Vacuum Plumbing and a Sustainable Future by AcornVac
•Download as PPT, PDF•
0 likes•1,751 views
For more information, please visit www.acornvac.com
Recommended
Recommended
More Related Content
What's hot
What's hot (20)
Viewers also liked
Viewers also liked (20)
Similar to Vacuum Plumbing and a Sustainable Future by AcornVac
Similar to Vacuum Plumbing and a Sustainable Future by AcornVac (20)
More from Morris Group International
More from Morris Group International (20)
Recently uploaded
Recently uploaded (20)
Vacuum Plumbing and a Sustainable Future by AcornVac
- 1. PRESENTERS: Please read the speaker’s notes on this slide THIS PRESENTATION CAN NOT BE ALTERED IN ANY WAY. ALL ATTENDANCE MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE It is MANDATORY that all Guidelines outlined below and in the Quality Commitment Statement you have signed are strictly adhered to. This Presentation must remain 100% non-proprietary. This slide should be hidden during the actual presentation
- 2. Ruth Akins AcornVac, Inc. Vacuum Plumbing Systems 13818 Oaks Avenue Chino, CA 91710 800-591-9920 909-902-1141 info@acornvac.com or rakins@acornvac.com © GreenCE, Inc. 2011
- 3. Approved Promotional Statement: • InfoSpec, Inc. is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems (AIA/CES). Credit(s) earned on completion of this program will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request. • This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA or InfoSpec, Inc. of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. • Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.
- 4. • Course Format: This is a structured, live, instructor-led course. • Course Credit: 1 Health Safety & Welfare (HSW), Sustainable Design (SD) Learning Unit (LU) • Completion Certificate: A copy is sent to you by email upon request. When you fill out the Course Attendance, please indicate if you need one. Also please ensure the information you provide is legible. Send email requests to certificate@infospecinc.com Design professionals: Certificates of Completion are sent to your email address
- 5. InfoSpec, Inc. USGBC CE Program Vacuum Plumbing and a Sustainable Future USGBC Course ID: 009000xxxx Approved for 1 GBCI CE Hour for LEED Professionals
- 7. Protect and Conserve Water
- 8. If 1 gallon represents all of the water in the world, about 1 teaspoon represents all of the fresh water we have for everything we need.
- 9. • Buildings are one of the single largest consumers of raw materials, energy, and water. • Buildings produce huge amounts of waste, emit CO2 gases, and literally change the environment around them Example: Typical (producing heat and spilling large Office - 20 people amounts of rainwater into streets and sewers). • Federal sector alone: Water and sewer from buildings run between $0.5 billion and $1 billion annually.
- 10. • Reducing water consumption and protecting water quality are key objectives of sustainable design. • Water consumption in many areas exceeds aquifer’s ability to replenish itself. • To the maximum extent feasible, facilities should reduce potable water consumption Sources: Whole Building Design Guide; www.wbdg.org/index.php and U.S. Department of Energy; Federal Energy Management Program
- 11. A typical employee in a typical facility uses approximately 15 gallons of water per day (gpd). Based on that usage, a typical Federal office building of approx. 200 employees uses about 3,000 gpd. • 1,230 gpd for domestic needs. • 810 gpd for cooling and heating needs. • 600 gpd for landscape needs. • 360 gpd for other water needs.
- 12. To protect and conserve water, it is important to: •Reduce, control, and treat surface runoff. •Use low or ultra-low flow fixtures, vacuum plumbing, eliminate leaks, water conserving cooling towers, etc. •Improve water quality •Harvest/recover rainwater •Establish waste treatment and recycling centers. •Apply Best Management Practices Water conservation must also be a key consideration in the reuse or renovation of an existing building. There is more waste water generated and dispersed today than at any other time in the history of our planet, contributing to energy costs and pollution.
