The American company “Bio-Microbics” sells Fast septic tank on the Russian market, which in its technical characteristics is close to domestic analogues of Ekolos or Tver. Part of the model range is intended for the treatment of domestic wastewater in the private suburban sector.
You will learn all about the operating principles, advantages and disadvantages of VOCs of this brand from the article we have proposed. We will tell you whether American equipment is suitable for operation in Russia. For independent home masters, we provide detailed installation and connection technology.
Short description of the manufacturer
In order to raise fewer questions about the operation and installation of treatment equipment, we will get to know the manufacturer more closely and see how the American brand has established itself in the conditions of Russian reality.
The production of equipment under the brands FAST® (domestic waste water treatment) and BioSTORM ™ (storm water treatment) takes place exclusively in the United States, in the state of Kansas, and is exported to more than 70 countries, including Russia. The abbreviation FAST stands for “Fixed Activated Precipitation Processing”.
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Options septic tank Fast
Purification system delivery format
Plastic container for mounting the system
Construction of the building for the installation of the station
Using a station to upgrade a network
Choosing a place for fast equipment
Camouflage system hatch in the area
In our country, the company began its activities more than 10 years ago, in 2004, and still successfully supplies the models that have become popular. Among the sought-after equipment is a range of offers for country houses and cottage villages. The Russian official distributor is TAKOM.
As a rule, for the installation of VOCs on the territory of country houses, permission from Rospotrebnadzor is required, but for the installation of Fast systems it is not necessary. Starting from 2010, instead of the conclusion of the SES, a “Declaration of Conformity" is in effect, a copy of which is available on the official website of the Russian representative. If the inspection authorities require a sanitary certificate, it is enough to present the Declaration issued upon purchase.
The most difficult operating conditions for wastewater treatment plants are in the northern regions of the country, and not all septic tanks of Russian production operate smoothly in soils with a low level of freezing.
However, when installing the Fast system, an option is provided with the necessary deepening or additional insulation, which makes it possible to use the equipment continuously, throughout the year.
Set of equipment for mounting the RetroFAST system, designed for the treatment of domestic and sewage. The model is designed to serve up to 5 people
Moreover, facilities for cleaning sewage can be installed even in permafrost, when there is no possibility of installation in the ground. The tank is placed inside a heated building or insulated tank - for this, the production of mobile units and prefabricated structures has been established.
Practice shows that FAST equipment has proven its worth in Russia, both among private clients and in servicing various enterprises and institutions (hotels, clubs, rest houses, sports facilities, hospitals), so when choosing a septic tank for your own cottage, it makes sense to get acquainted with household models of the American manufacturer.
One of the stages of the installation of VOCs in the Far North. The standard limits of the starting temperature of the treatment plant are from -42ºС to + 45ºС, but with additional insulation they are even wider
Design and principle of operation of a septic tank
When referring to FAST facilities, the term "septic tank" is most often used, although in reality it is a system of deep biological wastewater treatment, functioning due to the activity of aerobic bacteria. The cleaning efficiency is 98%; at the outlet, the liquid is odorless and colorless.
According to representatives of the supplier company, the word "septic tank" is more understandable for customers. The system is a modular design with many installation and connection options. RetroFAST and MicroFAST models are distinguished by their technical characteristics and mounting capabilities.
The RetroFAST station is suitable as a new treatment plant or module for the reconstruction of an existing sewage treatment system. MicroFAST is installed in a container made of metal or concrete. When constructing a tank for placement of treatment equipment, the construction rules for the installation of a septic tank belonging to the category of settlers are adhered to.
Consider the design of the septic tank Fast and its location relative to the surface of the earth:
The main parts of the Fast 9.0 design: 1 - fan; 2 - the surface of the earth; 3 - technical well; 4 - air outlet; 5 - inlet sewer; 6 - approximate liquid level; 7 - a cover; 8 - airlift; 9 - airlift pipes; 10 - polymer honeycombs; 11 - outlet for purified liquid
As you can see, the tank is completely in the ground, only a fan for air injection and a pipe for its exit come to the surface.
The housing of the FAST working container is made of high-strength plastic, which is not susceptible to rapid wear and corrosion and is designed for a service life of up to 50 years. All station parts are manufactured in the United States, with the exception of engines that are imported from Italy or Taiwan.
The principle of operation is as follows. Dirty sewage flows through pipes from residential and utility rooms into a reservoir divided into 2 working zones.
