A method for removing microplastics from tap water

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of tap water purification technology and discloses a method for removing microplastics from tap water. The method includes pretreatment with activated carbon, mixing activated carbon particles with tap water, utilizing the adsorption properties of the activated carbon particles to adsorb microplastics mixed in the tap water, and then filtering out the activated carbon particles to obtain purified tap water. This invention involves stirring the tap water and activated carbon particles, during which some activated carbon particles are also thrown to the discharge port. This eliminates the need for periodic shutdowns to replace the activated carbon particles in the filter box; instead, continuous addition and discharge ensures continuous adsorption and improves work efficiency. It allows microplastics and broken activated carbon residue in the tap water to settle stably, while the clean water is discharged separately. Multiple separations of microplastics in the tap water improve the purification effect. Furthermore, it can move the activated carbon particles adhering to the semi-circular filter plate, effectively preventing the activated carbon particles from clogging the semi-circular filter plate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of tap water purification treatment, in particular to a tap water micro-plastic removal method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Because the raw water of the water plant is usually taken from surface water or underground water such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, etc., and with the widespread use of plastic products, the concentration of micro-plastic particles in the prepared tap water has significantly increased. When these micro-plastics reach a certain concentration, they may pose a potential threat to the ecosystem and human health. In the prior art, micro-plastics in tap water are mainly removed by chemical removal method and physical removal method. The chemical removal method is to add a specific reagent to the tap water to react with the micro-plastic particles, while the physical removal method is to filter and adsorb the micro-plastic particles by setting a filtering device or an adsorbing device. Compared with the chemical removal method, the physical removal method does not leave chemical substances in the water, so it is more convenient to operate.

[0003] In the treatment process of the tap water plant, the micro-plastics in the water can be effectively removed by deep treatment processes such as sand filtration, activated carbon filtration, etc. For example, the removal rate of MPs (micro-plastics) by sand filtration is 70.00%~84.60%, and the activated carbon filtration process can increase the removal rate to 80.00%~93.00%, but the activated carbon particles will be saturated after a period of adsorption, at which time they need to be filtered out and replaced with a new batch of particles, so the machine needs to be stopped for replacement work, which causes the activated carbon adsorption operation to be unable to continue, affecting the water treatment efficiency. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a tap water micro-plastic removal method to solve the problem of affecting water treatment efficiency caused by the need for periodic replacement of activated carbon in the existing activated carbon filtration process.

[0005] The present application is realized by the following technical scheme: a tap water micro-plastic removal method, comprising introducing tap water into a tap water micro-plastic removal device for activated carbon filtration and purification, putting activated carbon particles into the filter box of the tap water micro-plastic removal device and making them fall on the semicircular filter plate, introducing tap water from the top of the filter box so that the tap water first contacts the activated carbon particles and then penetrates downward from the semicircular filter plate;

[0006] Starting the anti-blocking assembly installed in the filter box, the rotating frame in the anti-blocking assembly rotates, and the tap water and activated carbon particles are stirred above the semicircular filter plate, so that the activated carbon particles can fully adsorb the micro-plastics in the tap water, and at the same time, the anti-blocking assembly will throw the activated carbon particles upward in the filter box, so that part of the activated carbon particles are discharged from the discharge port above the water surface;

[0007] After the tap water is adsorbed and purified by the activated carbon particles, it is secondarily purified by the semicircular filter plate.

[0008] The secondary purified tap water is settled at the bottom of the filter tank and the bottom of the settling tank communicated with the filter tank, and is subjected to third purification;

[0009] With the continuous injection of tap water in the filter tank, the upper layer of tap water in the settling tank is discharged through the water outlet in level with the liquid level in the filter tank.

[0010] In order to better realize the present application, further, a feeding cylinder for feeding activated carbon particles is arranged on the filter tank, and a stirring assembly for preventing the semi-circular filter plate from being blocked is arranged on the anti-blocking assembly, the anti-blocking assembly comprises a motor mounted on the filter tank, and a rotating frame is drivingly connected to the motor, and the feeding cylinder is coaxially arranged with the motor.

[0011] In order to better realize the present application, further, the stirring assembly further comprises a second gear fixedly connected with the motor and a fixed gear ring fixedly connected to the filter tank, a plurality of third gears are rotatably connected to the rotating frame, the third gears are respectively engaged with the second gear and the fixed gear ring, and the rotating frame is rotatably connected with the second gear.

