ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

ATV - DVWK A set of rules and standards

WORKSHEET
ATV-DVWK-A 116
Special drainage procedures/systems
Part 1: Vacuum Drainage outside of buildings

April 2004

Deutsche Vereinigung fr Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall e.V., ATV-DVWK

April 2004

ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

ATV-DVWK A set of rules and standards

WORKSHEET
ATV-DVWK-A 116
Special drainage procedures/systems
Part 1: Vacuum Drainage outside of buildings
April 2004
ISBN 3-937758-15-1

ATV-DVWK

Deutsche Vereinigung fr Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall e.V.

Theodor-Heuss-Allee 17 D-53773 Hennef
Telefone: 02242/872-0 Fax 02242/872-135
E-Mail: atvorg@atv.de - Internet: www.atv.de

April 2004

ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

The Deutsche Vereinigung fr Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall e.V., ATV-DVWK, is
official spokesman in Germany for all global questions concerning water and sets up
intensely for the development of a secure and sustainable water supply and distribution. As
politically and economically independent organisation it is active in the following special
sections i.e. water supply and distribution, waste water, removal of waste and soil
conservation.
In this field the ATV-DVWK is in Europe the union with the greatest number of members and
is holding a special position due to its competence concerning standardization, professional
education, and information of the public. The number of approx. 15.000 members represent
specialists and leaders out of communities, high schools, engineering offices, authorities and
companies.
Its activities focus on compiling and updating of a uniform technical set of standards as well
as the cooperation in gathering specialist standards on national and international level.
Besides technical-scientific subjects/topics also economic and legal interests are included.
IMPRINT
Publisher/Distributor:

Composition/Print:

ATV-DVWK Deutsche Vereinigung fr WasserWirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall e.V.,

Theodor-Heuss-Allee 17
53773 Hennef

DCM, Meckenheim

Tel.:
Fax:
E-Mail:
Internet :

ISBN:
3-937758-15-1

02242 / 872-120
02242 / 872-100
vertrieb@atv.de
www.atv-dvwk.de

Printed on 100 %
recycled paper

ATV-DVWK Deutsche Vereinigung fr Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall e.v., Hennef

2004
All rights, in particular those of translation into other languages, are reserved. No part of this Standard
may be reproduced in any form by photocopy, microfilm or any other process or transferred or
translated into a language usable in machines, in particular data processing machines, without the
written approval of the publisher.
The publisher does not assume any responsibility of the scientific correctness of the texts, illustrations
and tables.

April 2004

ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

Preface
Following the mandate of the commission of the European Union (KEU) and the European
Free Trade Association (EFTA) dd. 24th May 1991 the Comit Europen de Normalisation
(CEN) has assumed the task of adapting all technical rules concerning wastewater
technology and compiling European Standards for prefixed sections and products.
In 1997 DIN EN 1091 Vacuum Drainage Systems outside of Buildings and DIN EN 1671
Pressure Drainage Systems outside of Buildings have been published after protrunked and
tedious negotiations under busy German participation and after having treated numerous
objections.
Both set of standards contain general requirements concerning the performance of the
systems as well as determination of when the checks have to be done, they contain as well
special requirements on the products to be used.
In addition it is possible to formulate commitments which are not or not fully contained in
European Standards in order to cover / satisfy contents required by federal authorities.
The present work sheet shall help the consulting engineer to find out the margins as
described in DIN EN 1091 and to use them creatively. The application of DIN EN 1091 shall
be facilitated.
There is no substantial contradiction between the new European Standards and the Work
Sheet ATV-A 116 from 1992 used up to now since it contains nearly exclusively
requirements for the planning and dimensioning of the systems and only a few requirements
on the products. Besides this it was possible to include the ATV-Work Sheet in large areas
as a base for the compilations on both European Standards. The labour report from 2000
cited in the appendix G as literature contains a comparison of DIN EN 1091 with the Work
Sheet ATV-A 116 from 1992 used up to now and may serve as orientation.
Nevertheless the ATV-DVWK-working group ES-2.3 undertook the revision and continuation
of the Work Sheet ATV-A 116 in order to take into account changes out of new European
Standards as well as technical progressive developments and new experiences.
Now the Work Sheet ATV-DVWK-A 116 consists of:

Part 1: Vacuum drainage systems outside of buildings

Part 2: Pressure drainage systems outside of buildings
Part 3: Compressed air cleansed pipelines for the transport of wastewater

European Standards contain part 1 and 2. As for part 3 there is a labour report dd. 1987 (see
appendix H).
The present Work Sheet is meant for planners, those who offer respective systems,
authorities, operating companies and construction firms.
The present part 1 is equal to the arrangement of the European Standard DIN EN 1091 in
order to facilitate the consulting of both documents simultaneously. Appendix M contains the
useful life and appendix N the requirements on the qualification / training of the construction
and company staff.

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Publisher
The ATV-DVWK-Working Group ES-2.3 Special Drainage Systems in the ATV-DVWKspecial committee ES-2 Planning according to the system requirements which has
prepared the present Work Sheet consists of the following members:
Baudirektor Dipl.-Ing. Helmut Bieber, Kiel
Dipl.-Ing. Walter Dippold, Germering
Prof. Dr.-Ing. hab. Hartmut Eckstdt, Rostock
Bauassessor Dipl.-Ing. Karl-Heinz Flick, Kln
Dr.-Ing. Harald O. Howe, Kln (bis 2000)
Ministerialrat Dipl.-Ing. Jens Jedlitschka, Mnchen (Sprecher)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Adolf Kleinschroth, Mnchen ()
Dipl.-Ing. Angela Klippel, Berlin
Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Petersohn, Aurich
Dr.-Ing. Markus Roediger, Charlotte (NC, USA)

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

Contents
Introduction

........................................................................................................3

Publisher

........................................................................................................4

Hints for the user ........................................................................................................7

1

Field of application ......................................................................................7

Standard hints..............................................................................................7

Definitions ....................................................................................................7

System descriptions....................................................................................7

4.0

General ........................................................................................................7

4.1

Collection chamber and vacuum line.............................................................8

4.2

Vacuum station ..............................................................................................9

Requirements...............................................................................................9

5.0

Statutory questions ........................................................................................9

5.1

General requirements ....................................................................................9

5.2

Special requirements on components ...........................................................9

5.2.1

Gravity lines ...................................................................................................9

5.2.2

Sewage drainage out of connected waterways and industrial settlements ...9

5.2.3

Domestic connection chamber ....................................................................10

5.2.4

Collection chambers ....................................................................................10

5.2.5

Evacuation valve..........................................................................................10

5.2.6

Level indicator..............................................................................................10

5.2.7

Valve control ................................................................................................10

5.2.8

Explosion-proof (Domestic connection chamber) ........................................10

5.2.9

Tool/Endurance life of diaphragms and seals..............................................10

5.2.10

Components of vacuum lines ......................................................................10

5.2.11

Dimensions of pipes ....................................................................................11

5.2.12

House connection lines................................................................................11

5.2.13

Connection of subsidiary pipelines (Branching of vacuum lines).................11

5.2.14

Cut-off devices.............................................................................................11

5.2.15

Vacuum vessels...........................................................................................11

5.2.16

Control of vacuum station ............................................................................12

5.2.17

Filling level supervision................................................................................12

5.2.18

Equipment / Vacuum production..................................................................12

5.2.19

Operational capacity of onward conveyance facilities ................................12

5.2.10

Construction of feeding pump......................................................................12

5.2.21

Exchange of feeding pumps ........................................................................12

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5.2.22

Explosion-proof (vacuum station) ................................................................12

5.2.23

Check-valve devices....................................................................................12

5.2.24

Propulsion-jet ejectors .................................................................................12

5.2.25

Odour reduction ...........................................................................................12

5.2.26

Noise reduction............................................................................................13

5.2.27

Emergency power unit .................................................................................13

5.3

Requirements on the planning.....................................................................13

5.3.0

General ......................................................................................................13

5.3.1

Dimensioning of the lines.............................................................................13

5.3.2

Height profile of the lines .............................................................................13

5.3.3

Hydro-pneumatic lay-out..............................................................................15

5.3.4

Fundamental principles for lay-out...............................................................16

5.3.5

Vacuum station ............................................................................................16

5.3.6

Source of additional information ..................................................................17

5.3.7

Application fields for vacuum drainage systems..........................................17

Laying of pipelines ....................................................................................17

6.1

Laying of pipelines .......................................................................................17

6.2

Tolerances ...................................................................................................18

6.3

Warning and locating devices......................................................................18

