Installation Supplement
AMERICAN STSF DRIP

Secondary Effluent Quality with Nitrogen Reduction > 50%
1, 2 or 3 ZONE
SIMPLEX or DUPLEX

MANUFACTURED BY:
AMERICAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC.
5517 WELLINGTON ROAD, GAINESVILLE, VA. 20155
1-800-345-3132
www.americanonsite.com
Copyright 2000

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This Dealer Manual is intended to give general information and guidance to authorized dealers and other qualified installers. The installer must determine the suitability of an American Manufacturing Company Septic Drip Disposal System for sewage disposal regarding basic design and layout and how the system functions in a specific site. The final decision as to the suitability of a system must be made by the designer. Suitability should be based on consideration of the general standards and information contained herein as well as other applicable waste disposal reference materials, specific topography, soil characteristics, space limitations, and other factors associated with a particular project. Consequently, American Manufacturing Company, Inc., a Virginia corporation, shall not be held liable in any manner to design engineers and other designers or installers of sewage disposal systems for claims arising from the use of the information contained herein nor actions arising from the reliance upon the accuracy of such information.

Additionally, unless American Manufacturing Company, Inc. or its employees are primarily responsible for a particular project, American Manufacturing Company, Inc. assumes no responsibility regarding, and shall not be liable to, any purchaser of a System in any manner for any of the following:

1. any decision regarding the suitability of a Drip Disposal System
2. the design and/or installation of a Drip Disposal System for any particular project, nor
3. the utility or functioning of a Drip Disposal System for the project.

Purchaser's rights are set forth in the limited warranty and the Equipment Purchase Contract (invoice) in the event that the equipment itself is defective.

By acceptance of this Manual, every recipient acknowledges that the material contained herein is copyrighted. The distribution and dissemination of this Manual in any form, including without limitation, printed or electronic media, is reserved solely to the discretion of American Manufacturing Company, Inc. and it's authorized agents. Unauthorized reproduction and distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. The information contained herein may be modified periodically by American Manufacturing Company, Inc. without any prior or subsequent notification being given or obligated to be given to any recipient of this Manual. The recipient of this Manual is responsible for ascertaining whether his or her manual is the most recent version available.

DEALER RESPONSIBILITY

PURPOSE
The purpose of this section is to outline the responsibilities of the dealer regarding the installation, monitoring, maintenance and warranty of the drip dispersal system as part of an on-site sewage treatment system.

INSTALLER'S SCHEDULE OF DUTIES

1. The Dealer shall be responsible for the entire installation and shall only install systems according to approved plans and permits.
2. The Dealer shall be responsible for insuring proper electrical installation and startup including recording startup date and initial meter readings.
3. The Dealer will meet standards for operation and maintenance per the jurisdictional health department.
4. The Dealer shall assure that all employees who work on the American STSF Drip are trained, understand and can perform operation and maintenance per the Drip System manufacturer manuals.
5. The Dealer is responsible for informing the owner of owner's responsibilities.
6. The Dealer is responsible for the first annual inspection after the third month of operation.
7. The Dealer is responsible for one visit after the first year of operation. The visit is to include the following:
• Sludge Judge the septic tank blanket
• Inspect the drip system hardware for operation
• Inspect system with operational checklist
• Check landscaping for interference with system
• Check water usage and evaluate usage compared to design
Then inspection frequency should be set based on the first year's evaluation. Future inspections should be at a minimum of once per year. If high strength waste is suspect, take sample for BOD, SS, and FOG.
8. Removal, replacement or alteration to this system must be in compliance with all applicable current county health department regulation and governing sewage treatment regulation and the manufacturer.

OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Acknowledge receipt and will comply with instructions of the owner's manual provided. Reference owner's responsibilities in manual.
2. Notifying the Dealer or the designated agent immediately of any problems with the sewage treatment system.
3. Keeping the monitoring / access covers free of obstructions at all times.
4. Granting Dealer and health department personnel access to the owner's property to service or inspect the sewage treatment system at any time during warranty period.
5. If system fails, operator will notify owner, manufacturer, and local health department.
6. Pumping the septic tank or other costs associated with the treatment system is not covered under any warranty. Pumping is required from time to time just like in conventional systems due to the treatment process production of solids.
7. Failure to make any payments when due shall be considered a breach of warranty and the operator may terminate warranty work without notice.
8. The recirculating sand filter must be checked every 3 to 4 months. Resting or raking of the surface and sand replacement.

