Living+Machines

=Living Machines=

Abstract
Living Machines are a patented system which use wet-land plants to clean and treat wastewater. Though this water can be potable, it is mostly used to clean heavy industrial materials and chemicals. It is a moderately expensive technology, but extremely functional and aesthetically appealing.



Properties and System

 * **Settling Tank:** Before the water can enter the system, it must be gathered in a tank where the flow is equalized and solids are allowed to settle. Larger installations will use a filter for the same purpose.
 * **Control System:** The flow of water through the system is managed by a central control system, which also monitors system performance. uses a web-based interface to track water levels and control flow rates through the system. At the same time it monitors water quality and can send alerts to remote locations if it senses a problem with the system.
 * **Wetlands Installations:**At the heart of the Living Machine® are the wetland beds which contain gravel aggregate, specially engineered films of beneficial microorganisms, and plants working together in a living, highly complex, ecosystem. The newest generation of Living Machine® uses three patented wetland designs. Depending on the needs of the project, one or all of these wetlands types can be used in a Living Machine.
 * **Tidal Flow Wetland:** This proprietary design developed by Worrell Water Technologies has a smaller footprint than other conventional constructed wetlands. It also provides superior removal of nitrogen, a key step in treating wastewater. The system consists of a series of tidal cells which drain and flood many times per day. The tidal cycles bring oxygen to the beneficial microorganisms that do most of the work.
 * **Horizontal Subsurface Flow Wetland:** This simple, extremely low energy, wetland provides good initial treatment and equalizes the flow of water entering a Tidal Flow Wetland. The presence of this initial treatment stage allows for greater flow rates, energy efficiency, and capacity for the entire system.
 * **Vertical Flow Wetland:** This wetland design provides the ideal final, or "polishing," stage of water treatment. Water enters near the surface of the wetland, and passes through two zones containing beneficial microorganisms as it trickles down through the system. If the wastewater has been previously treated by another wetland type, the Vertical Flow Wetland is extremely efficient at final removal of nitrogen and solids.
 * **Disinfection System:** This optional step can use ozone, ultraviolet, or chlorine (alone or in combination) to kill any pathogens that are left in the water. Depending on the types of wastewater being treated, disinfection systems may be required before water can be reused or discharged into the environment.
 * **Reuse System:** Clean, treated water is gathered in a storage tank, and distributed for reuse. Uses for water recycled by the Living Machine® can include: toilet flushing, animal and pen cleaning, irrigation, decorative surface features such as ponds or waterfalls, or return directly to the environment.

Availibility
Available in most areas of the country

Cost
Since it is one company producing these machines, there is no real cost estimate until consultation with them

Construction Methods
Can be set up on sides of building or even integrate with the actual design of the building structure.

Sources and Links
http://www.livingmachines.com/ (MAIN SITE)