BIO-MICROBICS MicroFAST 0.5 User manual

FAST® Service Manual
FOR USE WITH
(NSF Std 40 & 245) MicroFAST®0.5, 0.75, 0.9, 1.5
(non-NSF certified) MicroFAST®3.0, 4.5, 9.0
(ETV/EPA tested) RetroFAST®0.150, 0.250, 0.375
NitriFAST®0.5, 0.75, 0.9, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 9.0
HighStrengthFAST®1.0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 9.0
FAST Service Manual © 2009 Bio-Microbics, Inc. Revised December 2009.
FAST, MicroFAST, RetroFAST, NitriFAST, and HighStrengthFAST are registered trademarks used under license.
MicroFAST ®
NitriFAST ®
HighStrengthFAST ®
RetroFAST ®
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SERVICE MANUAL
FOR USE WITH FAST
®
SYSTEMS:
(NSF
®
Std 40/245 cert.) MicroFAST
®
0.5, 0.75, 0.9, 1.5
(Non-NSF cert.) MicroFAST
®
3.0, 4.5, 9.0
(ETV/EPA tested) RetroFAST
®
0.150, 0.250, 0.375
NitriFAST
®
0.5, 0.75, 0.9, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 9.0
HighStrengthFAST
®
1.0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 9.0
GENERAL INFORMATION
All FAST
®
products are ETL certified for safety (electrical, environmental, etc.). One or more of the following patents protects this
process: 3,966,599; 3,966,608; 3,972,965; 5,156,742. Certified by NSF International, the MicroFAST
®
0.5, 0.75, 0.9 and 1.5
systems meets NSF Standard 40, Class 1 and Standard 245 certifications for single-residence wastewater treatment devices. If
you have questions regarding any Bio-Microbics products, please contact us:
800-753-FAST (3278) or [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
About FAST®: The FAST
®
(Fixed Activated Sludge Treatment) system uses naturally occurring bacteria (biomass) to
treat sewage for dispersal into the environment. This continuous process provides the biomass with waste (food) and air in a
suitable environment. Dead bacteria and non-biodegradable waste settle and accumulate in the bottom of the septic tank for
periodic removal.
The FAST
®
process consists of the treatment module and blower. The blower provides air to the system via the air supply pipe.
The air supply pipe and draft tube create an air lift. The air lift mixes oxygen and waste throughout the media inside the tank.
Bacteria grows on the media and digests the waste. A vent pipe expels harmless vapors created by the process.
*PLEASE NOTE: There maybe associated equipment with your system: pump(s) (before and/or after the FAST
®
unit),
distribution box, disinfection system, irrigation system, remote alarm, auto dialer, etc.
A.Blower & Housing
B.Control Panel
C.AirLine Piping
D.Vent(s) and Obs. Port
E. Access
F. FAST
®
Unit
G.Tank
H. Outlet to Drain field
A B
*
E
F
H
*
G
D
Primar
y
Zone Secondar
y
Zone
C