- 13. Meeting the Water Needs in Buildings • Specify water efficiency • Use low or ultra-low water-efficient plumbing fixtures • Meter water usage • Install water-conserving cooling towers designed with delimiters to reduce drift and evaporation. • Design landscaping for water efficiency (native plants) • Schedule irrigation at dawn and dusk; use rainwater for irrigation. • Eliminate leaks • Commission water and sewer systems as part of the project quality assurance process
- 14. • New technologies have emerged to specifically address water efficiency. Vacuum plumbing…the next step in the evolution of modern plumbing. • Reduces annual water, sewage, and maintenance costs • Minimizes spread of bacteria • Maximizes flexibility in space planning and design. • The biggest water saving impact can be made in restrooms • Vacuum plumbing takes it to the next level
- 15. Employing water-conserving systems, such as vacuum plumbing systems, and practicing water conservation not only reduces demand on municipal water supply, but also reduces energy use and cost associated with treating and distributing water. Saving water and energy saves money!
- 16. • Simple and practical alternatives to gravity drainage. • Uses combined energies of vacuum pressure and gravity for collection, conveyance, and disposal of waste through a piping network that can be routed above ground. • Majority of drainage system under continuous vacuum. • Hundreds in operation around the world in homes, restaurants, hospitals, retail stores, etc.
- 18. It’s the Environmental Choice! • Vacuum toilet can reduce potable water consumption by 68% • Requires only a ½ gallon of water. • Water savings can be thousands of dollars and millions of gallons/year for larger applications.
- 19. Certifications and Listings • IPC/UPC - A viable drainage solution • Local/State codes - Approved alternative for a variety of waste – condensate – graywater – sanitary waste – grease waste. • The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Shield = complies with BOTH the product’s performance standard AND the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
- 20. • Relies on gravity to move waste to sewer mains. • Requires digging, trenching for underground piping and drains for continuous downward sloping • Standard toilet = 1.6 gpf • HETs = 1.28 gpf. • EPA - toilets consume the largest amount of water of all indoor fixtures and appliances. • That is, 27%. Sources: Whole Building Design Guide; www.wbdg.org/index.php and U.S. Department of Energy; Federal Energy Management Program
- 21. • When flushed, water forces waste out of the bowl. • A significant amount of water is necessary to carry waste out, clean the bowl, and refill for the next use. • These toilets, of course, can also often develop leaks, which contribute to water consumption and waste.
- 22. • Gravity plumbing system = drain, waste stack, and vent system. • The waste stack carries waste to sewage system. • Vent runs to exterior of building – Allows gas/bacteria to escape – Equalizes pressure in pipes. • Should a vent become clogged, gas cannot escape and air cannot push water through the pipes, so dangerous waste, gas, and bacteria can back up into the drains and fixtures.
- 23. Vacuum plumbing systems and toilets are significantly more water efficient than their low-flush, gravity plumbing counterparts. Low Flush High Efficiency Flush
- 24. • Not dictated by gravity or slope • Closed piping network located in the building instead of buried underground • Reduces design costs, minimizes/eliminates the need for trenching/foundation penetration
- 25. • Self-venting • No waste stacks/vents protruding from exterior of the building • Virtually eliminates clogged piping • Not affected by debris as in gravity plumbing • Above grade access makes maintenance/repairs easier and less costly because they are easier to get to.
- 26. What happens if the vacuum piping network develops a leak? vacuum pulls air in, not water out
- 27. Interface Valves and Collection Points • Sanitary/graywater collection points include toilets, sinks, showers, urinals, and drinking fountains. • Condensate collection points consist of refrigeration coils, service coolers and freezers as well as frozen and refrigerated food display cases. • Interface introduces waste to vacuum piping network and transports to the vac center. • Interface components include a normally closed Extraction Valve (separates from atmospheric pressure) and Controller (operates extraction valve).
- 29. Storage/Disposal Components Conveyance System Flexible piping transports waste to Waste water routes to storage tanks vac station for discharge to sewer system
- 32. Institutional Commercial Construction Construction Educational Buildings Grocery Stores Public Buildings Airports Prisons Sport Venues Healthcare Facilities Hotels Detention Centers Office Buildings
- 33. Electronic Valve Control Pneumatic Valve Control Accumulator Sensor Port Toilet Flush Button Lift Station Controller Extraction Valve Accumulator Vacuum Toilet • Low-cost alternative to • Control and monitoring through vacuum valve operation and dedicated server and software. control . • All valves controlled via a 12- • Used to operate interface port valve controller. valve. • Can be tied to a local area • Non-networked, powered by network (allows for remote pressure monitoring and control of valve • No electrical service. activity).
