--

628.28
1990 (

RAF

STANDARDIZATION OF SEPTIC'TANKS
FOR BANGlADESH

A Project Report

by

M. RaflAI Basilar

- ,-

Submitted to the Department-of Civil Engineering

Bangladesh University of Erigineefmg aildTechnology, Dhaka

in partial fulfHnrent of the requirements for

POsmRADUATE
":;-,
DIPLOMA IN RNVtRONMENT ALENG INHERING
,
(AIFBUIT jointProgamme)

.
I.", ~
"

AugUst 1990 _.-

1111111111111111111111111111111111
#81501#

.~ "
 f ""'" : '-;~.}".

I!
STANDARDIZATION OF SEPTIC TANKS
I FOR BANGLADESH
j
!
I A Project Report

by

M. Rafi Al Bashar
/
I Approved as to style and content by:
,
I
j
I Dr. M. Feroze Ahmed
Professor
Chairman
(Supervisor)

I Department of Civil Engineering

BUET.Dhaka

!I
~eF= ----
Dr. M. Mlljibur Rahman
Associate Professor
Member

Department of Civil Engineering

_BUrr. Dhaka

Dr. Md, Habibur Rahman

Member
Assistant Professor
(Ve's Nominee)
Department of Civil Engineering
i
BUET.Dhaka
1I

August 1990

 ABSTRACT

The sep tic tank sy::;tern 0f sewage d ispos-a, j S llJide IIJ used in the tomBS and

ci ties of Bangladesh. HOI.lJet...Jer', j n the absence 0 f any un i f ied code (I f pr.ac t j ce)

nlJITler'ous modeI 5 and types 0 f sep tic: tanks ar-e in use J a I I 0f lIJh ieM can ne i ther.

serve the purpose effectively nor are desirable from the economic point of.view for

a country like Bangladesh.

Thiss ludy a l tempts to exami ne the scope and ex ten t 0f s landard iza t ion 0f

septi c tank sys terns for BangI adesh. Rec:ent litera lure on the subj ec:t has been

reviewed; information and dala on the functional and design aspects of septic: lanks

has been presented and analyzed.

Design delai Is of septic: tanks currently used in Bangladesh by various

government. and private organizations have been presented. Their defects and

weaknesses have been identified.

Finally an attempt has been made to propose standardized versions of septic

tank systems suitab Ie for the loco I condit ions of BangI "desh.
 ", :'.,: .
'-l' .~.
':. ~,- .
_.;. ,",.

RCKIlOIILEOGEIfEIfT

i
, .
, The authbr gratefully acknowle4ges his profound grati tude to his proJect.
, .
'I'
,,
superv i sor Dr H Feroze Ahmed, Prof essol':, Department 0f Ci v i I Engi neer in9; BUEL
j
The gu idance, suggest i ons, advIce and encoul'llgemen
t which he has prov i ded

throughout the course of this study has proved to be of immense~alue.

The author is indebted to Dr Hujibur Aahman, Associate Professor, Department

of CIv i I Engi neer i ng, BUET; Dr Kazi Har-unur Rashi d, 0 irec tor, ShaheeduI Iah and'

Associates Ltd; Hr R~~ruzzaman, Assistant Engineer, Dhaka IIASA; & Hr Abdul Hannan,

Sub-divi s lonai EngIneer, PliO. They have been kind enough to prOVi de re Ievant

literature, data and design drawings.

Special thamks also are due to all others who have contributed,
.'
directly or

indirectly, to the pubI ication of this report.

 conTENTS

ABSTRACT ....... _ . iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . .... ., iv
CONTEtHS ................... - _- v

CHAPTER 1 I tnRODUCTI ON .. ......... ... .......... .... ........ ... ... ....1
1.1 General .. ....... ............... ... .. 1
1.2 Rationale ............
..,
1.3 Obj ecti ves ..2

CHAPTER2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE . ... 4

2.1 Oeser- i pt i on _ _ _. _ _ 4
2.2 P,'ocesses Wi thin The Tank 4
Performance . .......................................
6
2.4 Design Objectives. . 7
2.5 C,opacity Of Septic Tan~......................................... 8
2.5.1 General Requirements ....................................
.,
u

2.5.2 Theoretical Approach ...................................

9
2.5.2.1 Genera I Equat j on _. __ _. ...
9
2.5.2.2 Calculation Of Liquor Volume 10
2.5.2.3 Calculation Of Sludge And Scum Volume 11
2.5.2.4 Fr-eeboard .. ................................. 13
2.5.2.5 Calculation Of Total Tank Volume 13
2.5.3 Empirical App,'oach .. . .... . - ......... .. .... . .. 14
2.5.3. 1 Capacity Based On liumber' Of Bedr.ooms ... . . . . 14
2.5.3.2 Capacity Based On Numbe,' Of Per-sm-Is Sar-ved .. 15
2.5.:3.3 Capaci ty Based On Dt.ell ings In
Various Countries ..... 15
2.5.4 tl i n i mum 0 i mens ions 18
2.6 Shape And Proportions . . 18
2.7 Compar tmen ta t. i on ............................................... 19
2.8 Inlet And Out.let .......................................... 20
2.9 Venti I lat.ion . ........ 21
2.10 Access . ... 24
2. 11 Construction Materials .......................................
'"~
2.12 f1aintenance .................................................... 25

",
 2.13 Disposal Of Efflt~ent ........................................ 25
2.13.1 General ....... 25
2.13.2 Subsurface Soil Absorption Systems ....... 25
2: 13.2. 1 General Requirements ................ 26
2.13.2 2 Site Selection Considerations ............... 26
2.13.2 :3 Ground Water Pollution Considerations ....... 27
2. 13.2 4 Absot'ption T,-.enc:hesAnd Absor.pt.i on Beds ..... 27
2.13.2.5 Absorption Pits .......... 29
2.13.:3 Sand Filter System ..................................... 31
2.13.4 MOlmd Sys tem ... ...........................
',,>
'_'L

2.13.4 Evapotranspiration Beds ................................ 32

2.13.6 Anaerobic Upflow Filter ................................ 32
2.13.7 Small Bore Semerage System ............................. 33

CHAPTER 3 SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS CURRENTLY USED IN BANGLADESH ........... 34

3. Septic Tank Syst.em Of PUD .... . .. .. .. . 34
3 2 Sept. i c: iank System Of SR Depart.ment. .. 40
'0 '0
..' ... Septic Tank .system Of MES ... . . . .. . ..... .................. 40
3.4 Septic Tank System Of S&A ..................................... . 40

CHAPTER 4 STANDARDIZATION OF SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS . .................... 46

4. 1 Gene.-.al . .46
4.2 St.andar.dizat.ionOf The Tank . . .. 47
4.3 Standardization Of The Absorption Pit .......................... 49
4.4 Septic: Tank and Absor'ption Pits Serving Institutions ..... 57
4.5 Structurai Design Of Septic: Tank . .. 57

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................... 5'~

5.1 Conclusion 59

Recommendations For Research 60

FiEFERENCES . . 61
 1

CHRPTER 1

I tHRODUCT I on

1. 1 GeneraI

For a city having piped water supply} a water-carried sewerage system

discharging into a sewage treatment plant can .satisfy all the requirements of safe

and nuisance-free UJostemater disposal. HOUJever,as shotun In Figure 1. 1, on I y a

smaI I pr'opor-t ion 0f the urban popuIat ion in de'Je I op ing countr i es are ser-ved by

sewers. The number 0f peop Ie IIIi thou t seltierS i5 i ncr-eos i ng because popu I a t j on

growth is exceeding the provision.of new sewer connections.

Af,- I ca Lati n Middle South East Bangladesh

Hmer'ica East. AsiGl Asia

~,
Sectors of circles proportional to urban population

Legend:

~
SellJer

sewer
slJsi:.em

sl:lstem
lI.Ii th treatment

UJith no trecltment

lIlh household systems .. e.g. } septic tanks

D no sani totion

Figure 1.1: Urban Sanitation in Oeveloping Countries IBased on Gabriel 1981 and

Rahman 1989]

In areas tl.li th no municipal sewerage system; the household slJstem; i.e.;

septic tonks, is the most common method of providing water-carried sanitation. A

tuell-designed septic tonk tuith on effective effluent disposal s'.stem has all the

advantages of a sewerage system.

'-2 Rationale

Standard i zo t i on is the process 0f spec i f Y i ng a body of gu i de lines based on

knowledge gained from research and iong-term experience; the main aim of which is

to simpf ify and codify design; construction or appl ication leading to an adequate

and optimum solution tuhich is ultimately beneficial to the user and general public.

