Distributed control system for a vacuum sewer system

Abstract

When the vacuum valve (530) is intermittently opened by control of the valve pit apparatus (500), sewage (551) in the sump is intermittently injected under the influence of atmospheric pressure into the transport conduit (520) for transportation to the collection tank, which passes through the transport conduit riser (521) and detected by the transport conduit apparatus for processing. The results of the valve pit apparatus and the transport conduit apparatus processing are stored in computer memory as operating parameters and then wirelessly communicated to devices external of the valve pit apparatus and transport conduit apparatus. The distributed control system provides an apparatus and method for control and monitoring of the vacuum sewer system, which is complex in sensor placement operating parameters processing but simple in structure, easy to maintain and capable of stable operation.

1 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system having a suction pipe which is communicated with a vacuum source via a transport conduit by opening a vacuum valve, and which is cut off from the vacuum system by closing said vacuum valve so that sewage in a sewage sump is sucked through said suction pipe and sent to a predetermined place by opening said vacuum valve, said valve pit apparatus comprising:
 (a) a plurality of sensors, comprising:
 i. suction pipe vacuum sensor used for measuring a vacuum in the suction pipe to define a suction pipe vacuum operating parameter, wherein this vacuum sensor is communicated to the suction pipe at a location that enables the measurement of the highest level of vacuum present in the suction pipe as a result of suction of sewage up through said suction pipe when said vacuum valve is open or partially open, 
 ii. transport conduit vacuum sensor used for measuring a vacuum in the transport conduit to define a transport conduit vacuum operating parameter, wherein this vacuum sensor is communicated to the transport conduit at a location that enables the measurement of the highest level of vacuum present in the transport conduit at the interface between the vacuum valve and transport conduit; 
   (b) computer for processing at least one measured operating parameter value obtained from the plurality of sensors to determine at least one calculated operating parameter, comprising:
 i. processor, whereby enabling the computer to process measured and calculated operating parameters, 
 ii. signal input port, whereby enabling the computer an electrical connection to the plurality of sensors, 
 iii. memory, whereby enabling the computer to record and save all the operating parameters and their respective time of measurement. 
   
     
     
         2 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 1 , wherein said computer determines a vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) set vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter to a close state if the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold and the suction pipe vacuum operating parameter is less than a preset threshold,   (b) set vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter to an open state if the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is less than a preset threshold and the suction pipe vacuum operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold,   (c) set vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter to a partially open state if the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold and the suction pipe vacuum operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold,   (d) set vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter to an unknown state if the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is less than a preset threshold and the suction pipe vacuum operating parameter is less than a preset threshold.   
     
     
         3 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 2 , wherein said computer determines a vacuum valve partially open warning operating parameter to be a true state if the vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter equals a partially open state. 
     
     
         4 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 2 , wherein said computer defines a vacuum valve flow rate operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) measure the time duration for the said suction pipe vacuum operating parameter to increase from a first preset threshold value to a second preset threshold to define a suction pipe delta vacuum time operating parameter,   (b) divide a suction pipe geometry operating parameter by the suction pipe delta vacuum time operating parameter to define the vacuum valve flow rate operating parameter.   
     
     
         5 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 4 , wherein said computer determines a vacuum valve partially open alarm operating parameter to be a true state if the vacuum valve flow rate operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold and the vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter equals a partially open state. 
     
     
         6 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 2 , wherein said computer defines a vacuum recovery time operating parameter by measuring the time for the said transport conduit vacuum operating parameter to increase a fixed amount after the vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter is set to a close state. 
     
     
         7 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 6 , wherein said computer determines an obstructed sewage transport conduit alarm operating parameter when the vacuum recovery time operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold. 
     