- 34. Zone Valve Control • Fully networked • Complete visibility and control of individually addressed valves • Control and communication with individual valves is facilitated through system Zone Control Panels for valves servicing up to 12 individual vacuum lifts. • Designed to accommodate a maximum of 23 Zone Control Panels, or 276 individually addressed vacuum valves and 92 ancillary valves. • Includes local area network communication with all valves (remote monitoring).
- 35. Graywater Pipe Collection Point Accumulator The Large Trap Normally Demonstrates Closed Flow Only Extraction Valve
- 36. Commercial Office Building – 500 people, WC Water use with gravity low flush fixtures • Total water demand with gravity system: – Approx. 3.6 gallons per person per day – 1,781 gallons per day – 445,250 gallons per year • Total water demand with vacuum system: – Approx. 1.5 gallons per person per day – 750 gallons per day – 187,500 gallons per year • Estimated water and sewage process savings approximately 257,750 gallons per year or 58% annual requirement
- 37. Department Store, Approximately 100,000 shoppers per week • Using gravity low flush drainage fixtures: – Projected annual water supply and sewage output = 1,341,600 gallons • Using vacuum flush water closets and gravity urinals: – Projected annual water and sewage process savings approximately 598,000 gallons per year Restaurant, Average 5,000 guests per week (does not include staff) • Using gravity low flush drainage fixtures: – Projected annual water supply and sewage output = 206,180 gallons • Using vacuum flush water closets and gravity urinals: – Projected annual water and sewage process savings approximately 91,052 gallons per year
- 38. • Water savings = environmental benefits – Gallon for gallon, directly decreases impact on sewer and treatment systems – Saves materials – Eliminates ground leaks and contamination • Can contribute toward a project becoming LEED certified
- 39. A closer look at vacuum plumbing green attributes
- 40. Some Terms You Should Know: Potable water – water that is safe for drinking and cooking. Non-potable water – water that is unsafe or unpalatable to drink because it contains pollutants, contaminants, minerals, or infective agents. Graywater – domestic wastewater composed of wash water from kitchen, bathroom, and laundry sinks, tubs, and washers. epa.gov
- 41. • Because of the current water shortage, it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the demand on our water supply. • Vacuum plumbing has extreme water conservation advantages! WATER USAGE
- 42. • Promising alternatives for supplying water in the face of increasing water scarcity • The pressures on traditional fresh water sources constrained • Rainwater harvesting = self-reliance/sustainability = conservation of precious resources. Commercial Tank Residential Tank
- 44. • Water efficiency translates to energy savings. Energy savings translates to a reduction of environmental impacts associated with energy use. • USGBC notes that water efficiency reduces the amount of energy needed to heat, cool, treat, and distribute water—not only saving energy, but also resulting in cost savings.
- 45. • No waste line trenching = no issues associated with concrete dust or asbestos abatement = a healthier, safer environment • No “plume” – vacuum pulls air into the toilet and eliminates splash during the flush cycle. • This minimizes the spread of bacteria and contributes to better indoor air quality.
- 46. • U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainability and reducing the impacts of construction and buildings on the environment. • The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) program six main categories: – Sustainable Sites – Water Efficiency – Energy and Atmosphere – Materials and Resources – Indoor Environmental Quality – Innovation and Design
- 47. Applicable Categories: •Water Efficiency – Water Use Reduction – Innovative Wastewater Technologies •Materials and Resources – Building Reuse •Innovation in Design
- 48. • Water Use Reduction = increase water efficiency within buildings to reduce the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater systems. • A typical vacuum system can reduce potable water consumption for toilets by 68% with a highly efficient vacuum flush toilet, conserving energy and reducing associated costs. LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction
- 49. • Wastewater Technologies = reduce wastewater generation and potable water demand while increasing the local aquifer recharge. • Water and waste treatment savings are one of the most important features of this technology • A graywater recycling system and/or rainwater harvesting system incorporated into the vacuum system = the ultimate in water efficiency.
