Overview of the Unilos Astra septic tank: we analyze the advantages and disadvantages + consumer reviews

Characteristics of the septic tank Unilos Astra

Astra treatment plants are among the most efficient and most modern VOCs. Structurally, the septic tank is one container, inside of which there are four compartments.

The body of Unilos Astra equipment is made of environmentally friendly polypropylene resistant to soil pressure and chemical reactions. Its walls are two centimeters thick, which makes it possible not to concrete the base during installation. In addition, the body is equipped with stiffeners, and its walls are welded using a unique technology. Due to this, the design has a high mechanical strength.

The principle of operation of the Astra septic tank

The four compartments of the structure are interconnected by overflow devices or airlifts, into which drains are driven with the help of air blowing.

1. First of all, all drains from the sewer pipes enter the receiver or the first compartment. Here, the masses settle, solid particles precipitate, the water brightens.
2. In the second compartment or aeration tank, wastewater is processed by aerobic bacteria. During operation, it is not necessary to replenish the device with bacteria, since they multiply themselves in its contents. Manufacturers of Unilos used the method of intermittent aeration in the septic tank, with the help of which nitrates that got into the drains are destroyed.
3. In the third compartment or secondary clarifier, the sludge is divided into fresh and old. Old sludge is heavier in weight, so it settles and goes to the bottom of a separate receiver. Light fresh sludge is sent back to the second compartment by the system.
4. The fourth compartment or clean water sump finally purifies the water and brings it out. If you connect a pump to this compartment, then the water can be discharged to the right place.

Advantages and disadvantages

Astra cleaning systems can be operated in any climatic conditions. Stations have a large number of advantages, among which are:

1. Cleaning quality that reaches 98%.
2. Ease of installation and maintenance of equipment.
3. Compact dimensions. That allows you to allocate a small area for the installation of a septic tank.
4. Strength of the body of the model. The thick walls of the equipment are able to withstand heavy loads and provide VOCs with good thermal insulation.
5. Housing resistance to corrosion and ultraviolet. In addition, the station is equipped with a decorative ground part, which does not spoil the appearance of the site.
6. A wide range of models, among which you can choose the most suitable for a specific area and the number of users.

At models have all their merits Unilos has several disadvantages:

• septic tanks are equipped with a compressor, therefore they are volatile;
• the design of the VOC is quite complex, which makes the probability of its failure much higher than the probability of failure of a simple purification system;
• compared to conventional septic tanks, Astra treatment plants are quite expensive;
• systems with biological treatment require constant operation, therefore they are not suitable for houses with temporary residence of owners.

You should know that LOS Astra, after a power outage, starts working like a regular septic tank. That is, its work does not stop, but the quality of wastewater treatment is reduced.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Astra 5 septic tank

The Astra 5 septic tank has a lot of advantages:

• high degree of water purification;
• compactness, light weight;
• no need for regular pumping;
• the possibility of using purified water and sludge;
• maximum depth of the inlet manifold.

98% harm to nature.sewer polypropylene pipes

In the serial line there is a Long Astra 5 model, in which the inlet manifold is located at a depth of 1.2 m. This makes it possible to install the system at a great depth installation of a polypropylene sewer pipe. Partial regular cleaning of the chambers from sludge can be done independently, using it as a fertilizer. The case has walls 2 cm thick, additionally reinforced with stiffeners. Therefore, the system is able to withstand high pressure, does not require insulation.The septic tank is equipped with a compressor control unit, so constant monitoring of its operation is not required.

Like any other equipment, the Astra 5 septic tank also has weaknesses:

• dependence on electricity;
• low performance;
• the need for the participation of specialists in installation and maintenance;
• restriction of substances allowed for disposal.

Equipping a septic tank with a compressor and a control system greatly simplifies operation and increases work efficiency. But this requires additional costs for electricity, does not make it possible to install the system in areas where power outages often occur. In such conditions, it is better to purchase a non-volatile septic tank TANK. Thorough four-stage wastewater treatment guarantees a quality result, but it takes time. Therefore, the Astra 5 system can be used in a house where no more than 5 people live, the volume of wastewater does not exceed 1000 liters. For example, an autonomous sewerage system for a TOPAS private house can serve 20 people.

