Bionest SA-3 User manual

Owner’s Manual
SA-3 to SA-6C32
Our technology gives WATER a second life;
We ReNEWater !

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55, 12th Street, P.O. Box 10070
Shawinigan (QC) G9T 5K7
Tel. : [phone] • Toll free: 1 866 538-5662
Fax: [phone]
[email protected] • www.bionest.ca
Information in this manual is current at time of publication and intended as a general presentation of our products. As our
products are subject to constant improvements, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this manual.
We reserve the right to add, modify or change any technical specication of our products, as well as prices, without prior
notice. All trademarks shown are property of Bionest Technologies inc. and used under license. The BIONEST® technology, its
process and their use are protected under the EP 1 430 000 B1 European patent throughout the 27 countries members of the
European Patent Ofce, patents 7 578 398 and 7 582 211 in the United States, 2 461 668 in Canada, 602197 in New Zealand
and by patents pending in the United States, in Europe and according to the patent cooperation treaty.
Congratulations and welcome to the Bionest family !
You are now the owner of one of the highest performing yet simple class III (advanced secondary)
or class V (tertiary with disinfection) wastewater treatment systems on the market; peace of
mind is now yours. By acquiring a BIONEST® system, you become an important contributor in
preserving our precious Water resource for today…and for the future.
The BIONEST® system SA models respect NQ 3680-910 standard, for classes III and V. This system
is specically designed for domestic type wastewater treatment; it is therefore not intended for
converting wastewater into safe drinking water.
This document contains important operating instructions and principles, as well as your system’s
warranty certicate; please take a moment to read it carefully.
Should you require further information, please contact our After Sales team using our toll free
line 1 866 538-5662 or visit our website at www.bionest.ca.
System tested and certified by the
Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ)
according to NQ 3680-910 standard
(SA-3 to SA-6C32 models)

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Operating principles
cOmpOnents
impOrtant Operating instructiOns
maintenance
trOubleshOOting
Warranty certificate
2
6
3
4
5
1

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Operating principes
The BIONEST® advanced secondary system uses a technology which replicates an accelerated
natural purication process normally occurring in the ground. This biological process takes
place in a restricted and controlled environment removing organic and microbial pollutants
harmful to your health and the environment. This system is used for treatment of domestic
type wastewaters.
Illustration 1 : Cross-section of the treatment chain connected to the building

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BIONEST® reactor
The BIONEST® system uses a biological process consisting of a synthetic media on which clings
a bacterial biolm. The media is a non-toxic patended polymer ribbon, scored to promote growth
of the bacterial biolm.
Illustration 2: BIONEST® system components
Illustration 3: Treatment chain ow diagram with BIONEST® system
* Model may vary
Air diffusers*
Recirculation pump
BIONEST® Media
Input device*
Output device*
Primary treatment
(Septic tank)
BIONEST® reactor
Recirculation line
Efuent lter
IN
OUT
Input device*
* Model may vary

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Model designation and capacity
As required by the Regulation respecting wastewater disposal systems for isolated dwellings
(Q-2, r. 22), the BIONEST® system is certied according to NQ 3680-910 standard for six (6)
bedroom or less dwellings. Bionest offers six (6) certied models for isolated dwellings, according
to the number of bedrooms, as well as for buildings generating a daily ow between 2,161 L/d
and 3,240 L/d.
Table 2 : NQ 3680-910 certied BIONEST® systems for residential applications
BOD5C: Biochemical oxygen demand 5 days, carbonaceous
TSS: Total suspended solids
CFU : Colony forming units
* After reactivation
** Before reactivation
*** Obtained upon 12 month NQ 3680-910 certication testing
System performances
Under normal operating conditions, the BIONEST® treatment system renders performances meeting
Class III advanced secondary and Class V tertiary with disinfection (when combined with a UV
lamp) treatment requirements.
Table 1 : BIONEST® system purifying performance
BIONEST® system
Advanced secondary
Class III
BIONEST® system with UV unit
Tertiairy with disinfection
Class V
Parameter
Standard
Average
results***
BOD5C
(mg/L)
15
4
TSS
(mg/L)
15
3
Fecal coliforms
(CFU/100 ml)
200*
2**
Fecal coliforms
(CFU/100 ml)
50,000
4,000
No of
bedrooms Model Hydraulic
capacity
(L/day)
Septic tank
minimal total volume BIONEST® reactor minimal total volume
1
2
3
4
5
6
-
-
SA-3
SA-3
SA-3
SA-4
SA-5
SA-6
SA-6C27
SA-6C32
540
1,080
1,260
1,440
1,800
2,160
2,700
3,240
3.4 m3
3.4 m3
3.4 m3
3.9 m3
4.3 m3
4.8 m3
5.7 m3
6.8 m3
3.4 m3
3.4 m3
3.4 m3
3.9 m3
4.3 m3
4.8 m3
5.7 m3
6.8 m3

