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IRISH

AGREMENT

BOARD

BUILDING PRODUCT CERTIFICATION

TREATMENT SYSTEMSystemes de traitement des eauxresiduaires

Abwasseraufbere~~g

CERTIFICATE No.9610033

The Irish Agrement Board operates in association with the

National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) as the National Member of UEAtc

bathrooms, showers, kitchens and appliances such asdishwashers and washing machines.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONThis Certificate relates to the BIOCYCLE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM. This Certificate renewsand replaces Certificate No. 92/0033. MANUFACTURE AND MARKETING

The product is manufactured and marketed byBIOCYCLE LIMITED,UNIT 107, BALDOYLE IND. EST., DUBLIN 13, IRELAND.

USEFor the treatment and disposal of waste water (wastewater is defined as the waste arising from toilets,

1.1 ASSESSMENT

In the opinion of the Irish Agrement Board (IAB), the

BIOCYCLE WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM is

satisfactory for the purpose defined, and meets the

requirements of the Building Regulations 1991 as

indicated in Section 1.2 of this Certificate.

1.2 BUILDING REGULATIONS 1991

Requirement:

Dt and D2 -Materials and Workmanship

Biocycle waste water treatment tanks are made

of acceptable materials as indicated in Part 4 of

this Certificate.

H1 Drainage systemsBiocycle waste water treatment tanks are easilyintegrated with all forms of existing or newlyconstructed drainage systems to meet regulationrequirements .

H2 Septic tanksThe Biocycle Waste Water Treatment System is acombined aerobic/anaerobic system and is suitable forapplication where mainline foul water drainage is notaccessible.

The quality of treated wastewater from the BiocycleWaste Water Treatment System exceeds that of theeffluent from a septic tank.

I (52.3) I I

BIOCYCLE LIMITED ,UNIT 107, BALDOYLE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE,

DUBLIN 13. IRELAND. TEL: 01-8391000 FAX: 01-8391998

some of the activated sludge from the .next(aeration) stage of the treatment process. It isnormal for a thick crust or scum to form on thesurface of this chamber.

2.1 DESCRIPTION

This Certificate relates to the Biocycle Waste Water

Treatment System, comprising a four stage process,contained in a 2.28 m outer diameter outer tank and a0.95 ill diameter inner tank, each subdivided into two

sections giving four chambers. (See Fig. 1). The wastewater flows by gravity through each chamber in

succession. The function of each stage is describedbelow.

2) Aeration (Chamber B)The discharge from ChambeJ A flows by gravity toChamber B where the organic content is almosttotally degraded by a culture of bacteria within aprocess known as submerged aerated biologicalfiltration. Oxygen, to support the degradationprocesses, is introduced by a small air pump andthe bacteria are supported on a purpose designedsubmerged plastic medium.

1) Reception and primary treatment (Chamber A)Settlement of solids resulting in about 20-30% BOD5

load reduction occurs in Chamber A. Inorganicmaterials such as grit and sand will also be

removed by settlement. Floatable substances such

as fat and grease may be retained and any

floatables that arise in the clarification stage (see2.1(3)) will be returned to this chamber. Substantial

reduction in the volume of settled sludge occurs by

anaerobic digestion and this is assisted by adding

3) Clarification (Chamber C)The discharge from the aeration stage drains to theclarification stage (Chamber C), where separationby settlement of the biological solids, generated inthe previous stage. occurs. The settled solids are

'\~

"I M~~~i~ \~

~"' AIR PUMP

SOILPIPEFROM HOUSE

IRRIGATION

LINE

MEDIA

AIR

DIFFUSERS

Figure 1.

PRIMARYCHAMBER

BAERATIONCHAMBER

CCLARIFICATION

CHAMBER

DPUMP

CHAMBER

mainly returned to the primary treatment stage(Chamber A).

4) Pump (Chamber D)The clarified waste water drains to the sump and

from there it is pumped to the disposal location.

Disinfection of clarified waste water is available asan option.

tank and manhole cover are designed and constructed

from glass reinforced polyester in accordance with BS

4994. 1987 Specification for design and construction of

vessels and tanks in reinforced plastics. Each system

design is assembled and fitted at the manufacturer's

works with the air diffuser system, pump, plastic

support media, system internals .and pipework. Treatedwaste water disposal (irrigation) pipework and electrical

connections are completed on"site.

2.3 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND MARKING

The tanks are completed ready for delivery at the

manufacturer's works. Off-loading must be carefully

supervised using chains, steel cables or lifting barsrated in excess of five tonnes and should conform with

the requirements of the Safety in Industry Act 1980.