4 times a year. drain pumpcompressor unit.system cleaning

Wastewater in the septic tank cleans aerobic bacteria, which guarantees environmental cleanliness. But in order not to harm them, it is necessary to comply with restrictions regarding the presence of certain substances in wastewater. Do not drain water into the sewer, which contains chlorine, medicines, fuels and lubricants, plastic wrap.

Principle of operation, device

A new generation Astra septic tank is not even quite a septic tank, but a wastewater treatment plant that makes life outside the city convenient.It is this device that helps the sewer system cope with its main task: to collect and dispose of wastewater.

The Astra Unilos instruction manual will tell you which components and after what time you need to replace. In order to carry out these works in a timely manner, it is necessary to understand what the septic tank consists of, its main working units.

The scheme of operation of the septic tank Unilos Astra

In general terms, any Astra autonomous sewage system is a case made of strong plastic. It can have a different volume, which, accordingly, will allow the installation to serve from 3 to 150 people. It is easy to find out for how many people permanently living in the house (using sewerage) this or that model is designed. For example, Astra 5 septic tank is 5 people, Unilos Astra 10 is 10 people.

The unit has a lid, on which a “fungus” enters air through it, which is necessary for the vital activity of bacteria. The container, regardless of size, is divided into 4 compartments. In order for the chambers not to deform under the weight of the soil, especially in the autumn-winter period, there are stiffening ribs

This is especially important for large septic tanks, such as Unilos Astra 10. The design consists of 4 main chambers:

• The receiving chamber, here are located: a recirculator pump, a filter for separating large fractions and a standard pump with a plug.
• Aerotank. This compartment contains the main pump, circulator pump and grease trap.
• Secondary clarifier.
• Sludge stabilizer.

Above all the partitions there is a control unit - this is the instrument compartment, which is responsible for the automatic functioning of the septic tank.

The principle of operation of the Astra 5 septic tank

Operating principle

It is important for anyone who decides to use such an installation to create a sewer system in their home to understand how a septic tank works. The wastewater treatment process consists of the following steps:

• Drains from the house fall into the first compartment. The first filtration occurs through a coarse filter. This is where the primary settling takes place.
• Further, they move to the second compartment, where aerobic bacteria come into play, which turn organic particles into activated sludge.
• When moving to the third compartment, the sludge settles, and a second settling occurs. Old sludge will precipitate, and the new one, due to the fact that it floats on the surface, will return to the second compartment for re-cleaning.
• From the third compartment, the drains, already sufficiently clean, enter the fourth chamber, where the final post-treatment takes place. Now the drains are 98% clean and quite safe enough to be used for technical needs.

For the operation of the Unilos deep biological treatment plant, electricity is needed, because it is it that starts the pumps, which, in turn, provide the bacteria with oxygen, without which they could not exist.

Such important bacteria

The principle of operation of the Astra septic tank is closely related to the process of vital activity of bacteria. They recycle waste. You do not need to buy them separately, often, they arise during the operation of the installation. In order for them to originate, it takes from 2 to 4 weeks, but only on condition that the sewer uses the necessary, according to its technical capabilities, the number of users. That is, in order for the Unilos Astra 5 septic tank to work normally, at least 4-5 people must constantly dump waste.

But if the number of users is not enough for the natural generation of aerobes, this process can be started artificially. To do this, buy them in packaged form. The bottle should be marked "start". They should be diluted in water and flushed down the toilet, so they will immediately get to their habitat. In the future, you will no longer have to renew the supply of bacteria.

Septic Astra

Installation instructions Unilos Astra 5

1. First, a foundation pit is prepared for the country sewerage. The pit is dripped manually or with special equipment. For Astra 5 Standard, a pit with a depth of 0.23 m will go, for Midi - 20 centimeters deeper, and for Long - a three-meter pit. The width and length of the pit must be made 25 centimeters larger than the overall dimensions of the station. There should not be any rubble or stones at the bottom, the surface should be as even as possible.