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
COMMON NAME
1. Blower Housing
2. Blower
3. Blower I/O Piping, Inlet Filter Assembly,
4. Blower and Housing Screws
5. Inlet Filter Element
6. Louver
7. Liner
8. Recirculation Trough
9. Air Lift
10. 4" Outlet Gasket
11. 6" Observation Port Gasket
12. 2" Air Line Gasket
13. (Optional) Foot Top
14. (Optional) Foot Bottom
15. (Optional) Foot Screws
16. (Optional) Lid (Not with MCF 4.5 or 9.0)
REGULAR SERVICE MAINTENANCE
Always secure all access covers to prevent outside people from entering the tank. Only qualified service personnel should open access ports and/or covers. Infectious
organisms exist in a septic tank. If any contact with wastewater, immediately wash and disinfect all exposed areas and contact personal physician. Failure to do so could result in
severe sickness or death. DO NOT use flame or spark near a septic tank’s access points. Gases emanating from septic tanks can explode if ignited or deadly if inhaled.
SUPPLIED
EQUIPMENT*
If replacement parts are
needed please have the serial
number ready and call the
local distributor listed on the
control panel or Bio-Microbics.
Please refer to the
Installation Manual for a
list of your system’s original
supplied parts. * Picture
shown is the MicroFAST
®
standard parts diagram.
Clear Blower Housing intake for obstructions.
Vent(s) and Observation Port -
Check for obstructions
NORMALOPERATING
CONDITIONS
SOUND
The FAST
®
system's blower
makes a constant humming
noise, much like a household
refrigerator. Under normal
conditions, the blower should last
5+ years without need for
replacement. If an unusual noise
is heard, refer to the Trouble-
Shooting Guide.
ODOR
A
musty, earthy-type of odor is
normal. However, if a sewage
odor (rotten egg smell) is detected,
refer to the Trouble-Shooting
Guide.
SIGHT
A
properly loaded and operated
FAST
®
system will produce
effluent that looks like tap water. If
the effluent is turbid, opaque, or
suddenly changes, refer to the
Trouble-Shooting Guide.

DO’S & DON’TS…...What can I put down the drain?
Please refer to the list below for important information on how to help keep your treatment system performing, as it should. Do
not put these items down the drain:
ANIMAL BONES/SKIN EGG SHELLS PESTICIDES
AUTOMOTIVE FLUIDS FILM DEVELOPING WASTE PLASTICS
BANDAGES FLOOR STRIPPER RAGS
CAT LITTER HERBICIDES RV WASTE
CAUSTIC CLEANERS HOME BREWERY WASTE SANITARY NAPKINS
CIGARETTE BUTTS MELON RINDS SOLVENTS
COFFEE GROUNDS METAL OBJECTS STICKS
CONDOMS MODELING CLAY STRING
CORN COBS PAINT THINNERS
DISPOSABLE DIAPERS PAPER TOWELS WET WIPES
RECORD KEEPING
Keep a copy of all pertinent literature (including this manual),
plans and service records about your wastewater system
along with other home appliance documents, which may
include drawings/plans of the site and all installed
equipment. Record all applicable information at the back of
this manual.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Should be performed by a qualified service company;
regular, professional maintenance is the best method for
ensuring long life for your system.
LAUNDRY/WATER USAGE
Spread wash loads throughout the week. Instead of liquid
fabric softener, dryer sheets should be used. Use low-suds,
biodegradable and low phosphate detergents. Always follow
manufacturer’s directions. A wastewater treatment system
will perform most efficiently when water consumption is
spread evenly throughout the week.
LEAKY FIXTURES
Large quantities of water are added to your wastewater
treatment system when you have leaking fixtures. Timely
detection and repair can help to maximize the life of your
system (especially the drain field).
WATER SOFTENERS CAN HARM THE SYSTEM.
The FAST® process may tolerate frequent, small
discharges. However, these discharges can possibly
damage other parts of the septic system.
FOOD WASTES
From a garbage disposal is acceptable, if allowed by your
local regulatory authority. Be aware too much food and FOG
(Fats, Oils, and Grease) through the garbage disposal may
overload or prevent the system from operating correctly.
Both natural FOG (i.e. animal fat, canola, oil, etc.) and
synthetic oils can prevent the bacteria from fully breaking
down the waste.
DISINFECTANTS/CLEANERS
Use according to the manufacturer(s)’s recommendations.
Cleaners that use sodium borate, sodium bicarbonate and
sodium carbonate are suitable for use. Products containing
quaternary ammonia sanitizers (liquid fabric softener,
commercial cleaners, etc.) or pine oil cleaners should not be
used. Use drain cleaners as a last resort to unclog pipes.
PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
Be aware that some hair care products add harmful oils and
chemicals to the system. Use anti-bacterial products and
other personal cleaning products according to product
instructions.
MEDICINES
ALL antibiotic medicines are harmful to the treatment quality.
Unused medications should be returned to your pharmacy,
doctor, or thrown away in the trash. DO NOT FLUSH THEM
DOWN A DRAIN. As the human body only absorbs ≤20% of
these substances, please notify your service provider if a
person in the house is using medicine. This could reduce
troubleshooting efforts and possibly your maintenance bill.
SEPTIC TANK ADDITIVES/ENZYMES
Should not be used; these may do more harm than good.
The natural sewage present in the system contains all
required bacteria and enzymes for proper operation.
HARSH CHEMICALS/TOXINS
Should NOT be put into the system. This includes, but is not
limited to: floor stripper, paint, solvents, thinners, caustic
cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, film processing waste, etc.
PAPER PRODUCTS
Use white toilet paper products. Some color dyes in the
paper cannot be eaten by natural bacteria. Non-bleached
paper (brown in color) takes longer to break down and can
therefore increase your bio-solids pump out frequency.

MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

TRAFFIC Check to ensure that the FAST
®
system has not been damaged due to excessive weight loading (>1,750 lb. point load). Reinforce with the
owner that only normal yard traffic (lawn mowers, etc.) is acceptable. Traffic bearing (H-20) tanks can be made for using FAST
®
(w/ feet) under
roadways.

BLOWER OPERATION DO NOT turn off the blower (unless testing alarm). Treatment quality and drain field life will be reduced. Check the blower for
proper function. Clean the blower’s inlet air filter element. The blower can be operated by a timer in certain situations. Contact your local Bio-Microbics
distributor for more information. If the blower is malfunctioning for an unknown reason, please refer to the “Troubleshooting Guide” or Blower
Replacement Section located in this manual.

ALARM PANEL AND ALARM SOUNDS The alarm has a ~10 second built-in delay. Test the audible alarm by turning the blower OFF. To silence the
alarm, use the “RESET” button on the panel’s front. If the alarm is activated for an unknown reason, please refer to the “Troubleshooting Guide” located
in this manual.

VENTS, ODORS, AND INTAKES Clear the vent(s) and blower housing intakes of any obstructions. Contact your local Bio-Microbics distributor if you
detect septic odors coming from the FAST
®
vent as this may indicate a problem with the system.

WATER QUALITY effluent should be clear and odorless. All FAST
®
systems are capable of exceeding the USEPA standard for secondary wastewater
treatment (40CFR, part 133.102) depending on how they are applied, sized, installed and operated.

BIO-SOLIDS (SLUDGE) LEVELS Scheduling sludge removal depends on the size and design of the septic tank. Check the sludge levels in both
tanks/compartments by inserting a sludge-measuring instrument and taking measurements in multiple locations in each compartment of the tank(s).
Pump both compartments/tanks if the sludge is:
1. 18” deep in the primary settling tank or is within 6” of the connection point between the settling tank and the secondary/treatment zone; and/or
2. within 3”-4” of the bottom of the FAST
®
unit in the treatment tank.
To determine the proper measurement for #2 above, measure the total liquid depth of the treatment tank (containing the FAST
®
unit) using a sludge-
measuring instrument. Take that value and subtract the height of the FAST
®
product (in the table below). The result is the total sludge storage height
available in the tank.
Model Number Module height (to the center of a 4” outlet)
27” - RTF 0.150, 0.250, & 0.375
31” - MCF, HSF, or NTF 0.5, 0.75, 0.9, 1.5, and 4.5
55” - MCF, HSF, or NTF 3.0 & 9.0
TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE:
Only qualified service personnel should open access ports/covers. If any contact is made with wastewater, immediately wash and disinfect all exposed areas and contact personal
physician. Failure to do so could result in severe sickness or death.
Avoid pumping down after periods of heavy rain or when the ground water is likely to be above the bottom of the concrete tank. Emptying the tank under these conditions could cause
the tank to float up and become dislodged.
1. Open the access ports/cover(s) and insert the hose. Be sure to pump out both settling and treatment chambers of the system.
2. Once the unit has been pumped out, immediately refill the tank with clean water to reduce the risk of the tank floating and to minimize the
impact on treatment. Close the access ports/cover(s) making sure it is watertight.
3. Properly dispose of the solids removed in compliance with local and state regulations.
COLLECTION OF EFFLUENT SAMPLE For guidance, please ask for the “Testing Protocol” document. If an effluent sample is required
for regulatory purposes, follow this recommended procedure:
1. Collect it at a free falling point after the discharge from the FAST
®
system.
2. All samples must be collected, stored, transported and tested according to the most current version of Standard Methods.
OTHER SYSTEM COMPONENTS
(if applicable)

