Which septic is better: “Topas” or “Unilos Astra.” Tapas or Astra: compare septic tanks and choose the best
So, the main differences of the systems:
1. Compressor compartment and compressor:
In the stations of deep biological treatment Yunilosone Hiblow compressor is installed (compressor data is a well-known Japanese trademark of Techno Takatsuki). Techno Takatsuki is the founder of the production and development of this type of compressor. These compressors have the following advantages:
Low noise level
- Economical power consumption
- Low vibration level
- Convenience and efficiency of service
- Durability and operational efficiency
The solenoid valve is responsible for the switching of the air distribution phases.
To the station Topazinstalled two Taiwanese compressors Air Mac. Due to the fact that the compressors are working to switch phases between themselves, the wear of such equipment will be much higher compared with analogues. This in turn leads to early failure and the need to replace such equipment.
Compressor department in local sewage treatment plants of the brand Yunilos(including Yunilos Astra) has the minimum required size, which was calculated by design engineers. This is the best solution and provides unimpeded and convenient access to all station cameras for service.
In the Topas station, the compartment for compressors and the control unit has significantly larger dimensions due to 2 compressors installed in it, which significantly complicates service maintenance, including the removal of excess activated sludge from the stabilizer in Topas sewage stations.
2. Material production station
The stations for deep biological cleaning of Yunilos are made of foamed polypropylene produced by IMG-Plast (Czech Republic). Due to this, as well as the fact that the wall thickness is 20 mm, Yunilos stations have improved thermal insulation, which allows them to be used in winter without additional wall insulation.
For the manufacture of panels for the station Topaz used polypropylene granules from China. The panels have a smooth structure and poorly retain heat and, therefore, Topas stations need additional warming. In addition, the wall thickness is only 12.5 mm, which has a bad effect on performance, because there is a high probability that the walls of the Topaz station can not withstand the pressure of the soil and water.
3. The design of the secondary clarifier.
The pyramid of the secondary clarifier in the stations of autonomous sewage Yunilos Astrait has an optimal shape and size, which provides the active sludge with the necessary unobstructed movement into the aeration tank from the secondary clarifier for its subsequent interaction with the incoming untreated drains.
Secondary sump in stations Topazit has the form of a tank with a horizontal inclined surface, which prevents the complete deposition of activated sludge and its further flow into the aeration tank.
4. Circulation processes
In the local Yunilos Astra type wastewater treatment plant, the difference in the height of the working zones is 0.8 cm. The circulator pumps the cleaned water from above into the secondary settling chamber, and, in turn, settled sludge from the bottom during the reverse phase is collected and pumped to the sludge stabilizer compartment.
At Topaz stations, the difference in heights is about 0.1 cm, as a result of which Mamut pumps pump out the water partially stabilized by activated sludge into the sludge stabilizer and into the secondary sedimentation chamber.
5. Mamut pump
In the Yunilos Astra deep biological treatment stations, the main pump pumps continuously and independently of the phase, which can significantly reduce BOD, nitrogen concentration, activate biological phosphorus removal and thus increase the reliability of the entire station.
In the Topas stations, the Mamut-pump only works during the direct phase, which lowers the quality of purification from nitrogen and phosphorus. Its operation depends on the flow of the flow into the receiving chamber (if the drains do not flow, then, naturally, there will be no switching of working cycles).
6. Sealed electrical input
In local sewage treatment plants of the model range Yunilosinput 220 V cable is hermetically mounted at the manufacturing plant, which increases the safety and reliability of the installation during operation.
Germovvod in wastewater treatment plants Topazabsent altogether, which contributes to the possibility of ingress of dampness and moisture into the compartment of the control unit, and may lead to a short circuit, electric shock to people.
7. Internal Struts
In autonomous stations Yunilosthe number of struts inside is designed for heavy soil and high groundwater table (flooded or clay), which increases the integrity of the hull and the strength of the installation.