Attention! The station can be mounted in any type of soil. Robust ribbed polypropylene body withstands heavy loads

You can install this septic tank even in quicksand containing dusty and fine-grained sands.
If there are high waters in the soil, then the sand mixture becomes “floating”, mobile. Because of this, it will be difficult to tear off the pit. You can mount it manually only when the formwork is built along the edges. It is necessary to install and drive in fixed formwork when a hole is being dug.

1. The next stage of work is the filling of a sand cushion for a sewer-septic tank. It can be fifteen to twenty centimeters high. Pour the poured sand with water so that the sand does not shrink as a result. Level everything up.It is not necessary to concrete the bottom, because in this system, unlike conventional storage septic tanks, the entire volume of water is not pumped out during operation, but only part of the waste sludge is removed.

Sand cushion laying

1. When everything is done, you can install an autonomous station. It is usually set manually, but it is better with the help of special equipment. It must be taken out strictly according to the level. Tie up the station by the upper stiffeners, they are designed just for such a load. You need to work with at least three people. If the Long model is installed, then four or five people will have to be involved.

Installation in a pit

1. Next, you need to fill the chambers with water to the level of green plastic (except for the reception area, which indicates the filling mark to which you need to fill the chamber with water. Then the station is buried with clean sand without stones manually or with special equipment. Check the horizontal level again.

Filling and falling asleep

Under the supply pipe, it is necessary to drill a hole in the receiving compartment of the sewer complex

This must be done carefully so as not to violate the required vertical distance under the tie-in. There are no restrictions on the horizontal plunge

The “Standard” option of the Astra sewer station provides for a maximum distance from the ground equal to 0.6 m, the “Midi” option - 0.9 m, the “Long” option allows - 1.2 m. A trench is also dripping for laying the outlet and inlet pipes . The outlet pipe comes out of the sewer and there is a dug well-reservoir.

Drilling a hole

The diameter of the inlet pipe is 110 millimeters. When a pipe is connected to the septic tank, a slope of two centimeters per one meter is needed. Under such an inclination, the liquid flows well and smoothly, without blockages.Manufacturers recommend only red pipes for laying underground. According to the class of strength they are suitable. Gray pipes are suitable for use inside houses.

Pipe connection

The joints of the supply pipe to the Astra receiving chamber must be sealed. This is done using polypropylene solder. You need to solder using an industrial hair dryer and a set of special nozzles. It is necessary to solder both outside and inside the block of the receiving chamber of the sewer complex.

Soldering

1. The last step is to connect the electrical cable and install the compressor. The cable can only be connected according to the scheme that is attached when buying with the station. After that, you can finally fill up the septic tank. As a result, the upper part of the station, twenty centimeters high, remains on the surface. We check the work, do commissioning, and the system is ready.

Electrical connection

Mounting diagram "Astra 5" gravity flow

Wiring diagram "Astra 5" with forced reset

Drawing septic tank Unilos Astra 5 Standard

Technical passport for Unilos Astra 5 - pasport_na_yunilos.pdf

Features of septic tank maintenance

Home sewerage, providing a comfortable life outside the city, also requires attention. So that at the most inopportune moment everything does not break down, it is necessary to carry out maintenance of a self-sufficient Unilos septic tank in a timely manner.

All requirements are described in detail by the manufacturer in the instructions for the equipment.

The specialists invited to service and clean the sewer system do their job quickly enough. This is convenient if the owner does not have time for self-service

Maintenance can be done in 2 ways:

• conclude an agreement with specialists;
• do everything on your own.

The essence of this process is to wash the filters, tubes and nozzles, clean the walls from contaminants, pump out activated sludge from the sump. This is within the power of the owner of the household, the main thing is to carefully read the instructions.

Moreover, it is advisable to open the lid once a month and see how the system works. There should be no unpleasant odors. If this phenomenon is observed, then an error was made during installation.

This is possible when the owner himself carried out all the work for installation and connection. Here, the best way out is to invite specialists who will point out errors and correct them.

It is not necessary to rinse the walls of the container every time. This can be done every 6 months.

Once every 3 months should be cleaned:

• mamut pump;
• walls of the secondary sump;
• blower filters.

Also, sludge should be removed from the sump. All components are well detached and removed. This allows you to easily wash them, and then put them in place.

All components of the septic tank can be easily removed and cleaned. This allows you to carry out all the work on your own, without involving specialists.