- 50. • Building Reuse = extend the life cycle of existing building stock, conserve resources, retain cultural resources, reduce waste, and reduce environmental impacts… • Design flexibility means the existing building slab can stay intact, conserving resources, reducing waste, extending the life of the building, and limiting associated environmental impacts.
- 51. • Innovation in Design = provide design teams and projects the opportunity to achieve exceptional performance above requirements and/or innovative performance in Green Building categories not addressed by the LEED System. • Applies innovative strategies, comprehensive approach and achieves quantifiable environmental and/or health benefits • As part of an integrated approach, possibilities for innovation credit and reducing environmental impacts are even greater
- 57. In order to maintain high-quality learning experiences, please access the evaluation for this course by logging into CES Discovery and clicking on the Course Evaluation link on the left side of the page.
- 58. Ruth Akins AcornVac, Inc. Vacuum Plumbing Systems 13818 Oaks Avenue Chino, CA 91710 800-591-9920 909-902-1141 info@acornvac.com or rakins@acornvac.com © GreenCE, Inc. 2011
Editor's Notes
- THIS PRESENTATION CAN NOT BE ALTERED IN ANY WAY. You must email a Quality Commitment Statement to InfoSpec prior to presenting this course Do NOT mention your company name, other associated company names or any of your brand names during the presentation after the first slide! The presentation MUST be scripted, and delivered in a GENERIC manner. If a complaint is received it will result in immediate deactivation of this course. You can discuss your company & products AFTER the final slide only. This course must be covered in 50 minutes plus 10 minutes for course review. For full presentation instructions, please visit www.ronblank.com/videos. This course will be audited by any member of the AIA or InfoSpec at the request of the AIA/CES office or InfoSpec, Inc. It is mandatory that ALL presenters strictly adhere to the presentation guidelines as outlined in the Quality Commitment Statement you have signed and the scripted course content. If you have any questions regarding the submittal of the Course Attendance please contact Carol Davis BEFORE SUBMITTING THE INFORMATION ONLINE Carol Davis at 800-248-6364 or at carol@ronblank.com
- Introduce yourself, the company you represent and what qualifies you to present this material. Presenter: Please remember, this course should be covered in 50 minutes with 10 minutes remaining for course review questions (no proprietary questions during the course or the review Q&A)
- InfoSpec, Inc. is the education provider of this program. Please read slide
- Please read slide
- Please read slide
- Buildings are one of the single largest consumers of raw materials, energy, and water. Buildings produce huge amounts of waste, emit CO 2 gases, and literally change the environment around them by producing additional heat and spilling large amounts of rainwater into the streets and sewers to the point that it has become a problem for our storm water systems, rivers, and streams. Within the federal sector alone, it is estimated that expenditures for water and sewer from buildings run between $0.5 billion and $1 billion annually.
- Reducing water consumption and protecting water quality are key objectives of sustainable design. One critical issue of water consumption is that in many areas of the country, the demand on the supplying aquifer exceeds its ability to replenish itself. To the maximum extent feasible, facilities should reduce potable water consumption.
- (speaker: read over typical facility use on slide)
- The protection and conservation of water must be considered throughout the life of the building, and facility owners and developers must seek to: Reduce, control, and treat surface runoff. Use water efficiently through low or ultra-low flow fixtures, change plumbing systems from gravity to vacuum, eliminate leaks, use water conserving cooling towers, etc. Improve water quality; for example, eliminate lead-bearing products in potable water Recover rainwater as well as non-sewage and graywater for on-site use (such as irrigation). Establish waste treatment and recycling centers. Apply the Best Management Practices for water conservation. Water conservation must also be a key consideration in the reuse or renovation of an existing building. There is more waste water generated and dispersed today than at any other time in the history of our planet, contributing to energy costs and pollution.
