Tricel Puraflo Series User manual

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125 Rev 4 Jan 2019
Tricel®Puraflo 1-50
Wastewater Treatment Plants
Engineering a green future

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Contents
Contents......................................................................................................................................................... 2
1 Health & Safety Precautions ................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 General ......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Electrical/Maintenance ............................................................................................................. 7
1.3 Installation:................................................................................................................................... 7
2Introduction: Tricel Puraflo ................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 How a Tricel Puraflo Plant works: ................................................................................................. 9
2.2 Tricel Puraflo: Typical Layout ........................................................................................................ 10
2.2.1 Plan view of Typical Tricel Puraflo Secondary System ........................................................ 10
2.2.2 Plan view of Typical Tricel Puraflo Tertiary System ............................................................ 10
2.3 Tricel Puraflo Applications.......................................................................................................... 11
2.3.1 Secondary Treatment.............................................................................................................. 11
2.3.2 Tertiary Treatment.................................................................................................................. 11
3Tricel Puraflo Range ................................................................................................................................ 12
3.1 System Specifications................................................................................................................. 12
3.2 System Components ................................................................................................................... 12
3.2.1 Tricel Puraflo Module.............................................................................................................. 12
3.2.2 Effluent Filter (secondary treatment only) ............................................................................. 13
3.2.3 Pump ....................................................................................................................................... 13
3.2.4 Pipework ................................................................................................................................. 14
3.3 System Layout Drawings:................................................................................................................. 14
4Transportation & Lifting........................................................................................................................... 16
5Installation............................................................................................................................................. 16
6Commissioning ....................................................................................................................................... 16
7Disposal of Treated Water ....................................................................................................................... 17
8Maintenance.......................................................................................................................................... 17
8.1 Regular Maintenance...................................................................................................................... 17
8.1.1 Septic Tank (If applicable)....................................................................................................... 17
8.1.2 Wastewater Treatment Plant (If applicable) .................................................................... 17
8.1.3 Effluent Filter (If applicable)................................................................................................... 18
8.1.4 Pump Chamber (If applicable)................................................................................................. 18
8.1.5 Control Panel .......................................................................................................................... 19
8.2 Annual Service(Available from your supplier) ..................................................................................... 20
8.3 De-sludging ................................................................................................................................... 20

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9Operating Conditions .............................................................................................................................. 21
9.1 Conditions: .................................................................................................................................... 21
10 Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................... 23
10.1 Plant Operation........................................................................................................................... 23
10.2 Odours ........................................................................................................................................ 24
11 Certification ........................................................................................................................................... 25
11.1 Declaration of Performance - Tricel Puraflo with Tricel Fortis ............................................................... 25
11.2 Declaration of Performance – Tricel Puraflo with Tricel Vento................................................... 28

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1 Health & Safety Precautions
This manual contains basic information on the installation, operation and maintenance of the Tricel
Puraflo wastewater treatment system. For this reason, it is essential that these instructions are
carefully read and understood before installation or commissioning by both the installation crew as
well as those responsible for the operation and maintenance of the system. This manual should be
readilyavailableatthelocationofthesystem.Itistheresponsibility ofthe homeowner toensurethat the
wastewater treatment system is operated and maintained correctly and in a safe manner at all times.
As safety and security are of vital importance, the following aspects are critical:
1.1 General
• Ensure that all the information contained in this manual is adhered to at all times.
•
Treatedwastewateris notsuitablefor humanconsumption . It is unhealthy for humans, pets, and
wildlife to drink or come in contact with surface or ground water contaminated with sewage.
•
It is importantthatlocksare fitted to the lid to preventaccidentalaccess.
•
Neverenteratank,unless qualifiedtodoso.
•
Nakedflamesshall not be used in the vicinityof the tank due tothedangerof combustion.
•
The manhole covers shall never be left off an unattended tank. Always lock the covers of the
plant whenwork is completed.
•
Sewage and sewage effluent can carry micro-organisms and gases harmful to human health.
•
Any person carrying out work on the wastewater treatment system must be appropriately
trained.
•
Suitable protective clothing; including waterproof/abrasion-resistantgloves, overalls, safety
footwear, eye, ear and respiratory protection, goggles (face visors are particularly effective
againstsplashes) should be worn at all times. All protective clothing must bein goodcondition
and befit for its intended purpose.
•
Always remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment after working with
wastewater treatment plants.Wash hands and face prior toeating,drinkingorsmoking.
• Wastewater treatment plants contain very low levels of oxygen. Hydrogen sulphide, methane,
carbon dioxide and other
life-threatening gases are also present. Tanks have manholes
covers to provide access to the tank only in times of cleaning and inspecting the tank from
outside.The manhole covers must always be in place and secure.
• Keep vehicles and other heavy equipment away from the wastewater treatment plant and
percolation area.
• Erect a safety barrier around open manholes to prevent anyone from accidently falling down
the manholes.
• Keepchildrenawayfromthesepticsystemwhenitisbeing workedon.
• Donot smoke near wastewater treatment plants. Combustible gases could be present and cause
an explosion.
•
Contact a plumber or other qualified person if you smell 'sewer gases'. They can identify the
sourceand correctit immediately.
•
The sewage treatment process uses many beneficial microorganisms, like bacteria, in the
treatment process.
However, the plant also contains harmful bacteria, viruses and disease-
organisms.
Liquid and solid contents of the septic system are capable of causing infectious
diseases.

