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BIO-MICROBICS FAST - User Manual

BIO-MICROBICS FAST
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FAST
®
Owner’s Manual
For use with:
MicroFAST
®
0.5, 0.625, 0.75, 0.9, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 & 9.0
HighStrengthFAST
®
1.0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 9.0
NitriFAST
®
0.5, 0.625, 0.75, 0.9, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 9.0
RetroFAST
®
0.15, 0.25, 0.375
Owners Manual
FASTOM-001 REV. 8 AUG 2022
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Summary

General Information and System Overview

About the FAST System

Explains the FAST® system's operation, components, and airlift mechanism for sewage treatment.

System Layout and Substance Introduction

System Layout and Components

Illustrates and describes the main components of the FAST® wastewater treatment system.

Introducing Substances Into the System

Discusses how certain substances affect system efficiency and biomass integrity.

Septic Dos and Donts

Prohibited Substances

Lists substances to avoid, including food wastes, personal products, chemicals, and other items.

Recommended Practices

Covers record keeping, laundry practices, fixture maintenance, and water softener usage.

Food Waste and Grease Management

Guidance on proper disposal of food wastes and grease to prevent septic system overload.

Chemicals, Garage Waste, and Medications

Advises on cleaner types, garage drainage, and proper medication disposal.

Septic Additives and Paper Products

Discusses the use of septic additives and guidelines for paper product selection.

Maintenance and Operational Procedures

Tank Pumping Procedure

Details the process and precautions for pumping the septic tank and treatment chambers.

Seasonal or Intermittent Use

Provides operational procedures for properties with short periods of inactivity or weekend use.

Alarms and Normal Operating Conditions

Explains alarm functions and expected sound, odor, sight, and control panel indicators.

Warranty and Record Keeping

Limited Warranty

Outlines the warranty coverage for various FAST® systems and spare parts.

Terms and Conditions

Specifies conditions for warranty validity, exclusions, and disclaimers.

Keep For Your Records

Provides fields to record essential system and contact information for future reference.

Overview

The document is an Owner's Manual for the FAST® Wastewater Treatment System, manufactured by BioMicrobics, Inc. It covers various models including MicroFAST®, HighStrengthFAST®, NitriFAST®, and RetroFAST® systems.

Function Description

The FAST® (Fixed Activated Sludge Treatment) system is designed to treat sewage for dispersal into the environment using naturally occurring bacteria (biomass). It's based on environmentally sound practice and simple scientific principles, aiming to improve small onsite treatment capabilities and ensure a clean environment. The system operates continuously, providing the biomass with food (waste) and air in a suitable environment. Dead bacteria and non-biodegradable waste settle and accumulate at the bottom of the tank for periodic removal.

The FAST assembly consists of two main components: the treatment module and a blower. The blower supplies air to the system via an air supply pipe. This pipe, along with a draft tube, creates an airlift, which mixes oxygen and waste throughout the media inside the tank. Bacteria grow on this media, supported by the air from the airlift, and digest the waste. Vapors generated during the process are expelled through a vent pipe.

Important Technical Specifications

The manual lists several specific models and their capacities:

  • MicroFAST®: 0.5, 0.625, 0.75, 0.9, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 & 9.0
  • HighStrengthFAST®: 1.0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 9.0
  • NitriFAST®: 0.5, 0.625, 0.75, 0.9, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 9.0
  • RetroFAST®: 0.15, 0.25, 0.375

Some MicroFAST® models (0.5, 0.625, 0.75, 0.9, and 1.5) are certified by NSF International, meeting NSF Standard 40, Class 1, and Standard 245 certifications for wastewater treatment devices. The system is protected by several patents, including 3,966,599; 3,966,608; 3,972,965; and 5,156,742.

Usage Features

The FAST® system is designed for minimal operator attention, with the blower being its only moving part. To prolong the system's life and maximize efficiency, users are advised to:

  1. Have the system inspected and tank pumped as necessary.
  2. Monitor substances entering the system, adhering to "Septic Dos and Don'ts."
  3. Keep the FAST® system operating continuously; the blower should NOT be turned off.
  4. Properly care for the drain field or irrigation system, if integrated.

The manual provides a comprehensive list of "Don't Do These Things" and "Do These Things" to guide users on what substances to avoid and best practices for system longevity. Prohibited substances include animal bones, coffee grounds, egg shells, fruit peels, melon rinds, home brewery waste, wet wipes, bandages, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, condoms, drugs/medicines, oil-based paints, automotive fluids, herbicides, pesticides, floor stripper, ammonium chloride cleaners, caustic cleaners, harsh detergents, solvents, thinners, cat litter, cigarette butts, cloth towels, paper towels, plastic bags, plastic objects, rags and scraps, RV waste, film developing waste, metal objects, and modeling clay. These substances can destroy the biomass, reduce efficiency, or clog the system.

