System design that uses vacuum

[onyeuko]

Yesterday, I attended a course organised by an infrastructure provision company(organised for staff of Acqua Ingegneria, Pisa- Italy). In the course, we were taught of a new system of wastewater disposal(the system can also be employed in the potable water supply network). It employs the usual pipe line(network). But what is interesting about it is that, instead of conveying the fluid under gravity or by pumping, they employ a technique that they called “Fognature sottovuoto” ;thus the system works under negative pressure(vacuum) which incites a cushion of air to drive the fluid through the pipe-line. This system makes it possible for one to use drastically reduced pipe sections(in comparism to the traditional system) in conveying given quantity of fluid through a network, ability of the network to meander through obstacles with ease, the possibility to lay shallower pipe-line (networks), savings in the cost of installation and operation of the system as there were no moving parts to worry of, greater flexibility as the system is based on pockets of self contained units(it can be installed to serve an average unit of 250 persons). I am convinced that this system has a great possibility of selling itself in the market place.
Does any one know more about this system? Does any one know about a soft ware that can model this system? Can we discuss it?
Teddy

 

[bimr]

Where pipeline excavation is difficult because of rock or there is limited topographic relief ie. due to flat terrain, gravity collection systems may not be practical and the sewage must be pumped through the pipeline to the treatment plant. For some low-lying communities wastewater may be conveyed by vacuum. Pipelines may range in size from pipes of six inches (150 mm) in diameter to concrete lined tunnels of up to thirty feet (10 m) in diameter.

Sewerage can also be collected by low pressure pumps and vacuum systems. Low pressure system uses a small grinder pump located at each point of connection typically a house or business. Vacuum sewer systems use differential atmospheric pressure to move the liquid to a central vacuum station. Typically a vacuum sewer station can service approximately 1200 homes before it becomes more cost effective to build another station.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewage_collection_and_disposal

http://www.airvac.com/

 

[onyeuko]

Thanks for your contribution. Do you know of any soft ware that can model, analyse and design sewer or water supply system using this approach(vacuum)
Teddy