First of all, the station is turned off by pressing a special button. After 30 minutes, when the sludge settles, you can disconnect the mamut pump and start pumping. In total, 5-6 buckets are removed. The process is described in more detail in the instructions.

Once every three months, the sewer installation must be cleaned of silt using a regular pump. Once every six months, it is necessary to pump out the sludge with a drain and clean the hair trap

The equipment manufacturer recommends that the aeration tank and surge tank be cleaned of stabilized sediment every 5 years. The aeration elements themselves must be replaced every 10 years.

As for the replacement of individual elements, the compressor itself can last from 5 to 10 years, and it is advisable to change its membrane every 3 years.

All maintenance work is not difficult to carry out on your own. If the owner has chosen the option with the involvement of the organization's specialists, then activated sludge can be pumped out every 6 months.

Sludge removal takes a little time

When you are done with the maintenance of the septic tank, it is important to remember to turn on the oxygen supply devices to avoid the death of aerobes.

Differences

However, both in appearance and in the design of the models there are many differences. Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both options.

Internal organization

The Unilos Astra station is internally divided into four separate compartments located on the same level. Air pumps are used to circulate fluid between them. There are three of them in the Unilos Astra septic tank.

There are only three chambers in the Eurobion station, and they are located vertically, so that the liquid flows from one chamber to another by gravity. The model uses a single airlift for recirculation (the return of activated sludge from the third chamber to the first).

The tube of this single airlift has a diameter of 50 mm, so the threat of clogging is minimized. Features of the Unilos Astra model:

• the unit uses one compressor;
• mode switching occurs due to the operation of the solenoid valve;
• for the accumulation and stabilization of sludge, a compartment in the form of an inverted pyramid is used.

Features of Eurobion models:

• the operation of the station is also provided by one compressor;
• solenoid valve and other electrical equipment is missing.

Thanks to a simpler design, Eurobion stations are more reliable. Installing a stabilizer when using them is not required.

Frame

Unilos Astra has a rectangular body, and Eurobion is made in the form of a cylinder. The body of the Unilos septic tank is more reliable and durable, this was achieved thanks to:

• the use of foamed polypropylene, which provides good thermal insulation, therefore, when installing a septic tank, additional insulation is not required;
• wall thickness increased to 20-24 mm;
• the presence of double ribs.

The case of the Eurobion septic tank is less durable, therefore, different requirements are imposed on the installation of these models.

Cleaning quality

Unilos Astra stations are able to provide the best cleaning quality. For comparison:

• the level of cleaning in Unilos Astra septic tanks is 97-99%;
• the level of cleaning in Eurobion septic tanks is 90-96%.

A significant disadvantage of Eurobion, which many consumers pay attention to, is a long “working in” cycle. After the station is launched, it cannot reach the regular cleaning level for a long time.

Moreover, often even with regular use, the turbidity of the output water often remains unsatisfactory. The fact is that the absence of a pyramid sump, although it simplifies the design of the Eurobion septic tank, significantly reduces the quality of settling.

Availability of modifications

Eurobion septic tanks are produced in several performance options, but their performance is the same.But Unilos Astra has almost all models (with the exception of the youngest, designed to serve three users) have three options:

• Standard. Model designed to connect a supply pipe at a level up to 60 cm from the ground surface;
• Midi. This option has a slightly increased neck height, so the range of possible pipe connection is 60-90 cm;
• Long. This modification has the highest neck, this allows you to connect the pipe at a level of 90-120 cm.

If necessary, a Unilos Astra model equipped with a built-in SPS can be installed. The use of this modification allows the connection of the pipeline at a level of up to 2.5 meters. For both treatment facilities, it is possible to organize a forced removal of treated water; for this, the station is supplemented with a collection tank and a pump installed in it.

Economic aspect

The Eurobion station is cheaper than the Unilos Astra models. In addition, the operating costs when using Eurobion are lower, because:

• the station consumes less electricity, so the Unilos Astra 5 model consumes 1.44 kW per day, and Eurobion of a similar capacity - 0.94 kW for the same period;
• station maintenance, including pumping out excess sludge, should be done half as often. Eurobion with regular use must be serviced twice a year, Unilos Astra requires quarterly service.

