Mixing device for sampling filter media and fluids

Abstract

A mixing apparatus for sampling filter media and fluid in a fluid processing vessel. The mixing apparatus comprises: a sampling conduit; and a fluid discharge conduit, wherein a first end of the fluid discharge conduit is connected to a portion of the sampling conduit. The first end of the sampling conduit is configured to be slidably inserted into a fluid collection port of a fluid handling container. The sampling conduit may include a media collection port at a forward end and a media sampling / discharging valve at a rearward end. The media sampling valve may be configured to facilitate extraction of a desired amount of filter media for sampling purposes at any time during normal operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for sampling filter media and fluids in water treatment. Background Art

[0002] The treatment of wastewater and sewage has been a continuous process since the Middle Ages. Since the advent of municipal sewage systems, sewage treatment plants have been established on a regional basis to treat this waste. Traditional water filtration involves passing the untreated fluid through a device, such as a container pressurized with water, which has an inlet, a filter or filter media bed, and an outlet drain for removing the filtered water. The filter media can be granular, such as sand, a biofilter, or a multimedia bed. The filter media picks up the bulk of the solids contained in the filtered water, but allows the water to pass through. Oxidation of organic and nitrogenous substances in the fluid can also occur due to bacteria and other microorganisms present on the media surface of the bed.

[0003] The collection and accumulation of a layer of trapped solids, or biofilm, on the filter media prevents direct contact between the wastewater and the media, thereby reducing the filter media's effectiveness. The solids form a layer on top of the filter and multiple layers on the surface of the filter media. This results in a loss of pressure head, and the unit must be cleaned to restore optimal filter performance. Backwashing with air and water is required to effectively remove these solids. Therefore, backwashing, which is forced through a drain, is used to regularly clean the filter media, and the backwash liquid can be pumped to the waste above the filter media bed.

[0004] Typically, samples of the filter media and fluid are collected regularly to check the performance of the media and the quality of the purified fluid. Testing the media can also provide recommendations for what should be done upstream, such as whether the flow rate needs to be changed or if the media is not functioning properly. While fluid samples can be taken during normal operation of a water treatment system, traditional methods of sampling filter media require depressurizing the processing vessel, opening the vessel, and drawing the sample through the top opening of the vessel. This includes operational downtime when fluid processing is stopped. Traditionally, media samples cannot be taken during normal operation of a water treatment system or when the vessel does not need to be opened.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a device that can sample media and fluids during normal operation of a water treatment system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one or more embodiments, the present invention is directed to a mixing apparatus for sampling filter media and fluid in a fluid processing vessel.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a mixing device for sampling filter media and fluid. The mixing device includes: a sampling conduit; and a fluid discharge conduit, wherein a first end of the fluid discharge conduit is connected to a portion of the sampling conduit. The mixing device can have an overall L-shaped structure. The mixing device has a first end of the sampling conduit, which is configured to be slidably inserted into a fluid collection port of a fluid processing container, and the fluid processing container can include filter media and fluid. The sampling conduit can include a media collection port located at a front end and a media sampling / discharge valve located at a rear end. The media sampling valve can be located outside the fluid processing container. In addition, the media sampling valve can be configured to facilitate extraction of a desired amount of filter media for sampling purposes.

[0008] The mixing device may have a second end of a fluid discharge conduit that terminates in a fluid outlet. The fluid outlet may be configured to facilitate extraction of a desired amount of fluid for sampling purposes. Additionally, the first end of the fluid discharge conduit may be connected to the sampling conduit at a 90-degree angle.

[0009] The sampling conduit may include a fluid collection screen for separating the filter medium from the fluid, and the fluid collection screen may be located near the media collection port. The sampling conduit includes: a media sampling pipe; and a fluid collection pipe, wherein the inner diameter of the fluid collection pipe is larger than the outer diameter of the media sampling pipe. The separated fluid is configured to pass through an annular space formed between the media sampling pipe and the fluid collection pipe.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting element configured to connect a media sampling tube to a fluid collection screen. A distal end of the mounting element is press-fitted into a recess located at a front end of the fluid collection screen. The mounting element includes a central passageway therethrough, and the media sampling tube is received within the central passageway. The mixing device may include a ferrule for clamping onto the media sampling tube.

[0011] The mixing device may also include a fluid sampling valve located near the fluid outlet.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for sampling filter media and fluids. The method includes providing a mixing device as described herein and inserting a first end of the mixing device into a fluid collection port of a fluid processing container, wherein the fluid processing container includes filter media and fluid.

[0013] The method may include activating a media sampling valve and / or a fluid sampling valve; and collecting filter media and / or fluid from the pressurized container at any time during normal operation.