Our knolJ.l1edge on septic tank sys terns has expanded substan t i a I lid in response to

rapidly evolving research on it.

Since the processes within a septic: tank are fairly accurately known; there

apparently is no justification behind constructing different types of septic tanks

for a smaI I C:OUt1 tq,t like BangIadesh_ Slandard izot ion 0 f septic lanks can Iead to

simplification of the manufacture of its various components.

There will also be a
reduction in the possibility of defects in the system.

It thus seems just j f ied to have standardized vers ions of septi c tank

systems; with,only minor modifications as and where necessary.

1.3 Objectives

The objectives of this paper are as follows:

- Rev i ew 0 f the sep f. i c: tank me thod 0 f 1.J.lQ5 te d i SPOSQ f as adqp ted i n

various countries; including Bangladesh

Study of the design of septic tanks currently produced by differen~

.>'.f

government and private organizations in Bangladesh} and finally; 1\

...
 3

DeveI opment 0f standard ized vers ions 0f septic: tanks whi ch are

techn ico I IY sound} ec:onom i c(~I } and suitable fo,-. condit ions

prevai I ing in Bangladesh.

 4

CHRPTER 2

REUIEU OF LITERRTURE

2.1 Description

A septic tank is Q watertight chamber} usually located just below the ground

I eve I} tho t rece ives both exc:re1:.1], and flush IJJI] ter f r'om to i lets. Sometimes 0 ther

household wastewaters) or sullage} are drained in also.

The main functions of the tank are:

a. to separate solids from the liquid~

b to store the sol ids}

c. to provide digestion of organic matter} and

d. to djsehar'gethe partially elar.jfjed I iqllid for fllrther treatment

and disposal. This par'tiolli:l clar-ified I iquid can be disposed off

through soil absorption systems} soil mounds} evaporation beds} or

anaerobic upflow fj Iters} depending upon the site and other

conditions.

The essential components of a septic tank are shown in Figure 2.1.

2.2 Processes Uithin The Tank

The processes occurjng within the septic tank are complex and interrelated.

However} the primary processes can be identified as follows:

a_ Separ-cit ion 0f suspended so lids Ih i5 pr-ocess resu I ts in the

formation of three distinct layers: (i) I] sludge layer" at the

bottom; (i i) a floating scum II]yer- at the top; (iii) and (l

relatively clear Iiquor zone in the middle. ,,This phase is

.
 5

basically a
I
coagulation pr'ocess I
fol lowed b'J sedimentation or

f Iotati ok depenl Ing on par'ti c Ie size and densI toJ

b. DigestiJn of slJ~ge and scum - Organic matter in the sludge and

scum is lanaer'obileaI I Y digested, ,,!hIch Is u I t ImateIy converted to

!
,
carbon d iox ide and methane. Th i 5 '""eact i on is rep~esented by lhe

fol lowing simpl ified equation:

CxHyOzN + H20 -} CH4 + +

<organic moUer) (m:lhcme)

Gos formatior, in th.e sludge IO'Jer'causes flotation of slCldge floes

which resettle ofter' gas reie'Jse at the sw'face. Oensiiicalion of

i
the sludge
, layer occurs due to accumulation of overburden.

---r
. ,~
flO
.- cast iron \-.-
OJ vilriftt'd lite 4" seWed
raw wngf SCWClI:C
":,j.: oullel

liquid 1 -r- .f'V ,',

j ;.../ I"
Sludge and 1:3:, :t~-
"lastlC dellector, ;r.~

Section on If:

Figure 2.1: The Conve~tif",al Septic Tank

 6

c. Stabi Iization of the liquid During retention in the tank,

organic matter in the clarified liquid are stabil ized by anaerobic

bacteria.

d. Reduction of microorganisms Some microorganisms are separated

out in the sedimentation process. Some die off naturally in the

ad\.Jerse envi ronmentin the tank. ThusJ there is an overa I I

reduct i on in the nt.lmber of mi croorgan i smg_ However} a large

number of them can be present in the effluent, sludge and scum and

can cause health hazards if people come in direct contact.

2.3 Perforaance

The TSS (total suspended sol ids) in selJ.loge entering a septic tank ranges

from 150 to 300 mg/I. A part of the settleable sol ids settle out and float in the

scum layer. The rema in ing are carr ied 01.1 t l'J ith the sep tic tank e ffIuen t. Tobie

2.1 gives typical effluent concentrations and percent removed.

As con be seen, the effluent is generolly high in BOD, organic nitrogen,

phosphorus and coliform.

Factors which affect septic tank performance are;

C1. hydraulic retention time}

b. ambient temperature}

c. nature of influent wastewater}

d. organic. content of sewage}

e. microbial population, and

f. construction delails of the lank.

 removal of settleable solids and soluble organic matter by anaerobic decomposition

to as high a degree as possible.

To accomplish this, the septic tank must provide the following:

a. a liquid volume sufficient for 24 hour liquor retention at maximum

sludge and scum Qccumulation~

b. proper placement of inlet and outlet devices and adequate storage

of sludge and scum to prevent their discharge into the effluent,

c. provision to permit escape of gases produced in the lank. Since

the digestion process is anaerobic} no direct venti I lation is}

however~ necessary.

2.5 Capacity of Septic Tank

2.5.1 General Requirements

The septic tank should provide space for the following:

Q. liquor}

b. sludge,

c. sc,-~m~ and

d. freeboard (or space to accommodate gases).

The I.}O J ,-"me f Of' liquor depends on the hydrau I ic: re ten t ion t j me . Th is

re ten t ion time shou Id no t be Iess than 24 hours. The vo Iume for sludge and scum

depends on the frequency of cleaning which depends on the rate of sludge and scum

accumulation~ which in turn depends on:

Q. hydraulic retention time?

b. ambient temperature}

c. volume of wastewater~

d. anal cleansing material used.

 9

To make matters more complicated, all the various factors are interrelated.

2.5.2 Theoretical Rpproach

2.5.2.1 General Equation

The capac i ty 0f a septic tank can be ca Icu Ia ted by the f 0 I Iomi r,g gener.aI

equation:

v = G + PQT + PSFO

I.lJhet"'e;

v= total t.JO lume of the septic tank

G = freebom~d or. t}O I ume ~or gas accumulation

P = tiumbet~ of users contributing to the tank

Q = per. cap i ta sel.lJage (1.IJaS

telJ.la
ter ) flol.lJrate to the tank

T = minimum hydraulic retention time

S = per capita rate of sludge (and scum) accumulation

F = factor related to ambient temperature and desludging inte~val

o = time interval between desJudging operations.

Commonlyadopted units are:

l) in I iters or gal Ions

G in liters or gallons

P in capita

Q in liters pet- capi ta pet' da'J (I pcd) 01'. gaI Ions per capi ta per dalJ

(gpcd)

T in days
 10

Sin liters per capi t.a per annum (I pea) m-' goI Ions pet.... capi ta per

annum (gpca)

F is dimensionless

D in years.

The Indi an Code 0f Prac t i ce i s based on a generaI equQt i on 0f the above

form.

Recording to the Bri tish Code of Practice CP 302, the general equation has

the form:

U = 2000 + 180.P in lit.ers

The general equation is a summation of t.hree components:

Q. freeboard or gas volume

b. liquor volume

c_ sludge and scum volume_

2_5_2_2 Calculation Of Liquor Uolu.e

The componentof liquor. vo Iume ina sept i c tank is 9 i ')en by PQT, where the

notations ar-e defined in Section 2.5.2. i. The aver.age was 'lema ter' f I om Q can be

determined by measuring seo.hJgeflolJJS for a given period} but this is often not

practicable. In the absence of specific data in this regard} the following values

of Q ar.e general I'd satisfactori Iy assumed:[Rajput1982J

a. 120 Ipcd (27 gpcd) if all fittings (i .e., ,JC, bath, sinks, etc)

are connected to the water supply and septic tank.

b. 50 Ipcd (11 gpcd) if water is available only at a compoundtap and

all wQstewater goes to the septic tank_

 11

c. 40 Ipcd (9 9pcd) if wastewater only from the WC goes to the septic

tank.

d. 20 Ipcd (5 gpcd) if water is obtained from a nearby standpipe.

e. 5 Ipcd (1 gpcd) if .'ater is obtained from a pub Iic standpipe 01'

well} and only minimum water is used to clean the we.

Account should be taken of the possibi Iity of impr'o'.Jement

of the .'ater

supply situation in the near future.