In the first zone, primary sedimentation takes place, in the second - directly aerobic cleaning. Microorganisms do not need to be specially purchased and put into a container; they enter a septic tank along with waste masses.
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Plastic honeycombs for resettlement of aerobes
Compressor housing and devices
Air filter and airlift assembly
Pipes and fasteners for assembly station
The habitat of aerobic bacteria is the honeycomb - a plastic load that does not need to be changed and rinsed over the entire life of the VOC.
At the first supply of effluents to the system, aerobic colonies settle on the cellular surface of plastic honeycomb modules. Their livelihoods and self-regulation of the population are supported by a constant supply of oxygen and replenishment of a new portion of waste mass.
One of the details of the airlift is the system of air diffusers, which saturate the aqueous medium with oxygen and ensure the circulation of sediment. As a result of the gradual movement of the medium and treatment with bacteria, the liquid brightens, and already clarified enters the outlet. Drainage occurs simultaneously with the arrival of a new portion of sewage.
During operation of the septic tank, the cells are completely immersed in the liquid and are serviced by airlift, so that microorganisms are able to exist and independently regulate their numbers
The only volatile element of the station is an air compressor, which has a dual purpose:
- provides the circulation of fluid necessary for cleaning;
- supplies air to support aerobic organisms.
The optimal mode of operation of the compressor is interval: half an hour is in the active state, half an hour rests.
Fast system installation diagram with an absorbing well. Also, from the aerobic treatment tank, the liquid can be supplied for additional treatment to the drainage system, soil, ditch or pond
Advantages and disadvantages of VOC “Fast”
Fast is not the only station that performs deep cleaning using aerobic bacteria. However, it has advantages that distinguish it from most other models.
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Waste Discharge Well
Equipped gutter
Disposal of recycled effluents to the terrain
Water Use Options
Among the main advantages are the following:
- volume peak loads not available to other brands (it easily withstands the discharge of a jacuzzi equal to 800 l);
- combined cleaning principle - in addition to aerobic bacteria growing on the surface, anaerobic bacteria living inside the load also function;
- self-regulation of the system - with a lack of aerobic bacteria, it quickly replenishes their number due to anaerobic;
- lack of moving parts (all elements associated with the cleaning function are static), therefore, frequent maintenance and repair are not required;
- compact design, occupying a minimum of usable territory;
- the maximum possible cleaning efficiency is 98-99%.
There are a number of nuances that make station maintenance more comfortable. For example, when leaving the city for the winter, it is not necessary to carry out conservation, but to re-commission the system in the spring. You can compare with the standard winter service rules for a septic tank by reading the material devoted to this issue.
It is enough to turn off the power, and then turn it on again. Another nice plus is the ability to flush household cleaners containing chlorine and other chemicals into the toilet.
To understand the level of comfort provided by the Fast station, we compare it with the famous Topas brand in Russia. Septic tanks “Topop” also perform biological aerobic treatment, however, they need constant removal (or moving to the sump) of activated sludge and regular removal of solid sediment.
Chemicals (solvents, household detergents) in Topas are forbidden to be dumped. According to reviews, various modifications of septic tanks really work smoothly, without requiring repair and regular pumping of sludge. However, flaws are still found. The first is the volatility of the station.
Oxygen supply is necessary for the development of aerobic bacteria, so you can not do without a compressor. Air supply equipment supplied
The second drawback is the relatively high cost. For example, a household RetroFAST 0.375 model with a capacity of 1,500 l / day costs 159 thousand rubles. For comparison, the topical septic tank of similar productivity is 127 thousand. The article recommended by us recommends the topical septic tank service.
Browse Popular Models
Residents of cottage and cottage villages are more often interested in septic tanks designed to serve one or several houses, so we will focus on models with minimal performance. The main technical characteristics are presented in the table:
The table shows the reduced price (per share) of the popular RetroFAST 0.375 model: instead of the usual 169 thousand - 159 thousand. MicroFAST models prices are changing, as they are “tied” to the exchange rate (+)
The cost of MicroFAST systems can be clarified online on the official website of TAKOM or by contact phone.
RetroFAST 0.375 for a country house or garden
The compact biological treatment system for country houses is designed to serve from 1 to 6 people (maximum - 8 people). Productivity - 1.5 m³ / day, with increased load - up to 1.8 m³ / day. without loss of efficiency.
