Design Considerations for Use of On-site Sand Filters for Wastewater Treatment

摘要

Soil characteristics in much of Pennsylvania are such that a typical on-site septic tank/soil absorption system will not function properly. Also, use of such typical systems is limited in many areas by the depth to the ground water table. Three major sand filter system alternatives were investigated: the recirculating sand filter, the buried sand filter, and the intermittent sand filter. The buried sand filter is the most outdated and least efficient. The recirculating sand filter system is subject to freezing, and it is a complicated system. The most economically and technologically feasible system is the intermittent type sand filter. Disinfection is usually produced by chlorination (tablet erosion) or ultraviolet irradiation. The major problem with on-site sand filter systems is the required maintenance, without which the system is sure to fail.