[0012] In order to better realize the present application, further, the anti-blocking assembly comprises a plurality of poking plates rotatably connected to the rotating frame, adjacent poking plates are connected through a belt, one poking plate is drivingly connected with the motor, and the activated carbon particles clamped on the surface of the semi-circular filter plate are poked when the poking plate rotates.

[0013] In order to better realize the present application, further, the stirring assembly further comprises an active gear ring fixedly connected to the second gear, a plurality of first gears are rotatably connected to the rotating frame, the first gears are engaged with the active gear ring, and the first gears are fixedly connected with one poking plate.

[0014] In order to better realize the present application, further, a mixing plate is fixedly connected to the poking plate.

[0015] In order to better realize the present application, further, a plurality of paddles are fixedly connected to the active gear ring, and the paddles are obliquely arranged on the active gear ring.

[0016] In order to better realize the present application, further, a collecting tank communicated with the filter tank through a discharging port is arranged on the filter tank, slopes are arranged on the filter tank and the settling tank, and a transport pump is arranged between the collecting tank and the settling tank.

[0017] In order to better realize the present application, further, an activated carbon particle tank is mounted on the settling tank, the feeding cylinder is mounted on the activated carbon particle tank, a pyrolysis assembly is further arranged on the settling tank, one end of the pyrolysis assembly is communicated with the collecting tank, and the other end is communicated with the activated carbon particle tank.

[0018] To better realize the present invention, a straight filter plate is further provided in the settling tank, and a flow meter is provided at the drain outlet of the settling tank.

[0019] To better realize the present invention, a flow divider is further provided on the filter box.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0021] (1) By setting a semi-circular arc filter plate and a stirring component, the stirring component can stir the tap water and activated carbon particles. During the stirring process, some activated carbon particles will also be thrown to the discharge port for discharge. That is, there is no need to stop the machine regularly to replace the activated carbon particles in the filter box. Instead, the process can be continuously added and discharged, ensuring that the adsorption operation can be carried out continuously and improving work efficiency.

[0022] (2) By setting up a filter box and a sedimentation box that are partially connected, the present invention allows microplastics and broken activated carbon residue in tap water to settle stably, while the clean water is discharged separately. By separating microplastics in tap water multiple times, the purification effect is improved.

[0023] (3) By setting up an anti-clogging component, the present invention can move the activated carbon particles attached to the semi-circular arc filter plate, effectively preventing the activated carbon particles from clogging the semi-circular arc filter plate. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the process of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the removal device.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a top-view diagram of the overall structure of the removal device.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a frontal sectional view of the overall structure of the device.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the device from the left perspective.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the filter box and settling box.

[0030] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the anti-clogging component and the stirring component.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the stirring assembly.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed gear ring and the movable gear ring.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating frame structure.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-blocking component structure.

[0035] Wherein: 2-Anti-clogging component; 3-Stirring component; 101-Filter box; 102-Collection box; 103-Transport pump; 104-Settling box; 105-Activated carbon granule box; 106-Pyrolysis component; 107-Flow meter; 108-Incline; 109-Discharge port; 110-Diverter plate; 111-Feeding cylinder; 112-Straight filter plate; 113-Semi-circular arc filter plate; 201-Mixing plate; 202-Belt; 203-Actuating plate; 301-Moving gear ring; 302-Fixed gear ring; 303-Impeller; 304-First gear; 305-Rotating frame; 306-Motor; 307-Second gear; 308-Third gear. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] Example 1:

[0038] This embodiment provides a method for removing microplastics from tap water, specifically as follows: Figures 1-10 As shown, the process includes introducing tap water into the tap water microplastic removal device for activated carbon filtration and purification, putting activated carbon particles into the filter box 101 of the tap water microplastic removal device and placing them on the semi-circular arc filter plate 113, introducing tap water from the top of the filter box 101, so that the tap water first contacts the activated carbon particles and then permeates downward from the semi-circular arc filter plate 113.

[0039] The anti-clogging component 3 installed in the filter box 101 is activated. The rotating frame 305 in the anti-clogging component 3 rotates and stirs the tap water and activated carbon particles above the semi-circular filter plate 113, so that the activated carbon particles can fully adsorb the microplastics in the tap water. At the same time, the anti-clogging component 3 will also throw the activated carbon particles upwards in the filter box 101, so that some of the activated carbon particles are discharged from the discharge port 109 above the water surface in the filter box 101.