- To meet the Water Needs in Buildings Incorporate water efficiency and conservation in construction specifications. Use low or ultra-low water-efficient plumbing fixtures and integrate other water-saving devices into buildings. Meter water usage; employ measurement and verification methods; comply with the Department of Energy's International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) (PDF 2.5 MB) for water use. Install water-conserving cooling towers designed with delimiters to reduce drift and evaporation. Design landscaping for water efficiency through the use of native plants that are tolerant of local soil and rainfall conditions. Reduce evaporation through controlled scheduled irrigation at dawn and dusk; use rainwater for irrigation. Eliminate leaks; caulk around pipes and plumbing fixtures; conduct annual checks of hoses and pipes. Commission water and sewer systems as part of the project quality assurance process.
- With ever increasing pressure on water for commercial and institutional buildings, new technologies have emerged designed specifically to address water efficiency. In plumbing, vacuum plumbing is the next step in the evolution of modern plumbing . Not only is it a highly efficient water saving technology, it also reduces annual water, sewage, and maintenance costs; minimizes spread of bacteria; and maximizes flexibility in space planning and design. Generally, the biggest water saving impact can be made in restrooms by updating inefficient fixtures to high efficiency fixtures. Vacuum plumbing, however, takes the whole plumbing design into consideration, optimizing water efficiency.
- Please read slide
- Vacuum plumbing systems are simple and practical alternatives to gravity drainage that use the combined energies of vacuum pressure and gravity for collection, conveyance, and disposal of waste through a piping network that can be routed above ground. Vacuum plumbing operates on the principal of having a majority of the drainage system under a continuous vacuum. Hundreds of vacuum drainage systems are in operation around the world in homes, restaurants, hospitals, retail stores, and prisons and are accepted by most code authorities.
- A typical vacuum toilet can reduce potable water consumption by 68 percent with a highly efficient vacuum flush requiring only a half gallon of water. Of the many benefits vacuum plumbing offers, the water and waste treatment savings are one of the most important features of this technology. The water savings can be thousands of dollars and millions of gallons per year for larger applications.
- Certifications and Listings Vacuum systems are a viable drainage solution as noted in the latest edition of the IPC and UPC Codes. In addition, many local and state plumbing codes have also accepted vacuum plumbing as an approved alternative for a variety of waste types including condensate, graywater, sanitary waste and grease waste. Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) Certification Mark: The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Shield is applied to products that are certified by IAPMO as complying with BOTH the product’s performance standard AND the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). This applies to all plumbing products, appliances, pipe, fixtures, valves and related products.
- Standard plumbing systems rely on gravity to move waste to sanitary sewer mains. This requires digging, trenching for underground piping and drains, so that a continuous downward sloping pipe is maintained for tie into the sewer. A standard toilet in a gravity system uses 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf). Even high efficiency toilets (HETs) generally use 1.28 gpf. This water assists with moving waste out of the toilet and keeps waste moving toward sewer tie in. According to the EPA, toilets consume the largest amount of water of all indoor fixtures and appliances. That is, 27%. Add in water usage of the other plumbing fixtures, a typical building consumes thousand of gallons of water per day.
- When a standard toilet is flushed, the cascade of water into the toilet is what forces waste out of the bowl. A significant amount of water is necessary to carry waste out, clean the bowl, and refill for the next use. These toilets, of course, can also often develop leaks, which contribute to water consumption and waste.
- A gravity plumbing system consists of a drain, waste stack, and vent system. The waste stack (a horizontal pipe) carries waste to the sewage system. The vent is connected to the waste stack and runs to the exterior of the building, allowing harmful gas and bacteria to escape in addition to equalizing pressure in the plumbing pipes. Should a vent become clogged, gas cannot escape and air cannot push water through the pipes, so dangerous waste, gas, and bacteria can back up into the drains and fixtures.
- Vacuum plumbing systems and toilets are significantly more water efficient than their low-flush, gravity plumbing counterparts. (click for graphic) A low flush gravity toilet requires a standard 1.6 gpf. (click for next) High Efficiency Flush toilets, or HETs, are at 1.28 gpf. (click for next) Vacuum plumbing toilets require less than half both of these at .5 gpf
- A vacuum system drainage flow is also not dictated by gravity or slope. Waste is transported through a closed piping network flexibly located in the building instead of buried underground. This reduces design costs and minimizes or eliminates the need for trenching and foundation penetration for piping systems, and making repairs to those systems.