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cOmpOnents*
*Technical data sheets available upon request
SEPTIC TANK COMPONENT
Efuent lter
According to regulation, any septic tank must be equipped with one (or two,
where applicable) BNQ certied efuent lter. The efuent lter holds those
solid particles larger than the ltration slots, thus preventing premature
clogging of the downstream treatment system. Various efuent lter models
are used in any given septic tank.
BIONEST® REACTOR COMPONENTS
Air diffusers
Constant air supply ensures ideal conditions for the biological treatment
regardless of outdoor weather conditions. Aeration is provided by air diffusers
(exibles or rigids) which are connected to one or several diaphragm aerators
(air pump).
Aerator (air pump)
The aerator (air pump) supplies oxygen to the treatment system and must
remain operating at all times. A slight humming sound is emitted when the
pump is functioning. In case of a malfunction, the alarm will go off (see the
troubleshooting section for details).
Energy consumption :
HP-80 model : 71 Watts; HP-100 model : 75 Watts; HP-200 model: 250 Watts
Recirculation pump
A recirculation pump is installed inside the BIONEST® reactor’s last compartment
and returns part of the treated efuent back to the septic tank inlet. This
ensures several contacts between wastewaters and purifying bacteria, thus
improving the treatment performance level.
Energy consumption : 12 Watts

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Red indicator
lights
Green
indicator light
Alarm
The BIOLARM® control system detects any malfunction of the BIONEST® system’s electrical
components, such as the recirculation or aerator (air pump). It also signals any abnormality
related to a high water level detected by the BIO-UVTM, the BIO-PUMPTM or by an efuent lter
high level oat, where applicable.
This system connects into a 120 V outlet and beeps in case of a malfunction. A green indicator
light signals the BIOLARM® is functioning while two (2) red lights indicate the reason for the
alarm.

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BIOLARM® electrical diagram
The BIOLARM® is equipped with a «relay» type terminal for connecting another alarm unit such
as a residential alarm system, a light bulb, an emergency light, etc.
BIOLARM® relay terminal diagram
Identication plate
An identication plate located on the BIOLARM® casing of your SA system shows your system’s
own specications; please make sure you have this information on hand whenever you call
Bionest.
Your BIONEST® system
serial number

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peripheral cOmpOnents
One or more of these peripheral components
may complete your system
BIO-R+TM
The BIO-R+TM is a casing installed outside the building, which shelters the
BIOLARM® and the aerator (air pump) supplying the BIONEST® system. The
casing may be secured to a concrete wall or installed on a post, rmly secured
in the ground.
BIO-PUMPTM integrated pumping system
The integrated pumping system is preassembled and installed in the last
compartment of the BIONEST® reactor. This system can pump treated waters
to a polishing eld or other discharge point at a higher point than that of the
BIONEST® reactor; this eliminates the need for an external pumping station.
Inside the reactor, a high water level oat with alarm (BIOLARM®) signals an
efuent pump failure.
BIO-UVTM ultraviolet ray disinfection unit
The integrated BIO-UVTM disinfection unit is preassembled and installed in the
last compartment of the BIONEST® reactor. Treated water is gravity drawn. The
BIOLARM® visual and sound alarm is activated in case of a UV lamp failure or a
high water level in the reactor. Ultraviolet rays penetrate fecal coliforms for an
efcient destruction reaching a quality level above swimming water standards.
UV treatment caters to various problematic situations such as small ground
area, clay soil or difcult compliance-related situations.
Energy consumption : 45 Watts
Total head in meters
Litres / Minute

