A distributed control system for a vacuum sewer system comprising a suction pipe which is communicated with a vacuum source via a transport conduit (520) by opening a vacuum valve (530) using a solenoid valve is disclosed. The transport conduit is connected between the vacuum valve and a collection tank, with the collection tank having a vacuum source relative to atmospheric pressure applied thereto. The suction pipe is connected between the vacuum valve and a sewage sump, with the sewage sump have a source of sewage maintained at atmospheric pressure. Sewage (551) in the sump is sucked through the suction pipe and sent to the collection tank via the transport conduit by opening the vacuum valve. A transport conduit section is laid out in a sawtooth fashion, having in series transport conduit portions comprising a low-point conduit portion (522), a riser conduit portion (521), and a down-slope conduit portion (523). A valve pit apparatus (500) for control and monitoring the valve pit operations is provided with a battery powered electronic computer, a plurality of sensors, and a solenoid valve. A transport conduit apparatus for monitoring the transport conduit conditions is provided with a riser conduit sensor (550) capable of detecting sewage conditions within the riser and communicating the conditions to a computer (551) for processing. When the vacuum valve (530) is intermittently opened by control of the valve pit apparatus (500), sewage (551) in the sump is intermittently injected under the influence of atmospheric pressure into the transport conduit (520) for transportation to the collection tank, which passes through the transport conduit riser (521) and detected by the transport conduit apparatus for processing. The results of the valve pit apparatus and the transport conduit apparatus processing are stored in computer memory as operating parameters and then wirelessly communicated to devices external of the valve pit apparatus and transport conduit apparatus. The distributed control system provides an apparatus and method for control and monitoring of the vacuum sewer system, which is complex in sensor placement operating parameters processing but simple in structure, easy to maintain and capable of stable operation.

A system for and method to control and improve throughput of liquid in a sewer system utilizes a generally gas free column of sewer pipes. A single manhole has a separate section to handle waste water and a separate section to handle surface water, with pipes operatively connected to them. Valves connected to the manhole and pipes are opened and closed to prevent outlet as well as to prevent gas from entering the outlet to keep the sewer pipes filled with liquid, and fluid travels pipe-in-pipe and forms a gravity flow high capacity (full current) column.

A system for and method to control and improve throughput of liquid in a sewer system utilizes a generally gas free column of sewer pipes. A single manhole has a separate section to handle waste water and a separate section to handle surface water, with pipes operatively connected to them. Valves connected to the manhole and pipes are opened and closed to prevent outlet as well as to prevent gas from entering the outlet to keep the sewer pipes filled with liquid, and fluid travels pipe-in-pipe and forms a gravity flow high capacity (full current) column.

Machine for emptying, washing and sanitizing of the portable tanks used in the toilets of recreational vehicles (for example, campers, motor homes, caravans and boats), characterized by a structure widi sliding door, in which the tank is inserted; the machine comprises sensors capable of detecting the type of the tank inserted. The washing procedure starts by rotating the pour-out spout, unscrewing the lid and lifting the tank into a vertical position, thus emptying it into the drainage system. A coupling mask then automatically slides open the lid and opens all the valves and sealing plugs. A lance then injects water and detergent at high pressure inside the tank, thus washing inside. The machine then washes the outside of the tank and of the cap of the same, filling it widi sanitizing liquids, drying and re-delivering it to the user through its completely automated, electronically-controlled method thus guaranteeing hygiene and safety. The machine provides for direct connection to the sewerage system or to a collecting tank and backup systems for electricity and water supplies.

Stormwater management systems, methods, and apparatuses for containing and filtering runoff are provided. Disclosed embodiments may include a top plate and a bottom plate, the top plate including a first plurality of side panel attachments. Embodiments may include a plurality of support columns between the top plate and the bottom plate. Furthermore, disclosed embodiments may also include one or more arched side panels. Stormwater management crates may be arranged into an array and include side panels of variable heights. The array of stormwater management crates may be further wrapped in sediment impervious material and serve to restrict stormwater flow as part of a stormwater management system.

A modular fluid retention system and method for exemplary uses collecting and temporarily retaining fluids, for example stormwater run-off. One example of the system includes a plurality of modular retaining units which are selectively connected together to form an interior chamber volume for collecting stormwater run-off directed into the chamber volume. A plurality of modular trays are engaged with portions of the respective retention units to prevent relative movement of the retention units and eliminate, or substantially reduce, the need for porous material to be installed in and around the retention units greatly increasing the excavation void space usable for water collection and retention. In an alternate application, only a plurality of modular trays are used as the vertical support and fluid retention volume structure for the fluid retention system.

Stormwater management systems, methods, and apparatus for containing and filtering runoff may be provided. In one implementation, a stormwater management crate for managing stormwater runoff may be provided. A stormwater management crate assembly for managing stormwater comprising one or more stormwater management crates arranged in a modular array may be provided. In one implementation, the stormwater management crate assembly may include a top plate having a plurality of support column attachments a bottom plate, at least one intermediate plate having a plurality of support columns attachments and being located between the top plate and the bottom plate, and a plurality of support columns extending from the top plate through the at least one intermediate plate to the bottom plate. In one implementation, a stormwater management crate may include a lightweight intermediate plate configured to bear only lateral loads.

A storm water drain tank module for assembly into a storm tank for storage of storm water includes a top platen, a bottom platen and a support spacer. The top platen has an upper surface and a top platen peripheral edge. The bottom platen has a bottom surface and a bottom platen peripheral edge. The support spacer is attached to the top and bottom platens to space the top platen relative to the bottom platen. A plurality of tabs and a plurality of slots are defined proximate the top and bottom platen peripheral edges, respectively. Each of the plurality of tabs extends outwardly away from the top and bottom platen peripheral edges, respectively, and each of the plurality of slots extends into the top and bottom platen peripheral edge. The plurality of slots is open in a lateral direction.

A drainage unit has a plurality of modules defining channels with arced or flared surfaces longitudinally spaced from one another for installation into a ground excavation. The spaced modules may be aligned on a longitudinally support pipe that may provide a fluid connection between the channels. The adjacent surfaces of successive modules are spaced from each other a non-constant distance across the laterally transverse thickness or height. Filtration fabric that allows fluid flow therethrough while substantially filtering surrounding soil or other back fill is wrapped around each of modules. The flared and/or arced configuration of the modules defining channels allows for increased surface area interfacing between the channels and soil and a corresponding reduction in laterally transverse footprint.

A corrugated thermoplastic leaching chamber has sidewall louvers that define sidewall slot openings. Each louver comprises an outward extending canopy, a cap integral with the outer end of the canopy, having a down slope greater than the slope of the canopy, and a preferably concave fence at the inner end of the canopy, for inhibiting ingress of soil. The chamber may be made by first thermoforming sheet material, preferably two-layer PET plastic sheet to the shape of the chamber, followed by mechanically cutting and deforming the sidewall, to create the opening and the fence.