The performance of a leach field of a septic tank type wastewater treatment system
and other analogous devices is enhanced, maintained or rejuvenated by flowing air
or other active gas through conduits of the system. Air is flowed serially through
cesspools, leaching chambers, perforated pipes in stone filled trenches, leach
pits and the like, and the adjacent soil where wastewater treatment takes place.
In alternate embodiments, conduits are pressurized or evacuated; and, auxiliary
pipes are buried in vicinity of the conduits. An air mover creates a differential
pressure sufficient to effect a significant pressure differential with atmosphere
and to effect a desired physical or biochemical change in the soil adjacent the
conduits. A typical pressure will be around 7-8 cm (about 3 inch) water column.
If the soil is saturated, the air pressure will push water from the soil, as well
as change the gas composition in the soil. The flow of wastewater may be alternated
with the flow of air. Different valve devices and piping configurations are used
to manage the desired flow of air and wastewater.
