DESIGNERS NOTEBOOK

Discussing Acid Waste Systems

Joseph V. Messina, CPD Acid waste systems are required wherever there is the possibility of chemicals being introduced into the public sanitary waste system. Many city codes permit waste with a pH level of four or higher to be introduced into the sanitary system, and acid waste systems are designed to neutralize or dilute waste before it enters the public waste system. Acid waste systems are required wherever toxic chemicals may be used, such as hospitals, research facilities, high schools, universities, dairies, food processing, photo, and engraving plants, battery rooms, and other similar facilities. You should consult with the necessary parties, codes, and jurisdictional authorities before installing such a system. Acid Waste System Types and Sizing Two different types of acid waste systems exist. One type is the dilution system in which the acid waste goes into a chemically resistant basin where chemicals are introduced to dilute the waste and bring the pH to an acceptable level. The other type is the neutralization system in which the acid waste goes into a chemically resistant basin that contains either limestone or marble chips that neutralize the acid waste. Dilution systems come in all sizes and may come as package units with pH probes, chemical agitators, pumps, control panel, and other parts already attached. To properly size the system, you must determine the peak influent flow rate and the lowest expected pH value. To determine the required size of the basin, you must calculate the volume of waste that will be introduced plus the dilution chemicals volume. You need to place a pH sensor probe into the top of the basin to determine how much chemical to add to get the pH level to an acceptable mark before the waste enters the public sanitary sewer system. You also should add a sampling well, so samples of the waste can be taken to ensure that the pH level is acceptable. You can locate this sampling well outside or adjacent to the dilution basin (see Figure 1). 46 Figure 1. Acid Waste System Installation

A neutralization system also comes in all sizes. You size this system based on the number of fixtures that are connected to it (see Table 1). As mentioned above, this system neutralizes the waste using either limestone or marble chips placed at the bottom of the basin. The inlet connection is near the top of the basin, and the basins interior is configured to allow the acid waste to sink to the bottom of the basin Table 1. Neutralizing Basin Sizing Basin Size (in) Number of Fixtures Diameter Height 1 12 12 2 18 12 3-6 18 24 7-20 24 36 21-50 30 57 51-100 36 70 51-100 42 52
Source: Advance Plumbing Technology, Alfred Steele, PE

public sanitary system. You can install a sampling well on this unit as well. Materials and Installation Basins for these systems generally are constructed of chemical-resistant materials. Polypropylene is one of the most popular materials used. You also can use other plastics and fiberglass where permitted by code. You should install the basins in accessible locations with adequate ventilation and plenty of room to service the equipment. This includes space around the unit as well as above to ensure removal of the cover is possible for replenishing the limestone or marble chips. If there is no room in the building for the system, you can locate it outside in a concrete pit with a secure lid or cover. Making the Decision Acid dilution and neutralization systems are very expensive and require maintenance to ensure that they are operating to full potential. Thus, some laboratorians dont care to have these systems installed because of the necessary expense and maintenance. It has been my experience over the last few years that not all laboratories require acid neutralization systems. Most

and travel through the neutralizing material. Neutralized waste then is discharged at an elevation just below the influent elevation (see Figure 2). The basin arrangement forms a trap and ensures the acid waste stays in contact with the neutralizing agent for a period of time before being discharged into the

Plumbing Systems & Design Nov/Dec 2004

Source: Facility Piping Systems Handbook, Michael Frankel

DESIGNERS NOTEBOOK
Source: Facility Piping Systems Handbook, Michael Frankel

Figure 2. Acid Neutralization Basin

the call. Some cities require installation of an acid waste system; if the laboratorian decides against installing a system, get the decision in writing, so you will have proof if the topic comes up later. References Advanced Plumbing Technology, Chapter 17: Acid Waste Systems. Alfred Steele, PE. Facility Piping Systems Handbook, Chapter 3: Solid-Liquid Separation Interceptors. Michael Frankel.

research facilities protocol is to collect acceptable when it enters the public the chemicals and haul them off site sanitary waste system. In other laborafor disposal. I recommend talking to tories, the p-trap material is polyprothe laboratorian or safety officer to find pylene, and the house sanitary system out how the laboratory will be used is cast iron. In this case, if a chemical is and how they plan on disposing the poured into a drain, the heaviest conchemicals. centration would be in the drain, which Some laboratorians have installed the would be the first to corrode. polypropylene waste piping without Before deciding on your own that the dilution/neutralization basins. Thus, a dilution/neutralization system is not if a chemical is poured down a drain required, you must speak to the faciliby accident, it will not hurt the piping; tys users and the sewer district receivthe water in the system will dilute the 9/7/04 the wastewater. The facilitys safety ing 4:23 PM Page 1 017673_TMV_StreamNo#_7x4.75 chemical, and the pH level will be officer may be the person who makes

Joseph V. Messina, CPD, is the discipline director of plumbing engineering for CUH2A Inc., Architecture, Engineering, Planning, in Atlanta. He has more then 30 years experience specializing in plumbing and re protection design of instructional, research, and medical facilities. His email address is jmessina@cuh2a.com.
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