PUMP CHAMBER AND HYDRAULIC UNIT

PUMP CHAMBER AND HYDRAULIC UNIT REQUIREMENTS

The hydraulic unit (HU) must be close to the pump chamber as shown. The limiting factor is the backflushing sequence for the disc filters. The (HU) must be within 30 feet horizontal and 10 feet vertical distance for the pump to have enough TDH to complete backflushing.

The return line to the septic tank must have gravity flow back to the septic tank. The 1-1/2" line must have a 2% slope to drain back or a check valve should be place at the (HU) to prevent backpressure on the backflush valves. If longer distances are used the line size should be increased to 2".

The pump should be placed level on the floor of the pump chamber or on a solid 6" block. The pump discharge pipe must have NO WEEP HOLE . The pump is to be hard wired into a junction box.

STEP 1	STEP 2
STEP 3	STEP 4

HYDRAULIC UNIT

NOTES:

1. The hydraulic unit above is shown in an explosion view on the next page.
2. The "normally closed" zone valves and zone return valve have "normally open" solenoids (typically unmarked). These valves are supplied pressure through the solenoid which, when not activated, plaes pressure onb the diaphragm.
3. The "normally open" supply valves have "normally closed" solenoids. The pressure is supplied throughthe operator and tee connection. With the solenoid not activated, pressure bleeds off the diaphragm.

HYDRAULIC UNIT INSTALLATION STEPS

1. Install pump and floats as shown. The pump should NOT be installed with a weep hole due to the high pressure. Pump must be "hard wired" to maintain warranty. A disconnect should be provided next to a suitable outdoor rated junction box.
2. Dig a side trench to set the hydraulic unit. The area must be free from groundwater or rainwater infiltration. If below original grade more than 4" the valve enclosure must have a positive drain. Center the unit on a gravel bed with the pipes slightly over the edge. Connect the supply and return piping and install the control panel on a 4"X4" minimum pressure treated post at least 3 feet off the ground to the bottom of the control panel.
3. The electrician shall provide three sources of power to the control per the schematic enclosed in the control provided. The control wire shall be run through conduit to the control with no splices and connected to the terminal strip provided. Connect the heater, floats and pump(s).
4. Install the insulated enclosure and backfill the area making sure not to damage any piping or electrical components. Provide positive drainage from around the central unit to insure no excessive rainwater will enter and rainwater which does enter will drain out. Provide a minimum of 4" of backfill above the bottom edge of the enclosure to help enclosure heater maintain temperatures above freezing. Additional mounding is preferred for freeze protection and aesthetics.

Installation Procedure Summary

1. Prepare field location for installation.
2. Set septic, pump and sand filter tanks.
3. Install Sandfilter sand and equipment.
4. Dig header ditch for field manifold.
5. Install dripper tubing.
6. Install loops (flex tubing).
7. Dig ditches for conveyance lines to field manifold, and sand filter supply/return lines.
8. Place Central Unit and mount control panel.
9. Dry fit pressure lines and field manifolds and sand filter fittings.
10. Set switch tree in pump tank.
11. Glue all fittings and place valve boxes.
12. Install electrical (and phone line if applicable).
13. Check power supply and power up unit.
14. Provide one day volume of clean water for startup.
15. Pressure check all fittings and lines.
16. Inspection of field and loops.
17. Flush all fields and sand filter through the air release valves.
18. Set run time for Central Unit.
19. Check setup values against calculated values.
20. Find leaks and repair.
21. Backfill once lines and fields are determined to have no leaks. Back filling is to be controlled to prevent the damaging of pipes or fittings.
22. Grade and seed site.

DATA REGISTERS AND THE HAND HELD PROGRAMMING & MONITORING UNIT

Dealers may purchase the optional hand held programming & monitoring unit (hand held unit) in order to see the timer settings and counter values. The device is the size of a hand held calculator and will easily fit into the standard installer's service kit.

