BIODIGESTER SEPTIC TANK; ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
What is Biodigester Septic Tank
A biodigester septic tank is a waste and sewerage management and treatment system recommended for both residential and commercial buildings waste management.
Unlike the standard septic tanks, the solid and liquid wastes are treated before releasing into the environment.
A biodigester septic tank is a one-time waste control and management solution.
How the Bio Digester works.
The biodigester septic tank works using the biodegrading processes. It is the breaking down of organic waste matter into carbon dioxide, methane, and water.
The bacteria in the tank feed on the organic wastewater and the dark water as they come in. As a result, they become water and gas. The effluent takes about two weeks to decompose.
The methane gas is what most people call Biogas. It can be harnessed and used for cooking. However, the gas production is in small quantity except for large biodigesters.
As a result, it is released into the atmosphere as the collection is impossible. After the water treatment is complete, it leaves through the outlet for recycling or left to soak into the soil.
The water is very rich in nitrogen, therefore, excellent for irrigation purposes. Besides, the water can be used for other domestic uses like flushing the toilets.
However, water is not safe for human or animal consumption. It is also not okay for household hold. It will require further treatment.
The septic tank uses the displacement principle. The amount of wastewater flushed into the system displaces the equivalent volume from the biodigester tank to the soak drain.
Advantages of Biodigester septic Tank
Biodigester septic tank installation is Pocket-friendly.
Installing a biodigester septic tank is cheaper than constructing the old septic tank. You only have to excavate a hole and drainage trenches if the water is not recycled.
Besides, it saves money on emptying, which is now unnecessary—currently, a septic tank costs around 70,000 Kshs to install.
Biodigester septic tank creates Better Environment.
A biodigester septic tank changes the environment in so many ways. It produces no foul smell.
The water soaks into the surrounding soil, thereby increasing the amount of underground water. As a result, soil fertility rises, and crop production improves.
Besides, there is no wastewater discharge in the streets, making it cleaner and, most importantly, safe.
Biodigester septic tank has a strong structure and design.
The biodigester septic tank is built from reinforced concrete. For this reason, it is much stronger compared to other materials plastic and brick septic tanks.
Secondly, the tank already has enzymes. In addition to that, a biodigester septic tank is small and circular. As a result, it can hold pressure and stress without cracking, therefore very reliable.
In addition to this, the biodigester septic tank takes up relatively small space and produces no foul smell. It is eco-friendly.
The increasing demand for biodigester septic tanks has created job opportunities for many people, directly and indirectly.
A biodigester septic tank has full approval and recommendation from the National Environment Management Authority and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation.
It also has five years post-installation warranty, which covers faults from the manufacturer.
Types of Biodigester Septic Tank
The difference in the biodigester tanks is based on the size. The three types are:
Small biodigester
A standard biodigester tank is the smallest tank available. It can manage waste for 20 users. As a result, it is most preferable for use at a residential home.
Medium Biodigester
It is of moderate size and can hold waste from 100 people. For this reason, it is ideal for hotels, mid-size properties, apartments, and small gated communities.
Large Biodigester
It is the biggest tank and can hold the waste of up to 400 daily users. It is suitable for big establishments, shopping malls, big hotels, hospitals, schools, and estates.
Despite the above categorization, custom biodigester tanks can be constructed depending on user requirements.
Biodigester septic tank structure
The tank structural design is to ensure effectiveness and durability. The most system implies the power of gravity.
The biodigester septic system has three parts:
- Grease interceptor
- Biodigester tank
- Soakage drain.
Grease Interceptor
On getting into the system, the wastewater is divided into grey water and black water. Blackwater is sewage that has come into contact with faecal matter. On the other hand, greywater is sewage from kitchen sink and bathrooms.
Greywater has a lot of oils, fats, grease, and detergents. As a result, it is chemically unstable. For this reason, it passes over the biodigester tank and goes through the grease interceptor to remove the oils. It is because the oils can be harmful to the environment. After this, the oil-free water goes to the soak pit.
Biodigester Tank
On the other hand, black water is directed into the biodigester tank. The already present anaerobic bacteria feed on the faecal waste to rid it of the pathogens and treat the black water.
The solid waste matter settles at the bottom of the biodigester tank through sedimentation. They decompose to water and gas as a result of biological activities.
The soakage drain is a tank where treated water collects and percolates into the ground.
Biodigester septic tanks provide the best sanitation system solutions. They are easy to manage and maintain with no extra cost.
It is important to note that disposing of non-degradable waste materials into the system is not good.
Some of these materials include cigarette butts, sanitary pads, and condoms, among others. If they are disposed into the system, the system will block or fill up.
Besides, some cleaning detergents like phenyl are not appropriate for use. This is because they can harm the bacteria in the tank making it less effective.
Replace them with the recommended cleaning detergents. Other liquids like paint and solvents can also harm the bacteria. Do not flush them down.