     
         8 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 6 , wherein said computer determines a waterlogged sewage transport conduit alarm operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) define a first vacuum recovery time operating parameter,   (b) if within two seconds of the first vacuum recovery time operating parameter measurement, said transport conduit vacuum operating parameter drops below a preset threshold while said vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter remains in said close state, then said computer defines a second vacuum recovery time operating parameter by measuring the time for the said transport conduit vacuum operating parameter to increase a fixed amount,   (c) determine the waterlogged sewage transport conduit alarm operating parameter to be a true state if the second vacuum recovery time operating parameter is less than said first vacuum recovery time operating parameter.   
     
     
         9 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 2 , wherein said computer defines an air-to-liquid flow time ratio operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) define a liquid flow time operating parameter value by measuring the time duration the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold, wherein time duration starts after the valve monitored state operating parameter is set to an open state and ends when the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is less than a preset threshold,   (b) determining an air flow time operating parameter value by measuring the time duration starting after the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter has dropped lower than a preset threshold,   (c) define air-to-liquid flow time ratio operating parameter equal to the quotient of the division of said air flow time operating parameter value divided by the liquid flow time operating parameter value, whereby the quotient of the two determines the air-liquid flow time ratio operating parameter.   
     
     
         10 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 9 , wherein said computer defines a periodic sewage usage rate operating parameter to be the summation of liquid flow time operating parameter over a predetermined periodic time period, and then multiplying here said summation time total with a valve pit flow operating parameter, wherein the valve pit operating parameter is dependent on parameters comprising suction pipe diameter and vacuum valve size. 
     
     
         11 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 2 , wherein said computer determines an air admission operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) if an air admission remote control operating parameter is equal to a true state, and   (b) transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is less than a preset threshold,   (c) then determine the air admission operating parameter to equal a true state;   
     
     
         12 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 1 , wherein said computer having a signal output port, whereby enabling the computer an electrical connection to a solenoid valve. 
     
     
         13 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 12 , wherein said valve pit apparatus comprises the computer communicating through the said signal output port to a solenoid valve for delivering vacuum or atmospheric pressure to the vacuum valve, wherein energizing/latching the solenoid valve in one direction delivers a vacuum to the vacuum valve which is used to open the vacuum valve and energizing/latching the solenoid valve in the opposite direction delivers atmospheric pressure to the vacuum valve which is used to close the vacuum valve. 
     
     
         14 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of sensors having a sump sensor tube pressure sensor used for measuring a pressure in a sump sensor tube to define a sump sensor tube pressure operating parameter, wherein this pressure sensor is communicated to the sump sensor tube at a location that enables the measurement of the highest level of pressure present in the sump sensor tube, which converts the rising of said sewage within said sewage sump to a pressure for determining a sewage level within the sump. 
     
     
         15 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 14 , wherein said computer determines a sump full operating parameter to be a true state when the sump sensor tube pressure operating parameter exceeds a preset threshold. 
     
     
         16 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 16 , wherein said computer determines a sewage sump overflow alarm operating parameter to be a true state when the sump sensor tube pressure operating parameter exceeds a preset threshold. 
     
     
         17 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claims 9 ,  11 ,  15 , and  16 , wherein said computer determines a vacuum valve control state operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) determine the vacuum valve control state operating parameter to equal an open state when the sump full operating parameter is equal to said true state and transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold,   (b) determine the vacuum valve control state operating parameter to equal an open state when the sewage sump overflow alarm operating parameter is equal to said true state,   (c) determine the vacuum valve control state operating parameter to equal an open state when the air admission operating parameter is equal to said true state,   (d) determine vacuum valve control state operating parameter to equal a close state with calculations, comprising:
 i. if vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter has been equal to said open state for a time duration greater than a preset threshold, 
 ii. and air-to-liquid flow time ratio operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold, 
 iii. then determine vacuum valve control state operating parameter is equal to a close state. 
   
     
     
         18 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claims 13  and  17 , wherein said computer communicates through said signal output port to energize/latch the solenoid valve to open the vacuum valve when the vacuum valve control state operating parameter is equal to said open state and the vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter is equal to said close state. 
     
     
         19 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claims 13  and  17 , wherein said computer communicates through said signal output port to energize/latch the solenoid valve to close the vacuum valve when the vacuum valve control state operating parameter is equal to said close state and the vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter is equal to said open state. 
     
