FAQs

Tricel created a specialized guide to help you during your reporting process:

How to use TricelSiteAssessor

Register on TricelSiteAssessor.ie and start generating bespoke recommendation reports for on-site wastewater treatment today. Each report is ready for integration directly into planning applications in Ireland. All the relevant and necessary information is automatically included. No time is wasted looking for drawings, certificates or manufacturer reports.

TricelSiteAssessor.ie features a pump calculator which determines the correct pump type for each application. Once generated, each report is stored on the website under the user’s account, while a copy is also sent directly to the user’s email address. A full report history is available on TricelSiteAssessor.ie to help keep track of all reports generated.

Once logged into the TricelSiteAssessor.ie homepage, users have the option to select the link ‘View report history’. This link redirects clients to a location in which all previous reports created for that account are stored.

In the event that you cannot find the suitable report for a wastewater site recommendation, please contact Tricel for assistance at info@tricelsiteassessor.ie or call us on +35364 663 2421.

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Following a site assessment and a percolation test, ground conditions and characterisation is identified.
This will distinguish what requirements are necessary for the particular site as well as the wastewater treatment options available. This information allows you to easily choose the correct report template from the options available.

The objective of site characterisation is to:

• determine if the site can adequately treat the wastewater;
• check that the treated wastewater can get away;
• check that the minimum site separation distance can be achieved.

The Site Characterisation in typically undertaken by a Site Assessor or Site Engineer.

Read in more details about site suitability assessments, what are they and how using Tricel Site Assessor can help. 

Both of these are percolation tests that assess the ability of the subsoil to allow water to percolate to the water table. The main difference is that they are carried out at different levels.
A “T” test is used to check the suitability of the subsoil at depths greater than 400mm below the ground level.
Whereas a “P” test is carried out at ground level where there are limiting factors such as a high-water table or shallow rock.

PE stands for Population Equivalent.

Population equivalent: conversion value which aims at expressing non-domestic applications in terms of domestic loading based on 1 person creates 60 g/day BOD5 and 150l/day. (Code of Practice: Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (p.e. < 10), EPA)

The Code of Practice: Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems for Single Houses (p.e. ≤10), published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2009, provides guidance on the installation of on-site wastewater treatment systems. It is designed to help planning authorities, builders and others deal with this issue.

The Wastewater Treatment Manual for Single houses can be downloaded from the EPA’s website.

Septic tanks vs wastewater treatment systems:
Wastewater treatment plants offer a superior quality of treatment. For example, the Tricel Novo comprises of three independent wastewater treatment zones and offers an overall efficiency of 95.9% BOD removal.
This is a higher treatment standard than the effluent from a septic tank.

To achieve higher treatment levels, wastewater treatment plants require a minimum amount of electricity for the diffusers and the pump to function, such as with the Tricel Novo 6 = 1.1kWh per day which equates to running costs of 68 euros per year (approx.).

Please note: all wastewater treatment plants used in Ireland must comply with the EN12566-3 standard and all septic tanks must comply with the EN12566-1 standard.

What are sand polishing filters, soil polishing filters and Puraflo modules?

• A sand polishing filter consists of a series of pressurised pipe work designed to distribute the effluent for treatment over stratified layers of sand and gravel to filter and reduce the micro-organisms from the wastewater.
• A soil polishing filter consists of a series of pressurised pipework which distributes the effluent for treatment using the in situ or imported soil.
• Puraflo modules use coconut fibre to treat the effluent and are suitable for intermittent and seasonal flows.

Generally, polishing filters are recommended for compact and sensitive areas (wetlands for example). They are used as secondary or tertiary treatment.

The site engineer or site assessor must take into account the site conditions, current regulations and forecasted loadings in order to select the appropriate wastewater treatment solution.

Report 1: Tricel Septic tank & Percolation Area

A Tricel septic tank system comprises of a septic tank and a percolation area. Tricel septic tanks are primary settlement tanks which provide a limited amount of anaerobic digestion. The percolation area consists of a series of pipework which distributes the effluent for treatment using in-situ subsoil.

Report 2: Tricel Novo Package Plant & Gravity Soil Polishing Filter (Percolation Area)

This secondary treatment system comprises of a Tricel Novo wastewater treatment plant followed by a gravity fed soil polishing filter, also called a percolation area. The Tricel Novo provides secondary treatment using submerged aeration filter technology. The gravity fed soil polishing filter consists of a series of pipework which distributes the effluent for treatment using the in-situ subsoil.

Report 3: Tricel Novo Package Plant & Pumped Soil Polishing Filter (Pressurised System)

This is another secondary treatment system and consists of Tricel Novo which provides secondary treatment through the application of a submerged aerated filter technology. The pumped soil polishing filter makes use of a series of pipework which distributes the greywater, under pressure, for treatment using in-situ subsoil. In general, polishing filters are recommended for compact and sensitive areas.