The manufacturer's instructions must be followed to

avoid damage to the tanks during off-loading and

placing in the excavation. A crane or other suitable

lifting equipment must be employed.

The tanks are supplied with full installation instructions

and are labelled on the outside to indicate the IAB

identification Mark incorporating the number of this

Certificate.

5) Safety AlarmsWithin the Biocycle Waste Water Treatment System

three alarms are installed as warning devices. An

alarm plate (audio/visual), is supplied to be installed

within the house. The alarm plate is similar to an

ordinary light switch with two coloured lights. Aswitch provides for the alarm to sound and to be

switched to the "mute" position when heard. The

alarm panel is incorporated into an E.L.C.B. unit

which is designed as an extra safeguard in the

event of an electrical fault. The three lights

indicate:

i) The high WATER level alarm -designed to

sound if the water level in the

irrigation/disinfectant chamber reaches acertain level. This indicates that the

submersible pump is malfunctioning .

ii) The AIR pressure alarm -designed to

sound if the blower ceases to operate, or if

the diaphragm ruptures.

iii) The POWER supply alarm will activate in

the event of a power failure to the system.

2.2 MANUFACTURE

The outer tank, tank riser section and lid are designed

and constructed from steel fibre reinforced concrete in

accordance with the requirements of AS 1546 -1990

'Australian Standard for Small Septic Tanks'. The inner

2.4 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

2.4.1 GeneralThe Biocycle Waste Water Treatment System must beinstalled in accordance with the manufacturers'instructions as laid down in the Biocycle InstallationRequirements document.

The excavation must be of sufficient depth and width toallow for safe and easy emplacement of the tank.Generally a hole of 3 m x 3 m in plan area issatisfactory. The depth will be determined by the invertlevel of the drain from the premises to be served by theBiocycle Waste Water Treatment System. The bottom of

Fig.3Typical longitudinal section throughSub-Surface Irrigation Area.Geotextile Fabric

Table 1: Required Minimum Setback Distancesfor the Location of the Biocycle Unit andIrrigation Area.

MINIMUM SEPARATION DISTANCE (m)

FEATUREBiocycle Unit Irrigation Area

311)Dwelling Served 5

Adjacent Dwelling 511) 5

3(1)Walls 1

Roads 3(1) 1

Site Boundaries 1 1

20-100(2)Drinking Water Sources 10

Water Course 3 3

[1) The depth of the excavation to accommodate the treatment systemmust be taken into consideration when determining this distance asit will be governed by the invert depth of the soil pipe where itreaches the treatment system. The separation distance should besuch that the excavation does not undermine adjacent buildings,roads or walls. This distance should not be less than 1.5 times thedepth of the excavation

(2) This separation distance should not be less than 2Om except in thecase of very free draining soils or gravels, where a minimum distanceof 4Om should be maintained The irrigation area should be downgradient of any nearby well. Where it is not possible to locate theirrigation area down gradient of any well, including those onneighbouring properties, a separation distance of at least lOOm mustbe maintained.

the excavation should be dry and level, with no sharp

rocks or large stones protruding. In the case of soft or

unstable soils it may be necessary to put in place a

levelled layer of compacted hardcore (about 200 mm) ora concrete pad (about 150 mm thick).

Care must be taken to ensure that the tank is truly

vertical when it is lowered on to the bottom of theexcavation. If it is not, it must be raised and the bottom

of the excavation relevelled until it is absolutely level.

The tank inlet port must be in line with the drain from

the premises being served.

A 6 core SWA electrical cable should be run out to the

excavation from the main supply board in the dwelling

in accordance with regulations published by the Electro

Technical Council of Ireland (ETCI). See the Biocycle

Installation Requirements document for details of the

wiring diagrams.

The excavation should be backfilled to the inlet invert

level with materials such as sand or gravel. Materials

from the excavation may be used provided rocks and

large stones are excluded. Builders rubble should not be

used. The backfill should be carefully consolidatedaround the tank. At all stages of installation, care

should be taken to avoid accidental entry of foreign

matter, (clay, stones, rubble, scrap), into the tankinterior. Except when work is taking place in the

interior, the cover should be kept in place at all times.

The lifting holes must be sealed with the plugs

provided and the surfaces sealed with epoxy resin.