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1.2 Electrical/Maintenance
•All electrical work to be carried out by competent persons using suitable materials for the
application.
•Do not open the Tricel Puraflo alarm cover without firstly isolating the mains power.
All power
isolation switches should be turned off [Follow Lock-out/Tag-Out Procedure] before any
maintenance/inspection work is done at the wastewater treatment plant.
•Never use electrical lights, appliances or power tools in or close to water or wet ground near the
septic tank or percolation area. This can result in electrical shock or explosion.
•Electrical work must be carried out strictly to the manufacturer’s instructions and to the relevant
national rules for electrical installations.
All connections to the control panel should only be
made by competent qualified personnel. If a cable is damaged, it should be replaced
immediately to prevent electrical shock or damage to the electrical equipment. All electrical
connections are completed on site.
•When working with machinery/electrical equipment, proximity of water shall be noted. Electrical
equipment shall not be wet when working with it.
•
There is potentialdanger whende-sludgingand thereforethis shall neverbe done alone.
•
A wastewater treatment system that fails to fully treat sewage due to poor maintenance or
overloading may allow excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) to reach nearby lakes and
streams, promoting algae and plant growth. Algal blooms and abundant weeds may make lakes
unpleasant for swimming, boating, and other water-based activities. This plant growth can also
affect water quality for fish and wildlife habitat. As plants die and settle to the bottom, they are
brokendown bybacteria that use upoxygenthatfishneedtosurvive.
•
Itistheresponsibilityoftheownertoensurethatthewastewatertreatmentplantisoperatedand
maintained correctly at all times.
• It is advised that the owner enters into a yearly Service Agreement to ensure the correct
operationoftheirwastewater treatmentplant.
1.3 Installation:
• Excavationwork shouldbe plannedwith dueregardto healthandsafetyrequirements.
• Septic tank should also be properly vented in accordance with the tank manufacturer’s
guidelines.
•
Excavated material should either beshoredor batteredbacktoa“safe”angle.
•
Use appropriate liftingequipment.
•
Careshouldbetakenaroundgroundsworkmachinery.
•
Keepproper footing and balance at all time.
•
Tricel Puraflo modules are supplied with ropes for lifting purposes. The modules are designed
for a single lift when placing them in position.

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2Introduction: Tricel Puraflo
Tricel Puraflo is a modular wastewater treatment system which can cater for large or small populations. It is
a flexible system which can treat effluent from one-off domestic houses, small communities and light
commercial applications through the implementation of additional Puraflo modules.
The Tricel Puraflo system uses peat fibre to break down the effluent making this type of treatment system
popular, using little to no energy. The Tricel Puraflo system works in conjunction with your septic tank or
wastewater treatment plant.
The wastewater is distributed evenly over the top of the peat filter, using a
specially designed pipe network, to ensure optimum performance. Through a combination of biological,
chemical and physical processes the peat treats the wastewater as it filters through.
The Tricel Puraflo is
designed such that maintenance requirements are minimised whileatthesametimeeffectivelytreating
effluent.
The Tricel Puraflo can be implemented as secondary or tertiary treatment as part of a complete
wastewater treatment system.