The hand held unit may be plugged into or removed from the microprocessor at any time. Even in the middle of an operation the control will only revert back to the previously set values. The use of the hand held is not necessary to operate the unit. It only makes setting of the run time easier and proportioning of the run time for D30 and D31 possible. In most cases however the proportioning is not necessary.

TO START HAND HELD

1. Plug hand held unit with flat plug side to right
2. Press "GO" (answers yes to display)
3. Press "MNT/TEST" (monitor / test), should present "M" prompt on display

TO CHECK REGISTERS

1. Press "'SP"
2. Press register indicator, "C" for counter, "D" for data register
3. Key in register number

TO CHANGE REGISTER VALUES

1. Press "MNT/TEST" (monitor / test), should present "T" prompt on display
2. Press "SP"
3. Press "K"
4. Key in new register value
5. Press "GO"
6. Press "MNT/TEST" (monitor / test), should present "M" prompt on display

Specifications

DISC FILTERS - Disc Filters shall be an oblique filter, entirely of plastic, with two 3/4" male end connections to NPT schedule 40 pressure PVC. The filter elements shall consist of grooved rings, mounted on a spine, forming a cylindrical filter body. The rings are to be kept together by a spring seated at the bottom of the filter cover. The out-in filter shall be of the screw in type with nitrilic rubber o-ring seal. The body materials shall be polyester, the spine and rings shall be polypropylene, and the spring shall be stainless steel. The nominal filtration capacity of the filter shall be 115 microns.

DRIPPER TUBING - The dripper tubing shall be Netafim Bioline pressure compensating dripperline for wastewater. The tubing shall be nominal 0.61 gallons per hour (+/- 5% flow rate from 7 to 60 psi). The tubing shall function as a turbulent flow emitter between 0 and 7 psi, ensuring that the nominal design flow is not exceeded at system start-up. The tubing shall be polyethylene 120 psi rating. Tubing end connections and splice connections shall be manufactured specifically for the tubing and for connection to standard schedule 40 NPT adapters.

AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVES - The automatic control valves shall be solenoid activated diaphragm valves by Bermad. The body and cover shall be reinforced nylon. The metal parts shall be stainless steel, the diaphragm shall be nylon-fabric reinforced polyisoprene. The seals shall be Buna-N. These valves shall operate electrically using hydraulic pressure to open and close.

RETURN PRESSURE ASSEMBLY FOR ZONE RETURN CONTROL VALVE - The automatic zone return valve shall, in the event the drip zones are over 10 feet in vertical elevation above the hydraulic unit, have installed a "return pressure assembly". The assembly is to be used to prevent the return line from draining after each dose. See standard detail.

GRAVITY PIPING - All gravity piping shall be schedule 40 PVC DWV as a minimum. Fittings shall be Schedule 40 PVC suitable for underground installation. All joints shall be solvent welded with the use of primer and PVC Glue.

NON-DRIPPER LINE PRESSURE PIPING - All non-dripper line pressure piping shall be PVC schedule 40 pressure rated. Ridge piping shall be standard ASTM 1120 for use with solvent welded Schedule 40 fittings. Flex piping shall be schedule 40 PVC flex pipe for use with pressure fittings.

FLOAT SWITCHES - Float switches for level indication and control shall be encapsulated mechanical differential microswitches. The switches shall be Square D, American Electronic Components, or equal.

GENERAL VALVES - All gate, ball, globe and check valves shall be Schedule 40. Check valves shall be of the swing check design of metallic bronze with corrosion resistant metal hinge pin for use in wastewater.

PIPING DISCONNECTS - Piping disconnects shall be PVC schedule 80 unions.

AIR RELEASE VALVES - Air release valves shall be resilient seat "pop-up" type air release valves for use with filtered effluent (nominal filtration size of 115 microns.)

WIRE SPLICES - Field wire splices shall be installed in suitable wire splice pull boxes with waterproof connections for access to splice connections. The boxes shall have structural capacity for in ground installation and light vehicle yard care traffic.

SPECIAL DRIP EQUIPMENT - All non-specified drip equipment shall be as supplied by American Manufacturing Company, Inc. including the controls, drip hydraulic unit, pumps, and specialty fittings.