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impOrtant Operating instructiOns
To ensure proper and efcient functioning of your septic installation, maximize its useful life and
protect the environment, it is important that these instructions be respected. They can prevent
potential problematic situations, such as backows, system degradation and foul odors, due to
misuse.
As a septic system Owner, it is mandatory that you respect all applicable regulation in effect,
namely regarding the system’s maintenance and discharge standards as well as any discharge
into the environment.
Before starting the aerator and recirculation pump, make sure the septic tank and
BIONEST® reactor are completely lled with clear water.
Using your system when the air pump is not operating may cause serious
consequences (exterior odors, clogging of polishing eld, warranty cancellation).
Discharge from a water softener or other potable water treatment device into
the biological wastewater treatment system such as a septic installation is not
recommended. Warning !This is forbidden, in the case of a tertiary treatment system.
The following instructions are applicable for all existing septic installations and are based on
recommendations from the Ministry of the Environment. For more details, you may refer to the
MELCC « Guide de bonnes pratiques » (French) at:
https://www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/eau/eaux-usees/residences_isolees/Guide-bonnes-
pratiques-proprio-dispositifs.pdf
Prohibited products
Products such as the following should NEVER be disposed of in a septic
installation (nor directly into the tanks, nor from your toilet cabinets, sinks,
oor or garage drains).
• Paints (latex, acrylic or alkyd), plaster and solvents. Do not rinse
paint brushes in any sanitary facility
• Caustic clog removers (Liquid-Plumr®, Drano®, etc.)
• Petroleum products, waxes and resins, oils and greases (domestic and/or industrial)
• Wastewaters from a recreational vehicle
• Large quantities of household cleaning products or chlorine bleach
• Large quantities of antibacterial products (hand or dishwashing soaps)
• Automatic toilet or shower cleaners
• Pesticides
• Septic tank additives
• Any non biodegradable object (disposable wipes, cigarette butts,
sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, etc.)

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Use of a waste disposal unit is not recommended as it increases suspended solids and
soluble organic load, causing premature clogging of the efuent lter and BIONEST®
reactor.
Backwash from a spa or pool must not be directed to a septic installation. Also,
precipitation and rainwaters, from drainage pipes and gutters, etc, must not be
directed to the septic installation.
Nondomestic waters must never be directed to the septic installation.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN ODOR PROBLEMS,
WARRANTY CANCELLATION AND/OR POSSIBLE COSTS RELATED TO IMPROPER
USE.
IT IS FORBIDDEN :
To alter the conguration of your septic installation and/or of your BIONEST® treatment system.
Should you engage in any landscaping activity, please inform your contractor of the location of
your septic installation to avoid any damage.
To plant trees less than 3 m from your septic installation.
To place objects weighing over 200 kg such as soil, rock or snow piles less than 3 m from your
septic installation’s location and pipes.
To drive or park any vehicle less than 3 m from your septic installation.
To build a permanent installation over the septic installation, unless it has a 1,75 m minimum
height clearance.
ATTENTION : CONFINED SPACE SAFETY HAZARD
It may be extremely dangerous, even deadly, to totally or partially
enter a septic tank, pumping station or any conned space of a
wastewater treatment system, without the required protection
equipment and without knowledge of the conned space work and
safety instructions set by a qualied trade person.
(MDDELCC, information sheet, September 2006)
Any contact with wastewaters constitutes a biological hazard.

