Tyhjiöviemäröinti

Tyhjiöviemäröinti, known in English as vacuum drainage, is a sanitation system that uses vacuum pressure to transport wastewater from fixtures to a treatment plant or collection point. Unlike conventional gravity-based sewer systems, vacuum drainage does not rely on a downward slope. Instead, it creates a negative pressure within a sealed pipe network. When a vacuum valve is opened, typically by flushing a toilet or draining a sink, the atmospheric pressure pushes the wastewater into the low-pressure zone of the vacuum pipe.

This system is particularly useful in areas where traditional gravity sewers are difficult or expensive to install, such as flat terrain, areas with high groundwater levels, or rocky ground. It requires less excavation and can be installed with smaller diameter pipes compared to gravity systems. The reduced need for extensive earthmoving contributes to lower installation costs and environmental impact.

A typical vacuum drainage system consists of vacuum collection units, vacuum pipes, vacuum pumps, and a central collection tank or pump station. Wastewater is collected from various points and enters the vacuum pipes. The vacuum pumps maintain a constant low pressure in the network. The sealed nature of the system also helps to prevent odors from escaping and can reduce the ingress of groundwater into the pipes. Maintenance typically involves regular checks of the vacuum pumps and valve operation.