Dosing with automatic dosing siphons

Installation and operation of automatic dosing siphons.

Dosing of secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment areas has been used in the USA for over 20 years and is becoming accepted in Australia. Low pressure dosing, using automatic dosing siphons, involves a supply manifold that leads to perforated distribution laterals; heads down to 500mm have been used.

High pressure dosing usually requires a pump to supply heads of 10m or more to operate proprietary emitter systems or to pump to treatment areas above the dosing chamber on sites with limited options. Automatic dosing siphons can also be used where there is sufficient fall below the dosing chamber.

Benefits of dosing

Dosing achieves a more uniform distribution over the treatment area, preventing progressive failure along the perforations of distribution laterals. Difficult site conditions can be overcome. The dose-rest cycle maintains aerobic conditions and significantly prolongs the life of the treatment area.

Advantages of automatic dosing siphons

• Converts irregular small flows into calibrated doses for uniform distribution
• Low initial capital cost
• Very little or no maintenance
• No moving parts
• No requirement for electrical power
• Not affected by power outages
• Proven technology; over 100 years old

Limitations

Siphons can only be used where adequate fall can be achieved between the outlet of the dosing siphon and the manifold of the treatment area.