Checks ......................................................................................................18

Initial operation (Acceptance) ..................................................................18

Economic aspects .....................................................................................18

Appendixes A till E:.....................................................................................................19

Appendix F:

Information on operation and maintenance ............................19

Appendix G:

Sources for additional information ...........................................19

Appendix I:

Application of vacuum sewerage systems...............................22

Appendix K:

Rating example ...........................................................................22

K 1 Settings...................................................................................22
K 2 Dimensioning of the pipeline network .....................................22
K 3 Dimensioning of the vacuum station.......................................26

Appendix L:

Explication of signs ....................................................................27

Appendix M:

Life-cycles ...................................................................................28

Appendix N:

Qualification/Training of staff ....................................................29

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Considerations for use
This work sheet results from a technical-scientific-economic teamwork on a voluntary basis
built on the principles valid for this set of rules and standards (statutes and business rules of
the ATV-DVWK and the ATV-DVWK-A 400). According to the legal situation there is a real
assumption that its contents is correct also for the technical aspect as well as accepted in
general.
Everyone is free to use the contents of this work sheet or not. However, there might occur an
obligation to apply them due to legal and administrative regulations, contracts or other legal
reasons.
This sheet is an important, however not unique source of knowledge to find out the right
professional solutions. Through the application of the Rules and Standards no one avoids
responsibility for his own actions, especially as for the correct professional handling of the
margins shown in this work sheet.

Field of Application

This work sheet completes DIN EN 1091 vacuum drainage systems outside of buildings
and is valid only in connection with this Standard. The work sheet ATV-DVWK-A 116,
part 1 is meant for the planning, construction and operation of vacuum sewerage systems
outside of buildings and contains further regulations and hints.

Normative Hints

See Appendix G: Sources of additional information.

Definitions

To complete the definitions of DIN EN 1091 and DIN EN 1085 the following definitions are
valid:
3.3 Collection room:
As defined in DIN EN 1091, however includes an emergency retaining room.
3.18 Evacuation unit:
Consists of an evacuation valve, a controlling device as well as the respective accessories.
3.19 Population density (EDL) per unit length:
Number of the population values connected to a main line as for the number of sinks taking
into consideration all other side lines, divided by the length of the main line.
3.20 Main line:
Vacuum canal (collection line) from the vacuum station up to the house connection situated
at the greatest distance, without subsidiary lines.
3.21 Air/water ratio (LWV):
Ratio of the air volume suctioned or airflow under standard conditions to the wastewater
volume suctioned or sewage flow.

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4

Description of System

4.0

General

The low-pressure system, also known as vacuum system or vacuum sewer system, was
already been invented by the Dutch technician Liernur and employed at the end of the last
century (1) in one or two places, mainly in cities such as Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin (2,3).
The technology has been taken up again by the Swedish specialist Liljendahl at the
beginning of the 50 Fifties in the 20th Century. Since the end of the Sixties vacuum drainage
has been employed with success also in many places in the Federal Republic of Germany
(4,5,6,7).
Last decade components and rating procedures have been refined and developed further-on
considerably.
The vacuum evacuation technology contains closed pipeline networks without manholes.
The high transport velocity of the air/water-mixture in the vacuum pipelines prevents
sediments.
Normally the vacuum drainage technology serves as collection of wastewater in separate
systems. An outlet of wastewater is excluded due to the vacuum occurring inside the system.
Therefore, it is allowed to lay out vacuum pipelines together with potable water lines in a
common ditch as well as in water preservation areas without any further protective measures
(see also ATV-DVWK-A 142). Varying from DIN EN 1091 the procedure can also be used in
the industrial and commercial sector.
The application of this system offers itself for

Rural areas (see also ATV-DVWK-A 200)

Insufficient terrain slope

Connections to lower situated part of a village or buildings

Obstacles to be by-passed (for ex. rivulets, ditches, supply pipelines)

High groundwater table

Low population density

Adverse sub-surface conditions

Water preservation areas

Places where wastewater occurs only intermittently (for ex. camping sites or weekend
house areas)

Places where impairments have to be kept low (for ex. traffic, buildings, soil)

The vacuum evacuation technology is a special drainage procedure which might - under
certain circumstances - be considerably cheaper than the conventional gravity lines sewage
system. Investment costs can be considerably lower in comparison with other drainage
procedures. Cost comparison charts should consider all follow-on costs as for depreciation

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(write-off), interests, operation and maintenance (15). Please pay attention to the fact that
storm water is not normally disposed of in this manner.
Vacuum lines form a ramification network with a central vacuum station (figure 1). The
length of main branches is up to 4 km in case of plain terrain. In case of ascending terrains
into flow direction the length is shorter and it can be longer in case of descending areas.
Larger areas can be subdivided into single sectors with their own vacuum stations and
connected for instance via pressure-lines.

Connected House with

Collection Chamber

Main Line

Vacuum
Station VS
WWTP

Outfall Ditch

Branch Line

Figure 1: Diagram of a vacuum drainage system

4.1

Collection chamber and vacuum line

The transition from the conventional gravity line of a domestic installation into the vacuum
line takes place inside the evacuation valve. In general it is placed outside the house in a
shaft, but it can also be installed in the cellar. Vacuum toilets can be connected directly to
vacuum lines inside buildings - other sanitary objects must be connected via evacuation
units. In this case please read DIN EN 12109 Vacuum drainage systems inside of buildings.
In case of systems with pneumatic evacuation valve units a supply point for electrical current
is necessary for the vacuum station only. However, in case of electrical-hydraulic evacuation
valve units each domestic connection shaft needs a supply point for electrical current.
On opening the evacuation valve wastewater and air are sucked into the vacuum line and
flow through the pipe in the direction of the vacuum station. The medium air/water-ratio of
vacuum systems based on available operating experience is approx 3:1 up to 15:1. It
increases according to a bigger branch/trunk length accompanied with a height difference to
be overcome. When the evacuation valve units are placed at the end of the trunk, the

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air/water-ratio is adjusted at a higher triggering point than in cases when they are placed
nearer to the vacuum station.

4.2

Vacuum Station

The necessary under pressure for operation of normally 60 to 70 kPa resp. 0,6 to 0,7 bar (40
till 30 kPa absolute pressure) is developed and maintained in the vacuum station by means
of vacuum pumps in one or several vacuum vessels/reservoirs. Then wastewater is
conveyed/ transported for further treatment of sewage for instance by means of pumps or
pneumatic conveyance devices.
Vacuum stations normally lie centrally within its allotted drainage area. With this, at the same
time, the location in a low point on the ground is to be sought. Due to odour and noise
emanations sufficient separation from the surrounding buildings is recommended. The size of
the separation in detail is based on the type and position of the surrounding buildings as well
as on measures for acoustic insulation and odour reduction.

Requirements

5.0

Statutory Questions

It has proved practical to have the procurement, servicing and maintenance of the valve units
and the shafts carried out by the concern providing the vacuum drainage system. Insofar as
these facilities are on private property an appropriate agreement is necessary, if required,
with legal safeguards in the statutes or bye-law.
The following statement in the drainage statutes is possible:
If wastewater from a private property is fed into a pressure drainage system the owner is to
allow the establishment, on his property, of the facilities which serve to collect and transport
the wastewater as well as the connection pipelines between these facilities and the boundary
of the property. The same applies for the operation and maintenance as well as for the
necessary repair, modification and renewal work. Type and location of the facilities are
determined by the responsible authorities and its authorized staff. Conduits and shafts may
not be built upon. Defects in the facilities for collection and transportation of the wastewater
which are noted by the owner of the property or another user are to be reported to the
responsible operator. The landowner is to allow the employees of the responsible
operator/agency and those authorized by it access to the facilities and pipelines at any time.

5.1

General requirements

In case of back flooding out of the collection reservoir measures have to be taken in order to
prevent inundation of buildings (see DIN 1986).

5.2

Special requirements to components

5.2.1

Gravity lines

The domestic installation must be ventilated according to DIN EN 12056. DIN 1986-100 is
valid for drainage facilities of buildings and land properties.

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It must be sure that only quantities of wastewater is forwarded into the collection rooms.

5.2.2

Outlets from connected canalisation and commercial

settlements

In places where more than 20 inhabitants are to be connected for discharge due to reasons
of operational safety a domestic connection chamber has to be equipped with several
evacuation valve units, in order to assure a constant air/water-ratio independent from the
filling level in the emergency storage room.

