Article: How In-Pipe Technology Works

By J. Rodney Dickerson, P.E.

I am always being asked to explain how In-Pipe Technology (IPT) works because the descriptions in my two patents are complex and not easily translated to layman terms. This explanation will also benefit those technical persons whose education, training and experience do not encompass the several different fields needed to understand all the issues and latest technology breakthroughs. So, I shall attempt to write a simplified description that should be readily understood by most people who have a basic understanding of science, mathematics and microbiology and that will also benefit persons with a technical background.

Wastewater (sewage) treatment involves the use of bacteria to process the contaminants in the wastewater. These get into the wastewater mainly from our fecal material. Fecal material and toilet paper comprise the majority of the contaminants in domestic wastewater, with some contribution from food via the kitchen and chemicals from kitchen, laundry and bath. Fecal material is comprised of large quantities of bacteria (some estimates of 50% by weight have been made) and is the greatest source of bacteria in domestic wastewater. The soil washed from food, clothing and skin also provides a small bacterial contribution; however, the presence of chemicals (cleaners, detergents and the like) and high water temperatures greatly reduce the amount of live or viable bacteria.