In Topas sewage stations, the number of internal struts is much smaller. This reduces the strength of the station body at pressures of soils and waters.
Today, the sewage treatment market is replete with diversity, and it becomes quite difficult for a simple consumer to understand all systems. Each manufacturer promises reliability in operation, ease of maintenance and attractive prices.
Let's take a look at the installation, the basis of which was the development of the Czech engineer Jan Topol, known as Topas. This is a recognizable product that has become a symbol of small sewage treatment plants. This success has led to the emergence of numerous clones that are externally similar to Tapas, but which have no legal attitudes to the developers and manufacturers.
Without going into the study of “garage” clones and widely advertised “semi-taps”, we want to dwell on comparing the products of the two largest and most famous manufacturers of Tapas. These are the products of the TOPOL-Eco Group of Companies manufactured under the TOPAS brand name and the products of the SBM-Group manufactured under the UNILOS-Astra brand name. Both plants have been successfully producing and selling their products for a long time, they have their own design offices and service departments. Promptly respond to complaints from users and solve emerging problems.
Topas or aster?
our experts will answer all your questions about the equipment - call
Building a house is not only a choice of materials and finishes, but also a selection of engineering equipment for improvement, including a sewage treatment plant. Today, many choose modern installations that provide a complete cleaning cycle. Consider the characteristics of the most popular models - Topas and Yunilos Astra.
The range of sewage treatment plants for local sewage is quite wide, so it is difficult for a layman to figure out which model is better. If you read the brochures, then each manufacturer promises that it is the development of the most convenient and reliable. Therefore, it is worth reading not only ads, but also reviews of real users. We will understand which version of the septic tank Tapas or Yunilos Astra is better.
Common features
Unilos Astra and Topaz units use the same principle of purification - organic inclusions are decomposed by special bacteria under conditions of forced oxygen supply. At the second stage, another method is used - mechanical settling.
In fact, the main work in these stations is performed by air, which is injected by compressors. The air passing through the aerators promotes mixing of the effluent with activated sludge, and also provides normal conditions for the vital activity of bacteria. In addition, the air provides the work of airlifts used to move fluids between chambers.
Switching modes in the station is carried out automatically, for this purpose, the receiving chamber is equipped with float sensors. Both models of the station have a body made of polymeric materials, so corrosion is not terrible for them.
The quality level of wastewater treatment is about the same - 96-98%, after-treatment of the withdrawn liquid is not required. The advantages of both models include:
- no noise during operation;
- no unpleasant odors;
- possibility of use year-round or seasonally (seasonal use requires preservation before stopping);
- simple maintenance; no service aspiration equipment required;
- the stations are volatile, but energy is consumed economically;
- installation of installations is possible under virtually any conditions on the site, the stations are not demanding to the type of soil.
Differences
However, the described models have a lot of differences. You need to get to know them before you make a choice.
Compressors
Equipped with two compressors that work alternately. The manufacturer uses electrical equipment of the Taiwanese company. Advantages of this solution:
- each of the compressors ensures the passage of a certain cycle of work;
- for switching equipment "responsible" float switch, as soon as it is triggered, the station switches to the next mode.
- constant on-off leads to faster wear of the membranes;
- the equipment does not have inrush protection;
- since space is required for the installation of two compressors, the equipment block takes up a lot of space, which makes maintenance difficult.
In Yunilos Astra septic tanks, a single compressor is installed, which operates continuously, the solenoid valve is responsible for switching modes. Used electrical equipment made in Japan. Advantages of this solution:
- since the compressor runs continuously, its service life increases;
- constant operation of the compressor provides more favorable conditions for the bacteria used in the cleaning process;
- the compressor unit is compact in size, so it does not interfere with regular maintenance.
- the inclusion in the scheme of an additional element (electromagnetic valve) increases the risk of breakage;
- solenoid valves often fail with a power surge.