Schematic sections through the Biocycle Unit and

irrigation area are shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

2.4.2 LocationThe tank should be located so that there is a safe andclear access for installation and maintenance. The tankshould not be located in any area where vehicles couldtraverse or damage it. Table 1 gives the requiredminimum setback distances from the unit and irrigationarea to various features on the site.

At least lm of overburden must be present between thehighest level of the water table or fissured bedrock andthe invert level of the irrigation system. A raised bank oftopsoil i.e. a constructed irrigation area may be requiredto achieve this (See Figure 4 and Figure 5).

the sub-surface trench. The irrigation trench shouldbe constructed in accordance with Figure 8.

2.4.3 Treated Waste Water Disposal

The extent of the treated waste water disposal area willbe based on the results of the percolation test detailedin the Biocycle Development Assessment Schedule.This is generally in accordance with that detailed inSection 15.3.2 of B.S. 6297: 1983 Code of Practice for

design and installation of small sewage treatment worksand cesspools. The physical properties of the soil, thegeneral characteristics of the site and the hygr~~licloading onto the system must also beCtakeri intoaccount. This information is supplied to Biocycle aspart of the Site Assessment Report Form. The quality oftreated wastewater from the system is also an important

consideration in designing the irrigation disposal area.

01

b) Surface Irrigation -Treated waste water is disposedunder pressures from spray nozzles on 150mm risersfixed at O.5m intervals thrGugh 32mm diameterpolypropylene/PVC pipe. The surface irrigation systemshould be located in a maintained landscaped area and

'~QQuld be constructed in aCCordance with Figure 9."or

c) Discharge to surface water -Treated wastewatercan be discharged directly or via a filter bed (SeeFigure 10) to receiving waters. A licence todischarge to waters will be required from the localauthority to comply with the Water Pollution Acts(1977 -1990), if this option is selected.

The guidelines given in Table 2 apply to both surfaceand sub-surface irrigation systems. For sites where themeasured percolation value is less than 30 (sec/mm) orgreater than 270 (sec/mm) Biocycle Limited should beconsulted regarding the design of th~ irrigation system.

In order to allow for location, access and inspection ofthe irrigation area an A.J. should be located at the endof each irrigation trench or filter bed. Each A.J. shouldbe constructed in accordance with Figure 11.

Different configurations of irrigation areas areacceptable. This also applies to sites where splitirrigation areas are needed to obtain the recornrnendedtotal area. Typical layouts of irrigation areas are shownin Figs. 6 and 7.

Details of the construction of the different irrigationdisposal area are given in the Biocycle InstallationRequirements Document.

Treated wastewater is pumped from the Biocycle unitthrough 32mm diameter polypropylene/PVC pipes to thedisposal area. The methods of disposal include:

a) Sub-surface Irrigation -Treated wastewater isdisposed of under pressure through perforated 32mmdiameter polypropylene/PVC pipe along the length of

2.5 COMMISSIONINGCommissioning will be carried out by Biocycle servicetechnicians after installation is complete and all

services are connected.

Table 2: General Guidance for the Sizing of Irrigation Area (linear metres of pipe),

Percolation Value (Seconds per mm)Population

Served 240 -27030 -60 60-90 90 -120 120 -150~

180 -210 210 -240

6530 40 45 55 754 15 20

20 30 45 55 70 80 95 1106

1508 25 40 60 75 90 110 125

Fig.4.Construction of Sub-surface IrrigationSystem for Site with High Water Table.

Irrigation Riser

Fig.SConstruction of Surface Irrigation

System for Site with High Water Table.

Fig.6Typical layout 'A' for the location ofBioCycle Unit and Sub-SurfaceIrrigation Area. A.J.

A.J. to providefor access andinspection of

Irrigation Area

A.J.s to providefor access andinspection of

Irrigation Area

A.J.'s,

Fig.7Typical Layout '8' for the location of8ioCycle Unit and Sub-SurfaceIrrigation Area.

Sub-SurfaceIrrigation AreaFeeder Pipe

BioCycle Unit

Fig.8Detail for construction of Sub-Surface Irrigation Trench System.

Fig.9Detail for construction of Surface Irrigation Area

Good Quality Topsoil

Fig. 10Construction of drained irrigation area for sitewith impervious soil and where access to watercourse is available.

15/25mm Washed Stone

Section 2.4.2., subject to any special requirements ofthe particular site.

3.1 GENERALThe Biocycle Waste Water Treatment System has beendesigned to treat domestic waste water arising from upto 8 persons. A single system may therefore be used totreat the waste water from two or three households,provided the total population served does not exceed 8persons. It is suitable for installation at sites where aseptic tank and percolation system does not afford anenvironmentally safe and acceptable means ofdisposing of domestic waste water. Such sites includethose where the water table is high and where soiltypes do not afford good percolation.