The minimum retention time T in the septic tank is generally taken as 1 day.

t author i ties
t"lQS recommend tho 1:. the sep t j c tank size shou I d be based on a 3 day

retention time at star.t-up, UJhich is equivalent to a 1 day r'etention time just

pro ior to des! udgi ng . HOIJ.lever- 1 min i mumre ten t i on times' as. I ow as 12 hours and as

high as 3 days are also used.

2.5.2.3 Calculation Of Sludge Rnd ScU8 Uoluae

The component of sludge and scum storage in a septic tank is given by PSFQJ

where the notations are defined in Section 2.5.2.1.

In the Indian Code of PI'actice, the sludge acwmulation rate S is taken as

77 Ipca (17 gpca). The rate of accumulation depends on the time interval between

desludging} the ambient temperature} materials used for anal cleansing} etc.

Figure 2 2 shows the relationship between accumulation rate and desludging

interval} as measured in America.

The time inter'vaI bebeen des Iudg ing 0 is genera IIy 5 yeat's,'but can be

assumed to be 3 years if no other infor-mation is aVl]i lable. Table 2.2 gives r'"otes

of sludge accumulation depending on the material used for anal cleansing.

The factor F is related to the ambient temperature and desludging interval,

as shewn in Table 2.3.
 12

!1aterial Used H/C or. Latr'ine Household Sui I age +

for Anal Cleansing I~astewater on Iy L(1tr- ine WastellJoter

Ipca gpca Ipca gpca

Hater, Soft paper- 25 6 40 9

Leaves ..Har.d pape,' 40 9 55 12

Sand] Stone} Earth 55 12

I 70 15

Table 2.2: Rate of Sludge Accumulation for Various Anal Cleansing Materials

Rajput 1982]

Des I,-,dg
ing Ambient Temoer-a h.u"'e

Inte,-'vaI < 100 C 100C- 200 C > 200 C

YeQr's during llJ i nter-- thr'oughc.ut year' throughout ':Jear

I 2.50 1.50 1.30

2 1.50 1.15 1.00

3 1.27 1.00 1.00
4 1. 15 1.00 1.00
5 LOt. 1.00 1.00
>5 1.00 1.00 1.00

Table 2.3: Values of Factor F for Given Oesludging Intervals and Ambient

Temperature.
 13

2.5.2.4 Freeboard

The minimumrecommendedfreeboard above I iquid level in a septic tonk is

foot.

2.5.2.5 Calculalion Of Tolal Tank Uolu.e

There are severa I m'ethods for co Icu Iat i ng the toto I capaci ty of a sept i c

tonk:

a. By summingthe three componentvolumes in the general equation as

given in Sections 2.5.2.2 to 2.5.2.4.

b. If the calculated I iquor volume is less than half of the

co Icu Iated sludge vo Iume,. then the mini mum tonk vo Iume shaI I be

given by 1.5 times calculated sludge volume. This ensures that

the tonk OJiII be about two-thirds full ",hen it i. time for

desludging.

300 ~
5 ":J';>

~
E
a. co,e '<>
"
u
u>
~ ":J'"
a. 200
d)
~

'"
"0 '.J .
Vi" c
.2 100
;; scum
"0
:; ;' ~
~ E 1/'
",
u
u
<t 0
II
---
0 2 4 5 8
De-ludging cycle ( years )

Figure 2.2: Rate of Accumulation of Sludge and Scumin Septic Tanks in the US
 14

c. If we say that the tank wi II be desludged when the sludge and scum

accumulation reaches bJo-thirds tank capaci ty (i .e. no fixed

desludging interval); and the retention time is not less than

day, then the required tank capacity is given by three times daily

wastewater flow. Therefore tank capacity will be given by

v = :3PQT

IJJher.e ..

P = number of users served

Q = average daily per capita wastelJJater flow

T = minimum retention lime.

Volumes given by band c above should be multiplied by 1.2 lo 13 to account

for freeboar-d.

2.5.3 E.p.irical Rpproach

'-

Ther-e are numer-ous formulae; codes} standards for determining the volume of

septic tanks. The basis for calculation are also various; such as:

G. number of bedrooms per dwell iog}

b. number of contributing users}

c. average daily wastewater flow} etc.

The r.equir-ed min imumcapaci lies 0f septic lanks tll:Jsed on the number 0 f

bedrooms; are shown in Table 2.4.

 15

2.5.3.2 Capacity Based On nuaber Of Persons Served

The requ ired min imumcapaci t. ies 0 f sept j c tanks based on the number 0 f

persons served are given in Tab!e 2.5.

As a matter of fact there is a great

\-'oriation in the capac:ities of septic tanks as suggested by di ffer-ent codes and

standards. Figure 2.3 shows the relationships between tank capacity and number of

users according to some widely used standards.

2.5.3.3 Capacity Based On Osel Iings In Various Countries

The septic tank 5 tandards for 5 ingIe houses l.lsed j n d iff eren t European

countries is shown in Table 2 O.

Number' Tank Equivalent Capacity

of Capaci ty per Bedroom
Bedrooms gallon liter' gallon I iter

1 - 2 625 2840 315 1420

3 750 3410 250 1140
4 915 4160 230 1040
5 1085 4920 215 980
6 1250 5670 210 940

Table 2.4: Required Capacities of Septic Tanks Based On Number Of Bedrooms

[Salvato 1982]
 16

Number- Tank Equivalent Capacity

of Capacity per- <Pe'
.,' ib"n)
Persons gallon Ii tet-- gallon liter-

1 110 500 110 500

4 415 1890 105 470

6 500 2270 R?
-~ 370

8 ~...
6"r 2840 78 350

10 750 3410 75 340

12 915 4160 75 340

14 1085 4920 78 350

16 1250 St,80 78 :350

Table 2.5: Required Capacities of Septic Tanks Based On Number Of Persons Served

[Sa Ivato 19821

Countr-y Tan"- Capac ity Compartments Retention Time

gallon Iitel-- days

USA 420 1900 2 2 - 3

UK 540 2460 1- 2 2 - 4
France 500 2270 1 - -j
" .' - 10
c

Stll i tzer-Iand 730 3330 3 ~- 4

-j

Germany 540 2460 :,:: ... - 10

c

Belgium 275 1250 2 "~

G,'eece 525 2380 2 -

Finland 225 1050 1 - 2 1- 2

Tab Ie 2. 5 : Sep tic Tank S b::mdards for Sing Ie HOLioses in liariOt.fS European Coun tr i es

[Raj p,-,t 19821

 (7

II

-"'2
10
./
;/
9' ,/
8
/ 3
/
/
7.
""0 /

-
.;
6

/
I '
I I
/

5 I
.?;- I
'u /
0
Co
0
4
/
/
/ 5
,
~
u

3 /
/
./ .~.
c
~ -'- / ~ '.
2
/
..
{
/'? 0
."t~.,-,; 5 10
, 15 20 25 30 35
ConlributinQ POpul<ition ('numiltr of people)

legend: 1 - US Manual of Sept ic TankPrOc lice, private houses

2 - US Manual of Sept ic Tank Practice} insti tutions

3 - British Standard CP 302

4 - Indian Standard, cleaning interval 2 yr ( IS 2470)

5 - Indian Standard} cle~ning interval 6 mo (IS. 2470)

Figure 23: Minimum Septic Tank Capacities According to Different Standards

 2.5.4 "iniay. Di.ensions

In case of very sma!I tanks; the size is often deter'mined by other

considerations. For example, the lI.lidth of the tank cannot be less than 2 ft (60

em) in order to allow a man to work inside during construction and maintenance.

2.6 Shape Rnd Proportions

The shape 0f a sep tic tank is an importan t parame ter inits proper

functioning. The shape of the tank influences:

a. the velocity of wastewater flow through the tank

b. depth of sludge accumulation.

C. presence or absence of dead or stagnant pockets of liquid

d. surge storage capacity.

For a given tank volume} if the depth is too great} then the plan dimensions

IIIi II be small. There l)}i II be every possibi I i ty of short eir-cui ting between the

inlet and outlet. This will result in a shortening of the effective tank volume}

hence the retention time. Lowsurface area also implies high overflow rate ( which

is defined as the mQstet1.loter

flOto rate per unit surface area). This is detrimental

to sedimentation efficiency and solids removal mill be low.

Conversely, if the tank is too shallow, the depth for sludge storage will be

10m causing undue reduction of effective cross-section. However} a larger surface

area is desirable to lomer ot}erf I 0'-'-' rate thereby improving sedimentation

performance.

Wastewater flowing into the tank is not uniform or continuous} but comes in

surges. These surges dis t)Jrb the ",ho!eli q'l id 5',S tem in the tank. It has been

estab I ished tha t for a sedimento.t ion process} quiescent condi t ions are requ ired.