5.2.3

Domestic connection chambers

It has proved practical to provide each house with its own connection for reasons of liability.
It is fundamentally possible, under certain conditions, to lead several residential units (for ex.
with row houses) to one domestic connection. Houses with several stories are normally
drained via one domestic connection. In this case the requirements defined in section 5.2.2
are valid.
Normally domestic connection chambers are installed at the premises offering thus the
advantage of a short gravity line which is quite advantageous in case of a deep level
pipeline.
Devices for function monitoring for ex. local signalising or remote/tele-transmission of an
eventual backflow and/or continuously open evacuation valve might be useful according to
certain circumstances.
Domestic connection chambers must be secured against floating in case of necessity.

5.2.4

Collection chambers

For the domestic installation pay attention to the backflow level which is in general defined by
the shaft covering.
Collection room have to be easily accessible in order to facilitate the removal of rough
particles. It must be possible to clean and suck off those rooms eluding the evacuation valve.
In case evacuation valve units are positioned where they can be flooded by wastewater work
hygienic requirements have to be taken into account.
All connecting elements and accessories in the domestic connection chambers have to
consist of non-corrosive material (for ex. synthetic material or of non-corrosive steel
according to DIN EN 10088).

5.2.5

Evacuation valve

On opening evacuation valves have to offer a completely free passage of at least 40 mm.
Evacuation valve units must be made of appropriate resistant material. As for elastomere see
DIN EN 681-1.

5.2.6

Level indicator

Level indicator pipes have to be positioned in a way that they are cleansed by streaming
during the evacuation process. Floating switches are not appropriate due to their
contamination sensitivity.

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5.2.7

Valve control

The evacuation valve may only be opened by the control unit if the occurring vacuum
pressure is at least at 15 kPa (0,15 bar). In case collection rooms with a chamber bottom of
more than 1,0 m beneath the evacuation valve are sucked off, the control unit is to open the
evacuation valve only in case of relevant stronger under pressure.
The valve control must keep the air/water-ratio roughly independent from the occurring
vacuum pressure.

5.2.8

Explosion proof (collection chamber)

All electrical installations inside collection chambers have to be built in explosion-proof

design.

5.2.9

Endurance life of membranes and seals

See DIN EN 1091.

5.2.10

Components of vacuum pressure lines

Vacuum lines must be resistant against:

Chemical and biochemical influences from inside and outside

Temperatures up to 35 C

Mechanical abrasion

Pressure from in- and outside (according to DIN EN 1401)

Please pay attention also to special stress factors.

5.2.11

Pipeline dimensions

The minimum nominal width of vacuum conduits is DN/ID 65, since due to federal statutes
- in Germany the inlet of coarse particles into the sewer network is forbidden.

5.2.12

Domestic connection lines

Domestic connection lines must be lockable manually in order to facilitate maintenance and
replacement works of the relevant evacuation valves without occurring under pressure.
They have to be inserted into vacuum pressure conduits with a an angle of at the most 55 in
the direction of flow (see figure 2).

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(calculated result)

Slope > 0.2%

(vertical)
Slope > 0.2%

(horizontal)

Figure 2:

Connection of a domestic connection line

5.2.13

Connection of subsidiary pipelines (ramification of vacuum

pressure conduits)

Subsidiary pipelines have to be inserted into vacuum pressure conduits with a an angle of at
the most 45 in the direction of flow (see figure 3).
Before connecting them the lowest points of the peaks in main and subsidiary pipelines must
be at a higher level than the crown height of the lowest point after connection in order to
prevent a back flowing of wastewater.

Slope > 0.2%

Slope > 0.2%

Junction with 45

Figure 3:

Connection of a branch line

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5.2.14

Cut-off devices

Cut-off devices must be corrosion-proof, corrosion-protected and plug-free. Normally stop

slide valves in an enamelled box without slot with rubber wedge are used. Extension spindles
must be made of stainless steel.
Inspection pipes are to be placed at maximum intervals of 100 m in front and behind of each
cut-off device in order to have an opportunity for cut-off and monitoring as well as for an
exact leak detection - by means of cut-off bubbles.
The location of cut-off devices and inspection pipes have to be marked by signs which have
to be included in the municipal canal registering. The y must be solidly secured by closure
caps according to DIN 4055 resp. DIN 4056, marked by the sign A.

5.2.15

Vacuum tanks

Vacuum reservoirs can be buried into the soil or installed inside a vacuum station. If
necessary they must be secured against floating and resist to a vacuum pressure of 90 kPa.
Steel vessels have to be coated from in- and outside with appropriate coating materials.
In case of several vacuum pressure vessels the incoming vacuum conduits must be
connected to each other in such a way by means of sliders and cross-links that a correct
operation is secured also in case of failure of one tank. If there is only one tank available
possibilities for its substitution have to be taken into account.

5.2.16

Control of the vacuum station

Failures and intermittences must be signalised even in case of power failure. Fault messages
are crucial also in cases of: failure of a discharge pump, vacuum pump, exceeded running
time of discharge or vacuum pumps, short-fall of minimum vacuum pressure as well as
exceeding maximum filling level.

5.2.17

Filling level supervision

Vacuum reservoirs may only be filled up to the half by wastewater. In case the maximum
filling level is exceeded the vacuum pumps have to switch-off automatically.

5.2.18

Equipment / vacuum pump

For safe operation of the system the ambient temperature in the vacuum station has to be
maintained between +1 C and +35C. Appropriate insulation, ventilation and heating are to
be taken into account.

5.2.19

Operational capacity of onward conveyance facilities

At least two devices of the same operational capacity must be available for the onward
conveyance of wastewater away from the vacuum reservoirs, one of them as redundancy.

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5.2.20

Construction of feeding pumps

Submersible or dry-mounted pumps can be installed. The diameter of free passage must
correspond at least to the free passage of the largest suction pipe before the evacuation
valves, unless pumps with cutting facilities are installed.
It must be assured that in the pumps a formation of gas is excluded.

5.2.21

Exchange of feeding pumps

See DIN EN 1091.

5.2.22

Explosion-Proof (Vacuum Station)

The electrical equipment in vacuum reservoir and in the suction lines must be explosionproof. Flame traps and detonation safety devices between vacuum reservoirs and vacuum
pumps are not requested, particularly as they tend to obstruction/occlusions.
In case vacuum pumps which might be ignition sources are used please assure facilities for
sweeping with inert gas (e.g. Carbon dioxide). After being in operation for more than 48
hours, before re-operation, a sweeping with inert gas of the vacuum pumps has to be
executed. The procedure has to be described in the manual.

5.2.23

Non-return valves

See DIN EN 1091.

5.2.24

Propulsion jet ejectors

The diameter of free passage must correspond at least to the free passage of the largest
suction pipe before the evacuation valves, unless pumps with cutting facilities are installed.

5.2.25

Odour reduction

The ventilation pipelines are to be so laid that possible odour nuisance in the neighbourhood
is to be avoided with certainty, with heavier intromission of odours an odour reduction, e.g.
through compost filter plants (biofilter), is to be undertaken.
Percolating water out of compost filter plants is contaminated organically and has to be
discharged together with the wastewater.

5.2.26

Noise reduction

The regulations of TA-Noise have to be observed. The maximum permitted night noise
intromission value according to TA-Noise is currently:

For purely residential areas

For general residential areas
For mixed areas
For commercial areas
For industrial areas

35 dB (A)
40 dB (A)
45 dB (A)
50 dB (A)
70 dB (A)

Insofar as no area identification is available it is to be based on actual usage.

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5.2.27

Emergency power supply

See DIN EN 1091.

5.3.

Requirements for the planning

5.3.0

General

The planning of discharge/drainage systems is subject to DIN EN 752-3.