Check LIXOR
®
PRE-AERATION DEVICE blower, inlet filter, blower housing, and air delivery system for proper function.

Check INFLUENT BIOSTEP
®
PUMP(S) for proper function. Clean the screening device by using built in swab or other method.

Check SANITEE
®
EFFLUENT SCREEN (FILTER) or other screening device. Clean by using the built in swab or other method.

DISPERSAL SYSTEM (not by Bio-Microbics) Follow manufacturer’s recommendation.
All stricter, applicable regulations
supersede these operational directions.
Always pump out both zones, even if only
one zone may require it.

SEASONAL / INTERMITTENT USE PROPERTIES
The FAST®System will function normally even if there is no wastewater flowing during short periods of vacancy. Typical examples of Seasonal /
Intermittent Use and suggested operational procedures:
Summer use property (shut down all winter) - blower should be turned off at end of summer and restarted upon return.
Weekend property (used at least once every three weekends) - maintain normal operation or utilize FAST’s SFR®blower timer feature on control panel. Consult your service
provider and local regulations prior to any system changes.
Note Before Return: If blower was shut down completely for an extended period of time (i.e. Summer use only), we suggest arranging with your local service
provider to restart the blower a week or two in advance of returning to the property. Check with local regulations.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Contact factory or local distributor for all other issues: [phone]
W
as
t
e
i
s
backing
up from
tank
Blockage in
pipe network. ¾Check all piping for blockage, including all interior tank piping and effluent piping.
Mechanical
failure of
ancillary
equipment
¾Pump is not running – have qualified person check pumping system for mechanical and/or electrical failures.
¾Pump's Level Controls are improperly set, have failed, or pump too much volume per dose. Have service provider check/adjust
pumping system.
System emits odor
(rotten egg smell)
Mechanical
failure/ Air
line break
¾Blower operating – NO, check “blower is not running” above, YES see next step
¾Proper splash in reaction chamber – NO – air line is broken, YES see next steps
Multiple issues can
contribute; the cause is
usually due to oversized
settling tank. Multiple
solutions possible.
¾Decrease settling tank volume – easiest done with a pumping system which can then pump the tank
¾Move vent – re-locate the vent to a location where the prevailing winds will catch odor.
¾Place a carbon filter on the end of the vent pipe – only use a filter that will create less than 0.1 psi of back pressure.
¾Create bio-filter vent - create a remote vent by placing a well perforated vent line in a trench with shredded bark mulch - contact local
installer
Blower runs
backwards
3-Phase installed
incorrectly power
out of phase or
¾Switch any two “hot legs” at the panel or blower
A
FTER turning OFF the power. Only a QUALIFIED electrician can do this work.
After rewiring, it may be necessary to dry the blower's internal parts.
Single-Phase
(which can run
counter-clockwise)
installed incorrectly
¾Some blowers have wires numbered "5" and "8". After turning OFF the power, switch these two wires. Only a QUALIFIED electrician
can do this work. After re-wiring, it may be necessary to dry the blower's internal parts.
Blower is
noisy
Blower noise is an
annoyance at site
¾Blower housing can be supplemented with additional sound reducing measures, contact your service provider.
¾Blower may be re-located from its current location and can be placed up to 100 ft away from unit.
Blower is
shaking or
makes a loud,
whiny noise
¾Vibration between the blower and housing
–
tighten or place rubber washers in mounting screws between blower and housing
¾Blower bearings are going bad - replace blower now or wait for it to seize up
Effluent
is dirty
Many solids
detected in
effluent
¾Toxic substance in system, check for even growth in reaction chamber
¾Pump out required
–
refer to “Bio-Solids Levels” under “Maintenance Checklist” section
¾Other
–
call service provider
Water in
blower/
housing
Water entry
from outside
¾Move blower above flood level
Blower is
siphoning
¾Check blower rotation
–
see “Blower runs backwards” section above
¾Move blower to location higher than the FAST® system
PROBLEM SITUATION POSSIBLECAUSE/SOLUTION
Alarm is activated
(sounding)
Blower
is not
running…
Please check the
following.
If problem persists, call
¾Breaker has tripped – turn blower switch ON If the switch will not stay ON, see next steps…
¾Breaker trips after 2-3 seconds – blower is over amping – electrician needs to check blower wiring.
¾Breaker trips immediately – electrical system has a short – electrician must investigate
¾Blower is seized – cooling fan will not spin freely with power OFF – replace blower – call service provider
B
lower
is
running…
Please check the
following.
If problem persists, call
service provider
¾Vent(s) or air line is blocked – remove blockage (typically water), repair to prevent blockage
¾Vent(s) is undersized – check specs for the model in use, when in doubt increase vent size
¾Liquid Level Switch (NSF Certified units only) needs adjusting
–
turn switch's Allen screw clockwise, wait ~10 seconds for alarm to
"catch up"
¾Liquid Level Switch (NSF units only) wiring
–
If wired in the same conduit as 90 VAC or higher wires (a violation of electric code
NEC/IEC), they will need to be separated.

