Hydraulic circuit configuration for a vacuum air lift system and method of using the same

A system for treating an aqueous effluent comprising:

• a. an upflow liquid column, wherein the upflow liquid column is configured to retain a fluid;
• b. a fluid inlet, the fluid inlet being fluidly coupled with the upflow liquid column, wherein the fluid inlet is positioned at about a bottom of the upflow liquid column;
• c. at least one downflow liquid column, wherein the at least one downflow liquid column is non-concentric with the at least one upflow liquid column;
• d. at least one aerator, the at least one aerator being fluidly coupled with the upflow liquid column, wherein the at least one aerator is operably configured to deliver a gas to the upflow liquid column such that a plurality of bubbles are formed within the upflow liquid column;
• e. a gas headspace above a top of the upflow liquid column, wherein the gas headspace is defined at least partially by a cap;
• f. an outlet fluidly coupled with the gas headspace;
• and
• g. a vacuum pump, wherein the vacuum pump is operably configured to create a vacuum in the gas headspace.