The draft resulting of engineering planning and calculations should contain the following
parts:

Legend report with general location plan

Entire location plan of the vacuum drainage network
Longitudinal section of the vacuum drainage network
Hydro-pneumatic dimensioning/design
Dimensioning of the vacuum station
System plan of the vacuum station
Computation of quantities and cost calculations
Comparison of costs tableau
Estate plan

5.3.1

Dimensioning of pipelines

The graduation of the nominal width of vacuum conduits results from the hydro-pneumatic
layout.
Vacuum lines made of PVC must meet the standards of SDR-class 21. As for PVC-U (Pipes
made from unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride) the standards of DIN 8061, DIN 8062, DIN
19532 and the Work Sheet W 320 of DVGW is to be applicable. The thermal expansion
coefficient of 0,08 mm/(m.K) has to be taken into consideration. Adhesive and plug-in sleeves
with seals made from elastomers compatible to vacuum pressure according to DIN 4060 can
be used. Particular care has to be taken as for adhesive connections which can be done only
after having cleansed the adherends carefully and in accordance with the processing manual
of the manufacturer.
Vacuum lines made of PE (Polyethylene) must meet the standards of SDR-class 11. As for
PE-HD (Pipes made from High Density Polyethylene) the standards of DIN 8074, DIN 8075,
DIN EN 12201 as well as the Work Sheet W 320 of DVGW is to be applicable. The thermal
expansion coefficient of 0,20 mm/(m.K) has to be taken into consideration. Plug-in sleeves
with seals made from elastomers compatible to vacuum pressure according to DIN 4060 or
weld joints can be used. Particular care has to be taken as for weld joints and can only be
done by specialised staff.
Varying from DIN EN 1091 all pipes and fittings in vacuum lines must have a nominal
pressure of at least 1,0 MPa (10 bar) according to DIN EN 1333.

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5.3.2

Height profiles of the lines

The height profile of vacuum lines must be so done that wastewater occurs at the lowest
points which is then accelerated by the re-flowing air and pushed onto subsequent peaks.
Substantially three types of height profiles are known: (see figure 4):

Wave Profiles, to be done without fittings and without bending the lines
Saw Tooth Profiles with 45-fittings, preferably to be used with nominal widths with
more than DN 100
Reformer Pocket Profiles similar to saw tooth profiles with the difference that in front
of the 45-slopes additional U-formed depressions are fixed. Reformer Pocket
Profiles are preferably used with nominal widths up to DN 100.

The height profile as well as the dimensioning has to be coordinated in collaboration with the
manufacturer of the system.

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

Wave Profile

(W)
Inspection Pipe

Inspection Pipe

min. 0.2 % Slope

Profile Dimensions:

Saw Tooth Profile

(S)

Inspection Pipe

Inspection Pipe

min. 0.2 % Slope

Profile Dimensions:

Reformer Pocket Profile

(R)

Inspection Pipe

Inspection Pipe

min. 0.2 % Slope

Profile Dimensions:
H > di + 5 cm; h = H; L < 500 H

Figure 4:

Height profile examples with flat terrain

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5.3.3

Hydro-pneumatic layout

The maximum static pressure height difference is calculated under the condition that all
slopes are filled with water. The maximum static pressure height difference of a slope is the
height H (height difference between deepest point and subsequent peak), reduced by the
pipeline internal diameter d. The sum of maximum static pressure height differences along
the trunks may not as a rule exceed the value of 4 till 5 m. Larger pressure height differences
request the installation of automatic ventilation valves which regulate an automatic inlet of air
into the vacuum lines in case a prefixed value of vacuum pressure is not reached
preventing thus that all slopes are at the same time filled with water.
Unfortunately an exact hydro-dynamic calculation of the conveyance processing inside
vacuum lines is impossible due to complex, unsteady and poly-phased flow conditions.
Therefore, for lack of theoretical basic factors for pipeline-network-dimensioning a lump-sum
calculation with standard values which are valid for the mentioned height profiles.
The average air/water-ratio of a main trunk is estimated by means of the standard values
mentioned in tableau 1.
Tableau 1: Standard values for estimating the average air/water-ratio of the main trunk
Trunk length

Factor f with inhabitant/m network length

of the main line

0,05 E/m

0,1 E/m

0,2 E/m

0,5 E/m

average air/water-ratio
3,5 7
3-6
2,5 5
48
3,5 - 7
36
59
4-8
3,5 7
6 10
5-9
48
7 12
6 - 10
59
8 15
7 - 12
6 10
* recommended only for special exceptional cases
500 m
1000 m
1500 m
3000 m
4000 m

25
2,5 5
3-6
3,5 - 7
4-8
(5 9)*

By means of the standard values from the tableau 2, the nominal widths graduation of a trunk
is calculated considering the upstream number of the connected inhabitants as well as the
medium upstream air-water-ratio. Please pay attention to the fact that the medium upstream
air-water-ratio at the ends of the trunks exceeds the average value (to be calculated
according to tableau 1) and descends in the direction of the vacuum station up to the
average value.
Most of the projects suitable for vacuum discharge can be dimensioned by means of the
afore-mentioned standard/approximate values. They refer to a discharge/flow value of 0,005
l/(s.E), to an even/constant allotment/arrangement of the connections on plain grounds.
It is clear that projects based on special conditions cannot be calculated with lump-sumcalculations as mentioned before. It is recommended to revert to the firm who offers the
system. In case of divergences from the lump-sum-calculation technical reasons have to be
explained. Particularly the operational security can be assured by means of additional
technical measures such as ventilation facilities or evacuation valve units with intermittent
water- and air-inlets.

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The detailed calculation is based on the pressure-profiles in idle state, in case of peak
passage and the pulsatory flowing occurring at the ends of the trunks - depending on the
air/water-ratio.
Tableau 2: Standard value for estimation of nominal widths
Medium airwater-ratio
upstream

Nominal width of the trunk

DN 65

DN 80

DN 100

DN 125

DN 150

DN 200

DN 250*

Number of inhabitants connected upstream

2

0-110

0-350

250-600

350-900

500-1400

750-2100 (1100-3000)

0-65

0-200

135-340

200-500

300-800

400-1200 (600-1650)

0-45

0-140

95-240

140-350

200-550

300-820

(400-1150)

0-35

0-105

75-185

105-270

150-425

220-625

(300-850)

10

0-30

0-85

60-150

85-220

120-340

175-500

(250-700)

12

0-25

0-75

50-125

75-180

100-290

150-425

(200-600)

* recommended only for special exceptional cases

5.3.4

Basic Values for the dimensioning

Normally a rated wastewater-discharge of 0,005 l/(s.E) is supposed. The quantity of arising

wastewater from commerce and industry has to be converted into an equivalent per
inhabitant and discharge whereas one equivalent per inhabitant and discharge corresponds
to the occurring quantity of 150 l/d. In special cases the rated wastewater-discharge has to
be calculated and divided into 0,005 l/s.
External water quantities do not have to be taken into account additionally, besides in case of
leaky gravity lines of the houses connected at the level of ground water.

5.3.5

Vacuum Station

The maximum air passage value QL (in standard conditions) is calculated by multiplying the
rated discharge value QS by the medium air/water-ratio. For the dimensioning of vacuum
pumps QL is multiplied by the security value SF between 1,2 and 1,5.
Conveying streams and number of single waste water pumps (QS,p and ns) as well as the
individual vacuum pumps (QL,p and nL) have to be chosen considering one redundancy
aggregate each which means as follows:
QS,p QS / (ns 1)

(l/s)

(1)

(l/s)

(2)

and
QL,p QL . SF / (nL 1)

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The suction volume per each vacuum pumps is herewith as follows:

QL,p,s QL,p . pu . 2 / (pmax + pmin) (l/s)

(2a)

Herewith the ambient pressure is pu and pmax as well as pmin are the maximum and minimum
absolute pressure inside the vacuum reservoir.
The minimum volume of the vacuum reservoir is calculated under consideration of the
maximum switch-on-frequency of the aggregates of 12/h. Thus the minimum volume of water
requested VW is:
VW

0,25 . QS,p / f

(l)

(3)

The minimum air volume requested is:

VL = 0,25 . QL,p,s . 1/2 . (pmax + pmin) / [(pmax + pmin) . nL . f ]

(l)

(4)

With an increasing number of vacuum pumps nL consequently the volume requested is

lower. The total number of vacuum producing pumps nL may only be inserted into the beforementioned equation/evaluation provided that all vacuum pumps are switched-on in turn one
by one.
The calculated air volume VL may be reduced by part of the quantity of volume in the
incoming lines VS. With this at the most half of the pipeline volume in a specific section
parting from the vacuum station where the total sum of the maximum hydrostatic pressure
differences is lower than Pmax Pmin. has to be taken into thorough consideration. Example:
the number of switching operations Pmax Pmin = 10 kPa and directly in front of the vacuum
reservoir a height skip of maximum hydrostatic height difference of more than one meter is
fixed, no pipeline volume can be taken into account.
The requested tank volume is:
V = Vw + VL VS

(l)

(5)

(l)

(6)

The minimum volume of the vacuum reservoir is:

V 3 . Vw

Die power intake/consumption of the vacuum pumps as well as the wastewater discharge
pumps can be estimated as follows:
PL,P = { / ( - 1) } . QL,P,S
{( -1)/ }

PS,P = QS,p

. (Pmax Pmin )

[ 1 ( . (Pmax Pmin ) / Pu)

] / L

(7)

p . g . hman / W

(W)

(8)

As for air the adiabatic coefficient = 1,4.