A feature of the equipment is its installation - the system is suitable for installation in a new or old tank, suitable in size. Most often this is a plastic container or a well of 2-3 concrete rings.
Scheme of the RetroFAST 0.375 model. Pay attention to the location of the tank: it is completely buried in the ground. Only the technical manhole and vent pipe (+) come to the surface
Fan power - 0.2 kW / h, air flow rate - 0.14-0.48 m³ / min.
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Stage 1: Fast equipment designed for the treatment of effluents for 1 to 8 people, are installed mainly in plastic containers. According to their size, we develop a pit
Step 2: On a flat, tamped bottom of the pit, put a plastic container in which the sewer station will be located
Step 3: Immerse the working part of the septic system in a previously installed container. We fix the equipment according to the instructions from the manufacturer
Step 4: We bring a sewage pipeline to the septic tank, the slope of which should be about 2% towards the drain. Pipes, including ventilation, are connected through sealing cuffs
Step 5: We fill the tank with the station located inside it with water to start the processing process and protect the walls from deformation during backfilling of the pit
Step 6: We load the remaining cells in the station’s working box so that they are completely covered with water
Step 7: To install the fan (compressor), we install the support part, because he should be on the surface. We assemble the unit for pumping air into the septic tank
Step 8: We fill the foundation pit with sand, act carefully so as not to damage the container. We fill in layers of 30 cm with tamper
Pit device for a plastic case
Installation of a plastic container in the pit
Installing a housing with polymer honeycombs
Pipe septic tank connection
Filling the station with water
Installing a complete set of honeycombs
Cleaning station fan assembly
Exterior view of the Fast station on the site
When installing the fan, the following requirements must be considered:
- concrete base;
- location - no more than 30 from the station;
- installation in a non-flood zone;
- power supply - 115/230 W, 60/50 Hz.
The fan and cable must be insulated from moisture. To protect the cable, it is recommended to use a corrugated polymer sleeve.
MicroFAST 0.5 for the cottage
The modular MicroFAST 0.5 system, like the entire line, works on the principle of aerobic-anaerobic deep cleaning. Unlike the previous model, it is designed to serve a large cottage in which a family or group of 8-10 people lives.
At the same time, it can process sewage from several sources - a cottage, a bathhouse, a guest house. The exception is the drain from the pool, which should not be done in the septic tank, but in the drainage.
MicroFAST 0.5 model circuit diagram. The best option for the construction of the tank is a concrete sealed container consisting of 2 compartments: the first is a deposition zone, the second is biological treatment (+)
Productivity of the model is 1.9 m³ / day, with increased load - up to 2.3 m³ / day. Resists uneven discharge of wastewater. This means that it works without loss of efficiency both with sewage volumes of 0.1 m³ / day and at maximum load. It is independently restored in a short period if solvents or chemical detergents get into the sewer.
MicroFAST 0.75 for a large cottage or group of houses
Like the previous model, MicroFAST 0.75 station is used to service one large cottage or a group of buildings located nearby.
To ensure that the system works smoothly, and the quality of the cleaning meets the stated indicators, it is recommended to connect no more than 2-3 cottages to one building.
Like all other models, the performance of MicroFAST 0.75 is focused on the number of people living in cottages. The maximum number of users is 14 people (at a rate of 200-230 l / day per person)
Productivity is 2.8 m³ / day.
Servicing more powerful systems does not differ from operating models of lower productivity: sediment is removed no more than 1 time in 5 years, washing the polymer load or preservation for the time of departure is not required.
MicroFAST 0.9 for a cottage village
MicroFAST 0.9 modular system is not installed on a standard summer cottage, for which a less efficient station is enough.
It is designed to serve large estates with several houses, small hotels, sports facilities located away from centralized communications.
MicroFAST 0.9 biological treatment plant is essentially an enlarged and more powerful modification of the MicroFAST 0.75 model with a capacity of 3.4 m³ / day, designed to serve 14-17 people
To install powerful facilities, to eliminate technical problems, it is recommended to use the services of a supplier.
Installation and assembly technology
The choice of model and the technical aspects of the installation of treatment equipment completely depend on whether there is already an installed facility on the site. For example, acquiring a RetroFAST system implies a pre-installed capacity.
If you have a sealed well made of concrete rings (at least 2 pieces) with a diameter of at least 1.5 m, then the system can be installed directly into it. Additional requirements: strong bottom and cover.
