Designing the Future: Sewer Systems in Environmental Engineering
by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023
Designing the Future: Sewer Systems in Environmental Engineering
The world is far from perfect. It’s filled with pollution, overflowing sewers, depletion of natural resources, and a growing population. While governments and organizations worldwide take action to reverse the effects of global warming and climate change, Environmental Engineering has made a great impact in mitigating the damage.
Environmental Engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design and development of systems and methods to protect the environment and improve our quality of life. Sewer systems are one type of technology that Environmental Engineers have used to improve the quality of our environment.
What is a Sewer System?
A sewer system is an elaborate network of underground pipes and chambers, designed to transport wastewater (जल हिलावट) and storm water (बारिश का पानी) away from its source, such as a community, and into a destination, such as a wastewater treatment plant where it can be treated before it is discharged back into the environment. It consists of a drainage system, which collects the water; manholes (मॅनहोल), which are access points to the drainage system; and a venting system (उन्मुक्त करने की प्रणाली), which provides a means of venting sewer gasses that must be emitted from the system so that they cannot build up and be hazardous.
The primary aim of a sewer system is to protect the environment from polluting sources such as contaminants that are generated by sources such as industrial processes, agricultural activities, and domestic households. The sewer system also helps to prevent combined sewer overflow, which occurs when too much wastewater enters the pipe system at once and the pipes that take it to the wastewater treatment plant are overwhelmed.
Types of Sewer System
There are two main types of sewer systems – the dry system and the wet system.
The dry system:
In a dry system, there is no water in the pipes. Instead, the pipes are filled with air, which helps to reduce the amount of wastewater entering the system. This system is beneficial in areas with a low population or in places where water is scarce.
The wet system:
In a wet system, the wastewater is constantly flowing in the pipes, ensuring that the system remains clear of debris. This type of system is more common in areas with high population densities, where wastewater is generated in large quantities.
Benefits of a Sewer System
Sewer systems bring numerous environmental and health benefits. By controlling and managing sewage, they help to reduce water pollution and prevent water-borne diseases such as cholera that can spread through contaminated water.
They also reduce the risk of flooding in areas that are prone to heavy rains and from overflowing sewers, as well as providing a more sanitary environment for the community.
Moreover, sewer systems help to preserve the natural ecosystem by reducing the amount of wastewater that is discharged into waterways, rivers, and oceans. This helps to maintain a balanced ecosystem and reduce the risk of water contamination.
Designing a Sewer System
Designing a sewer system requires a deep understanding of environmental engineering and careful planning.
To design a viable sewer system, engineers must first map out the area in which the system will be located, as well as the flow and direction of the wastewater.
Once the area has been mapped, engineers must plan the size and placement of the pipes, ensuring that the pipes are deep enough and strong enough to withstand the pressure and flow of the wastewater. The materials used to construct the pipes must also be suitable for the environment, and designed to withstand corrosion, temperature fluctuations, and other external factors.
Additionally, engineers must also lay out the network of manholes and vents, as well as plan for any potential problems, such as backups, overflows, and flooding.
Conclusion
Sewer systems are an essential part of Environmental Engineering, and vital for preserving both the environment and public health. By designing and constructing well-constructed sewer systems, engineers can ensure the sustainability of our environment and protect our planet in the years to come.