Tip! To reduce the likelihood of breakdowns, manufacturers offer to connect the cleaning stations Unilos Astra to the network through a stabilizer.
Control
The control unit of the Topas station has only 2 positions - on and off. The control unit Yunilos Astra gives the consumer great opportunities; you can switch the model to manual control, switch modes independently.
Tip! However, expanding management capabilities is not always a plus for consumers. Having not dealt with the buttons, some consumers are forced to contact the service services only in order for the specialist to bring the buttons on the control unit to the desired position.
Modifications
Both stations are available in a large range of performance. However, the models of Yunilos Astra are more diverse. So, all stations of this brand (except for the “youngest”, designed for servicing 3 people) are available in three versions. They differ in the height of the neck, which allows you to connect the supply pipe at the required depth (from 60 to 120 cm from the surface).
Tip! If it is necessary to install a septic tank Yunilos Astra at an even greater depth, a model equipped with an integrated CND is used. In this case, the maximum connection depth is 2.5 meters.
Topaz stations are available in only two versions, the standard one allows you to connect a pipe at a level of up to 0.85 m, a model with an extended neck - up to 1.45 meters. Option with built-in CND does not exist.
Housing
The topaz station body is made of homogeneous polypropylene produced in China, the wall thickness is 12.5 mm, the body is equipped with standard stiffeners. Installations Yunilos Astra have a body made of foamed polypropylene, produced in the Czech Republic.
Wall thickness - 20-24 mm, body reinforced with double stiffeners. This provides special strength, in addition, foamed polypropylene is a poor conductor of heat, so the optimum thermal conditions inside the station are preserved even in severe frosts.
Salvo discharge value
When using treatment facilities, it is very important to consider such a parameter as the volume of salvo discharge. In other words, the amount of water that can be discharged into the sewer in a short period of time. If the parameter recommended by the manufacturer is exceeded, the station will be flooded.
Therefore, when choosing a particular model, you need to pay attention to this parameter. In septic tanks Topas and Yunilos Astra, the volume of the receiving chamber depends on the capacity. For example, a septic tank designed to service five people has a maximum discharge volume:
- for Yunilos Astra - 250 liters;
- for Topas - 220 liters.
But for a model designed to serve 8 people, the volume of the receiving chamber at the Tapas is significantly higher than that of the Unilos Astra of similar performance (440 liters against 350).
findings
Based on the foregoing, it can be concluded that for use in sewage systems of suburban objects in the conditions of our country, the models of Unilos Astra are more adapted. In addition, they have a greater number of modifications, so you can always choose a model that is suitable for a particular site. In addition, Astra Yunilos has a lower cost than Topas, not inferior to the latter in quality.
When organizing autonomous sewage systems, many owners often face the problem of choosing a septic tank. The main difficulty lies in the fact that septic tanks can have the same or fairly close technical parameters, but at the same time have small but significant differences. This situation is especially relevant when the choice is made between septic tanks Topas or Yunilos, which have almost identical hulls and a method of wastewater treatment.
dimensions of a septic tank of the Yunilos type Methods of oxygen enrichment of anaerobic bacteria
Both septic tanks are based on the principle of deep biological purification of sewage and allow to obtain a degree of purification of more than 98%. However, there are some rather serious structural differences in them. One powerful compressor is installed in Yunilos, which is designed to pump air into the second chamber with anaerobic bacteria to support their vital activity. It is in a constantly on state so that at any moment with large volumes of instantaneous discharges there is an opportunity to effectively disinfect drains.