The system intentionally does not have an overflowdisposal outlet. There is a minimum spare volumetriccapacity of 2600 litres so that in the event of a pumpmalfunction it will continue to accept up to two to threedays discharge from the premises. The monitoringsystem (see 3.2.5) will have alerted the owner to themalfunction and this will normally be corrected beforeoverflow occurs. Where surface irrigation is employedthe system is designed so that any overflow will beautomatically disinfected, thus minimising the risk ofany health hazard.Where the disinfection option is employed it may be

used at sites where bacteriological contamination ofground water must also be avoided. To ensure optimumefficiency the drainage of the premises served must bechecked to ensure that storm water from roofs andpaved surfaces does not discharge to the system.

3.2 DESIGN BASISPopulation served: 8 persons

Hydraulic load: 180 litres/person/day

Hydraulic load maximum: 250 litres/hour

Organic loads: 0.05 kg BOD5/person/day

Capacities:Reception and primary treatment

Aeration chamber:

Clarification chamber:

Pump sump:Freeboard, minimum:

The system is designed and installed generally in

accordance with BS 6297: 1983 Code of practice for

design and installation of small sewage treatment worksand cesspools. Due to the high quality effluenttreatment achieved (see Table 3 of this Certificate) theBiocycle Waste Water Treatment System can beinstalled close to habitable buildings, as indicated in

2100 litres2100 litres

500 litres500 litres

2600 litres

ensures maximum contact with the waste water, thuspromoting a healthy biomass.

Design surface: 15 m2 per personInstalled surface area: 120 m2

3.2.3 DISINFECTIONDisinfection of waste water is available as an option. Asolid formulation, 70% active, of calcium hypochlorite[Ca(OCl)2] tablets is us-ed: They are retained in acontrolled release chamber so that under and overdosing does not occur. Replenishment is normallyrequired twice per year and will be carried out byBiocycle Limited as part of the mandatory inspectionand maintenance contract for each installation.

,3.2.4 WASTE WATER QUALITYTable 3: Treated waste water characteristics*

3.2.1 PUMPS

(a) Irrigation PumpsIrrigation pumps are of standard submersible typeand are selected to suit site conditions within therange -

* The concentrations of ammonia and nitrate depend on

the length of time the system has been in use. The pH,BOD, suspended solids and phosphorus concentrationswould normally be attained within a few weeks ofcommissioning .

130 Litres/minute/5m headto130 Litres/rninute/8m head

Enclosures are to IP68 in accordance with IEC 529-1989 'Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures',

All irrigation pumps use single phase 220-240 volt50 Hz motors with thermal overload protection.

3.2.5 MONITORING SYSTEMEach Biocycle Waste Water Treatment System issupplied with a monitoring system to alert the owner tomalfunctions. The tank is fitted with a liquid leveldetector which will warn of a pump malfunction. Apressure detector will warn of an air blowermalfunction. In addition, a power supply alarm willactivate in the event of a power failure to the Biocycleunit. These detectors are connected to a fault indicatordisplay unit, prominently located in the dwelling served.An audio alarm is included in the display unit.

(b) Air PumpThe air pump is designed for continuous serviceand provides long-term maintenance free operation.Enclosures are to IP54 in accordance with IEC 529-1989 'Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures'.

The design and installation of air and irrigation pumpsare in compliance with 'The National Rules ForElectrical Installations' , published by the 'Electro-Technical Council of Ireland, ETCI.

3.2.6 PIPEWORKPipework used for the fabrication of the aerationsystem, sludge return and top level skimmer is inaccordance with BS 3505: 1986 Specification forunplasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVG-U) pressurepipes for cold potable water and relevant parts of BS4346: Joints and fittings for use with unplasticisedPVG pressure pipes.

3.2.2 SUPPORT MEDIAThe media used is an inert plastic material the structureof which contributes to the stability of the process and

4.7 TESTS AND ASSESSMENTS WERE CARRIEDOUT TO DETERMINE

-Watertightness

4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTThe treated waste water from a number of workinginstallations has been comprehensively monitored for 2years. The test results show that values stated for theparameters listed in Table 3 are consistently achievable

cover a range of operating conditions. Strength of cover and frame assemblies

Strength integrity and fibre content of concrete tanks4.2 STRENGTHThe design and testing of the plant has been assessedas satisfactory. The tanks have adequate resistance tohandling stresses and the loads applied by groundpressure and internal liquid loads.