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2.1 How a Tricel Puraflo Plant works:
Typical Tricel Puraflo System
Stage 1
Liquid effluent is pumped, by submersible pump, intermittently on- demand to the Puraflo modules.
Stage 2
Effluent is distributed evenly onto the peat filter via a distribution grid at the top of each Puraflo
module.
Stage 3
Liquid effluent undergoes treatment as it filters through the bio-fibrous peat in the Puraflo modules.
Stage 4
Highly treated effluent can be sampled at the in-built sample chamber.
Stage 5
Treated wastewater flows from the outlet of the sampling chamber and is discharged to a percolation
area/polishing filter.

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2.2 Tricel Puraflo: Typical Layout
2.2.1 Plan view of Typical Tricel Puraflo Secondary System
1
Manhole Cover – Inlet to Septic Tank (access to inlet tee)
2
SepticTankVentPipe withCowl.Vents mayvarydependingonseptictank.
3
Manhole Cover – Outlet from Septic Tank (access to filter) *
4
TricelPuraflo Kiosk (contains control panel & alarm)
5
Manhole Cover – Tricel Puraflo Pump Chamber
6
Tricel Puraflo Modules – Number of modules depend on loadings
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Sampling Chamber
8
DistributionBox– Flowing topercolationarea/pumpchamberto discharge treated liquid.
* Some septic tanks may only have one manhole cover.
2.2.2 Plan view of Typical Tricel Puraflo Tertiary System
1
Manhole Cover – Inlet to wastewater treatment plant (access to inlet tee)
2
Manhole Cover – Outlet from wastewater treatment plant *
3
Tricel Puraflo Modules – Number of modules depend on loadings
4
Sampling Chamber
5
DistributionBox– Flowing topercolationarea/pumpchamber to discharge treated liquid.
* Some wastewater treatment systems may only have one manhole cover.

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2.3 Tricel Puraflo Applications
Tricel Puraflo modules can be used in secondary and tertiary treatment applications. The appropriate
treatment depends on the level of treatment required, the flow rates and the area available on site for the
installation.
2.3.1 Secondary Treatment
• For secondary treatment, the Tricel Puraflo is used in conjunction with a septic tank.
• A Tricel Puraflo secondary treatment kit comprises of an effluent filter (must be fitted
to the septic tank) a pumping chamber with control & alarm kiosk as well as the Puraflo
modules with a sampling chamber.
2.3.2 Tertiary Treatment
•Environmentally sensitive sites or sites that are restricted in terms of space, often require a higher
level of treatment. This is achieved by passing the secondary treated wastewater through the Tricel
Puraflo modules, within which the wastewater is treated to a higher treatment level this is known as
tertiary treatment. Tertiary treatment will achieve very high-level pathogen and nutrient reduction.
•A Tricel Puraflo tertiary treatment kit consists of a pump with control and alarm kiosk, the Puraflo
modules as well as a sampling chamber.

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3Tricel Puraflo Range
3.1 System Specifications
Tricel Puraflo is a flexible system for treating wastewater. Tricel Puraflo systems are implemented in zones
and each zone contains multiple modules, as outlined in the table below.
In systems comprising of multiple zones, the wastewater is pumped to each zone sequentially ensuring equal
dispersion and optimum treatment.
PE
No. Zones
Per System
No. Modules
Per Zone
Total No.
Modules
1-6
1
2
2
7-9
1
3
3
10-11
1
4
4
12-15
3
2
6
16-21
4
2
8
22-24
3
3
9
25-27
5
2
10
28-33
6
2
12
34-42
5
3
15
43-45
4
4
16
46-50
6
3
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3.2 System Components
3.2.1 Tricel Puraflo Module
Dimension
Unit
Value
A
mm
760
B
mm
1185
C mm 1400
D
mm
1935
E
mm
2150
Height of Peat in Module
mm
750
Vol. of Peat in Module
m³
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Warning
Itis imperative thatthe treatment systemis not overloaded hydraulically or organically. The number of
modules thatare required to treat the wastewater has been designed inaccordancewiththeEPACoP.If
the owner feels that the modules are being overloaded, please contact Tricel, as it is possible to add
modulestoaccommodateanyextraloadings.