I n the septic tank., dis turbance due to surges can be reduced by increas ing the
 19

sur"face area. Longer inlet flolJJ pipes are also helpful. The longer effective

retention time thus provided aids in the re-separation of sludge and scum which are _

mixed by turbulence caused by influent surges.

It has been experimental I" establ ished that tanl<.s lJJith 101JJ
length/.,idth

(L/I-D ratios have dead or stagnant zones IJJhichactually reduce the effective tank

volume. Tanks having flow regimes approaching plug flow conditions have been shown

to hOI.}e ! ess shor t -c: i rcu i t i ng and prov i de more e f fie i en t tlJastewQter trea tment .

Thi .5 can be ensured by having rec tanglJ Iar septic tanks as aga i nst square ones.

Desirable L/W ratios range betlJJeen

2:1 to 5:1. The actual ratio chosen lJJill depend

on the shape and area of land available.

Tanks 0 f cl:ll i ndr i co I shape made 0 f sewer pipes ar-e a Iso repor ted to be

satisfactory.

The depth 0f septi c t'Jnks shouId not exceed (; to 7 ft i n orde,-' to reduce

shoring costs.

A 5 i ngIe compartmen
t septic tank hav i ng cot'rect propor t ions and proper

details should provide acceptable performance. But a two compartment septic tank

having the same capacity has been found to provide better performance. The removal

efficienCies of BOD} suspended solids} and organic colloids has been reported to be

higher for a two-compartment tank than a single compartment one. lhis is specially

true for tanks IJJhichhave been designed to serve less than 100 users, and IJJherethe

effluent is disposed off in soils of 101JJ

to moderate permeabilities.

The hour-Iy as tlJe I I as dG i IY RIGS tewr]ter. f I DIJ.!S into a sep tic tank can var'y
toi de I y . Our i ng peak f I ow per- i ods ~ higher' so J i ds concen tr'a t i on can

'!Jith the effluent. ~jeI I-des i gned t",o-compartmen

t septi c tanks can

effect of peak loads.

 20

The volume of the first. compartment (i .e.) immediately after the inlet)

should not be less thon one-holf of the totol volume. Otherwise lorge flows will

result, which can disrupt the sludge in the first compartment and cause it to be

washed over to the second compartment.

For improved per f ormance1 the vo I urne 0f the f j rs t compartment shay I d be

otleost two-thirds of totol volume.

A Iso 1 to preven t dis tur.bance to the scum J ayer 1 the par tit ion shay Id be

token up to 6" obove the Iiquid level in the tonk. The flow from the first

compartment into the second one is achieved by horizontal slots in the partition.

The slot should be locoted below the scum ond obove the sludge loyer.

On the same principles} a three compartment septic tank will further improve

removol efficiencies. But incrementol benefit goined by the three-comportment tonk

hos been found to be not very significont.

Sometimes honging boffles ore provided insteod of porti tions. But this
prod ice Ieods to (!Josh0'"' t 0f sludge. The,'efore, honging boffles should not be
used as partitions.

2.8 Inlet Rnd Outlet

The inlet and outlet are very important devices for the proper f'..mctioning

of 0 septic tonk.

The inlet to 0 septic tonk should be designed to:

o. dissipate the energy of the incoming J.IJQstevJOter to minimize

turbt~I ence t1Jh i ch can cause the settl ed sludge to rem i x i th the
~l)

I i ql..IOr.

b. prevent short-circuiting.

The outlet from 0 septic tonk should be designed to:

 21

(:I, pr-elJent to high a liquid r'ising veloci ty in the ver'tical legs of

the outlet which can resuspend particles of settled sludge

b. prevent bubbles of gas in the liquid from directly entering outlet)

s inee they carry up llJi th them par tie.! es 0 f sludge.

Figure 2.4 shows some examples of defective inlet and outlet design.

The inlet 'and outlet can be of sanitaF'Y tees} elbolJ.ls or- baffles. It is

preferable to use sanitary tees to reduce turbulence at inlet.

In order to reduce action of surge flows) the pipe into the septic tank} as

well as the inlet tees, should not be less than 4 inch in diameter. The top limb

sholJld rise to atleast (0. inch above the Iiquid level in the tank. The bottom limb

should extend to atleast one-fifth the liquid depth in the tank. The last 30 ft of

sewer into the septic tank should not have a gradient steeper than 1.5~.

The outlet devices' ability to retain sludge and scum in the septic tank is

a major factor in overall tank performance. The lower end of the vertical leg of

the outlet must extend below the scum layer and be above the sludge layer, as shown

in FigtH'e 2.5_ The upper end of the vertical leg is usually taken 6 inch above the

Iiquid level and the bottom leg one-thir.d of the Iiquid depth in the tank. The

invert level of the outlet should not be less than 3 inch below the invert of the

inlet. To prevent sludge par-ticles fr-omaccidentally entering the outlet device,

it may be desirable to install some sort of sludge deflector mechanism) as shown in

F ig,-,re2 .6 . HouJever, if prov is ions regar'ding dep th are proper Iy app lied, these

deflectors will be of little additional advantage.

2.9 Uentillation

The digestion process occuring within the septic tank is primarily anaerobic

in nature. Ther-efor.e~ no dir-ect venti I lotion to bring in .atmospheric: oxygen is

 22

,I

:) l 'w'

w' ,'w'

Inl~

A and 8 Typical Examples of Tanks with Poorly Placed Inlets and Outlel

Solids Build up Qnl Blo-Jcll Inl~

(
BoUie

,..-..... ~ ,.".,. ,~"1t:"7r;::<'"7.

c: Poor Inl<:l and Oull,t

"
-it:/" .~

scu~ I

o Tank with Inlet too Deep

F I gur-e 2. 4 . De i t:C
- l. J \)1:2:
I n I e l and OutIE: t DES j gns:

. "", {
 23

Liquid -Oullet
Level
Scum

Scum' Cle~
Space, T ,',,
';1 ~

'..
.;0.

.
TOIOI Clear Spate SludQeCleor "
Space ,-.--
~~ ,~ ............ , , ............. '~
'
':::::::':::~;'::::::::!;t.~]~~:~1;i1:;:i:;11:11::I:ji~1:;;::1::;:
};
c/,,'';'~-:..,';';~.~-d-.;'~...";:';;.,~,:".:;~d',:.,.~;,
,~~':;,,"

[I1l1 let. Detoi I

",. ",

Go, 0,'11101'1
, ~!'-'e
I A) (Ell

I!:S" ",' '.,

C".,,'
~
c'j"',' ~;:-
Liquid L.~el
..
.~~-

Ovl ' Stum

B.llflot

G", D.n.chon
ConfiQvfohon

IC) 10)

F i 91.1'---:: 2 tJ.

. ,:
 necessary. However, the anaerobic digestion of sludge and scum produces ~ases Iike

methane, carbon dioxide and some other foul smelling gases. These gases accumulate

above the Iiqu id sur face and are needed to be t}en ted ou t . Th i s can be done by

providing a venti Ilation pipe for the septic tank itself. HOI.t1ever,this is often

unnecessary as the vent stack generally provided to buildings serves this purpose.

2.10 Recess

f1anhoIes shou Id be prov ided to serve as a means to inspec t the sep tic tank

and to emp ty the se tt Ied 51 '~dge the manho Ies shou Id be air t igh t t.o preven t fou I

gases from escaping. Manholes should preferably be located close to the two ends

of the tank and for mu It icompar tmen t sep tic tanks, there shou Id be a t leas tone

manhole for each compartment.

2.11 Construction naterials

Suitable materials for constructing septic tanks are:

o. brick masonry

b. reinforced concrete

c. steei

d. plastic

e. fiberglass

f. ferrocement

Whatever material is used, the tank must be water-tight, stable and durable.

From economics} ease of construction and maintenance point of view, brick masonry

seems to be the most appropriate construction material.

Ferrocement should also be a sui table material} but practical performance

data ;5 lacking.
 2.12 naintenance

Septic tanks need very little maintenance. The only maintenance needed for

a well-built and properly used septic tank is the periodic removal of accumulated

sludge and scum. The septic tank should be inspected atleast once a year to check

the ac:cumuIQ t ion 0f s Iud~e and scum. The tank shou Id be c f eaned ou t lJ,lhene' ..Jer

sludge depth occupies about two-thirds of the liquid depth. Fai lure to do so is

the primary cause of septic tanks not functioning properly.

After cleaning operation, 5 to 10 liters (1 to 2 gallons) of the old sludge

should be left in the tank to serve as seeding material.