PIPE BEDDING - In ground piping shall be installed according to local codes. Piping shall be installed on original soil or suitably compacted fill or gravel bedded excavations on original soil. Free standing piping shall be schedule 40 PVC and assembled with restrained joints.

SAND FILTER - Filter spray rack or emmitter blanket shall be as supplied by American Manufacturing Company, Inc. For filter media see specifications on plans.

STANDARD DETAILS

REMOTE ZONE VALVE

The remote zone valves are typically used on larger systems with more than four zones or when the zones are below the elevation of the pump chamber. On slopes greater than 5% a bentonite clay plug should be installed three feet up contour from the valve box to prevent effluent from piping down the manifold and filling the valve box.

SANDFILTER DETAILS

Startup Procedures - AMERICAN STSF DRIP

This procedure outlines the startup procedures for the drip dispersal field tubing system. The process includes flushing dirt, pipe shavings and other possible constuction debris out of the tubing and checking dosing rates in a three step process. First, flush through air release valves, second flush through normal flushing process (while checking flow rate), and finally checking final dose flow rate.

I. System Flushing Air Release Valves Off

1. Be sure pump chamber is full of clean water. Check lights on controller for float activation. The "Off" float and "Standard Enable" float should be in the up position before starting field flush. Continue to fill tank to "alarm" float. It should take one days flow of clean water to flush tubing.
2. Place all toggle switches on the inner door in the off position.
3. Remove air release valves, attach piece of 1/2" black flex PVC to 1/2" white PVC with dry coupling (do not glue) and place end to direct discharge away from excavation.
4. Switch pump to "Hand" position. Pump should dead head with no flow meter movement.
5. Place disc filter backwash to filter #1 position. Note blue valve opening. Backwash for 15 seconds,Place disc filter backwash switch to the "Auto" position.
6. Place disc filter backwash to filter #2 position. Note blue valve opening. Backwash for 15 seconds, Place disc filter backwash switch to the "Auto" position.
7. Turn zone #1 and "Zone Master" to "Hand" position to manual flush. After water starts discharging from flex PVC, flush for three (3) minutes or until no debris (dirt, PVC) is noted, whichever is greater.
8. Repeat item "e" & "f".
9. Repeat "g" & "h" for each additional zone including the sand filter.
10. Place all switches in the "Off" position.
11. Remove black PVC hose, dry, and glue coupling with air release valves.

II. Field Flush Flow Test

1. Determine each zone flushing GPM by multiplying the number of lateral connections by 1.6 and adding to the dosing GPM ("a" below). Should not exceed 15 GPM for the two disc filter rack.
2. Switch pump to "Hand" position. Pump should dead head with no flow meter movement.
3. Place disc filter backwash to filter #1 position. Note blue valve opening. Backwash for 15 seconds,Place disc filter backwash switch to the "Auto" position.
4. Place disc filter backwash to filter #2 position. Note blue valve opening. Backwash for 15 seconds, Place disc filter backwash switch to the "Auto" position.
5. Turn switch for "Zone #1 and the "Zone Return Valve" to "Hand" position to manual flush. After water starts flowing through zone return valve flush for three (3) minutes, check flow rate and compare with design flushing flow rate.
6. Place all switches in the "Off" position.
7. Repeat item "b", "c", "d" and "e" for each additional zone and sand filter.
8. After flushing the last zone leave the pump and zone valve on and close the zone return valve. After the flow rate stablizes comparefs to design (see next section).

III. Field Dose Flow Test

1. Determine each design zone dosing Gallons Per Minute (GPM) by the following formula: (If installed as designed refer to calculation sheet.)
   
2. Determine dosing flow rate in the last zone flush tested. The rate Should be close to value calculated in "a" above. Check for leaks and repair as necessary.
3. With all toggle switches in the "off" position, backwash disk filters as described above in II. "b", "c", & "d".
4. Switch next Zone and "Zone Master" to "Hand" position and make sure Zone Return is in the "off" position, watch flow meter slow as system fills. When pressurized, measure flow rate with watch. The rate Should be close to value calculated in "a" above. Check for leaks and repair as necessary.
5. Repeat for each additional zone.
6. Place all switches in the "Auto" position.
7. See sand filter calculation sheet on plans for sand fitler flow rate.