However, Eurobion installation may require additional costs. Since the strength of the body is lower, during installation, the load exerted by the soil must be taken into account. So, in soils that are subject to seasonal movements, it is recommended to concret the pit.In addition, it is recommended to anchor the Eurobion station, that is, to fix it on a reinforced concrete slab laid on the bottom of the pit.

Unilos Astra septic tanks are usually installed in a pit on a pre-made sand cushion. Concreting of the pit and anchoring of the hull is not required when installing Unilos Astra.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Unilos biological treatment plant include:

1. Full automation of the process and a high degree of purification - 98%.
2. Low power consumption.
3. The robust construction of the case and the use of high-quality material ensure safe use and the absence of unpleasant odors.
4. The unit is designed for operation at low temperatures.
5. The cleaning station can operate all year round or be mothballed for the winter; after a seasonal downtime, it easily resumes operation.
6. The service life of a septic tank is up to 50 years, only equipment needs a planned replacement.

Disadvantages of a treatment plant

There are few disadvantages of a septic tank:

1. Energy dependence is the main disadvantage of the installation. In the event of a power outage, it is necessary to reduce the amount of drained water as much as possible, otherwise the receiving section will overflow.
2. The high cost of the station for some buyers is an obstacle to purchase.
3. The system needs maintenance and cleaning. Most of the work can be done independently, specialists are only needed to repair equipment.

Model range of septic tanks Unilos Astra

Capacity classification

On sale, septic tanks are designated as "Astra-3", "Astra-10", etc. The number is a pointer to the number of residents that this system can serve.For example, for a family of 8 people, installation under this number is needed.

For the private sector, models are designed for 3-15 people. Septic tanks from Astra-15 to Astra-40 are able to serve a complex of buildings: a house, a bathhouse, a summer kitchen, etc., or a house for several families. Septic tank models from 50 to 150 are installed in cottage settlements, small hotels, restaurants, etc.

Choose the model of the Astra septic tank based on the size of the family. Excessive supply of capacity and its performance will result in high energy costs

Naturally, the larger the capacity, the higher its performance.

Astra modification: depends on the placement depth

Depending on the depth to which the septic tank will be placed, it is produced in three versions: standard, midi and long.

"Astra" Standard - used at minimum depths if the supply pipe is connected 60 cm or less from the ground

"Astra" Midi - designed for installation in which the pipe will be located 60-90 cm from the ground

"Astra" Long is designed to connect a pipe 90-120 cm from the ground surface

Additional equipment

The company offers additional devices of the following type to the septic tank: a post-treatment unit and a built-in sewage pumping station.

Cleaning block. It is used when it is necessary to clean the outgoing water as much as possible. It includes:

• a pump that will pump water;
• apparatus for disinfecting water with ultraviolet light;
• cavitation block cleaning the liquid with ultrasound;
• filtering plant.

After such “sterilization”, water can be safely used for household needs: water the garden and flower garden, fill the pond, etc.

Built-in KNS.It is used in situations where the water leaving the septic tank is not allowed to flow, but is forced to drain in a specific place. Together with the pumping station, this unit is equipped with a fecal-type drainage pump and an alarm system.

Comparison with competitors

Despite the growing popularity, Unilos septic tanks have quite strong rivals. Such well-known brands of septic tanks as "Tank", "Triton" or its analogue "Triton-mini", "Topaz", "Tver" have long been heard by the owners of suburban real estate.

• If we compare the common "Topaz" and "Unilos", then it is worth noting that with approximately the same price category, the latter is more adapted to the conditions of the Russian climate, since it was created and developed by our compatriots.
• The powerful Tank unit perfectly cleans wastewater, but compared to the Unilos septic tank, it requires fairly frequent cleaning.
• Tver has to be subjected to fairly frequent and regular maintenance, and the quality of wastewater treatment is lower than that of Unilos.

The developments of the Russian company "Unilos" in the field of local cleaning systems have won the lasting love of consumers

When choosing a wastewater treatment system, it is necessary to pay attention to the installation accuracy and correctly calculate the water consumption. And, based on these parameters, select a treatment system of appropriate capacity