Recommendations for "Do These Things" include:

  • Record Keeping: Maintain copies of system drawings, plans, equipment, and service records.
  • Laundry: Spread wash loads throughout the week, avoid liquid fabric softeners, and use low-suds, biodegradable, low-phosphate detergents.
  • Leaky Fixtures: Promptly repair leaks to prevent excessive water from entering the system.
  • Water Softeners: Use cautiously; the FAST® process can tolerate discharge from properly operating softeners that backwash based on water usage (DIR), but timer-operated systems should be checked with local authorities.
  • Food Wastes: Plan for more frequent solids removal if using a garbage disposal, and dispose of large quantities of food in the garbage.
  • Fats, Oils & Grease: Pour excess cooking grease into the garbage, not down the drain, to prevent system overload.
  • Disinfectants/Cleaners: Avoid products with quaternary ammonia or pine oil; use citric acid, chlorine, or other biodegradable cleaners according to manufacturers' recommendations.
  • Garage & Workroom: Divert drainage from workrooms away from the septic system; petroleum-based products and sawdust should not enter.
  • Medications: DO NOT flush unused medications down the drain; dispose of them properly. Notify the Service Provider of medications taken, as this could affect system service.
  • Septic Additives/Enzymes: Consult the Service Provider before adding chemical additives; commercial additives are often unnecessary and can be harmful.
  • Paper Products: Use single- or double-ply, non-quilted, white toilet paper. Avoid colored or non-bleached paper, and do not flush paper towels, napkins, wipes, or other thick paper materials.

Maintenance Features

The system is designed for minimal maintenance, primarily involving periodic sludge removal and blower operation.

  • Tank Pumping Procedure: The Service Provider should measure sludge levels during each service visit. When sludge exceeds BioMicrobics' limits, the FAST® system needs to be pumped out by a certified Septic Tank Pumper. It's crucial that both the settling and treatment chambers are pumped out. After pumping, the tank must be immediately refilled with clean water to prevent floating and minimize treatment impact. Solids must be disposed of according to local and state regulations.
  • Seasonal or Intermittent Use: The system can function normally during short periods of inactivity with power left on. For longer shutdowns (e.g., winter for summer-use properties), the blower should be turned off and restarted a week before returning. For weekend properties (used at least one weekend out of three), normal operation should be maintained, or the SFR® blower timer feature can be used. Local regulations should always be consulted.
  • Alarms: The FAST® system includes an audible and visual alarm on the control panel. If an alarm sounds, the audible alarm can be silenced by pressing the "Silence" button, but the visual light will remain on. Users should contact their Service Provider within 48 hours to resolve the alarm condition.
  • Normal Operating Conditions:
    • Sound: A continuous humming sound from the blower is normal. Unusual noises warrant a call to the Service Provider.
    • Odor: A musty, earthy odor is normal. A sewage odor (rotten egg smell) indicates a problem and requires a call to the Service Provider.
    • Sight: Properly operated systems produce clear effluent. Cloudy, opaque, or suddenly changed effluent indicates an issue and requires a call to the Service Provider.
    • Control Panel: The on-off switch should be in the ON position, the power light indicator should be on, and the alarm light and buzzer should be off.

Safety Warnings

The manual emphasizes several critical safety warnings:

  • DO NOT ENTER THE SEPTIC TANK: Hazards exist, and failure to follow precautions can result in severe sickness or death. Keep tank openings covered.
  • NO OPEN FLAMES/SPARKS: Gases from septic tanks are explosive and deadly if inhaled.
  • AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY: Only authorized, qualified service personnel should service septic systems, open access ports, or covers.
  • INFECTIOUS ORGANISMS: Septic tanks contain infectious organisms. Immediate washing and disinfection of exposed areas and medical consultation are required if contact with wastewater occurs.
  • HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICITY: Deadly hazards such as lethal gases and high voltage electricity are associated with the system.
  • VOIDED WARRANTY: Introducing harmful or damaging substances into the FAST® system may void the warranty.

Warranty Information

BioMicrobics, Inc. provides a limited warranty for specific systems (Residential MicroFAST®, RetroFAST®, BioBarrier®, and STAAR®) against defects in materials and workmanship for two years after installation or 30 months from shipment, whichever comes first. For all other systems and spare parts, the warranty is one year after installation or 18 months from shipment. The warranty is effective only if BioMicrobics receives the product registration. During the warranty period, BioMicrobics will repair or replace defective parts free of charge, provided the equipment was installed, operated, and maintained according to instructions. The owner is responsible for labor costs and other expenses for replacement. The warranty does not cover general system misuse, flood damage to aerator components, unauthorized disassembly, improper installation, altered/improper wiring, or overload protection. It applies only to the treatment system, not to structure wiring, plumbing, drainage, septic tank, or disposal system. BioMicrobics reserves the right to revise or modify system design without obligation. The company is not responsible for consequential or incidental damages. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, and BioMicrobics specifically disclaims any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No representative is authorized to give any other warranty.

BIO-MICROBICS FAST Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandBIO-MICROBICS
ModelFAST
CategoryWater System
LanguageEnglish

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