     
         20 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 14 , wherein said sump sensor tube pressure sensor comprises:
 (a) a first pressure switch with a preset threshold equal to a sump full level, whereby sewage reaching this sump full level in the sump sensor tube will actuate the pressure switch,   (b) a second pressure switch with a preset threshold equal to an sump overflow level, whereby sewage reaching this sump overflow level in the sump sensor tube will actuate the pressure switch.   
     
     
         21 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 1 , wherein said suction pipe vacuum sensor comprises:
 (a) a first suction pipe vacuum switch with a preset threshold equal to a point in the lower 50% portion of the suction pipe, whereby sewage reaching this point in the lower 50% portion of the suction pipe will actuate the vacuum switch,   (b) a second suction pipe vacuum switch with a preset threshold greater than said first suction pipe vacuum switch by at least 1″ of Mercury.   
     
     
         22 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 1 , wherein said transport conduit vacuum sensor comprises:
 (a) a first transport conduit vacuum switch with a preset threshold equal to a level in the range of 4″ to 6″ of Mercury,   (b) a second transport conduit vacuum switch with a preset threshold greater than said first transport conduit vacuum switch by at least 1″ of Mercury.   
     
     
         23 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 1 , wherein said computer has a radio frequency transceiver for wirelessly communicating at least one operating parameter to and from another wireless communication device external of the valve pit for data exchange, whereby enabling the wireless transmission of operating parameters from the computer to a wireless communication device external of the valve pit and enabling the computer to receive operating parameters from a wireless communication device external of the valve pit. 
     
     
         24 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 1 , wherein said computer having a battery power supply, whereby the computer not having the need for use of a power source external to valve pit. 
     
     
         25 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus having water proof housing, whereby the components of the apparatus are enclosed in the housing and the apparatus is able to operate while submersed in water. 
     
     
         26 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus having explosion-proof housing, whereby the components of the apparatus are enclosed in the explosion-proof-housing and the apparatus is able to operate in hazardous location. 
     
     
         27 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system having a suction pipe which is communicated with a vacuum source via a transport conduit by opening a vacuum valve, and which is cut off from the vacuum system by closing said vacuum valve so that sewage in a sewage sump is sucked through said suction pipe and sent to a predetermined place by opening said vacuum valve, said valve pit apparatus comprising:
 (a) a plurality of sensors, comprising:
 i. a vacuum valve close position sensor associated with said vacuum valve, said sensor being capable of sensing whether the valve is in a close position, wherein determining a vacuum valve state to be equal to a close state when the vacuum valve is sensed to be in said close position and a vacuum valve state to be equal to an unknown state when the vacuum valve is sensed to not be in said close position, whereby the vacuum valve state may be used in processes along with at least one operating parameter to determine at least one other operating parameter, 
 ii. a transport conduit vacuum sensor used for measuring a vacuum in the transport conduit to define a transport conduit vacuum operating parameter, wherein this vacuum sensor is communicated to the transport conduit at a location in the valve pit that enables the measurement of the highest level of vacuum present in the transport conduit at the interface between the vacuum valve and transport conduit, 
   (b) computer for processing at least one measured operating parameter value obtained from the plurality of sensors to determine at least one calculated operating parameter, comprising:
 i. a processor, whereby enabling the computer to process variables comprising states, measured and calculated operating parameters, 
 ii. a signal input port, whereby enabling the computer an electrical connection to the plurality of sensors, 
 iii. a memory, whereby enabling the computer to record and save all the operating parameters and their respective time of measurement. 
   
     
     
         28 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 27 , wherein said plurality of sensors having a suction pipe vacuum sensor used for measuring a vacuum in the suction pipe to define a suction pipe vacuum operating parameter, wherein this vacuum sensor is communicated to the suction pipe at a location that enables the measurement of the highest level of vacuum present in the suction pipe as a result of suction of sewage up through said suction pipe when said vacuum valve is in an open position or a partially open position. 
     