Report 4: Tricel Novo Package Plant & Sandcel Sand Polishing Filter

This tertiary treatment system comprises a Tricel Novo wastewater treatment plant and a Sandcel sand polishing filter. The Tricel Novo provides secondary treatment using submerged aeration filter technology.
The Sandcel sand polishing filter, providing tertiary treatment, consists of a series of pipework designed to distribute the effluent for treatment over stratified layers of certified sands according to the EPA Code of Practice. These stratified layers of certified sands are enclosed in GRP impermeable panels which will not rot or decay, ensuring the structure of the filter will hold for many years.
These filters are able for above, or below, ground applications with all pipework accessible from a service pod. Generally, polishing filters are recommended for compact and sensitive areas.

Report 5: Tricel Vento Septic Tank and Tricel Puraflo & Percolation Area

This secondary treatment system consists of a Tricel septic tank with Tricel Puraflo modules followed by a percolation area. Tricel septic tanks are primary settlement tanks providing a limited amount of anaerobic digestion.
After the Tricel septic tank, the wastewater enters a pump chamber from where it is pumped into the Tricel Puraflo modules. The Tricel Puraflo modules are filled with bio-fibrous peat. The wastewater from the Tricel septic tank is distributed over the top of the peat filter using a specially designed pipe network. Through a combination of biological, chemical and physical processes the peat treats the wastewater as it filters through.
At the outlet of the Tricel Puraflo modules, the secondary treated wastewater is discharged to a percolation area, which consists of a series of pipework which distributes the wastewater for further treatment and disposal using in-situ subsoils.

Report 6: Tricel Novo Package Plant with Tricel Puraflo Tertiary Treatment

This tertiary treatment system comprises of a Tricel Novo wastewater treatment plant followed by Tricel Puraflo modules discharging to a gravel distribution area. The Tricel Novo provides secondary treatment using submerged aeration filter technology.
After the Tricel Novo, the wastewater is pumped into the Tricel Puraflo modules. The Tricel Puraflo modules comprise of bio-fibrous peat filling. The wastewater from the Tricel Novo is distributed over the top of the peat filter using a specially designed pipe network.
Through a combination of chemical, biological and physical processes the peat treats the greywater as it filters through. At the outlet area of the Puraflo modules, the tertiary treated wastewater is discharged into the in-situ subsoil through a gravel distribution area.

Report 7: Tricel Vento/Fortis Septic Tank with Tricel Puraflo & Soil Polishing Filter

This secondary treatment system consists of a Tricel septic tank with Tricel Puraflo modules followed by a polishing filter. Tricel septic tanks are primary settlement tanks that provide a limited amount of anaerobic digestion. After the Tricel septic tank, the greywater/wastewater enters a pump chamber. From here it is pumped into the Tricel Puraflo modules.
Each Tricel Puraflo module comprises of a bio-fibrous peat filling. The wastewater from the Tricel septic tank is distributed over the top of the peat filter through a specially designed pipe network system. Through a combination of biological, chemical and physical processes the peat treats the greywater as it filters through the module.
As the greywater/wastewater exits the Tricel Puraflo modules, the secondary treated wastewater is discharged to a polishing filter, this distributes the wastewater for further treatment and dispersal using in-situ subsoil.

Also see: Tricel wastewater treatment system types available on Tricel Site Assessor, including primary, secondary and tertiary treatment

Tricel wastewater treatment plants comply with the European Standard EN12566, S.R. 66, and with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Code of Practice.

EN12566-1 & S.R. 66

• Tricel Vento *
• Tricel Fortis *

* Must be used in accordance with the EPA Code of Practice: Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (PE <10), and sized according to C = 150 x P + 2000, where C is the capacity (l) of the tank and P is the design population, with a minimum of four persons, as outlined in the EPA Code of Practice.

EN12566-3 & S.R. 66

• Tricel Novo **
• Tricel Puraflo + Tricel Fortis **
• Tricel Puraflo + Tricel Vento **

**Must be used in accordance with the EPA Code of Practice: Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (PE < 10), where the PE of the plant required is calculated by PE = (no. of bedrooms + 2)

The design of the wastewater treatment system is the responsibility of the site assessor/engineer. Full design instructions should be issued which must be followed during installation, this is to ensure that the system will work correctly.

To achieve higher treatment levels, wastewater treatment plants require a minimum amount of electricity for the air blower and pump (if applicable) to function.

E.g. Tricel Novo 6 = 1.1kWh per day = 68 euros per year (approx.).

In order for wastewater treatment systems to continue operating and optimum efficiency, it is necessary to carry out maintenance on an ongoing basis. The legal responsibility to ensure the system does not cause pollution, a health hazard or a nuisance lies with the property owner.

To avail of a Tricel service agreement, please contact Tricel at sales@ie.tricel.eu or call us on +35364 663 2421.

Themes covered:

• Where should a sand polishing filter be used?
• How does a Sandcel sand polishing filter work?
• What are the benefits of using a sand polishing filter, and why should you use it or recommend it?
• How to build a sand filter?
• How deep does a Sandcel sand polishing filter go?
• Can a sand polishing filter be buried?
• How big is the base?
• Standard sizes and dimensions of Sandcel Sand Polishing Filters
• Gravel calculator for Sandcel. How to calculate how much gravel is required for a Sandcel installation.
• Gravel requirements for standard size Sandcel sand polishing filters
• Who supplies the sands and gravel?
• Images of Sandcel sand polishing filter installation
• Why should you use Tricel?

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