- Vacuum plumbing systems are also virtually self-venting, requiring no waste stacks nor vents protruding from the exterior of the building. Vacuum systems virtually eliminate clogged piping. Debris which affect gravity drainage systems generally do not affect performance in vacuum systems. Should any problem arise, access to the piping network and the fact that the plumbing is located above grade makes maintenance and repairs easier and less costly because they are easier to get to.
- What happens if the vacuum piping network develops a leak? (click to highlight) Since the piping is maintained under a continuous vacuum, any leaks that might develop will draw air INTO the pipes, preventing waste exfiltration. Alarm features generate warnings if any leaks do develop in the vacuum piping network.
- Interface Valves and Collection Points Typical sanitary and graywater collection points include toilets, sinks, showers, urinals, and drinking fountains. Typical condensate collection points consist of refrigeration coils, service coolers and freezers as well as frozen and refrigerated food display cases. The vacuum interface components allow waste to be introduced into the vacuum waste piping network and transported to the vacuum center. These components include a normally closed Extraction Valve, which separates the vacuum in the piping from atmospheric pressure surrounding the fixture, and a Controller, which operates the Extraction Valve.
- The water closet Extraction Valve is connected to the toilet waste outlet, separating the toilet from the piping network. When the flush valve is activated, the Controller opens the Extraction Valve, allowing atmospheric pressure at the toilet bowl to push waste out of the bowl, through the Extraction Valve, and into the waste piping. Because air is used to transport wastewater, no water is required to initiate the flush cycle. The Controller also activates the flush water valve for rinse and re-fill of the bowl. The opening and closing of the Extraction Valve is precisely controlled so that all waste is completely removed from the bowl.
- Conveyance System The vacuum drainage piping network can be routed where most convenient, including overhead or through voids in ceiling spaces. This allows for transport of waste from its point of origin to the vacuum generating station. Storage/Disposal Components The Vacuum Center includes vacuum pumps that create vacuum in the piping and storage tanks. Waste water routes from the fixture through the piping network to the storage tanks where it is collected for eventual discharge into the sewer system. The vacuum pumps run only on demand and operational redundancy is provided. The Vacuum Center may also include sewage discharge pumps that pump waste from the storage tanks into the sewer.
- (click image to play) This animation illustrates how waste is conveyed from each fixture to the vacuum center, storage tank, and then to the sewer system. … you get the idea
- This schematic details the basic components of the vacuum waste system
- The benefits of vacuum plumbing systems include design flexibility as well as sanitation and make them ideal in multiple settings.
- Pneumatic Valve Control are a Simple low cost alternative to vacuum valve operation and control . Pneumatic controllers are used to operate the vacuum interface valve. Valve controller is non-networked and is powered by vacuum pressure from the system, and thus requires no electrical service. Electronic Valve Controls allow both control and monitoring of water supply and vacuum waste valve activity through dedicated server and software. All valves are controlled via a 12-port valve controller. Can be tied to a local area network (allows for remote monitoring and control of valve activity).
- Zone Control is a fully networked electronic valve control system allows complete visibility and control of individually addressed vacuum waste extraction valves and ancillary or special purpose valves used for water supply shut off, flush, rinse or temperature control. Control and communication with individual valves is facilitated through system Zone Control Panels for valves servicing up to 12 individual vacuum lifts. System is designed to accommodate a maximum of 23 Zone Control Panels, or 276 individually addressed vacuum valves and 92 ancillary valves. Includes local area network communication with all valves which allows them to be remotely monitored.
- (speaker: click to play animation) Typical sanitary and graywater collection points include toilets, sinks, showers, urinals, and drinking fountains. The vacuum interface components allow waste to be introduced into the vacuum waste piping network.