[0040] After being purified by activated carbon particles, tap water is further purified by the semi-circular arc filter plate 113.

[0041] The purified tap water settles at the bottom of filter box 101 and at the bottom of sedimentation box 104 which is partially connected to filter box 101, and undergoes a third purification.

[0042] As tap water is continuously injected into the filter box 101, the tap water in the upper layer of the settling tank 104 is discharged through the drain outlet, which is level with the liquid level in the filter box 101.

[0043] The above steps utilize a tap water microplastic removal device, specifically including a filter box 101 and a settling tank 104. The filter box 101 is connected to the settling tank 104. The filter box 101 is equipped with a semi-circular arc filter plate 113 for filtering activated carbon particles, a discharge port 109 for the filtered activated carbon particles, and a feeding cylinder 111 for feeding activated carbon particles. The drain outlet on the settling tank 104 is lower than the height of the discharge port 109. The filter box 101 is also equipped with a stirring assembly 3, which is equipped with an anti-clogging assembly 2 to prevent the semi-circular arc filter plate 113 from clogging. Tap water is discharged from the top of the filter box 101, passes through the semi-circular arc filter plate 113, and then is discharged from the top of the settling tank 104 using the principle of communicating vessels.

[0044] The stirring assembly 3 includes a motor 306 mounted on the filter box 101, with a rotating frame 305 driven to the motor 306. The feeding cylinder 111 is coaxially arranged with the motor 306. When the rotating frame 305 rotates, it stirs the tap water and throws some of the activated carbon particles accumulated on the semi-circular filter plate 113 to the discharge port 109. The semi-circular filter plate 113 is made of activated carbon resin.

[0045] Tap water is introduced into filter box 101 through the water inlet at the top of filter box 101. At the same time, activated carbon granules are continuously fed into filter box 101 through feeding cylinder 111. At this time, the activated carbon granules remain on the semi-circular filter plate 113. Simultaneously, the stirring component 3 is started, causing the rotating frame 305 to start rotating. When the rotating frame 305 rotates, it will stir the tap water and activated carbon granules in filter box 101. During the stirring process, some activated carbon granules will also be thrown to the discharge port 109 for discharge. That is, there is no need to stop the machine regularly to replace the activated carbon granules in filter box 101. Instead, the addition and discharge can be continuous, ensuring continuous adsorption operation and improving work efficiency. Because the drain outlet on the settling tank 104 is lower than the discharge outlet 109, as tap water continues to be injected, some tap water, along with a very small amount of microplastics and broken activated carbon residue, will pass through the semi-circular filter plate 113 to the lower part of the filter box 101 and settling tank 104. Here, the microplastics and activated carbon residue will begin to settle, while the purified water will remain on the upper layer. The purified water will then be discharged through the drain outlet on the settling tank 104. The partial connection between the settling tank 104 and the filter box 101 ensures that the water in the settling tank 104 is relatively calm and unaffected by fluctuations in the tap water in the filter box 101. This facilitates the sedimentation of residual microplastics and activated carbon particles in the water, improving the filtration efficiency.

[0046] Example 2:

[0047] This embodiment is a further extension of Embodiment 1, specifically as follows: Figures 8-10 As shown, the stirring assembly 3 also includes a second gear 307 fixedly connected to the motor 306 and a fixed gear ring 302 fixedly connected to the filter box 101. A plurality of third gears 308 are rotatably connected to the rotating frame 305. The third gears 308 mesh with the second gear 307 and the fixed gear ring 302 respectively. The rotating frame 305 is rotatably connected to the second gear 307.

[0048] When the motor 306 is started, the motor 306 drives the second gear 307 to rotate, and the second gear 307 drives the third gear 308 to rotate. Since the third gear 308 meshes with the fixed gear ring 302, the third gear 308 will also revolve. The revolve of the third gear 308 causes the rotating frame 305 to rotate, thereby realizing the stirring of tap water and the filtration of activated carbon particles by the rotating frame 305.

[0049] like Figure 11 As shown, the anti-clogging component 2 includes multiple actuating plates 203 rotatably connected to the rotating frame 305. Adjacent actuating plates 203 are connected by belts 202. One actuating plate 203 is connected to the motor 306 for transmission. When the actuating plate 203 rotates, it moves the activated carbon particles stuck on the surface of the semi-circular filter plate 113.