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The owner must not open any of the BIONEST® reactor covers to perform any
modication or intervention nor handle its components without prior authorization
by a Bionest authorized representative.
SERIOUS ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD
• Power supply must always be disconnected prior to handling any of the BIONEST® system’s
electrical components.
• Grounding reduces the risk of electrocution. The BIOLARM® and aerator (air pump) are equipped
with a cord and grounding plug. The plug must be inserted into a grounded outlet according
to applicable codes and local regulations.
• There are underground pipes and electrical wires close to your septic installation. BEFORE
digging or undergoing any work within this area, please contact your installer.
• Power supply must always be cut off prior to any maintenance activity on any BIONEST®
electrical component.
• To prevent electric shocks, precautionary measures are required, as water travels
through this system when operating. Do not attempt any repair; contact Bionest for assistance.
• Do not operate the system if the electrical cord is damaged or shows any sign of wear.
• Never use the system for other uses than those for which it was installed. Do not use accessories
which are not recommended as this may create a dangerous situation and/or reduce the
efciency of the disinfection process.
Warnings - UV disinfection unit and lamp
Never look directly at a UV lamp while operating. The light produced by the lamp may
cause serious damage to unprotected eyes and burns to any unprotected skin area.
SEASONAL AND INTERMITTENT USE
The BIONEST® system is designed to provide adequate operation even without supply of
wastewaters for a prolonged period of time. Power supply must thus not be interrupted when the
system is used on an intermittent basis (period of use with short periods without wastewater
supply).
For seasonal use (ex. : summer cottage) and in cases where the system will not be used for
more than a six consecutive week period, the system’s aerator (air pump) power supply may be
disconnected. The aerator (air pump) must however be restarted upon return of the occupants.
For a system with UV disinfection, contact Bionest for details.
DANGER
DANGER

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maintenance
OWner’s respOnsibilities
The owner of a BIONEST® wastewater treatment system must comply with the Regulation
respecting wastewater disposal systems for isolated dwellings (Q-2, r.22), and the Environment
Quality Law, which state that the owner of a wastewater treatment system must, at all times,
have a binding contract with the system manufacturer. Also, for a system serving a six (6)
bedroom or less dwelling or a building with a daily ow rate lesser than or equal to 3,240L/day,
a copy of the maintenance agreement must be sent to the local authorities on which territory
the system is installed.
Advanced secondary and tertiary with UV disinfection treatment systems
The maintenance agreement for a BIONEST® advanced secondary treatment system includes one
(1) yearly maintenance visit of the system and its components. The maintenance agreement for
a BIONEST® UV disinfection tertiary system includes two (2) visits per year. This maintenance
agreement does not however exempt the owner from complying with applicable regulation
requirements in effect, namely the system’s discharge standards and any discharge into the
environment. The owner must also use and maintain his BIONEST® treatment system according
to guidelines provided in this manual.
Once the maintenance has been completed, a copy of the maintenance report will be
given to you. In case of a system with UV disinfection, a copy will also be sent to
your local authorities.
The BIONEST® system must remain accessible at all times. It is your responsibility to provide
quick and easy access to all covers1upon interventions
Please note that charges will apply should the person (or his/her
representative) who has conrmed a date and time for a visit by a
Bionest authorized representative not be present upon arrival of the
Bionest authorized representative.
1Charges will apply if all covers are not clear upon arrival
of our technician. All covers, as well as 10 cm all around
them, must be cleared.

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Septic tank
Efuent lter
Upon the maintenance visit, the Bionest authorized representative will clean the efuent lter.
Cleaning of the efuent lter is normally required twice a year, but may require additional
cleaning, should an important deposit be noticed on the efuent lter.
Emptying
For a system serving a six (6) bedroom or less dwelling or a building with a daily ow rate less
than or equal to 3,240 L/day, you have a legal obligation to comply with the Q-2, r. 22 Regulation
respecting wastewater disposal systems for isolated dwellings which states that, for a building or
residence used on a regular basis, the septic tank must be emptied at least once every other year
and, for a building or residence used on a seasonal basis, the septic tank must be emptied at least
once every four (4) years or when sludge accumulation is equal to or exceeds 30 cm or when the
foam layer thickness is equal to or exceeds 12 cm. Your municipal authorities may have adopted
a specic by-law regarding the cleaning of septic tanks which involves their annual inspection.
Pumping of any septic tank must be performed by a specialized rm.
WHEN EMPTYING OF THE SEPTIC TANK, PLEASE DISCONNECT THE BIOLARM®
POWER SUPPLY; THIS WILL STOP THE RECIRCULATION PUMP AND ALARMS. ONCE
THE EMPTYING IS COMPLETE AND BEFORE RECONNECTING THE BIOLARM®, MAKE
SURE THE SEPTIC TANK IS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH CLEAR WATER.