The efficiency of water ring pumps and sliding vane rotary pumps is between 0,3 < L < 0,6
(for Pmin 30 kPa), whereas sliding vane rotary pumps offer a higher efficiency than water
ring pumps. The efficiency level when combining propulsion jet ejectors with rotary pumps is

22

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

very low, and lies between 0,05 < L < 0,1. The efficiency of wastewater-rotary pumps lies
between 0,2 < w < 0,5.

5.3.6

Sources of additional information

Kindly refer to the working reports mentioned in appendix G of the ATV-DVWK-working

group ES-1.2 as well as the material of the bibliography/literature list.

5.3.7

Application fields for vacuum discharge systems

See section 4.0 as well as Appendix l of DIN EN 1091.

Laying of pipelines

6.1

Laying of pipelines

It is recommended that at the beginning of the construction works the manufacturer of the
system introduces the employees of the relevant construction firm concerning laying of
pipelines and installation of the domestic connection chambers.
Vacuum pipelines are to be laid exactly in accordance with the implementation plans. The
location of the high and low points must be durably safeguarded in order to maintain the
functional capability of the system and must be authorized by the planner. Before backfilling
the respective location the planner as well as the ordering firm must check the height profile
of the already laid vacuum lines.
As far as local regulations do not contrary, vacuum lines and potable water lines can be laid
in a common trench because wastewater cannot leak out of vacuum lines.
Pipelines are to be laid frost-free and have to firmly withstand traffic and earth loads, lifting
and impact forces as well as vacuum pressure during operation and tightness checks. If
required, over-ground pipelines sections have to be protected against extreme temperature
effects, UV rays as well as mechanical damages.
Pipelines made from PVC are only to be laid at a temperature of at least 4C. Please avoid
extreme tension during shrinking when chilling happens in case of PE-pipelines.
The location of the high and low points must be durably safeguarded. This safeguarding is
particularly important in soft ground (e.g. bog, clay) as otherwise the system can fail. DIN EN
1610 and ATV-DVWK-A 139 is relevant as for the laying, in particular for the forming of the
pipe bed.
High and low points can, in the case that the manufacturer of the vacuum system does not
lay down anything else, be formed by bending the pipes. The permissible minimum bending
radii according to DVGW (German Association of Gas and Water Engineers) G 472 are to be
observed they are: for pipes made from PVC-U R > 300 . da and for pipes made from PEHD R > 50 . da - please pay also attention to the manual edited by the manufacturer.
Pipeline joints are to be done in accordance with the instructions laid down from the
manufacturer. The fittings (branches) for the domestic connections are installed on laying the
collection mains. With this it is recommended taking appropriate note of open building sites
in order to avoid a later more expensive installation.

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Under certain circumstances a laying without trenches/ditches according to DIN EN 12889,
for ex. by flush boring, ploughing and milling may be taken into account. With this it must be
safeguarded that divergences from the height profile do not arise. For information please turn
to the manufacturer of the system.
A master plan is to be produced according to DIN 2425-4 after laying of the pipes.

6.2

Tolerances

In case the descending gradient of the pipelines exceeds 1:150 the level of the high and low
points may not deviate more than 2,5 cm from the height profile fixed ascending and
descending gradients in between must be stable.

6.3

Warning and detecting facilities

See DIN EN 1091.

Checks and testing

As for the testing of evacuation/suction valve units, pipelines and domestic connection
chambers, the Appendixes A - C of DIN EN 1091 have to be observed. Tightness tests
according to sections 7.2. and 7.3 of DIN EN 1091 are to be done before the installation of
the evacuation valve units. Approval tests according to section 7.4 have to be described
thoroughly concerning type and size in the tender/bid whereas the execution is subject to
Appendix D or DIN EN 1091.

Commissioning (Acceptance)

The manufacturer of the system should optimise the operation during commissioning and
train the relevant staff accordingly.

Economical aspects

Investment costs as well as operational costs should also be included into cost comparison
calculations. The total amount of costs of a vacuum discharge system might be considerably
lower in comparison with conventional systems.
Please turn to the service life data shown in Appendix M as well (see also Working Report
from 1997 mentioned in Appendix G).

Appendixes A till E:
See DIN EN 1091.

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

Appendix F:

Hints on operation and maintenance

Supplementary to Appendix F of DIN EN 1091 applies the following:

To keep an operating logbook

To conclude a maintenance contract with the deliverer of the system

Operating firms should keep some suction valve units in stock for renewal and
eventual exchange

In order to keep service frequency low as well as to safe time needed for detecting
the defects, a preventive maintenance is recommended according to the
manufacturer

Local and federal regulations and instructions of self-regulating and self-control

decree have to be observed

Appendix G:

Sources of additional information

ATV-A 200

Basic standards for wastewater discharge in rural areas

ATV-DVWK-A 139

Installation and testing of wastewater lines and conduits

ATV-DVWK-A 142

Wastewater lines and conduits in water procurements areas

DIN 1960

VOB Rules and regulations concerning placement of orders in

the construction business

DIN 1986

Discharge plants for buildings and real estates

DIN 2425-4

Plans of the supplying industry, water economy and for longdistance Lines Part 4: pipeline network plans of public
wastewater lines

DIN 4055

Water lines; Street cap for underfloor hydrants; technical rule of

DVGW

DIN 4056

Water lines; Street cap for cut-off fittings; technical rule of

DVGW

DIN 4060

Pipeline connections of wastewater conduits and lines with

seals made of elastomer requirements and tests at pipeline
connections containing elastomer-seals

DIN 8061

Pipes made from unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride General

Quality Requirements, Testing

DIN 8062

Pipes made from unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC-U,

PVC-HI) Dimensions

DIN 8074

Pipes made from High Density Polyethylene (PE) PE 63, PE

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

80, PE 100, PE-HD Dimensions
DIN 8075

Pipes made from High Density Polyethylene (PE) PE 63, PE

80, PE 100, PE-HD General Quality Requirements, Testing

DIN EN 681

Elastomer Seals Material requirements for seals for

pipelines for the use in water supply economy and discharge
economy

DIN EN 752-3

Discharge systems outside of buildings Part 3: Planning

DIN EN 1085

Dictionary for the wastewater treatment

DIN EN 1091

Vacuum discharge systems outside of buildings

DIN EN 1333

Pipeline components Definition and selection of PN

DIN EN 1401

Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC-U) requirements on

pipes, fittings and pipeline network

DIN EN 1610

Laying and testing of wastewater line and conduits

DIN EN 1671

Pressure discharge systems outside of buildings

DIN EN 10088

Stainless steels

DIN EN 12056

Gravity discharge plants inside of buildings

DIN EN 12889

Ditchless laying and testing of wastewater lines and conduits

DIN EN 12201

Plastic-pipeline systems for the water supply Polyethylene

(PE)

Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 5:

General
Pipes
Fittings
Performance capability

DVGW-W 320

DVGW = German Association of Gas and Water Engineers,

Production, Quality Assurance and Testing of Pipes made from
PVC rigid, HD-PE rigid and LD-PE for Water Supply and
Requirements for Pipe Connections and Pipeline Components

RAL-GZ 961

Production and maintenance of wastewater lines and conduits

Quality Assurance

TA-Lrm

Technical Manual Noise

Working report

of the ATV (Association for wastewater technology) - DVWK

(German Association of Gas and Water Engineers) - working group
ES 1.2 Special discharge procedures Questions on operation and
service life of vacuum and pressure drainage systems,
Korrespondenz Abwasser 44 (1997) H. 5, Page 921 ff.

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

Working report

of the ATV (Association for wastewater technology) - DVWK

(German Association of Gas and Water Engineers) - working group
ES 1.2 Special discharge procedures Comparison of the Worksheet
ATV-A 116 with the European Standards DIN EN 1091 (vacuum
discharge/drainage)
and
IDN
EN
1671
(pressure
discharge/drainage), Korrespondenz Abwasser 47 (2000) H. 2,
Page 258 ff.