2.13 Disposal Of Effluent

2.13.1 General

The partially clarified liquid 'JJhichis discharged from the septic tank is

high 1';:1obnoxj ous and conto ins a Iarge number 0f pothogen ic mj c:r.oorgan ism:=: and is

high in BOD. This is msuitabfe for direct

I.. discharge into a lake, river or on

land. The effluent requires further treatment or has to be disposed off in a safe

manner. Any of the following methods can be adopted:

a. subsw"'faee so i I absorpt ion systems - (i)

absorpt j on trenches 1

(ij) absorption beds! (i ii) absorption pits

b. sand filter system

c. mound system

d. evapotranspiration beds

e. anaerobic "pflo'. fi Iter

f. smal) bore sewerage system.

 26

2.13.2 Subsurface Soil Rbsorption Systems

2.13.2.1 General Requirements

Subsurface soi I absorpt ion sys terns are the mest popuIor methods for

effluent disposal be~ause of their simple design} ease of construction) fow

maintenance) and above all) their relatively low cost.. They are suitable for sites

characterized by moderate to high soil permeabi!ities) low ground mater conditions}

great depth to bedrook, gentle slope of land, and are henoe appropriate for terrain

of Bangladesh.

2.13.2.2 Site Selection Considerations

The potential to treat and dispose of septio tank effluent through the soil

absorp t i on sys terns depends on the charac ter i s t i c:s 0f the area. Therefore} a
systematic si te evah..lation should be done. Th i scan inc: Iude the measurement.s 0f

sbi I permeabi IitYJ soi f depth} depth of impervious strata, degree of slope}

position of water table} etc.

These systems of effluent disposal depend on the obi I i ty of the soi I to

accept liquidJ strain out viruses and bacteriaJ and filter the effluent.

Soil permeability should- be moderate to rapid. It depends primarily on the

soi I grain characteristics. It is knO!.IJn that clalJey and si Ity soi Is have poor

permeabiI i ties. On the 0 ther hand, sandy and grave IIY so iIshave high
permeabiI ities.

The following tests are available for measuring soil permeability:

Q. percolation test

b. crust test

c. zero-tension lysimeter test.

 However1 va ! ues obta i ned brJ these tes ts or'e h j ghIIJ var i ab Ie and are 0 f I OOJ

rei labl I I ty.

2.13.2.3 Ground Uater Pollution Considerations

So; I absorpt Ion s',Istems shouId be Iocated Sl<ch that they cannot cal<se

contami not ion 0 f weI ls, spr ings and 0 ther sources. 0f llJa ter suppry . Underground

contamination can travel in any direction and for considerable distances.

Therefore} effective filtration is necessary. Underground pollution usually moves

In the same general d Ireet Ion 0f the s lope or grad Ient 0f the ,uater tab Ie .JhIch

for J oms the genera I con tour 0f the ,~round sur face. FOt'" th i s reason} l1bsorp t i on

systems should be located downhill from wells and springs. As a matter of fact, it

is necessary to re Iy upon both hor izonto J and. ver t ica ! dis tance for pro tec t ion.

Absorption systems should be located atleast 50 ft from any SOl<rceof water supply.

Flgl<re 2.7 shows typical undergrol<ndpol Il<tlon patterns.

2.13.2.4 flbsorpiion Trenches find flbsorption Beds

Absorption trenches 'are shal fowl let)el excavations 1 to 5 ft (0.3 to 1.5 m)

deep and 1 to 3 ft (0.3 to 0.9 m) .,;de.

A .single I ine. of open jointed or

per'fora ted pipe ;s p Iaced on 6 ;nch (15 cm) 0 f graveI. The pipe i s then cover.ed up
. iT

by gravel} 0 semi-permeable barrier and backfill} as shown in Figure 2.8. Two or

more such trenches, each upto 100 ft long, can makeup an absorption field. The

side walls are the principal infiltrative surface.

Absor'pti on beds d i ff e,- from trenches i n that they Clt'e"' ider than 3 ft (0. 9

m) and can contain more than one I ine of distribution piping} as shOl.lJn in Figl...Ire

29. The bed bottom is the principal infiltrative sl<rface.

 2{\

Absorption trenches and beds are not sui table for condi tions in BangIadesh
for the following reasons:

a. Trenches. and beds are exc avations

. of relatively large areas that

genera I lyre lyon the upper soi I horizons to absor b the effluent

lhrough the bottom and sidewalls of the excavat i on. In

Banglades h , these soi Is are of si Ity or clayey na ture and are 0f

permeabiii ty .
poor h' , remain
b. These systems require soi Is '. IC" satut-.o l e d ~-evpral
_ melers

be IOlU groun d level throughout the year. Bul lhe ra my

. sea.son in

Bangladesh Iasls for months logelher and lhe prob Iem of luater-
logging can be common.

l:~1~~~
:

.
c.. . . .

n_
. .

.
,.

, ".
,

,
I .
,U 11'" - __ -'-: :-:-_ .

- e~ou

o .w ...
~t."~lo.ot'_
1 1_/'

Figure 2.7: Ground Waler P0I lulion Patterns

 29

Co Urban Iand has becomever'd high IY pr iced. Large areas 0f Iand

req'-'i red for these s'dstems implies that they can be cost Iy to

install.

2.13.2.5 Rbsorption Pits

Other names also used are seepage pits; soakwells; soakpits} cesspools; etc.

Rbsorpt i on pits are deep excavat ions desi gned pr i mari IY for Iatera I absorpt i on 0f

effluent through the bottom and sidewalls of the excavation. Covered porous-walled

chambers are placed in the excavation and filled with coarse aggregate. Effluent

enters the chamberwhere it is stored until it seeps out through the chamberwall

and bottom. This is shown in Figure 2.10.

f n cases lIlhere re I at i ve I y i mpervi aus so i '5 m-'e under Iaid by por-ous san,j or

fine gravel, absorption pits offer the cheapest and the best solution to effluent

disposal problems.

Rbsorption pits can be of any diameter and depth provided they are

structurally sound and are constructed without seriously modifying subsoil

properties. Generally, the pits vary in diameter from 2 ft to 5 ft, and the depth

can be as much as 40 ft. More than one pit can be prov i ded} in {I.lh i eh case a

separation from "Jail to um". equal to at/east three times the diameter should be

maintained. The size actually provided depends on the absorptive capacity of the

soil and on the.number of users. The absorptive capacity of soil can be estimated

from percolation tests. However; in absence of such tests} values in Table 2.7 can

be assumed.

The pits can be I ined or 'lnl ined. The lin i ng can be 0f precast concrete

COHcrete rings; f er-rocementor- br-i cY.. masonr'y_ The bo t tom 1 f t 0 f i i ned pits are

fi lied ,uith gravel or brick bats. Unlined pi ts are fi lied complel.el'd ,uith gravel,
 30

.....

t r
c. . _ k

F j gur-e "2. 8 - Sep f. I':': TQ,-.k ~Ji th Absot-.p f. i on T f'e-nche:s

tf2 ,
.,,~.-
. ... ~.
.
~""I< r.~

I .t4 -~.41 , ,
I,eo . '.J' 'Ill 010 !tu.

FigUl'~ 29: St':p l ic: T\.It"lh l~i th lib:6or'p t i on 8~d

10.16 em Inspection Pip.

RemrOlcf'd COl'l(r'l, Co .
lntk"enl -E.I"'1d,d 10 Solid (or,h

[fllue,,1

---- .....
...
' _
Brick, BloCk, Ril"lQ, o
Pr'COll Chomb.,
.00.

f ...ilh Qr>.n Jo,nll

._~2q - 30'1a"" 01 190-6. 3~ em

Clool> Ao~~

Ab,ofp'ion PI' C'o.. S.cliol>

FigurE= L,.1(1: Sep tic Tllnh. ~Ji th Ab50t~p t i un F' j t

 31

brick bats and sQnd~ preferably in the form of an inverted filter. Pits can also

be partially lined.

The sand IQIJer into lIJh

ich the pit is insta II ed should not be used as a

source of drinking mater} e.g_} by a well. This is seldom done in urban areas.

Another advantage of a wei I-designed and constructed absorption pit is that

it requires almost no routine maintenance.

RelatilJe Soil Effluent Loading

Absorption Type l/m2/d g/ft2/d

Rapid Coarse sand} Gr-ovel 140 3.0'

Medium Fine sandi Sandy loam 70 1.5)
Slow Sandy clay} Si It 30 0.6
Sem i- i mper. i aus
I..
Dense clay 20 0.4
Impervious Rock

Table 2.7: Absorption Capacities of Soi Is IS-2470 [Khanna 1982]

2.13.3 Sand Filter Syste.

Sand filters are beds of granular materials placed 2 to 3 ft deep underlain

by graded grave I ar,d co IIec ting tile . Septi 10 tank eff I'lent is app lied through
distribution pipes at the top.