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BIONEST® reactor
Aerator (air pump)
The lter of each aerator (air pump) must be cleaned periodically. According to the aerators (air
pumps) location (dusty area), a more frequent cleaning by the owner may become necessary; a
clogged lter may cause overheating or pump failure. To clean the air lter:
1. Disconnect the aerator (air pump) and BIOLARM® power supplies.
2. Remove the aerator (air pump) cover by unscrewing the screw and pulling on the cover.
3. Remove and clean the lter. If required, clean with soapy water. If cleaned with water,
make sure the lter is well rinsed under clear water and dried thoroughly before
putting it back into place.
4. Install the lter and cover making sure the seal joint is positioned correctly.
Replace previously removed screw.
5. Turn on aerator (air pump) and BIOLARM® power supplies.
Attention : Please make sure the aerator (air pump) is installed in a well ventilated room,
away from dust.
Screw
Cover
Filter
Pump casing

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BIO-UVTM
The unit’s casing is equipped with a visual display indicating the lamp’s remaining useful life
duration and total number of days used; it also indicates if the UV lamp is not functioning and
must be replaced. After a twelve (12) month period, the BIOLARM® alarm will be activated,
indicating the lamp must be replaced in order to ensure maximum efciency. It is imperative
that a lamp which has reached a 12 month operating period be replaced; such replacement must
be performed by an authorized Bionest representative.
After a six (6) month operating period of the UV lamp, it will also be cleaned by an authorized
Bionest representative.
BIO-R+TM
• BIO-R+MC must be accessible at all times.
• Vent holes must remain clear of any obstruction.
• NOT be buried.
• Free space required below the BIO-R+ : Minimum 30 cm (12 in.)
• Safe from snow or ice accumulation (from a roof, snow blower, shovelling, etc.)
must be left on the casing.

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trOubleshOOting
WHAT TO DO
IF... Possible cause is : First step : If problems
persists :
I notice abnormal
odors around
the building
Often caused by a defective
or inadequate vent
I make sure the
building is equipped
with an adequate,
functional, unclogged
and undamaged vent
I contact Bionest
I notice a
backflow
Home plumbing or effluent
filter is clogged or septic tank
needs to be emptied
I contact my plumber;
I proceed with cleaning
my effluent filter,
if needed I contact Bionest
I notice ground
flooding
Ground is low permeable or
flood prone; there is a leak
in a tank or pipe; polishing
field is clogged
I immediately contact my installer
Your BIONEST® treatment system is equipped with an alarm system installed inside or outside
the building. This alarm signals a problem with the air or recirculation pump or with an auxiliary
such as the BIO-UVTM or the BIO-PUMPTM. If the alarm goes off, press the «silence» button and
call Bionest immediately at 1 866 538-5662.
NOTE : Bionest’s responsibility is limited to the BIONEST® system components. Bionest is not
responsible for on-site installation of said components.
BEFORE CALLING BIONEST, PLEASE REFER TO ABOVE INDICATIONS : IT COULD SAVE YOU THE COST
OF A SERVICE VISIT.
Please note that charges will apply should the person (or his/her representative)
who has conrmed a date and time for a visit by a Bionest authorized
representative not be present upon arrival of the Bionest authorized representative.

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AIR / AUX. ALARM
Visual and sound alarm
Single flashing indicator
•))))
Low pressure in the air
supply line
Low pressure in the air supply
line AND auxiliary problem
To stop alarm Press the "Silence Air" button.
The indicator stays on and a
reminder sound alarm will go off
after 48 hours
Problem Action to be taken
Contact Bionest
Reduce water consumption and
contact Bionest immediately
Reduce water consumption and
contact Bionest
Double flashing indicator
•)) ))
Continuous indicator
Auxiliary (UV)

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WATER / EAU / HIGH LEVEL
VISUAL AND SOUND ALARM
Single flashing indicator
•))))
Water recirculation pump
stoppage Contact Bionest
Double flashing indicator
•)) ))
High water level inside tank Reduce water consumption
and contact Bionest immediately
Reduce water consumption
and contact Bionest
Continuous indicator Water recirculation pump
stoppage AND high water
level inside tank
Contact Bionest immediately
To stop alarm Press the "Silence Water"
button. The indicator stays on
and a reminder sound alarm
will go off after 48 hours in
case of a high water level in
the reactor
PROBLEM ACTION TO BE TAKEN