[0050] When the motor 306 starts, it indirectly drives a toggle plate 203 to rotate. The toggle plate 203 drives the other toggle plates 203 to rotate synchronously via the belt 202. During the rotation of the rotating frame 305, the toggle plate 203 will intermittently stick to the semi-circular arc filter plate 113. At this time, the rotation of the toggle plate 203 will move the activated carbon particles blocking the filter holes of the semi-circular arc filter plate 113, preventing the activated carbon particles from clogging the semi-circular arc filter plate 113. At the same time, the rotation of the toggle plate 203 will also throw some activated carbon particles to the discharge port 109.

[0051] like Figures 8-10 As shown, the stirring assembly 3 also includes a movable gear ring 301 fixedly connected to the second gear 307, and a plurality of first gears 304 rotatably connected to the rotating frame 305. The first gears 304 mesh with the movable gear ring 301, and the first gears 304 are fixedly connected to a toggle plate 203.

[0052] When the second gear 307 rotates, it drives the movable gear ring 301 to rotate at the same speed. At this time, the rotation speed of the movable gear ring 301 is higher than the rotation speed of the rotating frame 305, that is, the rotating frame 305 will rotate relative to the movable gear ring 301. Since the first gear 304 meshes with the movable gear ring 301, the first gear 304 will rotate on its own, that is, the first gear 304 drives a toggle plate 203 to rotate, thereby realizing power transmission.

[0053] like Figure 8 As shown, multiple blades 303 are fixedly connected to the movable gear ring 301, and the blades 303 are inclinedly arranged on the movable gear ring 301. When the movable gear ring 301 rotates, the blades 303 rotate synchronously, so that the water flow and activated carbon particles in the filter box 101 flow from the motor 306 side to the settling box 104 side, preventing the activated carbon particles from staying in the dead corner of the stirring and being unable to be discharged.

[0054] Example 3:

[0055] This embodiment is a further extension of embodiment 2, as follows: Figure 11 As shown, a mixing plate 201 is fixedly connected to the actuating plate 203. When the actuating plate 203 rotates, it drives the mixing plate 201 to rotate. The rotation of the mixing plate 201 further enhances the stirring effect of tap water and activated carbon particles, further improving the adsorption speed of activated carbon particles and increasing efficiency.

[0056] Example 4:

[0057] This embodiment is a further extension based on embodiment 1, embodiment 2, or embodiment 3, specifically as follows: Figures 1-4 As shown, the filter box 101 is provided with a collection box 102 that is connected to the filter box 101 through a discharge port 109. Both the filter box 101 and the settling box 104 are provided with ramps 108. A transport pump 103 is provided between the collection box 102 and the settling box 104.

[0058] Most of the activated carbon particles are discharged from the discharge port 109 and fall into the collection box 102 for collection. The very few microplastics and activated carbon residues that settle in the filter box 101 and the settling box 104 fall onto the slope 108 and then slide and accumulate at a lower position. The transport pump 103 is started periodically to pump the settled microplastics and activated carbon residues into the collection box 102 for collection.

[0059] like Figures 2-5 As shown, an activated carbon granule box 105 is installed on the settling tank 104, and a feeding cylinder 111 is installed on the activated carbon granule box 105. A pyrolysis assembly 106 is also provided on the settling tank 104, with one end connected to the collection box 102 and the other end connected to the activated carbon granule box 105. Activated carbon granules and microplastics collected in the collection box 102 are drawn into the pyrolysis assembly 106 for pyrolysis using a transfer pump. After pyrolysis, the clean and intact activated carbon granules are transferred to the activated carbon granule box 105 for temporary storage. When needed, the activated carbon granules in the activated carbon granule box 105 are transported to the feeding cylinder 111 via the transfer pump and then fed into the filter box 101. The specific model of the pyrolysis assembly is chosen by those skilled in the art and will not be described further here.

[0060] Example 5:

[0061] This embodiment is a further extension based on any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, specifically as follows: Figures 2-5 As shown, a straight filter plate 112 is installed in the settling tank 104, and a flow meter 107 is installed at the drain outlet of the settling tank 104. The straight filter plate 112 is made of activated carbon resin. The straight filter plate 112 is installed to further filter the discharged water and prevent the very small amount of microplastics that are not adsorbed and settled from being discharged through the drain outlet. The flow meter 107 records the amount of water discharged for subsequent statistical analysis.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, a diversion plate 110 is provided on the filter box 101. After tap water is injected into the filter box 101, it is dispersed by the diversion plate 110 and then falls onto the semi-circular filter plate 113. This pre-disperses the tap water, thereby improving the mixing effect between the tap water and the activated carbon particles.