Appendix H:

Literature / Bibliography

1. Liernur Die pneumatische Canalisation in der Praxis, Verlag der Ingenieur-Firma

Liernur & De Bruyn-Kops, Frankfurt am Main (1873)
2. Foreman B:E. Wastewater Collection by Vacuum, Proceedings of the International
Symposium on Urban Hydrology, Kentucky, USA (1985), S. 37 ff.
3. Kleinschroth A. Abfallstoffe und ihre Beseitigung Auszge aus einer
Verffentlichung des Oberingenieurs Adam Kleinschroth aus dem jahre 1909,
Informationsberichte des Bayerischen Landesamtes fr Wasserwirtschaft, Mnchen
(1986) H. 3, S. 193 ff.
4. Dippold W. und Jedlitschka J. Vakuumsystem und Druckentwsserung Bericht
ber die Abwasserbeseitigung der Donaugemeinden Fristingen und Kicklingen,
Landkreis Dillingen/Donau, Wasser und Boden 28 (1976) H. 5, S. 100 ff.
5. Drebes H. und Ivers H. Vakuumentwsserung Krempel/Dithmarschen, Wasser und
Boden 27 (1975) H. 5, S. 115 ff.
6. Horwitz S. Abwasserfrderung mit Vakuum eine volkswirtschaftlich gnstige
Lsung der kommunalen Abwasserprobleme, Wasser und Boden 23 (1971) H. 10,
S. 291 ff.
7. Winkelmair G. Abwasserableitung in gefllelosen Leitungen kleinen Durchmesser
Das Vakuumsystem, Wasser und Boden 26 (1974) H. 8, S. 229 ff.
8. ATV-Handbuch Bau und Betrieb der Kanalisation, 4. Auflage (1995), Verlag Ernst &
Sohn, Berlin. S. 387 ff.
9. Roediger M. Unterdruck- und Druckentwsserung alternative Verfahren der
Ortsentwsserung, Abwassertechnik (1995) H. 6, S. 11
10. Pfeiffer W., Roediger M. Anforderungen an die Kanalisation bei Druck- und
Unterdruckentwsserung, Schriftenreihe WAR der TH Darmstadt, Band 82 (1995) S.
211 ff.
11. Roediger
M.,
Schtte
M.
Besondere
Entwsserungsverfahren
Betriebserfahrungen, Korrespondenz Abwasser 39 (1992) H. 6, S. 865

12. Goldberg B. Unterdruckentwsserung ein sicheres Verfahren fr vertrgliche

Abwassergebhren, WWT (1995) H. 5, S. 20
13. Anonym Vakuumentwsserungstechnologie erstmalig erfolgreich im Bereich der
Chemieindustrie eingesetzt, Umwelt (1995) H. 7-8, S. 284

27

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

14. Jedlitschka J. Druck- und Unterdruckentwsserung Berichte der ATV H. 37, St.
Augustin (1986) S. 133 ff.
15. LAWA (Lnderarbeitsgemeinschaft Wasser) Leitlinien zur Durchfhrung von
Kostenvergleichsrechnungen (1998)
16. Schluff R. Unterdruckentwsserung Neue Erkenntnisse fhren zu einem
betriebssicheren Frdersystem, Abwassertechnik 37 (1986) H. 4, S. 37 ff.
17. Schluff R. Unterdruckentwsserung Abwasserbeseitigung im lndlichen Raum,
Eigenverlag, Heikendorf (1991)
18. Schrieber R. Vakuum-Kanalisation Neue Wege fhren
Betriebssicherheit, Abwassertechnik 40 (1989) H. 2, S. 43 ff.

zu

erhhter

19. Schinke R. Die Vakuumkanalisation ein Verfahren mit vielen, oft ungenutzten
Mglichkeiten, Korrespondenz Abwasser 46 (1999) H. 4, S. 506 ff.
20. Otterpohl R. u.a. Alternatiave Entwsserungskonzepte zum Stoffstrommanagement,
Korrespondenz Abwasser 46 (1999) H. 2, S. 204 ff.
21. Hassett A.F. und Starness J.C. Vacuum Wastewater Collection: The Alternative
Selected in Queen Anns County, Maryland, Jl. Water Poll. Control 53 (1981) H. 1, S.
59 ff.
22. Hassett A.F. und Starness J.C. Old Vacuum Sewer Reaches New Heights,
Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 65th Annual Conf. New Orleans
(1992)
23. Hassett A.F. Vacuum Sewers An Uplifting Global Future, Proceedings of the New
and Emerging Environmental Technologies and Products Conference for Wastewater
Treatment and Stormwater Collection, Toronto Canada (1995)
24. Averill D.W. und Heinke G.W. Vacuum Sewer Systems, Report prepared for
Northern Science Research Group of the Canadian Department of Indian Affaires and
Northern Development (1974)
25. Alternative Sewer Systems, Manual of Practice, Water Environment Federation,
Alexandria, Virginia (1986)
26. Alternative Wastewater Collection Systems, Manual, Environmental Protection
Agency, Washington, DC (1991)
27. ATV-Arbeitsgruppe
1.1.2;
Arbeitsbericht
Abwassertransportleitungen Planungs-, Bau- und
Korrespondenz Abwasser 34 (1987), Heft 1, S. 70-76

28

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

Appendix I:

Use of vacuum drainage systems

See Section 4.0.

Appendix K:

Calculation example

K. 1 Data
A locality with 910 inhabitants is to be connected via a vacuum drainage system to a sewage
treatment plant (figure K. 1). The terrain is completely flat. There are two main trunks. For the
sake of illustration both trunks are very different which is normally quite improbable.

Vacuum
Station
VS

Figure K.1:

Calculation example of a vacuum drainage system

For the trunk (1) up to (U) a wave profile with pipelines made from PE-HD are chosen
whereas for the other trunk (A) up to (U) pipelines made from PVC and a combination of saw
tooth profile and pocket reformer profile are applied.
The following height profiles serve as example only. It is also possible - if agreed upon with
the manufacturer of the system - to arrange them in a different way.

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K. 2 Pipeline network dimensioning
Upper and lower network parts are investigated separately.
Trunk (1) till (U) wave profile:
Trunk length:
Number of inhabitants:
Population density:
Medium air/water-ratio
according to table 1:
Intervals of inspection pipes:
Location of the inspection pipes:

1900 m
130 E
0,07 E/m
LWV = 6 till 9
max. 100 m
wave profile at random

Height difference between

highest and lowest points:

H dl + 5 cm

Maximum hydrostatic
pressure height difference in
each ascending section:

h = H - dl 5 cm

Bending radius for PE-HD:

R 50 . da

Length of ascending sections:

Ll 2 . (R.H)1/2

Inclination of descending sections:

0,2 %

Length of descending sections:

L2 500 . H

Out of the table 1 (by interpolation) results a medium air/water-ratio between 5,4 and 9,4.
Due to the uneven distribution/arrangement of domestic connections (only 30 E are at an
interval of < 900 m, 100 E > 900 m) out of these numbers a value of at least 8 is chosen. At
the end of the trunk a local air/water-ratio at the domestic connections between 12 and in
proximity to the vacuum station of 4 is adjusted, in order to reach in the trunk a medium
air/water-ratio of at least 8.
The system is subdivided into single sections. For each section the upstream inhabitant
values connected are accumulated to EWi. The medium LWV at the end of the section is
calculated as (EWi . LWVi) / EWi.
The nominal width DN of the section are taken from table 2. The distances Li between the
low points depend on the internal diameter di (see tableK.1). Therewith the sum of ni of the
low points is ni = Li / li

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Table K.1: Example for a height profile in flat terrain with PE-HD pipelines in
wave profile
External
diameter da of
PE-HD pipes
(mm)

Internal
diameter
of SDR 11
pipes
(mm)

75
90
110
125
140
160
180
200
225
250
280

61
74
90
102
114
131
147
164
184
204
229

Chosen
height
difference H
between high
and
low
points (cm)
10
12
14
15
16
18
20
22
24
26
28

Minimum L1
of increasing
sections
(rounded)
(m)

Maximum L2
of descending
sections
(m)

1,25
1,5
1,75
2
2,1
2,4
2,7
3
3,3
3,6
4

50
60
70
75
80
90
100
110
120
130
140

Chosen
difference L
of low points
from each
other
(m)
50
60
70
75
80
90
100
110
120
130
140

Since - with wave profile and flat terrain - each ascending section has a maximum static
pressure height difference of approx. 5 cm, the results are a maximum static pressure height
difference of the sections as follows:
hi = ni . 5 cm = Li / li . 5 cm.
With ascending terrain the lengths Li would be shorter and/or the height differences H would
be bigger. This would result in more low points and/or larger pressure height differences hi.
In case of descending terrain the situation would be the opposite. In order to have an
approximate result the geodetic height differences can be added to the sum of the maximum
hydrostatic pressure height differences.
The pressure height differences are added up to hi , whereas hi is added up to the highest
value of the pressure height at the beginning of the section. The total maximum hydrostatic
pressure height difference of the main trunk along the length 1-2-3-4-U (as mentioned in the
example) is only 1,55 m WS or 15,2 kPa. The maximum hydrodynamic pressure loss
however, will surely be greater.

