018316-01 – Installation & Operation Guidelines for BN BioDisc
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3.1.4 A suitable spreader bar should be used to ensure that the unit is stable and that loads are evenly
distributed during lifting. When lifting BioDisc units the spreader bar length should be equal to the
width of the BioDisc to avoid compression damage to the covers or sides of the unit.
3.1.5 Do not use chains. Do not use the U-bolts or horizontal beams on the BioDisc case for lifting.
3.1.6 Lifting equipment should be selected by taking into account the unit weight, length and the distance
of lift required on site.
3.1.7 Kingspan Environmental accepts no responsibility for the selection of lifting equipment.
3.1.8 Whenever Kingspan BioDiscs are stored or moved on site, ensure that the storage location is free of
rock, debris and any sharp objects, which may damage the unit. The BioDisc must be placed on
ground, which is flat and level to evenly support the base of the unit.
4 Site Planning
The following points should be considered before installation of the equipment:
4.1.1 The discharge must have the consent of the relevant Environmental Regulator.
4.1.2 The installation should have Planning and Building Control approval.
4.1.3 Ground conditions and water table level should be assessed. If the water table will be above the
base of the unit at any time of the year, adequate concrete backfill must be provided to avoid
flotation. In poorly draining ground, consideration should also be given to the likelihood of flotation
due to surface water collecting in the backfill. It should be borne in mind that the inlet drain trench will
act as a land drain, directing surface water to the backfill around the unit.
4.1.4 If discharge is to a soakaway, a porosity test should be carried out in accordance with BS 6297 to
assist in assessing sub-soil drainage and designing the sub-surface irrigation system.
4.1.5 The use of Borehole soakaways with Kingspan sewage treatment products is only acceptable when
the Environment Agency discharge license allows them. Borehole soakaways are not accepted
under building regs or BS6297 so it is only under special circumstances that the EA will allow such a
system. Maintenance of the borehole is essential to maintain permeability.
4.1.6 The BioDisc system must be installed at a level, which will allow connection to the incoming drain
and a free discharge at the system outlet. Effluent pumping station are available to lift the discharge
to a higher level and/or pump to remote discharge points.
4.1.7 The unit should be installed so that the bottom lip of the cover is 65mm or more above local ground
level. If the unit has to be recessed, measures must be taken to ensure that it cannot be flooded by
surface water run-off.
4.1.8 There must be at least 1 metre of clear, level ground all around the unit to allow for routine servicing,
plus adequate space to allow complete removal of the covers.
4.1.9 Adequate access must be provided for routine de-sludging and maintenance, including crane
access. Vehicles should not be permitted within a distance equal to the depth of the unit, unless
suitable structural protection is provided to the installation.
4.1.10 BioDisc covers are not suitable for walking on. Where necessary the BioDisc should be fenced off or
otherwise protected. Maintenance access must be maintained as above.
4.1.11 The drainage system connected to the BioDisc must be adequately vented in accordance with the
Building Regulations. The head of the drainage system should be connected to a stack pipe, open at
high level, so as to draw foul air from the system and sited with consideration to prevailing wind
direction. Tile vents & Air admittance valves should not be used as the sole drainage ventilation
facility, but if this cannot be avoided, the BioDisc should be independently ventilated. All inspection
points within the drain system should be sealed so as to enable ventilation at high level.
4.1.12 An adequate electrical supply must be provided, complying with current electrical regulations. The
electrical details in section 2.1.1 will enable selection of suitable cable and current overload
protection, taking into account the distance from the power source to the control panel and any other
relevant factors. In most cases steel wire armoured (S.W.A) cable, minimum 2.5 mm² will be
suitable, but this is a minimum recommendation and selection is the responsibility of the installing
electrician. Although not obligatory for an installation of this type, RCD protection is suggested as an
extra precaution.
4.1.13 Pump stations or any other associated equipment should have a separate power supply.