     
         29 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 28 , wherein said computer determines a vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) set vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter to a close state if the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold and the suction pipe vacuum operating parameter is less than a preset threshold,   (b) set vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter to an open state if the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is less than a preset threshold and the suction pipe vacuum operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold,   (c) set vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter to a partially open state if the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold and the suction pipe vacuum operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold,   (d) set vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter to an unknown state if the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is less than a preset threshold and the suction pipe vacuum operating parameter is less than a preset threshold.   
     
     
         30 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 29 , wherein said computer determines a vacuum valve partially open warning operating parameter to be true if the vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter equals said partially open state. 
     
     
         31 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 29 , wherein said computer defines a vacuum valve flow rate operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) measure the time duration for the said suction pipe vacuum operating parameter to increase from a first preset threshold value to a second preset threshold to define a suction pipe delta vacuum time operating parameter,   (b) divide a suction pipe geometry operating parameter by the suction pipe delta vacuum time operating parameter to define the vacuum valve flow rate operating parameter.   
     
     
         32 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 31 , wherein said computer determines a vacuum valve partially open alarm operating parameter to be true if the vacuum valve flow rate operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold and the vacuum valve monitored state operating parameter equals said partially open state. 
     
     
         33 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 27 , wherein said computer defines a vacuum recovery time operating parameter by measuring the time for the said transport conduit vacuum operating parameter to increase a fixed amount after the vacuum valve state is set to said close state. 
     
     
         34 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 33 , wherein said computer determines an obstructed sewage transport conduit alarm operating parameter by detecting the vacuum recovery time operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold. 
     
     
         35 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 33 , wherein said computer determines a waterlogged sewage transport conduit alarm operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) define a first vacuum recovery time operating parameter,   (b) if within two seconds of the first vacuum recovery time operating parameter measurement, said transport conduit vacuum operating parameter drops below a preset threshold while said vacuum valve state remains in said close state, then said computer defines a second vacuum recovery time operating parameter by measuring the time for the said transport conduit vacuum operating parameter to increase a fixed amount,   (c) determine the waterlogged sewage transport conduit alarm operating parameter to be a true state if the second vacuum recovery time operating parameter is less than said first vacuum recovery time operating parameter.   
     
     
         36 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 27 , wherein said computer defines an air-to-liquid flow time ratio operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) define a liquid flow time operating parameter value by measuring the time duration the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold, wherein time duration starts after the vacuum valve state is set to an unknown state and ends when the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is less than a preset threshold,   (b) determining an air flow time operating parameter value by measuring the time duration starting after the transport conduit vacuum operating parameter has dropped lower than a preset threshold,   (c) define air-to-liquid flow time ratio operating parameter equal to the quotient of the division of said air flow time operating parameter value divided by the liquid flow time operating parameter value, whereby the quotient of the two determines the air-liquid flow time ratio operating parameter.   
     
     
         37 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 36 , wherein said computer defines a periodic sewage usage rate operating parameter to be the summation of liquid flow time operating parameter over a predetermined periodic time period, and then multiplying here said summation time total with a valve pit flow operating parameter, wherein the valve pit operating parameter is dependent on parameters comprising suction pipe diameter and vacuum valve size. 
     
     
         38 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 27 , wherein said computer determines an air admission operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) if an air admission remote control operating parameter is equal to a true state, and   (b) transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is less than a preset threshold,   (c) then determine the air admission operating parameter to equal a true state;   
     
     
         39 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 27 , wherein said computer having a signal output port, whereby enabling the computer an electrical connection to a solenoid valve. 
     
     
         40 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 39 , wherein said valve pit apparatus comprises the computer communicating through the said signal output port to a solenoid valve for delivering vacuum or atmospheric pressure to the vacuum valve, wherein energizing/latching the solenoid valve in one direction delivers a vacuum to the vacuum valve which is used to open the vacuum valve and energizing/latching the solenoid valve in the opposite direction delivers atmospheric pressure to the vacuum valve which is used to close the vacuum valve. 
     
