Abstract: A method for installing and using paper-enclosed filter media units in an effluent treatment system. The paper-enclosed filter media units are preferably pre-filled off-site and transported to the installation site via commercial vehicle. The filter media units are then installed underneath the ground and connected to a treatment system. The filter media units contain at least one perforation and are preferably filled with expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads. In practice, the effluent enters the filter media unit through the at least one perforation in the filter media unit and trickles through the media where it is treated before being distributed beneath the filter media unit. The filter media unit preferably is comprised of a plurality of perforations, facilitating the entry of effluent in the filter media unit and the distribution of effluent into the ground. The method optionally is further comprised of a distribution grid which distributes the effluent horizontally across the top of the filter media unit.

Abstract: An underground system for distributing and filtering post-septic effluent includes an underground watertight basin containing a filter and conduit connecting a septic tank with the watertight basin for transporting the post-septic effluent into the watertight basin. A discharge pipe connected to the watertight basin transports filtered effluent from the watertight basin into a drainfield reserve for introduction into surrounding natural ground soil.

Abstract: In an effluent treatment system, a distribution grid comprises a distribution member for passing effluent initially horizontally through an internal chamber and out of laterally-extending distribution arms communicating with the chamber. Prefabricated filter media units are placed under the distribution member and the arms so that effluent may then trickle generally vertically through the filter media.

Abstract: A modular slotted drain assembly having a slotted drainpipe, one or more base drain members positioned in communication with the slot of the drainpipe, and one or more reducer drain members stacked atop the base drain members. The reducer drain members have non-parallel upper and lower edges, such that one end of a reducer drain member is taller than its other end. An assembly is created such that the slope of the upper edges of the reducer drain members is not parallel to the drainpipe axis, allowing the upper edges of the reducer drain members to correspond to the slope of the ground surface.

Abstract: A septic tank effluent filter includes a housing positioned external to and downstream a septic tank for receiving the effluent prior to it being released into a drainfield positioned downstream the housing. The housing includes an inlet port and an offset outlet ports on an opposing wall for connection between the septic tank and drainfield. A cylindrical container is carried within the housing and is connected directly to the outlet port for having the effluent flow from within the housing through the uniformly perforated cylindrical wall of the container to outlet port. A circular base plate of the container provides a baffle and prevents the undesirable direct streaming of the effluent from the inlet port to the outlet port. A plastic mesh bag is filled with polystyrene plastic beads having a large surface to volume ratio, thus a large surface area within a desirable space.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing preassembled drainage line units comprises feeding a length of perforated vent pipe along a direction of manufacture longitudinally through a tubular mandrel, feeding a continuous sleeve of netting concentrically over the vent pipe along the direction of manufacture from a front end of the mandrel and continuously supplying quantities of artificial aggregate into the space between the sleeve of netting and the vent pipe. A low friction coating is applied to the inside surface of the mandrel to reduce the surface friction of the artificial aggregate caused by compaction, and to permit high speed manufacture.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing preassembled drainage line units comprises feeding a length of perforated vent pipe along a direction of manufacture longitudinally through a tubular mandrel, feeding a continuous sleeve of netting concentrically over the vent pipe along the direction of manufacture from a front end of the mandrel and continuously supplying quantities of artificial aggregate into the space between the sleeve of netting and the vent pipe. A low friction coating is applied to the inside surface of the mandrel to reduce the surface friction of the artificial aggregate caused by compaction, and to permit high speed manufacture.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing preassembled drainage line units comprises feeding a length of perforated vent pipe along a direction of manufacture longitudinally through a tubular mandrel, feeding a continuous sleeve of netting concentrically over the vent pipe along the direction of manufacture from a front end of the mandrel and continuously supplying quantities of artificial aggregate into the space between the sleeve of netting and the vent pipe. A low friction coating is applied to the inside surface of the mandrel to reduce the surface friction of the artificial aggregate caused by compaction, and to permit high speed manufacture.

Abstract: Preassembled drainage line units for a septic tank nitrification field employ a predetermined length of perforated conduit having an aggregation of discrete, crush resistant, light-weight elements surrounding the length of conduit and a perforated sleeve member enveloping the aggregation and bounding the same relative to the conduit with the ends of the conduit extending beyond the sleeve. The drainage line unit is provided with connecting means at each extending end, for end-to-end interconnection with an adjacent drainage line unit.

Abstract: A preassembled unit for a sewage nitrification field has minimum outward dimensions of loose, lightweight plastic aggregate material enveloped and bound by a plastic sleeve around a horizontal conduit. In one embodiment, the unit takes a bag form with an aggregate-filled netting sleeve concentrically surrounding and fastened to the ends of corrugated plastic vent pipe. In another form, the sleeve is a plastic extrusion of rectangular cross-section and the conduit can be formed integrally with the sleeve. Cross-webbing is added for strength. In ground installation, conduitless units make up the insufficiency of aggregate dimension. Mating male and female end caps are used to interconnect the conduit of adjacent units end-to-end. Apparatus for manufacturing the concentric netting sleeve/vent pipe version has a hopper that discharges aggregate into the top of a mandrel and an annular disc or helical auger blade that pushes the aggregate forward into the sleeve.

Abstract: A preassembled unit for a sewage nitrification field has minimum outward dimensions of loose, lightweight plastic aggregate material enveloped and bound by a plastic sleeve around a horizontal conduit. In one embodiment, the unit takes a bag form with an aggregate-filled netting sleeve concentrically surrounding and fastened to the ends of corrugated plastic vent pipe. In another form, the sleeve is a plastic extrusion of rectangular cross-section and the conduit can be formed integrally with the sleeve. Cross-webbing is added for strength. In ground installation, conduitless units make up for insufficiency of aggregate dimension. Mating male and female end caps are used to interconnect the conduit of adjacent units end-to-end. Apparatus for manufacturing the concentric netting sleeve/vent pipe version has a hopper that discharges aggregate into the top of a mandrel and an annular disc or helical auger blade that pushes the aggregate forward into the sleeve.

Abstract: A preassembled unit for a sewage nitrification field has minimum outward dimensions of loose, lightweight plastic aggregate material enveloped and bound by a plastic sleeve around a horizontal conduit. In one embodiment, the unit takes a bag form with an aggregate-filled netting sleeve concentrically surrounding and fastened to the ends of corrugated plastic vent pipe. In another form, the sleeve is a plastic extrusion of rectangular cross-section and the conduit can be formed integrally with the sleeve. Cross-webbing is added for strength. In ground installation, conduitless units make up insufficiency of aggregate dimension. Mating male and female end caps are used to interconnect the conduit of adjacent units end-to-end. Apparatus for manufacturing the concentric netting sleeve/vent pipe version has a hopper that discharges aggregate into the top of a mandrel and an annular disc or helical auger blade that pushes the aggregate forward into the sleeve.