Disadvantages of this system are:

Q. large land area is required

b. there may be odor problems

c. regular maintenance is required to prevent clogging.

 32

2. 13.4 nound Systea

FI mound sys tem i 5 an absor-pt i on sys tern tha tis e I eva led abol,.Je the no lw"'a I

soil surface in a suitable fill material. This is used in places with:

Q. soils having low permeability

b. shallow permeable soiis

c. permeablesoils with high water table.

Disadvantages are:

a. it requires large land area

b. submersible pumps are necessary.

2.13.4 Evapotranspiration Beds

Evapotranspiration beds consist of a sand bed with an impermeable liner and

effluent distribution piping. The surface of the bed is planted with vegetation.

It f unct ions by ra i sing the eff Iuent to the 'Jpper pad 0f the bed b'J capi I Iar.y

act i on and a I I ow i ng it to escape .to the a tmosphere by evaporat i on and

transpi rat i on.

Disadvantages are:

Q. it requires large area

b. it cannot function in rainy weather.

2.13.6 Rnaerobic Upflo. Filter

In an anaerobic upflolJJfi ite,-, the septic tank effluent enters at the bottom

of a f i I ter through a system of underdrains, and f lo,"s up.!!ard thro'Jgh a bed of

coarse medi a . S inee the f i Iter i s compI e te I y submerged~ anaer-ob ic cond i t ions are

created. BOD and COD removal efficiencies of upto 80~can be achieved.

,
,t

1\
 Disadvantages are:

a. it is costly to install

b. frequent flushing of the filter is necessary_

2.13.7 Small Bore Se.erage Syste.

Th is systern consis ts 0 fane ht.lork 0 f sma I I bore settlers mhic:h conveys the

septic tank effluent of a community to a series of waste stabilization ponds having

Jarge surface area where it is aerobically digested.

High initial capital investment and recurring maintenance cost precludes its

use in developing countries like Bangladesh.

 CHRPTER 3

SEPTIC TRnK SYSTEnS CURREnTLY USED ,n BRnGLRDESH

The details of septic tank systems as adopted by the Public Works Department

(PWD), Bangladesh Rai Iways Depar.tment(BR), l1i I i tm"d Engineer Set'vices (t1ES), and

Shaheedu
I Iah and Associ ates Ltd (S8,A) (a leadi ng consuIt i ng f i t'm of the country)

are presented.

3_ f Septic Tank Syste. Of PUD

Figtwes 3.1 to 3.5 show detai Is of septic tank and soakwell as adopted by

the p.m.
AnaIys i s 0f the desi gn drmlJings revea Is thot tank capaci bd has been taken

about 22 gallons (102 I iters) per capita. Slots located only 18" above tank floor

i n the firs t par t it i on means th" t the '0 Iudge storage capaci ty i s very IO(IJ
. The

tanks have to be cleaned when the sludge has accumulated to only one-third of the

I iquid depth. The vo Iume 0 f the firs t comportmentis Iess than one-haI f 0f the

vo f time 0 f the second compartment _ So t arge f f Ol.US (I) i I I resu' t caus i ng .5 fudge in the

first compartment to be mashed over to the second compartment. The first partition

is~ thus} seen to cause more harm than good. The invert of the inlet and outlet

are seen to be at the same level) which is not recommended.

Analysis of the soaktlJelIs reveals that the appl ied effluent loading vat'ies

2
from 1100 l!m !d (22 g!ft2!d) for the larger wells down to 120 l!m2!d (2.5 g!ft2!d)
fot' the smaI let' di ametet' weII s. SoakweI Is serv iog a Iarge number- 0f user-s are ..

thus, cieat'ly inadequate.

Inlets and outlets of the soakwells are at the same level. Shot't-cit'cuiting

may result causing septic tank effluent to discharge directly to extet'nal drains.
 , .

r 1 OIA vE:NT1LH10N
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~
 i,

V t,"IT IL ATr ON PIP

S W PIPE
50 USERS SEPT! C TANK

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6 C.C 1:).6

15 - 2
, , '

SEC. A-A
SEC 8-8

,
-+-
i:-,-="=-- ---::::- ~-- -::.-= = = -:-8 -
- - -- - -
_i ~$M&0"'/h;;7~./~

e
! ;; -= ~-~ -~ , , ' ,
_v// LLU/,/#//;:'1 - -,- ".- --
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SOAK I'IEL L

-._.- L--= _ ~ _.- - - _-=.:-~ I: I

,r
f.~._----~_-:--~--,,-=i~
- - -.::.
- - -~ P LAN B --- '-----t---

r- .
F i 9twe 3.3: Sept ic Tank System or" PWD

r--~(j,..l'/[NTll.l,TJON 100 USERS SEPTIC TAN K

, PIPE

,I .- , ~:.l. S ',v .c! P E

i
, ,
'Fl.C.C.SlA3
!~ Ou J..!.>.i-l.'10LErOVE.:l __ ,
;! 01,1., (I

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i I ~'-;> C.C. S'...'\'3 1:7:'-

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~.,~; '.~.o...,.-: ': ll-:O~ :~8'l'(
. "!:":)/:.;I ---+-- I
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ro
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-r
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I =:::=: =-:::-:. '-2 =:'-_=..:=-.::-:::::---= ::-=-::'~-,l
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r

SEC .ON 8-8,

I 1.
'/,(
1'1' .'
~, /
-.
/"
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---
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--~~----=-?-d- JI
"

=--==-~~-::::.~~-:.-[~=-:::
~--:'~~...::_=-~=- SOAK WELL
PLAN I

- "- .. ----- -----.

;.~:

.'. Figure 3.4: Septic Tank System of PWD

~:t) ...
., ;-.~.;I;'"
'q:'!;'.;::' .c.~..
..... ~:".'
~
.;':'
-,
 r'SL" 200 USERS I LACC.SlA13
'~'_~'.'.c.."._:"'..,-=-! j',j' SEPTIC TAN~~
,-'0
i ""
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r---r-'
,
I ',' 1~ 01 .. C I ~AN
__
,_ HOtE. COYER

I j =+~"7=~" ',',, W PIP ',L, ';'," ,[-=Sl- "M w

=,'.-ooc:7=';, , ',~~~",-~~::~:~.~0=-=-L
,
,,~,l(,':', :r -"'~2~':_l~Y_~_l_FW~~;'-
((-(1'1:
J i
,. 0
~,.1 r' ;~:'7" oc c" ,' On
U iI
~ C: C 1- { : , ----J r 18-

~----------~H
'.'"0: ....
o~
~~.c
:..
Tn
I:) L:." a .F. S .-.1,.
I'
0' ira' O~IN,t,A ~ICK
u
I .
0 RK I.
SEC. ON A- A

.+ r"''-IJ..I.IHOtE
!."
COYE.R
5t ..B -""---.

,~
112'
I ~~~',.\to"
Co.....
L~'''E t
~+-
~: i
bi +-HUO 3MIC;<
61
I
(0 J
:-"" l ~, ~ '"',"K @
C c ~I I i 'l
'0 ~i ~1~!.- 9i"!rCK W'

;, T I I I
"', ~Im
WORK ".
.L '~-l( 1-) ~
: ~=-'3F. S - '", t I I I J

~1
~ ':"0';'0",,19
4------ 1O'~ ~ -, .
P L A f-I
SEC ,ON a-s

6 - 'R,e.c,St"
"1'"
z., r(J;g

~_,
-f ';-
~[ I.J.. !
!
,
)-)/1,
'/:'-0 AT f' cic
;1---- .=-..:._- -=-..--=---:..-:.. '=-. __-_-_-..::_- :..:. -=-=." + I
, 0~OlE 1'!,"OI'" C r t-lAN- - I .

l'
- - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - ---. 1 COVE.R 10.1./1
... :...;;:.C_C . ..-c:lL CURB
" - ." I
1 ::;.~
1 , SEC, C C
11. ":: GL ~" .,-!. --
'e'''~ ,n: __ ,m", ~
fi rl--~:: A
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,,:
I"
. , -----"', '~ ,.- ,'0;
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'Mr
'I ' -- ~='::",=---=' ="';
~:t:-::.:~~'::-:-:i:.~~-i:~~~~_':,-=--
:._:.::::,:=.:-=~-~:~
' ,SOAK

r.~ ..-
.E.\,..... W .. T.:~~.:E~~~.:'~,~ /

'
P l A N
B I "-0 -," -
1-i'>JC~o
__
G.l
, V,t,Rr,i,f3:.E.
G;<ADE.O
__ .. _.
"OOK
~ __ ~_,__+__
-/.