     
         41 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 27 , wherein said plurality of sensors having a sump sensor tube pressure sensor used for measuring a pressure in a sump sensor tube to define a sump sensor tube pressure operating parameter, wherein this pressure sensor is communicated to the sump sensor tube at a location that enables the measurement of the highest level of pressure present in the sump sensor tube, which converts the rising of said sewage within said sewage sump to a pressure for determining a sewage level within the sump. 
     
     
         42 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 41 , wherein said computer determines a sump full operating parameter to be a true state when the sump sensor tube pressure operating parameter exceeds a preset threshold. 
     
     
         43 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 41 , wherein said computer determines a sewage sump overflow alarm operating parameter to be true when the sump sensor tube pressure operating parameter exceeds a preset threshold. 
     
     
         44 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claims 36 ,  38 ,  42 , and  43 , wherein said computer determines a vacuum valve control state operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) determine the vacuum valve control state operating parameter to equal open state when the sump full operating parameter is equal to said true state and transport conduit vacuum operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold,   (b) determine the vacuum valve control state operating parameter to equal open state when the sewage sump overflow alarm operating parameter is equal to the true state,   (c) determine the vacuum valve control state operating parameter to equal open state when the air admission operating parameter is equal to the true state,   (d) determine vacuum valve control state operating parameter to equal a close state with calculations, comprising:
 i. if vacuum valve state has been equal to said unknown state for a time duration greater than a preset threshold, 
 ii. and air-to-liquid flow time ratio operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold, 
 iii. then determine vacuum valve control state operating parameter is equal to close state. 
   
     
     
         45 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claims 40  and  44 , wherein said computer communicates through said signal output port to energize/latch the solenoid valve to open the vacuum valve when the vacuum valve control state operating parameter is equal to said open state and the vacuum valve state is equal to said close state. 
     
     
         46 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claims 40  and  44 , wherein said computer communicates through said signal output port to energize/latch the solenoid valve to close the vacuum valve when the vacuum valve control state operating parameter is equal to said close state and the vacuum valve state is equal to said unknown state. 
     
     
         47 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 41 , wherein said sump sensor tube pressure sensor comprises:
 (a) a first pressure switch with a preset threshold equal to a sump full level, whereby sewage reaching this sump full level in the sump sensor tube will actuate the pressure switch,   (b) a second pressure switch with a preset threshold equal to an sump overflow level, whereby sewage reaching this sump overflow level in the sump sensor tube will actuate the pressure switch.   
     
     
         48 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 28 , wherein said suction pipe vacuum sensor comprises:
 (a) a first suction pipe vacuum switch with a preset threshold equal to a point in the lower 50% portion of the suction pipe, whereby sewage reaching this point in the lower 50% portion of the suction pipe will actuate the vacuum switch,   (b) a second suction pipe vacuum switch with a preset threshold greater than said first suction pipe vacuum switch by at least 1″ of Mercury.   
     
     
         49 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 27 , wherein said transport conduit vacuum sensor comprises:
 (a) a first transport conduit vacuum switch with a preset threshold equal to a level in the range of 4″ to 6″ of Mercury,   (b) a second transport conduit vacuum switch with a preset threshold greater than said first transport conduit vacuum switch by at least 1″ of Mercury.   
     
     
         50 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 27 , wherein said computer has a radio frequency transceiver for wirelessly communicating at least one operating parameter to and from another wireless communication device external of the valve pit for data exchange, whereby enabling the wireless transmission of operating parameters from the computer to a wireless communication device external of the valve pit and enabling the computer to receive operating parameters from a wireless communication device external of the valve pit. 
     
     
         51 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 27 , wherein said computer having a battery power supply, whereby the computer not having the need for use of a power source external to valve pit. 
     
     
         52 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 27 , wherein said apparatus having water proof housing, whereby the components of the apparatus are enclosed in the housing and the apparatus is able to operate while submersed in water. 
     