[0014] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which describe or relate to the apparatus, system, and method of the present invention. In the drawings, which are not intended to be drawn to scale, each similar component shown in the various figures is represented by a similar numeral. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 A mixing device for sampling filter media and fluids is depicted according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 A media collection port of a mixing device for sampling filter media and fluid is depicted according to another embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 Depicted are assembly elements of a mixing device for sampling filter media and fluids according to another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 A media sampling valve and a media sampling tube of a mixing device for sampling filter media and fluid according to another embodiment are depicted.

[0020] Figure 5 A water treatment system having a mixing device for sampling filter media and fluid is depicted according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 A water treatment system having a mixing device for sampling filter media and fluid is depicted according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Depending on the context, all references to the "invention" below may refer only to certain specific embodiments. Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition given to a term by persons skilled in the relevant art in printed publications and published patents at the time of filing this application.

[0023] Disclosed herein is a mixing device for sampling a filter medium and a fluid. As used herein, the term "mixing device" is intended to include multifunctional devices, such as devices that allow for sampling of both a fluid and a filter medium in a water treatment system. The mixing device for sampling a filter medium and a fluid (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as a "mixing device") can be configured to facilitate simultaneous or separate sampling of the fluid and the filter medium.

[0024] Reference Figure 1, the mixing device 100 has a generally L-shaped structure. However, it should be understood that the mixing device 100 can have any other suitable structure or shape. The mixing device 100 includes a filter medium and a fluid sampling conduit 101a (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as "sampling conduit 101a") and a fluid discharge conduit 101b. The first end of the fluid discharge conduit 101b can be connected to a portion of the sampling conduit 101a at a 90-degree angle, and the second end of the conduit 101b terminates at an opening 121 for discharging a desired amount of fluid for sampling or testing purposes. The sampling conduit 101a can be connected to a fluid processing container 120 via a flange seal 107 using a set of bolts (not shown). The fluid processing container can be a pressure vessel 120, which contains one or more filter media and one or more fluids to be filtered. A bracket 115 can be used to connect the fluid discharge conduit 101b to the pressure vessel 120.

[0025] The first end of the sampling conduit 101a can be configured to be slidably inserted into an existing fluid / liquid collection port 119 of the pressure vessel 120. The sampling conduit 101a has a media collection port 102 at a front end 108 and a media sampling / discharge valve 109 at a rear end. The media sampling valve 109 is located outside the pressure vessel 120 to facilitate extraction of the filter media. Because the sampling conduit 101a can be inserted into an existing port, the mixing device 100 can allow a sample of the filter media to be extracted without shutting down the water treatment system.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diameter of the media collection port 102 can be appropriately adjusted to allow a desired amount of filter media (not shown) to flow into the container. The filter media can flow through the port 102 and the sampling conduit 101a.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the media sampling valve 109 is configured to allow the desired amount of filter medium to be extracted / removed from the container 120 through the outlet 111 for sampling or testing purposes. The media sampling valve 109 includes a handle 110. Advantageously, the media sampling valve 109 can be arranged in a horizontal or vertical direction. Because the container 120 is pressurized, flow can occur in any orientation of these valves. The user can manually activate the media sampling valve 109 by rotating the handle 110. In one or more embodiments, the actuation of the valve can be automatic in response to a predetermined pressure differential across the valve. When the media sampling valve 109 is in an open configuration, the pressure differential across the valve causes the filter medium and fluid to be discharged from the outlet 111. When the media sampling valve 109 is in a closed configuration, the outflow of filter medium and fluid is suspended. In one or more embodiments, the media sampling valve 109 includes a faucet (not shown) that can be opened or closed.

[0028] The sampling conduit 101a also includes a fluid collection screen 105 for separating the fluid from the medium. Fluid collection screens are known in the art. The fluid collection screen 105 is configured to separate the fluid from the filter medium. These screens typically have a standard mesh size of 60 US mesh (US mesh, approximately 0.01 inch or 250 microns). On the other hand, the size of the resin beads (used for the filter bed) is typically in the range of 300 to 1200 microns (16-50 US mesh). Because the mesh size is smaller than the medium size, only the fluid is allowed to pass through the fluid collection screen 105. When the fluid sampling valve 112 is opened, the pressure difference in the system causes the fluid to flow through the screen 105 into the annular space of the sampling conduit 101a formed by the fluid collection tube 106 or external conduit 106 and the medium sampling tube or internal conduit 104. The inner diameter of the fluid collection tube 106 is larger than the outer diameter of the medium sampling tube 104, thereby facilitating the passage of the fluid through the annular space. The fluid collection screen 105 is located proximal to the medium collection port 102 and is configured to surround at least a portion of the medium sampling tube 104 and the fluid collection tube 106 .