,
f1 PIPE LINE. CAiHh'rNC THE (fflut>.lr ~>lO.'--l 5E:Plrc

-- ----_._ -<
..
Y.;j----v'---_ 1A.>.I1'( 10 THE. SU8k""N ORkllN 0.A"IN.

Figure 3.5: :eptic Tank System of PWD ~

 40

3.2 Septic Tank Sys~e~ Of BR Departsent

Fi gllre 3. 5 shows deta i Iso f sepI. i c tony,s used by the BangIadesh Rai I"JaYs

department for their bllngalows and qllarters.

Total tank capaci bJ of 50 gallons (225. liters) per- capi ta has been provided

which is more than adequate. The dropwall or hanging baffle near the middle serves

no useful purpose) but tends to cause washout of sludge particles. The inlet is

Iess than 4" i n d i ame

ter, so thaI. surge f Imus i n the tank can be expected.

The soakpit is highly inefficient since closed rings extend the entire depth

to the bottom of the pit.

3.3 Septic Tank Syste~ Of nES

Figures 3.7 and 3.B show details of septic tank and absorption pit (soakage

pi t) used b'J this organization. Tank capacibJ has been' calculated on the basis of

22 gal Ion (100 liter) per capita. Lengthiwidth ratios for larger tanks seem to be
'..
excesSIve (greater than 9: 1). Actually; 1/1.0 ratios greater them 5: 1 serve no

usef u I pur-pose. Perfor-monee eouid be improved by the use of compar.tmentatiot"!.

Baffle at the outlet of such narrow tanks is also useless.

The soakage pit is subjected to a maximllmeffluent loading of 10 g/ft2/d

2
(490 lim /d) for t.he larger tan~.s, and 1.5 gift2id (80 lim2id) for the smaller

ones.

-~
3.4 Septic Tank SysteB of S&R

. 'f.~\
. . "'F' .
~ 'Y.
Figures 3.9 and 3.10 shows details of sepI. i c tanks and soakoJe
I Is f~ed. by

ShaheeduI I ah and Rssoci a tes Ltd l GI lead ing consu I t ing firm 0f the .countrl:l . The

tank is designed on the basis of 40 gallon per capita of total volume. Tank width
C>
 41

of 7'-1" is e}~cessit}e. ~.~idth

in excess of 6 ft requires two inlet pipes in order

to reduce turbulence and stagnant zones. The ledge at outlet effectively makes the

inverts of inlet and outlet at the same level mhich is not desirable. Liquid flow

over the parti tion wi II cause scum disturbance~ 01 though location of structural

struts at liquid surface will be of some advantage in this regard.

The soa~,well is s'lbjeded ,ent loading of 4 g/ft2/d

to a maximum effl . (200

l/m2/d). The invert of outlet from the soakwell is above that of the inlet, so it

is useless and might cause backup of water in the septic tank.

 42

.0
, ,

,
 43

,..- ._---_ .._.~~.- ...

1-
-ir~
"I

,
fl'~OJ(I21SIUA,e
tu1 . J t.l1I11 "&l.~
=t~:,i'J
-"'"lfDlI'" 1111.10'
&J.k'''l'OCI'- __
i,"'. lOn, '.
,;
------.--.----'----------_-J ;

ISl?/ __ . __ .

User' L 11 L,q 0
25 2800 1000 1370
50 3600 1000 1370

70 5100 1000 1370

100 6600 1000 1370
1:)0 9100 1000 1370
 44

-+ U29._ ,_... ,_

CROSS SEC OF SOAKAGE PI)

Figure 3.8: Septic Tank System of MES

;
 45

, .,
f :.

i
.,
, ~

. - .
" J'

ij ---:--~---
,,

o
"
G,
-------- ....

-----_._-~-
.'SECTIQNAL PLAN OF SEPTIC TANK ON D-V
~:'''~;-~-'''l'<,''

lie: <-=~;
~,:;:,,,,,:":C:'~.~':l,I'S:~,(::;
,'~~.S~
~~t<,.~:\:J::::-L:UM ~~,.:; ~p.'
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i:,,> . !. i1il:~i:::::;' ,j ~11!:r"mr------
~. .\~>
;';'. ~

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i
I
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___ 2.:..S: . .
~',-- _.- .. ---, -..
SECTION ON 5-B
:':':'~ =: 'j ; :'

Fig!.we 3.Y'
 (

45i

-:: .:c.
;(q ' .
'T I"lrt

1
Ml<."'},.
:t ,...
WJ'Jo..II.II:~
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r~--
1M l~~f ~-O-

! 'JTR<;~:)~
".HUl;

11:lAlI"
o.
llCA"1nQ
ST/C",rUIOl

.~ ~
3ECTIOW,L ELEVATiON ON B. B
. 5hOWlNG OUTLET Of 50AKWELL IN O"'AIN
~c ..
Le ~Vt"r.o'

PLAN

"
Figul'e 3.10: Sep t ic Tank Sys tem 0f S~A
 46

CHRPTER 4

STRnDRRDIZRTlon OF SEPTIC TRnK SYSTEnS

4.1 General

The current pr'(lctice in Bangladesh is to lead only W/C wastewater in to the

. .
sep tic tank and to a IIow househo Id su I r age to be discharged d irec t Iyin to sur face

drains. Sullage consists of wastewater originating in kitchen activities, washing,

bathing, etc. Ki tchen wastewater is generally high in BOO. From pub Iic heal th

considerations it is unsafe to dispose of these wastewaters into open drains~. "

Rather these should be led into the septic tank.

Table 4.1: Water Supply Data For Bangladesh. [Source: National Water Plan (NI~)J

Figures in Ipcd

.
Period' Rural Upazi 101 Old Oist Me tropo Iitan
Areas Zi las HQs Ci ties
.
NWP 1 Up to 1990 34 gO 110 ISO
,
NWP 2 1990 - 2005 40 110 130 170

The volume of sullage generated is directly related to water supply. But as

is evident from Table 4.1, the water supply in district towns is much less than in

the cit ieS (to the extent of 60:1:): Therefo"e.. for d istr ict towns it will not be

justified to lead kitchen wastewater, which is only a fraction of total wastewater,

into the septic tank. For cit i es i t w i I I be recomlJiended to occoun t for kitchen

wastewater in the design of septic tanks and absorption pits.

 47

4.2 Standardization Of The Tank

Keeping In v Iew the contex I. 0f BangIadesh, the desIgn cr Iter Ia can be

adopted as fol lows:

a. Minimumretention time just prior to desludging - 1 da'J (See.

2.5.2.2)

b. Desludglng Interval - 3 years (Sec. 2.5.2.3)

e. Anal eleanslng material - water and soft paper

d. Minimum& maximumL/~ ratio - 2:1 & 6: 1 (See 2.6)

For dlstrlet t.owns, wastewater eontrlbutlon Is 9 gped (40 Iped) (Sec,

2.5.2.2) and sludge aeeumulatlon rate Is 6 gpea(25 Ipea). (Table 2.2)

For e it i es, eonsIder Ing k I tehen wastewater aI so, total wastewater

c-ontrlbutl.on ean be taken as 15 gped (65 Iped), whieh is approximately 37~ of water

suppIY. Sludge aeeumu

I at I on ra I.e Is taken as S gpea (.35 Ipca) .

Therefore, total tank eapaeity can be calculated as follows:

:iJ.;~{-}'
District Towns Metro CI ties
Liquor 9 gpcd X d = 9 gpc 15 gpcd X d = 15 gpc

Siud e 5 ca X d = 18 cd X d = 24 e
Total 27 gpc --) 30 gpe 39 gpc --) 40 gpc

By fixing the 1ldth and depth of the tank, the length can be dl,-ectly

re , ated to the number 0 f user--s. TabIe 4 .2 has been developed on the above-- ,

mentioned c,-I terla. Essential dimensions of the proposed standardized septic tank

are shown In Figure 4.1. Depth Is less than 6 ft (Sec. 2.6). Two eompartments

have been used and the vo Iume dIvis Ion rati 0 of 2: 1 has been adopted (See. 2.7).

The par tit ion has been taken up 5" above I Iqui d I eveI to prevent scum dis turbance

(Sec. 2.7). Regard i ng the in I et Glnd outlet l

recommendat ions of Section 2.8 have

been f 0 I lowed.