     
         53 . A valve pit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 27 , wherein said apparatus having explosion-proof housing, whereby the components of the apparatus are enclosed in the explosion-proof-housing and the apparatus is able to operate in a hazardous location. 
     
     
         54 . A transport conduit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system having a suction pipe which is communicated with a vacuum source via a transport conduit by opening a vacuum valve, and which is cut off from the vacuum source by closing said vacuum valve so that sewage in a sewage sump is sucked through said suction pipe and sent to a predetermined place by opening said vacuum valve, said transport conduit apparatus comprising:
 (a) a portion of said transport conduit, comprising:
 i. at least one low-point conduit portion, 
 ii. at least one riser conduit portion, wherein the riser conduit portion defining a riser conduit first end and a riser conduit second end, 
 iii. at least one down-slope conduit portion, wherein the down-slope conduit portion defining a down-slope conduit first end and a down-slope conduit second end, 
 iv. said riser conduit first end is at a lower point than said riser conduit second end, 
 v. said down-slope conduit second end is at a lower point than said down-slope conduit first end, 
 vi. said riser conduit first end is in fluid communication with said low-point conduit portion, 
 vii. said riser conduit first end is connected at 45 degree angle to said low-point conduit portion, 
 viii. said riser conduit second end is in fluid communication with said down-slope conduit first end, 
 ix. said riser conduit second end is connected at 45 degree angle to said down-slope conduit first end, 
 x. said vacuum source is in nearest fluid communication through said transport conduit to said riser conduit second end than to said riser conduit first end, 
 xi. said suction pipe is in nearest fluid communication through said transport conduit to said riser conduit first end than to said riser point second end, 
   (b) a riser conduit sensor used for measuring differential pressure within the riser conduit portion to define a riser conduit operating parameter, wherein said riser conduit sensor has a means of communicating to the riser conduit portion that enables the measurement of the highest level of differential pressure within said riser conduit portion as a result of sewage within said riser conduit portion,   (c) a computer for processing said riser conduit operating parameter to determine at least one calculated operating parameter, comprising:
 i. a processor, whereby enabling the computer to process measured and calculated operating parameters, 
 ii. signal input port, whereby enabling the computer an electrical connection to the riser conduit sensor, 
 iii. memory, whereby enabling the computer to record and save all the operating parameters and their respective time of measurement. 
   
     
     
         55 . A transport conduit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 54 , wherein said computer defines a transport conduit air-to-liquid flow time ratio operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) define a transport conduit liquid flow time operating parameter value by measuring the time duration said riser conduit operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold, wherein starting the time duration measurement when said riser conduit operating parameter is greater than a preset threshold and stopping the time duration measurement when said riser conduit operating parameter is less than said preset threshold,   (b) define a transport conduit air flow time operating parameter value by measuring the time duration said riser conduit operating parameter is less than a preset threshold, wherein starting the time duration measurement when said riser conduit operating parameter is less than a preset threshold and stopping the time duration measurement when said riser conduit operating parameter is greater than said preset threshold,   (c) define said transport conduit air-to-liquid flow time ratio operating parameter equal to the quotient of the division of said transport conduit air flow time operating parameter value divided by the transport conduit liquid flow time operating parameter value, whereby the quotient of the two determines the transport conduit air-liquid flow time ratio operating parameter.   
     
     
         56 . A transport conduit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 55 , wherein said computer determines a waterlogged transport conduit alarm operating parameter to be true when the transport conduit air-to-liquid flow time ratio operating parameter is lower than a preset threshold. 
     
     
         57 . A transport conduit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 55 , wherein said computer defines a transport conduit flow rate operating parameter with calculations, comprising:
 (a) define a transport conduit liquid flow time total operating parameter by summing said transport conduit liquid flow time operating parameter over a predetermined time interval,   (b) multiply said transport conduit liquid flow time total operating parameter with a constant value transport conduit geometry operating parameter to define said transport conduit flow rate operating parameter, wherein said transport conduit geometry operating parameter is dependent on variables comprising, transport conduit diameter, expected sewage density.   
     
