Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
ome similar units are sequencing batch reactors (SBR’s) and rotating biological
RBC’s). Function and maintenance of these units is similar to ATUs.
he function of the ATU is to clean the wastewater to a high level before passing
field. The ATU creates an oxygen-rich treatment environment.
icrobes consume most pollution out of the water before it passes on to the
provider and
rterly,
every 6 months, annually, etc. (See manufacturer’s guidance.)
•
When pumping, make sure to hire a qualified person familiar with your type of
ATU. Pumping these units incorrectly can easily damage them.
•
Visually inspect the tank when pumping for damage, leaks, etc.
•
See Sections 1 & 2 for more information on protecting your tanks.
Description:
An ATU is a system generally made up of a buried tank and an air-blower.
Sewage first passes through a trash trap (page 42) and then enters the ATU tank
where it is injected with a large volume of air and often agitated or mixed.
S
contactors (
See the manufacturers’ guidance documents for your particular system for more
information on system components.
Function:
T
it on to the drain
M
drainfield for final treatment and dispersal.
Maintenance:
•
ATUs must be checked a minimum of yearly by a certified O&M
pumped when necessary. Depending on the unit, this could be qua
AIR BLOWER
OUT
IN
TRASH
TRAP
ATU
OUT
IN
ATU
EXAMPLES OF ATU's
WITH BUILT-IN TRASH TRAP
WITHOUT BUILT-IN TRASH TRAP
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