This factor has a significant impact on the service life of the pump, which, with high-quality assembly and reliable components, will be able to work continuously for three years. The membranes fail first, and then the mechanical parts. It also consumes a lot of electricity, compared with Topas, where two smaller compressors are installed, which are switched on alternately. The advantage of Yunilos is a more efficient supply of bacteria to the air, especially in winter, when it is necessary to maintain a positive temperature. In addition, the risk of starting currents is reduced.
discharge of treated effluent Topaz allows to save a little electric power, and also to increase the term of operation of compressors. However, due to the constant switching of compressors, membranes can wear out much faster, since at the moment of switching on they perceive significant loads. Most of the cheap models of septic tanks are not protected from inrush currents. But in any case, the implementation of the work of two compressors significantly complicates the control system of a septic tank in terms of electronic circuits and electrical wiring. Possible power cuts also adversely affect the operation of these devices. Even if you compare the same performance septic tanks, the replacement of two compressors will always be more expensive than one powerful. Therefore, it is possible to make such an intermediate conclusion: the system of bacterial oxygen enrichment in the Yunilos septic tank is more reliable, but less durable, and in Topas - economical.
The dimensions of the compressor unit in Yunilos are much smaller than in Topas, which greatly facilitates their maintenance due to the larger space of the chambers. Also, this factor influences such a technical parameter as the volume of instantaneous discharge of sewage, which turns out to be more effective for Yunilos than for Topas.
Differences in septic tanks
Both septic tanks are identical in shape and represent a parallelepiped elongated in height. However, the production material in the case of Tapas is foamed polypropylene, in contrast to Yunilos, where conventional dense polypropylene is used. Both of them are equipped with special stiffeners in order to ensure greater reliability of the structure. However, polypropylene has significant porosity, which makes it lighter and more plastic. Under operating conditions, this means that with slight ground movements, the Topaz case may slightly deform, but remain airtight, while in Yunilos, with certain deformations, a crack may form and sewage will leak into the ground. To prevent such a situation, manufacturers significantly strengthen the body with the help of internal rigid partitions, due to which it becomes possible to be mounted in pools or clay.
principle of operation septic tank If dimensions are critical, then you should choose Yunilos, since in it the wall thickness with the same strength will be less. When comparing the installation possibilities of two septic tanks, there are no significant differences, since the requirements for the density of the soil are almost the same.
The lid of the Yunilos is usually made slightly taller than the Topaz because of the greater height of the neck, about 10-20 cm depending on the model. This design feature allows you to slightly deepen the septic tank into the ground or make a large embankment due to which the heat inside the chamber with bacteria is saved, even without the need for insulation of the upper layer. When using Topas, it is advisable to consider a method of heat insulation of a septic tank.
The input of the electrical cable for powering the pump and the compressor in the septic tank Yunilos is completely sealed. This helps prevent liquid from entering the soil inside the structure in order to increase protection against short-circuits. In the Topas there is an independent cable entry that will require self-sealing. On the one hand, this is an advantage, since it will be possible to lay any cable that is suitable for the parameters, and on the other hand, in the absence of adequate installation skills, the risk of electric shock or instability of the septic tank will increase significantly.
Internal design features of septic tanks
In Yunilos, to ensure an effective overflow of active sludge from the settling tank to the aeration tank, a pyramidal structure has been implemented. Despite its compact size, it copes with the task with sufficient performance due to the installed blowing in one of the corners of the chamber. An increased pyramid is used in Topas, which significantly impairs the efficiency of the septic tank due to the relatively frequent clogging of it with active sludge, which can get into the purified water. Purging is carried out in the middle of the pyramid, which causes residues of fats and suspended particles that have not undergone processing.
discharge of treated wastewater into the ground In order to prevent the mixing of new sludge with that already worked in Yunilos, the design of the damper has been implemented. There is no such protection in Topas, therefore, partial sludge gets into the receiving chamber, which makes the cleaning process very difficult and longer. The presence of the aerator is not in the center of the chamber, but in the corner leads to additional accumulation of sludge under the pyramid and the deterioration of its circulation. In Yunilos, there is no such problem due to the location of the aeration element immediately below the pyramid. That is, active bacteria are much more efficiently enriched with oxygen and the processing of sewage occurs faster.
Sometimes in models of Topas there are fastenings of aeration elements on metal clamps, which in corrosive environments with high humidity can rust and cause unstable operation of the septic tank. There are no such problems in Yunilos.
