Abstract: A diaphragm-type check valve for vacuum pipes is provided which enables opening of the valve using substantially less operating force than is required in conventional valves of the same size and type. The valve includes a flexible diaphragm which is disposed in the pipe and is held in its closed position by the vacuum in the pipe. A mechanical operator such as a vacuum-actuated piston causes opening of the valve. A cavity located on the side of the diaphragm opposite that which is exposed to the pipe vacuum is selectively connected to a source of suction or vacuum (preferably that provided by the pipe itself) so as to substantially equalize the pressure on both sides of the diaphragm and thereby enable opening of the valve with a less bulky operating mechanism that provides only the reduced operating force referred to above.

Abstract: A vacuum drain sewage facility is disclosed, having a plurality of house connections in which relatively small amounts of water collected at the house connections are admitted into the vacuum conduit of the system, followed immediately by a volume of air from two to fifteen times the liquid volume. The vacuum conduit is connected to a collecting tank that is under vacuum. The conduit has ascending and descending sections, the vacuum conduit in the vicinity of the house connections being laid out in the direction of flow with relatively short ascending sections and relatively long descending sections, the descending sections being at least twice as long as the ascending sections. The length of the ascending conduit sections is from one to twenty meters, with the rise of the ascending conduit sections being 0.85 to 5 meters. The ascending conduit sections preferably are of smaller cross section than the descending sections.

Abstract: A vacuum drain system having alternating ascending and descending sections in a conduit for conveying a liquid, such as waste water, to a collector tank maintained under vacuum to induce liquid flow through the conduit. At least one of the descending conduit sections is of larger cross section than an adjacent ascending section to facilitate flow of liquid through the conduit.

Abstract: A vacuum-type water removal system for buildings, factories, ships and the like is provided wherein waste water collection devices, such as sanitary facilities (e.g., toilets) and other waste producing/or collecting devices, are connected through a cut-off valve to a vacuum conduit for removal of the waste water. The invention concerns the provision of a supplemental arrangement including an overflow opening for the collection devices which is connected to a gravity feed line that feeds a collection chamber connected through a check valve to the vacuum line.

Abstract: A vacuum drain system including a collecting tank and a sewage drain vacuum conduit line for conveying sewage from service connections to the collecting tank under the influence of vacuum in the system. Each service connection for admitting sewage includes a suction valve which also admits a volume of air to facilitate movement of sewage in the system. In order to prevent accumulation of sewage during prolonged periods of low usage of the system, such as at night, an auxiliary aeration system is provided for introducing a volume of air independently of the air admitted through operation of the suction valves.

Abstract: A method is provided for disposing of sewage from multiple household connections. A specific volume of sewage is first collected and then suctioned off by means of a vacuum, air being released into the vacuum pipe after the sewage. The method is characterized in that the collection of the sewage takes place at each house individually and in small amounts (about 5 to 30 liters) and in that the amount of the air subsequently released into the vacuum pipe amounts to two to fifteen times the volume of the sewage.