of the Aeration Chamber so that the sewage remains in a state of aerobic decomposition. This aerated liquid contains the bacterial sludge that reacts with the sewage to start the reduction process. This movement created by the injected air helps mix the sewage with the bacterial sludge and prevents sludge and sewage solids from settling to the bottom. The air discharged from the surface of the liquid in the Aeration Chamber is vented to the atmosphere through a 1 ½’ FPT connection clearly labeled VENT in black on both sides of the tank.
Clarification Chamber
The liquid displaced from the Aeration Chamber flows through small specially drilled holes at the front bottom side of the Clarification Chamber for further treatment. The suspended material and sewage solids that are too large to pass through the holes remain in the Aeration Chamber to be further reduced in size, as it continues to be mixed with the remaining aerated liquid and bacteria sludge. The liquid sludge and smaller waste material that enters the Clarification Chamber through the small holes is re-moved as the liquid flows upward through some biological filter media located inside the Clarification Chamber. Bacteria will grow on the surface of this biological filter media and produces a sticky, slimy film film that traps small particles of waste. Then the bacteria will consume the trapped particles of waste as their food supply. By the time the liquid reaches the top of the biological filter media it has passed through several layers of bacteria, ensuring that the sludge and waste removal process is completed. Any floating particles of waste that was not trapped and consumed by the bacteria that reaches the top of the biological filter media will be returned to the Aeration Chamber by means of an internal air lift pump. The clean water accumulates here until it is displaced through the crossover pipe connected to the Chlorination Chamber.
Chlorination Chamber
The clean water flowing out of the crossover pipe is directed through the PVC Chlorine Tablet Feeder located at the end of the cross over pipe. Here the clean water will come in contact with the Chlorine Disinfecting Tablets prior to entering into the Chlorination Chamber where it is held for a residence time sufficient to complete the disinfectant and final stage of the biological treatment process.
Discharge
The disinfected water is then discharged overboard through a gravity overboard discharge connection. No internal pump is required if the AHEAD TANK is installed above the water line. However, if the AHEAD TANK is installed below the water line of the vessel it will be necessary to install an Automatic Waste Water Discharge System (This unit is sold separately). Ahead Sanitation Systems Inc. recommends the BE-HIND TANK, a fully self-contained Automatic Waste Water Discharge System. The BE-HIND TANK is constructed, and designed to be connected to the discharge of the AHEAD TANK at the same gravity water flow level. The BE-HIND TANK comes complete with a Sump Pump (110 VAC or 220 VAC, single phase 60Hz), a Vertical Float Switch and Check Valve, all inside a Durable, Lightweight, Corrosion Proof and Compact, 18” X 18” X 18” LLPE polyethylene material tank.