BLOWER REPLACEMENT
All electrical work shall be properly performed by a qualified electrician per all applicable codes. Failure to do so may result in severe bodily injury or death.
Hazards exist in confined spaces such as a septic tank. All confined space precautions must be followed if entering a tank. Always keep tank openings covered
during storage and installation
If installing a new blower and/or blower housing, place the blower housing on the original concrete slab. Pass the air supply line and electrical
conduit through the concrete slab from below grade. Run the electrical supply conduit from the control panel to the desired blower location.
1. CONNECT SUPPLIED PIECES (refer to picture)
a. Longest pipe
b. Elbow
c. Air filter assembly
d. Shortest pipe
e. Reducer bushing
f.
2. SECURE BLOWER ASSEMBLY to housing base
using four supplied #14 x 1½” self-tapping screws.
Drill screws directly into blower base.
3. CONNECT AIR LINE from FAST
®
unit to blower outlet
using required piping. Blower piping to FAST
®
may
not exceed 100 ft [30.5 m] total length and have ≤4
elbows. Keep all debris out of air line.
NOTE: USE TEFLON SEALANT TAPE ON ALL PIPE
CONNECTIONS. ALL CONNECTIONS MUST BE
AIR/WATER TIGHT AND PERMANENT.
4. LIQUID LEVEL SWITCH - For NSF Standard 40, Class 1 and 245 Certified units (MCF 0.5, 0.75, 0.9, 1.5) USA/Canada installations ONLY
B. Drill a
3
/
8
” hole in the blower outlet pipe.
C. IMPORTANT: Connect low voltage wires to switch before mounting in pipe.
D. Insert the switch into the
3
/
8
” hole (nipple first), then glue into place with PVC glue.
E. Install low voltage pressure switch wiring back to the control panel according to applicable codes (must not be inside high voltage blower wiring).
5.CONNECT INCOMING POWER to the blower at junction box. Follow the FAST
®
Installation Manual for further instruction. Wiring diagrams
located at the end the Manual.
CONTROL PANEL INSTALLATION
Always have all utility lines and equipment marked by a locating service prior to performing any work.
All electrical work shall be properly performed by a qualified electrician per all applicable codes. Failure to do so may result in severe bodily injury or death.
The FAST
®
systems, including all electrical parts, are ETL (UL equivalent) certified for electrical safety. The control panel meets NEMA4X standards
for all weather use (not explosive or submerged environments).
Bio-Microbics also manufactures control panels that can control other systems, such as UV and sewage pumps. Every control panel that leaves the
factory is TRACK
®
-enabled for remote monitoring of the system(s)’ alarms (see www.biomicrobics.com for more information).
1. Examine wiring directions inside the supplied FAST
®
control panel (also found at the end of this Manual).
2. A dedicated breaker is required in the building’s master electrical panel. Make connections between the master panel and FAST
®
control panel.
3. Make connections between the blower and FAST
®
control panel per the electrical diagram.
4. For NSF Standard 40 & 245 systems ONLY, connect the Liquid Level Switch (LLS) to the control panel terminals labeled “FLOAT.”
3
c
5 1
a
2
e
d
b
4