     
         58 . A transport conduit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 54 , wherein said computer has a radio frequency transceiver for wirelessly communicating at least one operating parameter to and from another wireless communication device external of the transport conduit apparatus for data exchange, whereby enabling the wireless transmission of operating parameters from the computer to a wireless communication device external of the transport conduit apparatus and enabling the computer to receive operating parameters from a wireless communication device external of the transport conduit apparatus. 
     
     
         59 . A transport conduit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 54 , wherein said riser conduit sensor comprises:
 (a) a first riser conduit differential pressure switch with a preset threshold equal to a point in the lower 50% portion of the riser conduit portion, whereby sewage reaching this point in the lower 50% portion of the suction pipe will actuate the differential pressure switch,   (b) a second riser conduit differential pressure switch with a preset threshold greater than said first riser conduit differential pressure switch by at least 0.30″ of Mercury.   
     
     
         60 . A transport conduit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 54 , wherein said computer having a battery power supply, whereby the computer not having the need for use of a power source external to transport conduit apparatus. 
     
     
         61 . A transport conduit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 54 , wherein said computer having water proof housing, whereby the components of the apparatus are enclosed in the housing and the apparatus is able to operate while submersed in water. 
     
     
         62 . A transport conduit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 54 , wherein said computer having explosion-proof housing, whereby the components of the apparatus are enclosed in the explosion-proof-housing and the apparatus is able to operate in hazardous location. 
     
     
         63 . A distributed control system for a vacuum sewer system having a suction pipe which is communicated with a vacuum source via a transport conduit by opening a vacuum valve, and which is cut off from the vacuum source by closing said vacuum valve so that sewage in a sewage sump is sucked through said suction pipe and sent to a predetermined place by opening said vacuum valve, said distributed control system comprising:
 (a) a plurality of said vacuum valve,   (b) a plurality of transport conduit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 58 ,   (c) a central control computer with means to wirelessly communicate said operating parameters to and from said plurality of valve pit and said plurality of said transport conduit apparatus;   
     
     
         64 . A distributed control system for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 63 , wherein said central control computer having means of determining a sewer main leak operating parameter is equal to a true state using the following calculations:
 (a) a plurality of said vacuum valve,   (b) a plurality of transport conduit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 57 ,   (c) define a portion of said plurality of vacuum valves which are upstream of each transport conduit apparatus of said plurality of transport conduit apparatus,   (d) define a total sewage usage operating parameter equal to the summation of all the sewage usage rate operating parameters of said portion of plurality of vacuum valves over a predetermined period of time,   (e) define a total sewage flow operating parameter equal to the summation of said transport conduit flow rate operating parameter over a predetermined period of time,   (f) determine a sewer main leak operating parameter equal to true if the total sewage flow operating parameter is greater than the total sewage usage operating parameter;   
     
     
         65 . A distributed control system for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 63 , wherein said central control computer having means of determining a vacuum valves air admission remote control operating parameter using the following calculations:
 (a) a plurality of vacuum valves,   (b) a plurality of transport conduit apparatus for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 56 ,   (c) wherein detection of said waterlogged transport conduit alarm operating parameter equal to true of an at least one transport conduit apparatus of the plurality of transport conduit apparatus determines the admission remote control operating parameter to equal to true for the upstream vacuum valves with nearest fluid communication to the said at least one transport conduit apparatus of the plurality of transport conduit apparatus, whereby causing the purging the transport conduit section with air by opening a vacuum valve upstream of the transport conduit section using said solenoid valve of here said vacuum valves;   
     
     
         66 . A distributed control system for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 63 , wherein said central control computer having a means of visually displaying the operating parameters of the vacuum valves and transport conduit apparatus on a LCD monitor for human operator users. 
     
     
         67 . A distributed control system for a vacuum sewer system according to  claim 63 , wherein said central control computer having a means of notifying human operators via email, cell phone, and pagers of alarm conditions determined from the operating parameters obtained from the vacuum valves and transport conduit apparatus.