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3.2.2 Effluent Filter (secondary treatment only)
•
Secondary treatment Tricel Puraflo systems require an effluent filter be
installed at the outlet of the septic tank to retain solids in the septic tank so
that the Tricel Puraflo modules are not overloaded.
•It is important the filter is cleaned regularly to ensure the correct operation of
the system and reduce the chance for sewerage backing up. It is recommended
that the effluent filter is cleaned bi-annually using a garden hose over the
septic tank.
3.2.3 Pump
• The submersible pump and float switch is fitted with a thermal overload protection.
•
Effluent from the septic tank or waste water treatment is pumped via a 1.5inch pipe to the Tricel
Puraflo modules.
•
The standard pump can cater for a total head of up to 5 metres. For systems that are subject to a
total head greater than 5m, alternative pumps can be sourced. All pumps are single phase 220
–
240volt50-Hz motorswithenclosures toIP68.
•
Ahigh-level alarm is fittedanda visual warning light is located in the kiosk to alert the owner to
pump malfunctions.
•
If a pump chamber is required, the dimensions of the pump chamber are outlined in the
following diagram:

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3.2.4 Pipework
The pipework supplied with the Tricel Puraflo modules to collect the treated wastewater from the
Puraflo modules, and the pipeworkusedforthedispersion of wastewater on top of the peat inside
the Puraflo modules, is in accordancewithBS3505:1986*
*
Specification for unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) pressure pipes for cold potable water.
3.3 System Layout Drawings:

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Important
If you required drawings for larger Tricel Puraflo systems from 12 to 50PE, please visit
http://ie.tricel.eu/downloads/.

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4Transportation & Lifting
•Tanks must be held down during transportation using nylon straps, do not use cables or chains to
secure the modules.
•Do not over tighten straps that can result in deformation of the module shell.
•Do not drop or roll modules from the truck.
•Move modules only by lifting and setting, do not drag or roll.
•Always set the module(s) on flat smooth ground clear of debris etc.
•Modules are best lifted by a machine and webbing lifting straps – do not use chains or wire ropes in
contact with the modules.
•Care is needed to control the lift to ensure the modules are not damaged.
•
The modules are designed for a single lift when placing them in position. Always lift modules
from above using the four lifting ropes attached to the tanks, as shown the following
images.
Figure 1 - Lifting Puraflo Module Figure 2 - Setting Puraflo Module in position
5Installation
Important
The installation of a Tricel Puraflo system must only be done by a Tricel-authorised distributer or a
Tricel service technician.
6Commissioning
Important
The commissioning of a Tricel Puraflo system must only be done by a Tricel-authorised distributer or
a Tricel service technician.

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7Disposal of Treated Water
The treated wastewater from the Tricel Puraflo systemshould be disposed of as per guidelines from the
planning regulations issued by your local authority.
8Maintenance
Warning
When working on the Tricel Puraflo system during routine maintenance & servicing, please
follow all national health and safety regulations. Sewage and sewage effluent can carry
micro-organisms and gases harmful to human health. Any person carrying out maintenance
on the system must be appropriately trained. Suitable protection equipment including
gloves, goggles etc., should be worn at all times. Always remove contaminated clothing and
protective equipment after completion of work. Wash hands and face prior to eating,
drinking or smoking. Refer to section.
The Tricel Puraflo system is designed with the best of quality and performance in mind to meet your
specificwastewater treatmentrequirementsandtoprovideyearsoftrouble-freeuse. However, a certain
amount of system maintenance is required on an on-going basis to ensure that the system is working
correctly. This is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Failure to maintain your system could also result in reduced effectiveness and increased maintenance
and/orreplacementcostsinthelong-term.
8.1 Regular Maintenance
8.1.1 Septic Tank (If applicable)
• Theseptictankshouldbede-sludgedwhenrequired.InaccordancewithEPAguidelines,the septic
tank should be de-sludged a minimum of once a year. Consult the manufacturer’s
guidelines.
• De-sludging of the septic tank should prevent any solids carryover from the septic tank into the
TricelPuraflo moduleswhichwoulddecreasetheperformanceofthetreatmentsystem.
• The inlet and outlet should be inspected and rodded to remove any blockages if necessary.
• Ensure that no storm or surface water enters the system.
• Ensure that the effluent filter is not blocked or matured (clogged naturally over time). Blockages
will result in backups in the septic tank which will back-up towards the house if the problem is
not resolved.
8.1.2 Wastewater Treatment Plant (If applicable)
• The wastewater treatment plant should be inspected a minimum of once a year and be de-
sludgedwhenrequired. The sludge level should never be more than 50% of the depth of the
liquid.
•
The vent around the base of the blower housing guarantees a fresh supply of air to the air
blower. All vents should be checked to make sure they are not blocked or obscured.
•The vent under the de-sludging cover allows gas to escape and stops the tank from becoming
pressurised.