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

Table K.2: Calculation of trunk (1) till (V)
1

Section

PE at
Section

Total PE
till
senction
end

Local
LWV at
section
end

Medium
LWV at
section
end

Nominal
width
section
accord.
tableau
2

Section
length

Distanc
e of low
points
from
each
other

Number
of low
points in
section

10
Max.
stat.
press.
height
diff. in
section

11

EWi

EWi

LWVi

(EWi
LWV1)
/ EWi

DNi

Li

li = f
(DNi)

ni = Li /li

hi = ni
5 cm

1-2
5-2
2-3
6-7
8-7
7-3
3-4
9-4
4-U

15
10
30
10
10
25
0
10
20

15
10
55
10
10
45
100
10
130

12
10
8
10
10
8
6
6
4

12
10
9,5
10
10
8,9
9,2
6
8,2
>8

65
65
80
65
65
80
100
65
100

400 m
150 m
600 m
200 m
150 m
400 m
500 m
200 m
400 m

50 m
50 m
60 m
50 m
50 m
60 m
70 m
50 m
70 m

8
3
10
4
3
7
7
4
6

0,4
0,15
0,5
0,2
0,15
0,35
0,35
0,2
0,3

Max.
stat.
press.
height
diff. till
section
end
hi

0,4
0,15
0,9
0,2
0,15
0,55
1,25
0,2
1,55
< 4-5 m

Trunk (A) till (U) in pocket reformer / saw tooth profile:

Length of trunk:
Number of inhabitants:
Population density:
Medium air/water-ratio
according to table 1:
Intervals of inspection pipes:
Location of the inspection pipes:

3000 m
780 E
0,26 E/m
LWV = 5 till 8
max. 100 m
after each high point

Pocket Reformer Profiler (T)

DN 65 and DN 80

Saw Tooth Profile (S)

DN 100

Height difference between

highest and lowest points:

H dl + 5 cm

Maximum hydrostatic
pressure height difference at each
low point saw tooth profile:

h = H - dl 5 cm

Inclination of sections:

0,2 %

Length of sections:

L 500 * H

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Table K.3:

Calculation example of height profile in flat terrain with pipelines

made from PVC in pocket reformer/saw tooth profile

Nominal width of
pipe PVC SDR 21

Type of height
profile

Height difference
H between high
and low points
(cm)

65
80
100
125
150
200
250

T
T
S
S
S
S
S

20
20
20
20
20
30
30

Max. hydrostatic
Distance L
height difference at between low points
low point
(m)
(m)

0,2
0,2
0,1
0,075
0,05
0,1
0,05

100
100
100
100
100
150
150

Approx. 400 inhabitants i.e. half of the total number of inhabitants, have a distance of < 1500
m from the vacuum station. Henceforth it is not necessary to increase the LWV value.
Section L-E is a special case due to its extremely low population density value of 0,03 E/m.
For this section according to table 1 a medium LWV of 6 is chosen. The local LWV lies
between 10 at the end of the trunk and 3 in proximity of the vacuum station resulting in a
medium value of approx. 6.
The maximum hydrostatic pressure height difference of the main trunk along the trunk A B C
D E U is 2,8 m resp. 28 kPa, i.e. no automatic ventilation is requested.
Table K.4: Calculation of trunk (a) till (U)
1

Section

PE at
Section

Total PE
till
section
end

Local
LWV at
section
end

Medium
LWV at
section
end

Nominal Section
width
length
section
accord.
tableau
2

EWi

EWi

LWVi

(EWi
LWV1)
/ EWi

DNi

A-B
F-B
B-C
G-C
C-D
H-D
I-D
D-E
K-E
L-E
E-U

80
20
70
50
120
40
50
120
100
30
100

80
20
170
50
340
40
50
550
100
30
780

10
90
8
8
6
5
5
4
4
10
3

10
9
9,1
8
7,8
5
5
6,5
4
10
5,9
6

80
65
100
80
150
65
65
200
80
65
200

33

10

11

Distanc
e of low
points
from
each
other

Number
of low
points in
section

Max.
stat.
press.
height
diff. in
section

Li

li = f
(DNi)

ni = Li/li

ni hi
acc. tabl
K.3

Max.
stat.
press.
height
diff. till
section
end
(ni*hi)

500 m
100 m
500 m
300 m
600 m
200 m
300 m
800 m
500 m
1000 m
600 m

100 m
100 m
100 m
100 m
100 m
100 m
100 m
150 m
100 m
100 m
150 m

5
1
5
3
6
2
3
6
5
10
4

1,0 m
0,2 m
0,5 m
0,6 m
0,3 m
0,4 m
0,6 m
0,6 m
1,0 m
2,0 m
0,4 m

1,0 m
0,2 m
1,5 m
0,6 m
1,8 m
0,4 m
0,6 m
2,4 m
1,0 m
2,0 m
2,8 m
< 4-5 m

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

K.3

Calculation of Vacuum Station

With specific domestic and industrial wastewater Ws,d of 150 l per inhabitant and day
One must be reckoned with a daily wastewater quantity of:
Qs,d
Qs,d

(EW) . Ws,d
(780 E + 130 E) . 0,15 m3 / (E . d) = 136,5 m3 /d

The following discharge quantities Qs,i in the trunks are basis for assessment:
Qs,i
Qs,1
Qs,A

=
=
=

(EW) . 0,005 l/(E.s)

130 E . 0,005 l/(E.s) = 0,65 l/s resp.
780 E . 0,005 l/(E.s) = 3,9 l/s

The total discharge quantities Qs are basis for assessment :

Qs
Qs

=
=

Qs,i
0,65 l/s + 3,9 l/s = 4,6 l/s

The maximum air streams QL in standard conditions of the upper and lower network section
are as follows:
QL,i
QL,1
QL,A

=
=
=

QS,i . LWVi
0,65 l/s . 8,2 = 5,3 l/s resp.
3,9 l/s . 5,9 = 23 l/s

The total maximum air stream is:

QL
QL

=
=

QL,i
5,3 s + 23 = 28,3 l/s = 102 m3/h

The medium LWV of the entire system is as follows:

LWV
LWV

QL / QS
28,3 l/s / 4,6 l/s = 6,2

In case of the following selected values for the switch-on and switch-off pressures of the
vacuum pumps: pmin = 35 kPa and Pmax = 45 kPa i.e. a medium pressure value Pmittel
of 40 kPa in the vacuum tank, an atmospheric pressure Pu of 100 kPa and a selected
security factor SF of 1,25 - the minimum requested suction volume stream QLS of the vacuum
pumps is:
QL,S
SF . QL . Pu / Pmittel
=
QL,S
1,25 . 102 m3/h . 100 kPa/40 kPa = 319 m3/h
=
nL = 3 sliding vane rotary pumps with a suction volume QL,P,S of 200 m3/h each (QL,P = 80
m3/h) and nS = 2 wastewater pumps with a passage flow QS,P of 10 l/s each are chosen.
That means that the requirements of equation 1 and 2 of section 5.3.5 are met:
QS,p QS / (ns 1)
10 l/s 4,6 l/s / (2-1) = 4,6 l/s

(1)

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

QL,p,s QL,S / (nL 1)
200 m3/h 319 m3/h / (3-1) = 160 m3/h

(2)

The minimum water volume requested Vw inside the vacuum reservoir/tank as well as the
requested air volume VL is as follows (in turn switching of the aggregates and maximum
switch-on sequence f of 12/h):
Vw
Vw
VL
VL

=
=
=
=

0,25 .
0,25 .
0,25 .
0,25 .

QS,P / f
10 l/s . 3600 s/h / 12 h-1 = 750 l = 0,75 m3
QL,P,S . . (pmax + Pmin)/ [ (pmax + Pmin) ] f nL]
200 m3/h 40 kPa / (10 kPa 12/h 3) = 5,6 m3

(3)
(4)

The vacuum station disposes of an over ground mounted vacuum tank so that for the
incoming trunks height laps of a maximum hydrostatic pressure height difference of more
than one meter are planned. That means that the volume in the vacuum line Vs is not taken
into consideration. So that the minimum volume V of the vacuum reservoir/tank U is:
V
= Vw + VL VS
Furthermore the following condition has to be fulfilled :

(5)

V 3 . VW
V 3 . 0,75 m3 = 2,3 m3

(6)

A tank volume of 7 m3 is chosen.