. .'
 4&

Table 4 2: Dimensions of Standardized Septic Tan~s

No. of tJ-o-ers Liquid Depth l./idth Length L ft

P D l./ Dist. Towns Metro. Cities

10-20 3'-6" 2'-6" 0,55 P O.66.P

20 - 30 3'-6" 3'-6" 0.40 P 0.52,P
30 - 50 4'-0" 4'-0" 0.30 P 0.40.P
50 - 100 4'-6" 4'-6" 0.20 P 0.26.P
I
100 - 200 5'-3" 5'-3" 0.14 P 0.18.P

18 lip manho le
T-"-~'"
inverT.
inlet of J'-";""-
.....

L'
inlet 4 lip' II

O.2D
outlet 4")i
to pit
D

partition

, ,,1;'.'
' ....

l 3
2/_ _L_ L

Figure 4.1: Details of Standardized Septic Tank

 49

4.3 Standardization Of The Rbsorption Pit

Figures 4.2 to 4.7 show borelogs of different districts of the country. One

basic feature is seen to be common - the upper-layers of soil are underlaid by deep

layers of saturated fine sand. Depending on the location, this is situated from 11
._;:
to 23 ft below ground level. The absorption pit is,. hence, the most suitable

method for septic tank effluent disposal for Bangladesh. (Sec. 2.13.2.5). Taking

maximum effluent loading rate of 3.0 gal1on/ft2/d for a medium relative absorption

of the soi I (Table 2.7), the required depth and diameter of absorption pits can be

calculated,' as given in Table 4.3. Figure 4.8 shows the detai Is of the proposed

standardized absorption pit.

Table 4 3: Dim0,sions ,;
of Standardized Absorption Pits
.t;~::~
.
..
Number of Oist. TooJns Metro Ci ties
Users Diameter No. of Well Diameter No. of Well

20 3'-0" 1 3'-'0" 1
30 3'-0" 1 3'-6" 1
50 3'-6" 1 5'-0" 1 0'

100 5'-6" 1 5'-0" 2

200 5'-6" 2 6'-0" 2

Note: Depth of all pits 20 ft minimum

 ------ _.-- - _ .._. '.- .- _ ...

" . '.,;:
:."~;t~L . BORE LOG
SOlLTEST INTERNATIONAL
~LIENT;tlJ"lI" A,*JI. I~K)WdhUry, J1r. ~.H . Ch,;)whur
DHAKA .-
lin: a.nQ IV. D.l * l.:howdhurj'
flot. No. lU41, Sh&Ju.r );,L11I'&on, CW1.aka.
aOHE HO'LE NO: ~ DE PTH: )J' ILL. ,
~
~ ~ ..... u lttaofAIII(S
.. o _ STANQARD pt.Hoiu .TlOH
%
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a
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0
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o. bllJ"'/". GltT,V.lHf SHU
'0 p )0 ." 0060

rill wi Ul :JofL CLAY

~
0.5 0.5 ~ "I ~ J 0-1 Il... 5'
-
. Ii U-1

~ - 10
[)..~

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Id gh ph.~t.lc CUY
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OISTURBED SAMPle .. 0 llNDISTUR8D SAMPLL .. t::a

ORH:
DATE: PLAN />10.

F j 9U('\:2 4.2: So i I 8br'\:2 Log, OtKlk..

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 51

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 53

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 54

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 55

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 4.4 Septic Tank and Rbsorption Pits Serving Institutions

It IS to be noted that provisions for dimensioning septic tanks and

absorpt i on pits as slated inSect. ions 4.2 and 4.3 ore appI j cabIe for res j dent i a!

bu i ! dings. For insti tut ions., e. g.! factor i es., schoo Is.. commerc i Q I bu i I dings.. etc)

totai effec:t.i',Je septic: tonk J olume can be based on 10 gal per capi to .contribution.

o im-e:nsj on i ng delai I s of Tab I es 4.2 and 4.3 can be used for' i nsf. i tut ions based on

the fol lowln9 Table 4.4,

Table 4.4: Equivalence Table For Number of Users in Institutions and Residences

[Based on Aziz 1972J

Septic Tank Absorption Pi!.

No. of Users Equivalent No. No. of Users Equivalent No.

Insti tutions of C il<, Users Insti tutions of CI ty Users
I ... Residences f1esldenc:es

10 - 50 10 - 20 50 20

50 - 80 20 - 30 80 30

80 - 140 30 - 50 140 50
140 - 270 50 - 100 270 100

270 - 550 100 - 200 550 200 .'

.
i

4.5 Structural Design of Septic Tank

The traditional septic tank in Bangladesh is built of plain concrete floor,

bric~~ mQsonr':;:I
walls and reinfor"ced concr"ete top slab. Construction .costs can be
 58

economized by proper design of the components. Forees on the var j ous c:omponents

depend on the size' and shape 0f the tank., depth J I Dca t ion} so i I character is tics}

etc. Design of the top and bottom slabs are fairly simple. Material requirements

of the wal Is can be minimized by providing stepped wall thickness} or buttresses,

or collar beam with struts. This can be the subject of another research paper.
 59

CHAPTER 5

COnCLUSIOn AnD REconnEnDATlons

5.1 Conclusion

a. Revi etu 0 f litera ture bId var j ous authors on sep tic tank 51:!:=: terns revea Is

thaI. the basi c processes occuri ng wi t.hi n t.he sept.ic tank are qui I.e c Iear Iy

understood. Much research has been conducted on septic systems in foreign

countries and a large volume of information is available. However} no research has

been carried out in Bangladesh.

b_ AnaIys iS 0f the septic tanks curren t I Y j ns to fled by var j ous government

and private 'organizations in di fferent parts of Bangladesh shot.s that some are

j nadequate} tlJhereas 0 thers are being over-des igned. There i5 no consis tenCIJ in

design. Dimensions and detei Is are being adopted which only serve to show lack of

sound knowledge.

c. Standar-dized vers ions (I f septic: tanks and absorpt ion pits have been

proposed. Dimensions and details have been based on research and performance data)

with special relevance to conditions prevailing in Bangladesh.

d. With adoption of the proposed standardization allover the country} the

following benefits are to be expected:

i. Since d imensions and propor.t ions ar-e be j ng s tandar-dized} the

design} and hence} the material requirements can be minimized.

ii. The components can be mass produced} leading to further economy.

iii. The cause of any malfunction or failure can be easily identified

and rectification wi II be quicker_

 60

5.2 Reco endotions for Research

a. Th i s paper has eoncen h'o ted on the d i mens iona I aspec:ts 0f sep tic tank

systems. The strudura I desi gn a Iso needs to be standard ized. Research can be

carried out on the most durable and economical structural design of septic lanks.

b. AHer desIudgi ng 0f the septic tan~., the edraded s Illdge i s presentI y

being dumped into surf ace dra i ns or on garbage d isposaI lands. Research on

improvedsludge disposal methodsshould be done.

c. Environmental considerations are currently receiving importance in

~angladesh. The environmental impacts of chemicals released ",ith septic tank

effluents need to be studied so that the fragile ecological balance is not damaged .

,
 61

REFEREnCES

Aziz} M.A. ( 1972), "Seluerage Engi neer i ng and Envi ronmenta I Sani ta t i on" ,

Dept of Civil Engg., BUET, Dhaka, pp. 20S-210.

Bartlett, R.E. (1979), "Developments in Se'erage, Uol 1", Appl ied Science

PubI ishers ltd, pp. 101-104.

BIendermann, L. ( 1963), "Desi gn 0f Plumbi ng and Orai nage Systems", The

Industrial Press, NewYork, pp. 55-70.

Clark, J.W. (1977.>, "Water Supply and Pollution Control", Harper & Row,

pp. 611-621.

Duggal, K.N. (19S3), "Elements of Publ ic Health Engineering", Ne\'! Delhi,

pp. 292-297.

Escri tt, L.B. (1984), "Seluerageand SewageTreatment", John Wiley & Sons,

pp. 434-440.

Gabriel, B.W. (19S0, "Sani tat ion in Developing Countries", International

Oevelopment Research Center, Ottawa, pp. 50-51.

Imhoff, K. (1956), "SewageTreatment", John Wiley & Sons, pp. 239-246.

Khanna, P.N. ( 19S2), "Indian Practical Civi I Engineer's Handbook", New

Delhi, pp. 16.51-16.56.

Polprasert, C. (1986), "Information and Training for Low-Cost Water Supply

and Sanitation", The World Bank, ch. 5.2a.

Rohman,M.ll. (1989), "SBS System: A Low Cost Sanitation Method", Dept. of

Civil Engg., BUET, Dhaka, pp. 1-2,6-8.

Rajput, U.S. (1982), "Septic Tanks and Septic Systems", ENSIC, Thai land,

pp. 19-22.

SaIvato, J. A. ( 1982), John

Wi ley & Sons, pp. 405-445.