IV. Zone Return Flow Test

1. In some cases when the drip field is around 10' in elevation above the hydraulic unit or when it is significantly above the unit the valve will not close properly and continue to recycle wastewater back to the septic tank. If this condition occurs, follow the following steps.
2. Remove the zone return connection and install a short 1" SCH 80 PVC nipple in the return valve.
3. Place the "Return Pressure Assembly" in the return line as per standard detail.

Timer Adjustment / Automatic Mode
Note: Timer factory set. See installation schematic in control.

1. Write down gallons on flow meter and target dose for Zone #1.
2. Place pump and Zone #1 in auto position. Adjust timer screw setting to the approximate calculated value for total gallons per zone. Press reset button for 5 seconds. System will automatically backwash filters and dose zone. Start stop watch when meter begins flow. Record the time it takes to deliver calculated volume. Adjust timer accordingly.
3. Repeat for each additional zone, no adjustment should be necessary even if zone is of a different size. High or Low time values indicate a possible leak or obstruction.
4. Leave all zones in use switched to automatic.

The "pump run time dial" will adjust the pump run time from zero minutes to 17.5 minutes. This run time, when two 900 linear feet zones are in use, will dispose of 270 gpd when dosed with the "Standard Dose Enable" float switch up and 450 gpd when dosed with the "Peak Enable Float" switch up.

Use a small phillips screw driver to adjust the "pump run time dial". After adjustment, press and hold the reset button until a pump event is initiated (approx. 5 seconds). Time the pump run time after backflush to determine if the setting is adjusted where wanted. Readjust if necessary. The gallons per day can be set by first determining the gallons per minute in each zone, the rest time between doses, then adjusting the pump run time as necessary.

NOTE: THE HOMEOWNER ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONDITIONS OR MALFUNCTIONS DUE TO CHANGES IN PUMP RUN TIME BY ANYONE OTHER THAN A QUALIFIED SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE.

TIMER SETTING

The timer may be easily set with the use of a hand held control adapter. See page 7 of this manual for instructions. The only other way to set the timer is by trial and error. Start an automatic cycle, time the field dose, then adjust up or down to get close to desired time.

Operational Checklist - AMERICAN STSF DRIP

I. Field Conditions

1. Walk the field to determine if wet spots are visible.

II. Control Lights and Manual Switch Positions

1. Open the control panel and open the lid to the hydraulic unit.
2. Make sure all manual switches are in the automatic position.
3. Microprocessor on; power light and run light
4. Microprocessor input; see owner's manual table
5. Microprocessor output; only when in operation

III. Pump Tank Liquid Level

1. Check liquid level in pump tank to confirm switch operation. If a float is down its light should be off.
2. Measure and record sludge depth using a Sludge Judge.

IV. Pump and Valve Operation

1. Place pump "Hand-Off-Auto" switch in the "Hand" position to dead head pump against valves. The flow meter should not turn, and there should be no leaks.
2. With the pump running, place each zone valve in the "Hand" (open) position one at a time to check operation. With the zone valve open, flow should register on the flow meter. When the zone valve closes (off position), the flow should stop.
3. With the pump in the "Hand" position open the filter backwash valve for filter one (1) for 10 seconds then close. Repeat for filter two (2) position for 10 seconds. There should be no flow registering in the flow meter and you should hear the valves open and close. The valve diaphragm will rise then lower during backflush.
4. Return all switches to the automatic position.

V. Extended Check - Zone Dose Rates

1. Open the air release valve boxes and inspect. Make sure they close during dose (they should not leak water after air is evacuated).
2. Determine how many zones are in operation and the installed flow rates from the installation records.
3. With the pump in the "Hand" position, select the first zone by placing the zone valve switch in the "Hand" position. After pressurization time, check flow rate by reading the flow meter for a timed minute. Repeat for all zones. If flow varies by more than 10% from original flow rate, contact qualified operator.
4. After the final zone is checked, place the "Zone Return" valve in the "Hand" position while the zone valve is still in the "Hand" position and verify that the flow rate increased to provide field flushing.
5. Return all switches to the automatic position.
6. Press reset button for 5 seconds and check zone dosing time.

