Appendix G: Vacuum Drainage System General Comments ‘New designs and technology have evolved with the intro- duction of vacuum. technology. This new technology is leading the way for drainage systems to transport sanitary waste and various other fluids end effluents. Although vacuum drainage systems have been around for many years in the transportation, marine and aviation indus- ives, the technology is now being used in land-based pro- jects. ~~ SECTION G101 VACUUM DRAINAGE SYSTEM C1011 Scope. This appendix provides general guidelines for ‘the requirements for vacuum deainage systems. “This section regulates the design and installation meth- ‘ods for. vacuuim drainage systems. ‘Plumbing systems are designed to drain. by gravity whenever possible; however, there are many instances where the discharge fram plumbing fixtures must be lited by a vacuum to an ‘pproved point of disposal. Ths type of system Is com. monly specified in railcars, aircraft, buses, marine ves: sels, recreational vehicles and land-based projects. G101.2 General requirements, e Requirements for vacuum drainage systems are con- tained in this section. These requirements apply to sys- tem design, installation end other components utlized in such systems. G101.2.1 System design. Vacuum drainage systems shall be designed in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations, ‘The system layout, including piping layout, tank assemblies, Yacuum pump assembly and other componesis/designs neces. sary for proper function of the system shall be per manufac. turer's recommendations, Plans, specifications and other data for such systems shall be submited tothe local administrative ‘Authority for review and approval prior to installation, The vacuum system connections are made on the inlet rather than on the outlet as is the case with sewage Slectors or pumps. The wastes in these types of sys- tems are being pulled, not pushed, through the piping system. Typically, the waste is introduced into the sys- tom from plumbing fixtures, conveyed to a collection fank and then tg an approved point of disposal. A grind {ng pump that macerates waste is often installed prior to 2003 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE® COMMENTARY. - Purpose ‘The purpose of Appendix G is to regulate the design and installaton of vacuum drainage systems. {he collection tank, thereby providing additional holding capacty. The negative pressure is maintained in the System by @ vacuum pump. A contol panel links the system and typically includes a timing valve, discharge valve and water valve. For example, when the. fush ‘mechanism s activated for awater closet, the discharge valve opens, all waste enter the vacuum plping. The discharge trom showers ‘or float drains is typically collected in aholding tank, and ‘when the tank is fled, a pressure sensor triggers an ac- pen a valve, allowing the waste to move into the vacuum piping. Acontrol system automatically regu. {ates the operation of the vacuuin end sewage elector pumps. The vacuum pump creates a vacuum in the sys. fem by pumping air from the vacuum tank and piping. (Once @ predetermined level of sewage is reached in the ‘vacuum tank: the sewage is automatically pumped out by sewage elector pumps to a treatment plant or sewer ‘main. Manufacturers must provide detailed installation ‘id servicing instructions with each type of system [see Figures 6101.2.1(1-2)), G101.22 Fistures. Gravity type fixture used in vacuum érain- ‘ge systems shall comply with Chapter 4 ofthis code, ‘+ Fibtures utilized in a vacuum system must adhere to the ‘same standards for plumbing fixtures in Chapter 4of the code. Plumbing fixtures regulated in this type of system mustbe free from deficiencies that affect the ixture'sin- fended purpose. The referenced standards. spec ualiy, dimensions, construction requirements and the ‘esting of such fixtures (see Figure G101.2.2 ). 7, APPENDIX G-t‘APPEND VACUUM DRAINAGE SYSTEM vaca one one vate Bh sce BD vcuw I ar Figure 61012.1() - | _ VACUUM SYSTEMS :< - SERVICE LATERALS, MAIN AND. BRANCHES. VACUUM COLLECTION BASIN Figure Gt01.2.12) i VACUUM SYSTEMS: APPENDIX G-2_ (2003 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE” COMMENTARY ANNAN ANA RN A an c ¢ ¢ C C non Seige es nn WARS ER2O9O90AONRD900000000000 O20000 On Y VACUUM DRAINAGE SYSTEM [APPENDIX G ¥ Figure 6101.22 ‘TYPICAL WATER CLOSET Y G101.2.3 Drainage fixture units. Fixture units for gravity drainage systems which discharge into or receive discharge from vacuum drainage systems shall be based on values Chapter 7 ofthis code, ‘Table 708.1 of the code provides the drainage fixture Unit (dtu) value for various type of fixtures, A water closet instalied in a vacuum system typically discharges 1.1 liters or 1 quart of water per flush. Note ein ths table indicates that water closets and urinals: may have a lower dfu value confirmed by test resulls. Many vac- ‘uum-type water closets have a dfu value lower than the ‘same fixture type indicated in Table 709.1. 6101.24 Water supply fixture units. Water supply fixture units shall be based on values in Chepter 6 of this code with the ‘addition thatthe fixture unit ofa vacuum-iype water closet shall be“ Appendix E contains water supply fixture units for vari- ‘ous types of fixtures. For fixtures not listed, loads should 'be assumed by comparing the fixture to one listed using water in similar quantities and rates. Manufacturers’ Fecommendations include the amount of water and Pressure required to operate properly various types of ‘fixtures utlized in a vacuum drainage system. G101.25 Traps and eleanouts. Grevity-ype fixtures sball be provided with traps and ceanouts in accordance with Chapters 7 and 10 of this code. ‘Drainage piping Ina vacuum system must have Gleanouts installed in accordance with Section 708. Fix- {ure traps must be provided in accordance with Section 1002.1. Many vacuum systems can eliminate fixture venting because of the positive seal between discharge waste water and the fixture; hence, the necessity for raps. The code official must evaluate each system indF- vidually based on the manufacturer's recommended in- stallation Instruétions and the requirements ofthe code, 2003 INTERNATIONAL: PLUMBING CODE® COMMENTARY. SEIS Rsemereenereernerrerereee ee anna SNES G101.2.6 Materials. Vacium drainage pipe, fitting and valve ‘materials shall be as recommended by the vacuum drainage sys. tem manufacturer ard as permitted by this code. ‘Before installation of drainage pipes and fitings, the manufacturer's recommendations must be consulted in arder to evaluate the type of material to be used, Table 702.1 provides the ecceplable material to be used in ‘vacuum systems. 6101.3 Testing and demonstrations. After completion of the ‘eatire system installation, the system shall be subjected toa vac ‘uum test of 19 inches (483 mmm) of mercury and shall be oper- ated to function as required by the administrative authority and the manufacturer. Recorded proof of all tests shall be submitted to the administrative authority. Vacuum systems must be subjected to testing to deter- mine potential defects and leaks. Vacuum pumps main- tain an operating range of 16 to 20 inches (406 to 508 mim) of mercury vacuum. Differential air pressure pro- pels the sewage at velocities of 15to 18 feet per second (4.5.to 5.5 mis). Such systems are subjected to a vac- tuum test of 19 inches (483 mm) of mercury, which equals 9.3 pounds per square inch (64 kPa) of air pressure. 4 G101.4 Written instructions, Written instructions forthe oper- ations, maintenance, safety and emergency procedures shall be provided by the building owner as verified by the administrative authority. ‘Manufacturer's installation instructions must be. pro- vided because they are an enforceable extension of the code for determining whether a system has been prop- erty installed. A detalled description of operating mainto- hence, safety and emergency procedures is required to reflect the scope of information needed to determine compliance, 7 APPENDIX G-3