[0063] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications or equivalent changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for removing microplastics from tap water, comprising introducing tap water into a tap water microplastic removal device for activated carbon filtration purification, characterized in that: Activated carbon particles are put into the filter box (101) of the tap water microplastic removal device and fall onto the semi-circular arc filter plate (113). Tap water is introduced from the top of the filter box (101) so that the tap water first contacts the activated carbon particles and then permeates downward from the semi-circular arc filter plate (113). The anti-clogging component (3) installed in the filter box (101) is activated. The rotating frame (305) in the anti-clogging component (3) rotates and stirs the tap water and activated carbon particles above the semi-circular filter plate (113), so that the activated carbon particles fully adsorb the microplastics in the tap water. At the same time, the anti-clogging component (3) will also throw the activated carbon particles upwards in the filter box (101), so that some activated carbon particles are discharged from the discharge port (109) above the water surface in the filter box (101). After being purified by activated carbon particles, tap water is further purified by passing through a semi-circular arc filter plate (113). The purified tap water settles at the bottom of the filter box (101) and the bottom of the settling box (104) which is partially connected to the filter box (101) for a third purification. As tap water is continuously injected into the filter box (101), the tap water in the upper layer of the settling tank (104) is discharged through the drain outlet, which is level with the liquid level in the filter box (101).

2. The method for removing microplastics from tap water according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter box (101) is provided with a feeding cylinder (111) for feeding activated carbon particles. The anti-clogging component (3) is provided with a stirring component (2) for preventing the semi-circular arc filter plate (113) from clogging. The anti-clogging component (3) includes a motor (306) installed on the filter box (101). A rotating frame (305) is drivenly connected to the motor (306). The feeding cylinder (111) and the motor (306) are coaxially arranged.

3. The method for removing microplastics from tap water according to claim 2, characterized in that: The anti-clogging component (3) also includes a second gear (307) fixedly connected to the motor (306) and a fixed gear ring (302) fixedly connected to the filter box (101). Multiple third gears (308) are rotatably connected to the rotating frame (305). The third gears (308) mesh with the second gear (307) and the fixed gear ring (302) respectively. The rotating frame (305) is rotatably connected to the second gear (307).

4. The method for removing microplastics from tap water according to claim 3, characterized in that: The stirring assembly (2) includes multiple actuating plates (203) rotatably connected to the rotating frame (305). Adjacent actuating plates (203) are connected by belts (202). One actuating plate (203) is connected to the motor (306) for transmission. When the actuating plate (203) rotates, it moves the activated carbon particles stuck on the surface of the semi-circular filter plate (113).

5. The method for removing microplastics from tap water according to claim 4, characterized in that: The anti-blocking component (3) also includes a movable gear ring (301) fixedly connected to the second gear (307), and a plurality of first gears (304) rotatably connected to the rotating frame (305). The first gears (304) mesh with the movable gear ring (301), and the first gears (304) are fixedly connected to a toggle plate (203).

6. The method for removing microplastics from tap water according to claim 4, characterized in that: A mixing plate (201) is fixedly connected to the actuating plate (203).

7. A method for removing microplastics from tap water according to claim 5, characterized in that: Multiple blades (303) are fixedly connected to the movable gear ring (301), and the blades (303) are inclinedly arranged on the movable gear ring (301).

8. The method for removing microplastics from tap water according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter box (101) is provided with a collection box (102) that is connected to the filter box (101) through a discharge port (109). Both the filter box (101) and the settling box (104) are provided with ramps (108). A transport pump (103) is provided between the collection box (102) and the settling box (104).

9. A method for removing microplastics from tap water according to claim 8, characterized in that: An activated carbon pellet box (105) is installed on the settling tank (104), and a feeding cylinder (111) is installed on the activated carbon pellet box (105). A pyrolysis component (106) is also provided on the settling tank (104). One end of the pyrolysis component (106) is connected to the collection box (102), and the other end is connected to the activated carbon pellet box (105).

10. A method for removing microplastics from tap water according to claim 1, characterized in that: A straight filter plate (112) is provided in the settling tank (104), a flow meter (107) is provided at the drain outlet of the settling tank (104), and a flow divider plate (110) is provided on the filter box (101).

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