First, the pretreatment chamber, similar to the first chamber of a conventional septic system, receives raw sewage from the source and traps any non-biodegradable material. Anaerobic bacteria or bacteria which do not need oxygen to survive, break down the solids. Producing effluent which flows into the aeration chamber that is 33% clean.
Next, the aeration chamber introduces oxygen into the waste water by means of an extremely quiet and efficient linear air pump. This aeration process creates an oxygen rich environment for the growth of aerobic bacteria. These microscopic organisms digest the particles in the waste water left over from the anaerobic bacteria. The effluent which is produced passes under a partial wall into the clarifier.
Then, in the clarifier, the heavy solids separate from the liquid and settle to the bottom, while the lighter solids collect on the surface. The mass on the surface is later skimmed by your service provider. The heavy matter is called activated sludge which is returned to the aeration chamber to be remixed. As solids settle in the clarifier, a clear, odorless effluent rises and flows upward to the discharge pipe and into the pump chamber or holding tank.
Finally, the holding tank stores the chlorinated effluent, which should be around 99% clean, for discharge through the chosen method of disposal (surface application or dip irrigation). The control panel monitors and controls the system, making it function at very low cost and maintenance to the homeowner. The effluent pump is regulated by floats. The lowest float allows the system to pump between 12:00 A.M. and 5:00 A.M. The middle float is an override float that turns the pump on irregardless of the time of day. This prevents overflow of septic from high water usage. The top float turns on the high water alarm (HWA) or red light and audible alarm.
Please note that the Pretreatment and Aeration/Clarifier tanks will always be full of water.