Hydrostatic assessment of the design of completetanks for internal and external. pressure loading

Quality of treated wastewater

The cover is designed for occasional pedestrian traffic. Itmust not be subject to traffic from vehicles or livestock. 4.8 OTHER INVESTIGATIONS

(i) Existing data on the history of use of previousinstallations .

4.3 WATER PENETRATIONThe plant and tank with its pipe connections when

correctly installed will not allow seepage either into orfrom the surrounding soil. (ii) The manufacturing process was examined including

the methods adopted for product quality control, anddetails were obtained of the product quality andcomposition of the materials used.

4.4 DURABILITYThe System (excepting pumps) when installed, usedand maintained in accordance with the requirements ofthis Certificate will have a life in excess of 30 years.

(iii) Site visits were conducted in Ireland to assess thepracticability of installation.

(iv) A user survey and visits to established sites wereconducted to evaluate performance in use.

4.5 CLEANING AND MAINTENANCEAll Biocycle units require twice yearly maintenance.The Certificate holder operates a maintenance systemto clean the tank components, check system operationand replenish chlorine tablets where appropriate. Aspart of routine maintenance the owner will be notifiedof any desludging requirements which should becarried out in accordance with manufacturersinstructions. At maximum the frequency of desludgingwill be once per annum. All maintenance inspectionsare recorded and notified to the Local Authority byBiocycle Limited.

(v) No failures of the product in use have been reportedto the IAB.

4.6 SAFETY4.6.1 Safety of PersonnelThe Biocycle Plant is installed below ground level and allcovers are securely fixed to prevent unauthorised access.See Figure 12. Ventilation is provided through the soilpipe and, where necessary, via the manhole cover.

4.6.2 Safety of SystemThe Biocycle Waste Water Treatment System has threealarms and provides for an air space or free boardcapacity that is capable of accepting not less than anadditional 2600 litres should the irrigation pump fail. Thisgives two to three days capacity in the averagehousehold, prior to the system overflowing. Figure 12: Installed Biocycle Unit

5.1 CONDITIONS OF CERTIFICATION

This Certificate is issued on behalf of the IrishAgrement Board By the National Standards Authority ofIreland (NSAI) and shall remain valid so long as:

(a) The product remains identifiable with the productassessed.

(b) The Building Regulations 1991 and Standardsaffecting the subject remain unchanged.

(c) The product continues to be assessed for thequality of its manufacture and marking by IAB.

(d) No new information becomes available which in theopinion of the NSAI, would preclude the granting ofthe Certificate.

(e) Where reference is made in this Certificate to any

Act of the Oireachtas, Regulation made thereunder,Statutory Instrument, Code of Practice, NationalStandards, Manufacturer's instructions, or similarpublication, it shall be construed as reference tosuch publication in the form in which it is in force

at the date of this Certificate.

(f) In granting Certification, the NSAI makes norepresentation as to the absence or presence ofpatent rights subsisting in the product and/or as tothe legal right of the CertifiCate holder to market,install or maintain the ~roduct.

(g} Any recommendations relating to the safe use of thecertified products/process, refer to the minimumstandards required to be met when the produqt isused.

They do not pu!port in any way to restaterequirements of the Safety in Industry Act 1980 orof any other statutory or Common Law duties ofcare, or of any duty of care which may in the futureexist, nor is conformity with ~uch recommendationsto be taken as satisfying the requirements of the1980 Act, or of any other present or future statutoryor Co~on Law duties of care.

(h) In granting this Certificate, the IAB is notresponsible to any person or body for loss ordamage incurred as a result of the use of thisproduct, in accordance with Article 47 of theIndustrial Research and Standards Act, 1961.

Readers may check that the status of thishas not changed by contacting the

This Certificate No. 96/0033 is accordingly granted toBiocycle Limited on behalf of the Irish Agrement Board.

;ertificatE

DATE OF ISSUE: 16 February 1996 Irish Agrement Board,NSAI, Glasnevin, Dub

J. &)":'-4.Telephone: (01) 807 3800Telex 32501.Telefax: (01) 807 3838

SignedGeneral Manager. NSAI

IRISH

AGREMENT

BOARD

Irish Agrement Board,NSAI,Glasnevin,Dublin 9.Ireland.Telephone: (01) 807 3800Telex: 32501.Telefax: (01) 807 3838.BUILDING PRODUCT CERTIFICATION