- Of course, the green benefits of vacuum plumbing systems are what make them a smart and responsible choice. The following examples illustrate the potential water savings possible: Commercial Office Building – 500 people, WC Water use with gravity low flush fixtures Total water demand with gravity system equals Approx. 3.6 gallons per person per day, which amounts to 1,781 gallons per day and 445,250 gallons per year With a vacuum system, total water demand equals Approx. 1.5 gallons per person per day. That’s 750 gallons per day and 187,500 gallons per year, resulting in an estimated water and sewage process savings of approximately 257,750 gallons per year or 58% annual requirement
- In a Department Store, with Approximately 100,000 shoppers per week and utilizing gravity low flush drainage fixtures, the projected annual water supply and sewage output = 1,341,600 gallons In contrast, using vacuum flush water closets and gravity urinals, the projected annual water and sewage process savings approximately 598,000 gallons per year. In a restaurant setting with an average 5,000 guests per week (not including staff) and using gravity low flush drainage fixtures, the rojected annual water supply and sewage output = 206,180 gallons. Whereas using vacuum flush water closets and gravity urinals equals a projected annual water and sewage process savings of approximately 91,052 gallons per year *BONUS: Does not include potential savings from recycling graywater from sinks for use in toilets, which would increase water efficiency
- Water savings translate directly into additional environmental benefits Gallon for gallon, directly decreases impact on sewer and treatment systems Pipes and fittings can be up to 50 % smaller, saving material cost Underground leaks and ground contamination are eliminated Vacuum plumbing systems can also help earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED ® ) points toward a project becoming LEED certified, which we will discuss in the next section.
- Some Terms You Should Know: Potable water – water that is safe for drinking and cooking. N on-potable water – water that is unsafe or unpalatable to drink because it contains pollutants, contaminants, minerals, or infective agents. Graywater – domestic wastewater composed of wash water from kitchen, bathroom, and laundry sinks, tubs, and washers.
- Because of the current water shortage, it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the demand on our water supply. As discussed throughout this course, vacuum plumbing has extreme water conservation advantages, reducing indoor potable water consumption. This reduces demand on the municipal water supply as well as withdraws from rivers, streams, aquifers, and other natural bodies of water. With water efficiency at its core, vacuum toilets provide significant water savings in and of themselves. Imagine how much water could be saved if this system were coupled with using water conservation measures, such as those recommended by EPA, and replacing old fixtures with WaterSense labeled fixtures. What about incorporating a graywater recycling and/or rain harvesting system?
- Rainwater harvesting is one of the most promising alternatives for supplying water in the face of increasing water scarcity and escalating demand. The pressures on water supplies, greater environmental impacts associated with new projects, as well as deteriorating water quality in reservoirs already constructed constrain the ability of communities to meet the demand for freshwater from traditional sources. Rainwater harvesting presents an opportunity for augmentation of water supplies allowing for self-reliance and sustainability. Sustaining the environment contributes to the overall conservation of our precious natural resources.
- Graywater recycling systems can treat and reuse wastewater for flushing toilets or for watering gardens and landscaping onsite. This can further reduce the strain on public water supply and treatment plants, recharge groundwater, and support vegetation growth.
- Again, water efficiency translates to energy savings. Energy savings translates to a reduction of environmental impacts associated with energy use. USGBC notes that water efficiency reduces the amount of energy needed to heat, cool, treat, and distribute water—not only saving energy, but also resulting in cost savings.
- Because vacuum plumbing requires no waste line trenching, this means issues associated with concrete dust or asbestos abatement are eliminated, and a healthier, safer environment can be maintained on renovation projects. In addition, vacuum plumbing half gallon flush toilets not only reduce water consumption, but also virtually eliminate the “plume” associated with gravity fixture flushing by pulling air into the toilet and eliminating splash during the flush cycle. This minimizes the spread of bacteria and contributes to better indoor air quality.
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a more sustainable future through advocacy, education, and the LEED program with the goal of reducing the impacts of construction and buildings on the environment. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED ® ) program provides guidelines, point systems, and certifications for environmentally responsible building across six main categories: Sustainable Sites Water Efficiency Energy and Atmosphere Materials and Resources Indoor Environmental Quality Innovation and Design
- Specifying and incorporating vacuum plumbing systems into a building project can contribute to earning points toward LEED certification. Some of the possible categories that the system may contribute to include: Water Efficiency Water Use Reduction Innovative Wastewater Technologies Materials and Resources Building Reuse Innovation in Design
- The purpose of Water Use Reduction in LEED is to increase water efficiency within buildings to reduce the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater systems. Vacuum systems are water conscious in design. A typical vacuum system can reduce potable water consumption for toilets by 68% with a highly efficient vacuum flush toilet requiring only a half gallon per flush. This reduces the strain on municipal water supply and wastewater systems while conserving the energy and reducing associated costs. Efficiency is further increased with the incorporation of WaterSense labeled fixtures and other water conservation practices. The water savings can be thousands of dollars and millions of gallons per year for larger applications.