The power consumption/intake per vacuum pump each is approximately as follows:
PL,P = { / ( - 1) } . QL,P,S
{( -1)/ }

. (Pmax Pmin )

[ 1 ( . (Pmax Pmin ) / Pu)

] / L

(7)

PL,P = 3,5 . 200 m3/h . 40 kPa [ 1 (40 kPa / 100 kPa) 0,29] / (360 s/h . 0,4) = 4,5 kW
The wastewater is forwarded/pumped via a DN 125 pressure line over the distance of 500 m.
The velocity inside the pressure line is approx. 0,8 m/s and the hydraulic pressure height
Phydr approx. 30 kPa (0,3 bar).
With a vacuum pressure to be overcome of Pvac = Pu Pmin = 70 kPa and a geodetic height
difference Pgeo of 2 m the manometric conveyance pressure Pman is as follows:
Pman = Phydr + Pgeo . p . g + Pvac
Pman = 30 kPa + 2 m . 1000 kg/m3 . 9,81 m/s2 + 70 kPa = 120 kPa = 1,2 bar
The consumption intake of the wastewater pump is approx.:
PS,p
PS,p

= QS,P . Pman / nS
= 0,01 m3 /s . 120 kPa / 0,48 = 2,5 kW

(8)

The medium daily running time ts (d) of the wastewater pumps is:
ts (d) = QS,d / QS,p
ts (d) = 136,5 m3/d / (0,01 m3/s . 3600 s/h) = 3,8 h/d
The total medium daily running time of the vacuum pumps is:
TL (d) = QS,d . LWV/QL,p
TL (d) = 136,5 m3/d . 6,2 / 80 m3/h = 10,6 h/d

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That means that the daily electrical current consumption will be as follows:
W(d)
W(d)

= PS,P . Ts (d) + PL,P . tL (d)

= 2,5 kW . 3,8 h/d + 4,5 kW . 10,6 h/d = 57 kWh/d

Or expressed differently as for the volume:

W(V) = W(d) / QS,d
W(V) = 57 kWh/d / 136,5 m3/d = 0,42 kWh/m3
Or: per inhabitant value and year:
W(EW)
= W(V) . WS,d . 365 d/a
W(EW)= 0,42 kWh/m3 . 0,15 m3/(E.d) . 365 d/a = 23 kWh/(E.a)

Apppendix L:

Explanation of symbols

da

(mm)

external diameter of a pipeline

di

(mm)

internal diameter of a pipeline

DN

(mm)

nominal diameter

EDL

(E/m)

longitudinal inhabitant density

EW

(E)

inhabitant value (sum of number of inhabitants and inhabitant

equivalents)

EWi

(E)

inhabitant value connected to section of pipelines i

(1/h)

maximum switch-on frequency of electric motors

(m/s2)

acceleration due to gravity

(m)

Height of a slope in an vacuum line = Height difference

between the deepest point and subsequent peak

(m)

maximum pressure head of a slope

hi

(m)

maximum pressure head in section i of the pipeline

hman

(m)

manometric delivery head

Li

(m)

length of the pipeline section i

li

(m)

interval of the low points in pipeline section i

LWV

(-)

air/water-ratio (air volume in standard conditions)

LWV1 (-)

local air/water-ratio of the domestic connection in pipeline

section i

ni

total number of low points in pipeline section i

(-)

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

nL

(-)

total number of vacuum producing pumps

nS

(-)

total number of wastewater pumps

Pmax

(kPa)

highest absolute pressure inside the vacuum reservoir

(switch-on point vacuum pump)

Pmin

(kPa)

minimum absolute pressure inside the vacuum reservoir

(switch-off point vacuum pump)

Pmittel

(kPa)

medium absolute pressure inside the vacuum reservoir

Pu

(kPa)

ambient air pressure

PLP

(kW)

performance/power inlet of a vacuum pump

PSP

(kW)

performance/power inlet of a wastewater pump

QL

(m3/h)

airflow at peak discharge at standard conditions

QLS

(m3/h)

airflow at peak discharge at operational conditions

QLP

(m3/h)

airflow of a vacuum producing device at standard conditions

QLPS

(m3/h)

suction volume of a vacuum producing device (vacuum pump)

QS

(l/s)

rating flow/discharge of wastewater

QSd

(m3/d)

medium wastewater discharge per day

QS,p

(l/s)

performance inlet of a wastewater pump

(m)

bending radius when laying a pipeline

SF

(-)

safety factor for the dimensioning of vacuum producers

tL(d)

(h/d)

medium daily running time of vacuum pumps

tS(d)

(h/d)

medium daily running time of wastewater pumps

(m3)

minimum volume of the vacuum reservoir

VL

(m3)

minimum volume of the vacuum air reservoir

VS

(m3)

air volume to be calculated for the dimensioning

of the vacuum reservoir in the incoming collection lines

VW

(m3)

minimum volume in the vacuum reservoir for wastewater

WS,d

(l/(E.d))

medium daily wastewater quantity occurring per inhabitant

value

W(d)

(kWh/d)

medium daily electrical current consumption

W(EW) (kWh/(E.a))

medium annual electrical current consumption per inhabitant

value

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

W(V)

(kWh/m3)

medium electrical current consumption in relation to the

wastewater volume

Phydr (kPa)

hydraulic pressure height difference

hgeo (kPa)

geodetic height difference

pman (kPa)

manometric conveyance pressure

pvac (kPa)

highest vacuum pressare inside the vacuum reservoir

(-)

efficiency of a vacuum pump

(-)

efficiency of a wastewater pump

(-)

adiabatic exponent of a gas

(kg/m3)

water density

h1

(m)

maximum hydrostatic height difference up to the end of

a pipeline section

Appendix M:

Life cycles

The expected service life of a vacuum pipeline network does not differ from those of
conventional drainage (gravity) systems due to the large wall thickness. According to the
working report of ATV-DVWK working group 1.1.2 dd. May 1997 (see appendix G) service
lives are as follows:

50 till 80 years for the pipeline network

30 till 55 years for domestic connection chambers
30 years for pneumatic suction valve units
25 till 40 years for vacuum tanks
20 years for vacuum pumps and
12 years for wastewater pumps

Appendix N:

Qualification / Training of the staff

Execution of construction work

Customers are committed to pay special attention when placing orders for construction and
assure themselves of the adequate qualification of the employees of the construction firms.
See standards of DIN 1960 (VOB/A 8 Par. 3). The RAL Quality Assessment GZ 961
contains requirements to be met by:

personnel
equipment
training and development programme
charging of follow-up firms
purchase of deliveries and foreign supplies/services

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

The customer can revert to a System for quality testing of deliverers or firms according to
the EG-Standard dd. 17.09.1990 (Appendix C of DIN EN 1610) for example the Quality
Assessment Kanalbau e.V.
Firm
The staff/ of a firm must be adequately educated and must be able prove having frequented
up-to-date development and training programmes, in order to assure correct execution of the
assigned tasks e.g. specialist for wastewater technology as well as for canalisation and
pipeline laying.

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ATV-DVWK-A 116, Part 1________________________

Vacuum drainage is a special discharge technology which can be under certain
circumstances quite cheaper than conventional systems (gravity) with much lower
investment costs. In consideration of economics there are, however, also all the follow-on
costs to be included such as, for instance, for operation, servicing, write-off, interest etc. The
Set of Rules and Standards contains besides the normal normative definitions and
information a detailed system description of a vacuum pressure discharge system. Statutory
questions are treated/explained as well as details on planning, construction technical
execution and operation of vacuum pressure drainage systems.
Now the Work Sheet ATV-DVWK-A 116 consists of 3 parts:

Part 1: Vacuum drainage systems outside of buildings

Part 2: Pressure drainage systems outside of buildings
Part 3: Compressed air cleansed pipelines for the transport of wastewater

Part 1 and 2 of the Work Sheet are supplementary to DIN EN 1091 and are valid only in
connection to it. This part of the Work Sheet applies for planning, construction and operation
of vacuum drainage systems outside of buildings and contains additional regulations and
information.

ATV-DVWK

Deutsche Vereinigung fr Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall e.V.

Theodor-Heuss-Allee 17 D-53773 Hennef
Telefone: 02242/872-0 Fax 02242/872-135
E-Mail: atvorg@atv.de - Internet: www.atv.de

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April 2004