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•
Ensurethe air blower is workingbylisteningfor a gentle hum whenstandingbeside theplant.
•
The inlet and outlet should be inspected and rodded to remove any blockages if necessary.
• Ensure that no storm or surface water enters the system.
• The wastewater treatment plant should be serviced once a year or as per the manufacturer’s
instructions.
8.1.3 Effluent Filter (If applicable)
•
The filter should be inspected and cleaned bi-annually.
•
Do not use plumbing whencleaning filter.
•
Pull the filter out of the housing when cleaning.
• Hose off the filter over the septic tank, ensuring that all solids fall back into the septic tank.
• Insert the filter cartridge back into the housing ensuring that the filter is properly aligned and
inserted correctly.
8.1.4 Pump Chamber (If applicable)
• The pump chamber should be inspected annually and the following checks andprocedures should
be followed.
• Removethemanholecoverandde-sludgetankifnecessary.
• Turn up the high-level alarm float switch and check that the alarm light flashes in the control
panel.
• Clean the high-level alarm float switch ifnecessary.
• Ensure thatthehigh-level alarm float switch is positionedcorrectly to ensure correct operation.
• Check the position of the pump to ensure that the control float has free movement within the
pumpchamber.

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8.1.5 Control Panel
Familiarise yourself with the location of the electrical control panel:
• Secondary treatment systems: The control panel is located inside the kiosk supplied.
o There is a red light located on the side of the kiosk to signal a fault has occurred in
relation to the pump.
o Intheeventofan electrical storm or power failure,thecircuit-breakerswitchesoff
the electrical lines feedingthe pump. The pump/alarmshould be checkedtosee if
they tripped to the off position. If a circuit breaker switch is tripped, the power
supply tothealarm/pump should be restoredassoonas possible.
• Tertiary treatment systems:
o The control panel is located in the wastewater treatment plant.
Respond to alarm conditions promptly.
Kiosk
Tricel Puraflo Control Panel

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8.2 Annual Service(Available from your supplier)
• The Tricel Puraflo system will require a full service (available from your supplier) once a year to
guarantee the efficiency of the system is maintained.Service personnel must be accommodated
with clearaccess to thesystem.
• During routine servicing, the following items are checked if applicable:
Checks
Procedures
The general condition of the pump chamber is
good.
The vents in the sampling chamber are
cleared.
The pipework inside the pump chamber is
secure.
The electrical control panel and alarm
system are tested.
The pipework in the sampling chamber is
secure.
The pump and float switch are tested.
The lid of the sampling chamber is in good
condition.
The distribution outlets in the modules are
cleared of any blockages.
Condition of the media is inspected.
The level of the sludge in the septic
tank/primary storage chamber is measured.
The system is inspected for any obvious non-
wastewater infiltration into any compartment
(at the time of inspection).
The effluent filter in the septic tank is checked
and cleared of any blockages if required (only
applies to secondary system).
General appearance and condition of the
treatment system and the surrounding ground
area is good.
8.3 De-sludging
To ensure that the Tricel Puraflo system performs effectively, the septic tank/wastewater treatment plant
must receive regularly maintenance.
•The de-sludging must be performed by qualified personnel.
De-sludging is done with a vacuum
tanker (we recommend the use of a licensed company).
•Please remove all floating and settled sludge from the septic tank/ primary chamber of the
wastewater treatment plant during de-sludging.
•
During the de-sludging, the effluent filter at the outlet of the septic tank should be removed
from its housing and hosed down to remove any materials which may result in blockage
(secondary treatment only).