Septic Yunilos Service The circulation pump in Yunilos, as well as the compressor, operates in a permanently on mode, due to which the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the cells is minimal, and the quality of wastewater treatment is slightly better than in Topas. However, due to continuous pumping, even in the absence of drains, it often fails and consumes more electricity. In Tapas, many harmful impurities remain due to the fact that the pump is turned on only at the time of receipt of the effluent and works exclusively in the direct transfer mode.
If there is a choice of Tapas or Yunilos, which is better in terms of operation, and which is more reliable, then the choice is almost unequivocal in favor of Yunilos. Even in spite of the fact that it consumes more electricity and is very demanding to maintenance, but it provides a high degree of purification and is able to perceive significant amounts of instantaneous discharges of sewage without falling into purified water. If we compare in size, then Yunilos is also in the first place due to better implementation of the distribution of useful volume and compactness of the placement of components and mechanisms.
Comments:
The Russian stations under the names Yunilos and Topas are today the most high-quality and well-known systems for water purification. They can remarkably purify wastewater at a deep biological level, which is almost impossible to achieve when using other systems.
Most people ask themselves: which brand is better to choose - Topas or Yunilos?
Experts say that a definite answer is impossible to give. This is explained by the fact that Yunilos and Topas are practically at the same level, and the cost of water purification is the same for them. These brands have only a few irrelevant differences, which experts and recommend to navigate when choosing.
To give full characteristics of the above-described brands of equipment for wastewater treatment, each of them should be given a more detailed description, highlighting all the available subtleties, advantages, disadvantages, as well as the main distinctive features.
Yunilos system
So, the water purification system Yunilos has the following main features:
- long service life. Such equipment will serve you for about 50 years without significant damage. That is why the manufacturer gives a great guarantee;
- very low level of vibrations and noise due to the use of a quality single compressor within the station;
- simplicity and profitability in use. Due to the minimum use of a large number of small parts to use the system is quite simple. It is necessary to connect the system to a voltage regulator, then the cost of electricity is significantly reduced;
- the system has rather thick panels of walls, and in each of them there is a layer of safe insulation;
- a specially installed pump always allows to completely remove phosphorus and nitrogen from water, and this allows the unit to operate in a more reliable mode;
- the highest degree of sealing. All electrical cables and other parts are very well protected from moisture, virtually eliminating the likelihood of a circuit or getting wet by electricians.
Topas model
In turn, the station Topas has such subtleties:
- serves practically without damage up to 50 years;
- the installation has not one, but two compressors. On the one hand, it increases power. But on the other hand, it leads to faster wear and replacement;
- wall panels in this installation are two times thinner than in the previous system. They are made not of polypropylene, as in the Yunilos system, but of small granules. This makes them a bit cheaper, but at the same time requires additional insulation;
- a special compartment for the location of compressors is quite large, and therefore the whole installation is distinguished by large dimensions and, consequently, less convenience in operation;
- the advantage is that the blocks do not corrode at all. This almost eliminates the possibility of rust on the internal mechanisms of the system;
- special pump does not work constantly. This somewhat reduces the quality of the treated water due to incomplete removal of phosphorus and nitrogenous deposits from the water;
- the horizontal plane with a small slope of the settler does not allow the sludge to remain in the water, which ensures a high degree of water purification from sediment;
- the system has many different variants of modifications. Undoubtedly, this is a big plus, since you can easily choose the right installation for your site by the type of soil and other environmental conditions;
- the degree of sealing is not as high as in the Yunilos system. This suggests that if you do not take additional protective measures, moisture or purified water can reach the cable, thereby triggering a circuit.
So, both brands deserve a high level of demand in the modern market of septic tanks for water. However, it is clear from the above that the Yunilos cleaning system is somewhat better than Topas. At the same time, the Topas system is cheaper. Both systems are quite practical under certain conditions.