Order Information

AMERICAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC.

5517 WELLINGTON ROAD, GAINESVILLE, VA. 20155
1-800-345-3132        Fax: 1-703-754-0058
e-mail: sales@americanonsite.com        web: www.americanonsite.com

FREIGHT TERMS

All materials shipped f.o.b Gainesville, Virginia, via UPS or common carrier. Please consult factory for freight allowances.

TERMS OF PAYMENT

With an approved credit account, terms are 2% 10 days, net 30 days from date of invoice. A 2% service charge will be applied to all past due invoices. Customer agrees to pay all reasonable collection fees incurred by American Manufacturing. All other orders will be shipped C.O.D. Deposits on some special orders may be required.

PRODUCT CHANGES

American reserves the right to change prices and modify or redesign any product without notice.

ERRORS AND CLAIMS

All shipping errors must be reported within 10 days. American Manufacturing will not be responsible for damages, shortages or delays caused by shipping delays. claims which are the responsibility of American will be expedited immediately, but are limited to credit on or replacement of merchandise involved.

AMERICAN MANUFACTURING LIMITED WARRANTY

For one year (12 months) after date of purchase, American Manufacturing will repair or replace any product or portion thereof which proves to be defective due to materials or workmanship of American Manufacturing. We reserve the right to repair or replace defective materials at our discretion.

This warranty does not cover the following conditions:

1. Defects or problems caused by improper installation or maintenance of materials.
2. Abuse, neglect or accidental damage of products.
3. normal maintenance or upkeep of products.
4. Lightning, war, floods, or other acts beyond our control.
5. Misapplication of our products for their designed purpose, or misapplication according to local, state or national codes when in effect.
6. American Manufacturing Company or its representatives are not responsible for labor for replacement of defective parts.

Defective or warranty items must be returned to American or a place designated by us. All returns must be accompanied by a return authorization number supplied by us.

Manufacturing will in no way be responsible for any losses or damages incurred by failure of equipment, parts or service. NOTE: Some states do not allow exclusion of damages so this may not apply to you.

There are no other warranties written or implied.

OPTIONAL - RETURN PRESSURE ASSEMBLY FOR ZONE RETURN CONTROL VALVE

In the event the drip zones are over 10 feet in vertical elevation above the hydraulic unit, have installed a "return pressure assembly". The assembly is to be used to prevent the return line from draining after each dose. Remove the zone return connection and reinstall a short 1" nipple in the return valve. Install assembly as shown to the right. The hydraulic tubing providing pressure for the rest of the unit must be plugged and the new tubing from the assembly connected to the pressure side of the solenoid.

AMERICAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL AGE

CATALOG PRODUCTS

American Manufacturing Company, Inc. manufactures many specialty On-Site Wastewater products including the Bull Run^R Valve, Dial-A-Flow^R, Distribution Boxes, accessories and Controls. American also SUPPLIES as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) many other products unique to the On-Site Industry.

The American On-Site Products Catalog is used throughout the Industry not only for purchasing but for reference and education. If an individual desires a product not shown in the catalog, a toll free call to our 800 number will normally result in getting information about the desired product.

CONTROLS

American Manufacturing becomes involved with the entire operation of the system whether potable water, process water, or wastewater. American has staff Professional Engineers, designers, soil scientists, and trained sales people with state-of-the-art experience in control systems.

Our objective is to provide the most practical, economical, and efficient control device for fluid handling. We inventory many standard application controls and are able to manufacture special application panels in a very timely manner due to our modular design and manufacturing methods.

PACKAGES

American Manufacturing Company, Inc. manufactures many specialty On-Site Wastewater system packages including Recirculation Sand Filter components, pump station equipment, and State-Of-The-Art "AMERICAN STSF DRIP" units incorporating automatic field flushing, disc filter backflushing, and pressure compensating emitters.

---

AMERICAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. Last revised: Jan-9-2006 Comments to: info@americanonsite.com Copyright © American Manufacturing Company, Inc., 2000 HOME | ABOUT | ORDER INFO | PRODUCTS | DRIP SYSTEMS | CONTROLS | CONTACT | DATA CENTER | SITE MAP