CERTIFICATIONS
Only authorized service personnel should service a septic system and its components. Deadly hazards such as lethal gases and high voltage
electricity are associated with the system.
Introducing harmful or damaging substances into
the FAST system may void the warranty.
MicroFAST
®
0.5, 0.75, 0.9, and 1.5 systems
are tested and certified to NSF
®
/ANSI
®
40
(Class I) and 245 Standards.
ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAMS
Only the MicroFAST
®
0.5, 0.75, and 0.9 system diagrams are displayed here.
Information for larger FAST
®
systems ships with those units or can be obtained from Bio-Microbics.
AMI 110/220 PANEL (2 FRONT LIGHTS)
110VAC “CSI” PANEL W/ 3 FRONT LIGHTS
PARAMETER LIMIT
CBOD5
30 day avg. 25 mg/L
7 day avg. 40 mg/L
TSS
30 day avg. 30 mg/L
7 day avg. 45 mg/L
pH
6-9 s.u.
Total Nitrogen 50% reduction of influent

BLOWER DIAGRAMS
ATTENTION: Please refer to side of shipping box for correct Blower.
Fuji
Gast
FPZ/Lafert

LIMITED WARRANTY
Bio-Microbics, Inc. warrants every new residential FAST®system against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years after
installation or three years from date of shipment, subject to the following terms and conditions, (Commercial FAST system for a period of one
year after installation or eighteen months from date of shipment, whichever occurs first, subject to the following terms and conditions):
During the warranty period, if any part is defective or fails to perform as specified when operating at design conditions, and if the equipment has
been installed and is being operated and maintained in accordance with the written instructions provided by Bio-Microbics, Inc., Bio-Microbics,
Inc. will repair or replace at its discretion such defective parts free of charge. Defective parts must be returned by owner to Bio-Microbics, Inc.’s
factory postage paid, if so requested. The cost of labor and all other expenses resulting from replacement of the defective parts and from
installation of parts furnished under this warranty and regular maintenance items such as filters or bulbs shall be borne by the owner. This
warranty does not cover general system misuse, aerator components which have been damaged by flooding or any components that have
been disassembled by unauthorized persons, improperly installed or damaged due to altered or improper wiring or overload protection. This
warranty applies only to the treatment plant and does not include any of the structure wiring, plumbing, drainage, septic tank or disposal
system. Bio-Microbics, Inc. reserves the right to revise, change or modify the construction and/or design of the FAST system, or any
component part or parts thereof, without incurring any obligation to make such changes or modifications in present equipment. Bio-Microbics,
Inc. is not responsible for consequential or incidental damages of any nature resulting from such things as, but not limited to, defect in design,
material, or workmanship, or delays in delivery, replacements or repairs.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. BIO-MICROBICS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NO REPRESENTATIVE OR PERSON IS
AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY OTHER WARRANTY OR TO ASSUME FOR BIO-MICROBICS, INC., ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION
WITH THE SALE OF ITS PRODUCTS.
Contact your local distributor for parts and service.