- The purpose of Innovative Wastewater Technologies in LEED is to reduce wastewater generation and potable water demand while increasing the local aquifer recharge . Of the many benefits vacuum plumbing offers, the water and waste treatment savings are one of the most important features of this technology, attributable to its water-conserving fixtures and water-conservation nature in general. As mentioned earlier, a graywater recycling system and/or rainwater harvesting system incorporated into the vacuum system would be the ultimate in water efficiency.
- The purpose of Building Reuse in LEED is to extend the life cycle of existing building stock, conserve resources, retain cultural resources, reduce waste, and reduce environmental impacts… In repurposing existing buildings, vacuum plumbing system configuration and installation is far less invasive than the trenching required for piping standard plumbing systems. These systems can be of tremendous benefit specifically in the renovation of historical buildings in which both mechanical design and preservation of the existing structure must be taken into consideration. Because of the design flexibility of vacuum plumbing systems, the existing building slab can stay intact, conserving resources, reducing waste, extending the life of the building, and limiting associated environmental impacts.
- The purpose of Innovation in Design in LEED is to provide design teams and projects the opportunity to achieve exceptional performance above the requirements set by the LEED Green Building Rating System and/or innovative performance in Green Building categories not specifically addressed by the LEED Green Building Rating System. Vacuum plumbing applies innovative strategies that demonstrate a comprehensive approach and quantifiable environmental and/or health benefits which go beyond basic requirements. As part of an integrated approach, possibilities for innovation credit and reducing environmental impacts are even greater (i.e. a plumbing system incorporating vacuum plumbing, graywater recycling, and a rainwater harvesting system—reducing potable water consumption by 70%).
- The hospital design emphasizes a commitment to a Healing Healthcare environment. The goal was to create a sustainable, healing environment for patients and staff. Highlights: Natural day lighting techniques, natural ventilation, and high performance glazing all reduce energy demand Mechanical systems, heat recovery systems, lighting systems w/occupancy sensors, and energy efficient lamps Controlling vaporization of flush cycle minimizes spread of bacteria Reduced health and safety risks Provides protection from waste piping leaks Achieved LEED Certification
- Sixty-four bed, 36,400 sq-ft mental health housing & treatment facility in Soledad, CA. Houses male inmates requiring inpatient mental health care at level IV security (the most violent). The project’s aim was to achieve the first LEED certification for the State’s prison system, ahead of the 2011 mandate. Achievements: In combination with other conservation efforts, potable water use was reduced by 56 percent California Department of Corrections: “ lowered sewage conveyance by nearly 70 percent; ” far exceeding Governor’s Executive Order #S-20-04 and LEED requirements. The water savings from the vacuum plumbing system contributed to a Silver LEED certification. The vacuum system in the facility proved to be low maintenance due in large part to its design. The system efficiently isolates every cell from the waste piping network by means of a normally closed valve separating the toilet in one cell from the rest of the toilets in the facility. Leaks and mainline clogs are virtually eliminated. The facility personnel report fewer maintenance calls.
- Installation of vacuum plumbing allows for additional cases without cutting into exposed concrete floors, maintaining an unblemished look Other benefits include: Eliminates grease interceptors on sales floor Eliminates costly waste line maintenance Eliminates associated odors and inconvenience Eliminates potential for ground contamination Reduces clogged grease waste line Cleaner environment and reduced health hazards
- For AIA members Course Evaluation
- This AIA course has concluded. Please ensure that you have filled out the Course Attendance with legible and accurate information in order to receive credit for this course. If you have any product specific questions, I can answer those now. Thank you.