018316-01 – Installation & Operation Guidelines for BN BioDisc
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6.5
Switch-on
6.5.1
Open the BioDisc control panel, check that all circuit breakers are in the “on” position and switch on
the main isolator switch. Close and lock the panel. Immediately upon switching on the sludge return
pump should start and run for the set time.
6.5.2
Open the Pump Control Panel (where installed), check that all circuit breakers are in the “on”
position and switch on the main isolator switch. Close and lock the panel. Immediately upon
switching on the isolator, one of the pumps may start and run for the set time.
6.6
Process Initiation
6.6.1
During installation, the unit will have been filled with water to prevent flotation in the concrete
surround. Allow sewage to enter the unit, this will gradually displace the clean water used during
installation.
6.6.2
The colonisation by micro-organisms will commence naturally and a full operating biomass will
establish itself on the discs in 4-8 weeks, depending on individual site circumstances.
7 Operation
7.1.1
The biological treatment process of your BioDisc is self-regulating and it requires no specialised
operational knowledge, but it is important that you are aware of the following points.
7.1.2
Your BioDisc system uses colonies of live natural micro-organisms (biomass), to break down the
pollutants in the sewage. Many chemicals used in households and commercial establishments can
inhibit or kill these micro-organisms; particularly if used in excessive amounts.
7.1.3
Bear in mind that treatment plants serving small populations do not have the benefit of dilution that
occurs at a large sewage works. A bottle of bleach tipped down the toilet in Birmingham would be
virtually lost amongst the millions of gallons of sewage arriving at the city's treatment works; a bottle
of bleach in a plant serving a hotel could be a lethal dose for the biomass.
7.1.4
If the biomass is damaged, it will usually recover over time. But in the meanwhile one of the more
obvious symptoms is an unpleasant smell, so it is in the users interest to avoid this.
7.1.5
Generally speaking all common household cleaning fluids are acceptable, provided they are used in
accordance with the makers instructions and stipulated concentrations. The following “Do’s and
Don’ts” includes the most common household chemicals, but it is not an exhaustive list and the
golden rule is "If in doubt - leave it out."
7.1.6
Bear in mind too that it isn't only the toilet that is connected to the treatment plant; anything that goes
down the sink, bath etc. also ends up there.