If the septic tank is installed for the first time, you must choose a place. Low noise and no odor allow you to place equipment near the house. The manufacturer recommends keeping the distance from the house 1-100 m, from the well - at least 7 m. However, if the area allows, it is better to comply with SNIP standards: 5 m and 25 m, respectively.
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Step 1: arranging a foundation pit for the system
Step 2: Installing the bottom of the concrete enclosure
Step 3: Installing the enclosure shaft end rings
Step 4: Build an Absorbing Well
Step 5: Installing Finishing Elements on the Wells
Step 6: Install the treatment equipment in the enclosure
Step 7: arranging the necks with hatches
Step 8: use of construction equipment
To muffle compressor noise, the insulation of the compartment in which the engine is located must be used. A self-adhesive membrane is suitable as a sound-absorbing material - sound insulation for cars.
Installation steps for models with a plastic tank:
- pit preparation (if necessary, deepening up to 12 m below ground level is possible);
- capacity setting;
- connection of sewer pipes;
- fixing the load, airlift and compressor parts;
- connection.
Installation can be done in several ways: independently (according to the instructions), installation under the technical supervision of an employee of the company, online installation, installation of equipment by the master in a prepared tank (concrete, plastic, metal, stone), turnkey installation supervision.
Installation of the RetroFAST 0.375 system in a pre-built tank of concrete rings. The work is carried out by the company's specialists in the winter, which does not affect the quality of the installation and cleaning efficiency
The warranty is 10 years (3 years for the electric motor), but for an additional fee you can purchase an unlimited warranty.
Rules for the operation of equipment
Service and operating conditions distinguish Fast equipment from similar brands. The systems are volatile, therefore, you will have to pay extra for electricity.
The consumption of the most popular RetroFAST 0.375 model is 250 W / h, with the energy-saving mode - 2 times less (saving mode - 12 working hours per day).
It is not necessary to constantly turn on / off the compressor, it is enough to program the timer to 30/30 mode - it works for half an hour and rests for half an hour.
The only thing that needs to be done regarding the compressor is to clean the air filter once every 5 years. To control the start or shutdown function, an ordinary key is designed, which can be installed in a comfortable place, for example, in a house.
The technical manhole cover is located 5 m from the apartment building (behind the fence) and next to the bench for relaxation - this is only possible due to the absence of an unpleasant odor
The operational state of the station needs to be maintained only in case of permanent residence, during departure it is enough to simply turn off. Preservation is not necessary, as well as pouring various technical solutions such as antifreeze. The next time you turn on the system will work in normal mode without additional training.
Electricity costs can be considered the only ones, since regular cleaning, removal of sludge or pumping out of solid sludge is not required. The compacted sludge sediment is recommended to be removed once every 5-7 years, otherwise it will harden and grow to the walls of the tank.
Pumping out is carried out using a cesspool equipment. The length of the hose can reach 100 m, that is, access roads are not required.
Installation of the system in a concrete sealed container, consisting of three compartments: 1 - sump; 2 - station for deep biological treatment; 3 - distribution well. From the last compartment, fluid is forced into the ditch outside the area
The manufacturer of the equipment does not offer after-sales service, since it is not necessary. Flushing polymer honeycombs is not needed - their condition is regulated by the system itself, replacement is also not needed - the service life of the load is equal to the service life of all equipment (50 years).
In order for the system to function smoothly, there is no need to dump solid, water-insoluble objects, such as cat litter, into the toilet bowl (and other entry points). But toilet paper, household cleaning products, solutions containing chlorine are possible.
With the help of videos shot by representatives of the company TAKOM, you can get an idea of the work of FAST septic tanks.
Video # 1. General information about Bio-Microbics products:
Video # 2. How the MicroFAST 4.5 model looks and functions:
Video # 3. The degree of purification of fluid taken from the drainage well:
Video # 4. Engine Noise Level:
Video # 5. Installing RetroFAST in a concrete tank:
If you need high quality wastewater treatment and you are not experiencing financial difficulties, pay attention to VOC “FAST”. You can choose the most suitable model yourself, after consulting with a representative of TAKOM, and it is better to entrust the installation to specialists.
And what treatment plant did you use in organizing the autonomous sewage system of your site? Tell us what are the advantages of your chosen option, share why you chose it. Please write comments in the block below, post a photo on the topic of the article, ask questions.