[0029] The isolated or separated fluid is allowed to flow through the fluid collection screen 105 into the T-joint connector 117. The connector 117 can be any conventional connection device known in the art. The fluid then flows into the fluid discharge pipe 101b and the fluid sampling valve 112. The fluid sampling valve 112 is located near the fluid outlet 121. Figure 1 As shown, the fluid sampling valve 112 includes a valve handle 113. Similar to the media sampling valve 109, the fluid sampling valve 112 can be manually actuated by a user by rotating the valve handle 113. When the fluid sampling valve 112 is in an open configuration, a pressure differential across the valve causes fluid to be discharged from the outlet 121. When the fluid sampling valve 112 is in a closed configuration, the outflow of fluid is suspended. In one or more embodiments, the fluid sampling valve 112 includes a tap (not shown) that can be opened or closed.

[0030] The mixing device 100 also includes a mounting element 103. As shown in Figure 3In the embodiment, the assembly element 103 is configured to connect the medium sampling tube 104 and the fluid collection screen 105. The distal end of the assembly element 103 can be press-fitted into a groove located at the front end of the fluid collection screen 105. The assembly element 103 is configured to allow the medium sampling tube 104 to remain usable without deformation. The assembly element 103 includes a through-hole 116 for receiving the medium sampling tube 104. As shown in the figure, in one embodiment, the assembly element 103 lacks a tubular stop, allowing the tube 104 to pass through the assembly element 103 itself. In addition, a ferrule 114 can be used to clamp the medium sampling tube 104 and is configured to engage with an upper flange 114a and a lower flange 114b. The ferrule 114 can secure the medium sampling tube 104 within the pressure vessel 120, ensuring continuous flow of fluid and media within the mixing device 100 and ensuring the device's usability. In one embodiment, the ferrule 114 can be made of plastic or a composite material to prevent damage to the sampling tube 104 during installation. Small leaks at the junction of the mounting element 103 and the fluid collection screen 105 are not noticeable because the connection leads to the fluid collection tube 106. The mounting element 103 may have a seal configured to prevent the filter medium from entering the fluid collection tube 106.

[0031] like Figure 5-Figure 6 As shown, water treatment system 200 may include multiple pressure vessels or pressure columns 120. One or more mixing devices 100 may be connected to each vessel. For example, in one embodiment, at least three mixing devices 100 may be inserted into multiple ports of each vessel. Typically, the pressurized water column container has multiple sections, with existing ports at various heights ranging from 25%, 50%, and 75% of the fluid capacity. A section of mixing device 100 may be slidably inserted into each of these ports, allowing the extraction of a desired fluid and filter media sample.

[0032] In another embodiment, a method for sampling filter media and fluids in a pressure / pressurized container includes providing a mixing device 100 as described herein. A portion of the mixing device 100 can be slidably inserted into one or more existing ports in the pressure vessel. A user can collect filter media and / or fluid from the container at any time during normal operation by activating the media sampling valve and / or the fluid collection valve, without having to stop operation and open the container to extract the filter media. When the valve is in an open configuration, a desired amount of filter media and / or fluid can be collected for testing purposes. In addition, if the user needs to test filter media located deeper within the container, the user can insert a probe (not shown) into the media sampling port and extract a sample across a cross-section of the container. The probe includes a conduit having a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the media sampling conduit 104. Any fluid collected from the probe will be extracted from the end of the probe, allowing sampling through the media bed.

[0033] Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to achieve the objects and advantages set forth above, as well as those inherent therein. The foregoing description is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention may be employed in accordance with various aspects or embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The discussion of acts, materials, devices, articles, etc., is included in this specification solely to provide context for the present invention. There is no suggestion or representation that any or all of these constitute part of the prior art base or are common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

[0034] In addition, the above-mentioned specific illustrative embodiments may be changed or modified, and all such changes are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Although systems and methods are described in terms of "including," "comprising," or "encompassing" various devices / components or steps, it should be understood that systems and methods may also be "substantially consisting of" or "consisting of" various components and steps. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, each numerical range disclosed herein (in the form of "from about a to about b," or equivalently, "from about a to b") should be understood to set forth each numerical value and range included within a wider numerical range. If there is any conflict in the use of a word or term in this specification and one or more patents or other documents, the definition consistent with this specification should be adopted.

Claims

1. A mixing device for filtering media and sampling of fluids, comprising: Sampling catheter; as well as A fluid discharge conduit is provided, wherein a first end of the fluid discharge conduit is connected to a portion of the sampling conduit.

2. The mixing device according to claim 1, wherein The first end of the sampling conduit is configured to be slidably inserted into a fluid collection port of a fluid processing container, wherein the fluid processing container includes a filter medium and a fluid.

3. The mixing device according to claim 2, wherein The sampling conduit includes a medium collection port at the front end and a medium sampling / discharge valve at the rear end.

4. The mixing device according to claim 3, wherein The medium sampling valve is located outside the fluid processing container.

5. The mixing device according to claim 4, wherein The media sampling valve is configured to facilitate extraction of a desired amount of the filter media for sampling purposes.

6. The mixing device according to claim 2, wherein The sampling conduit includes a fluid collection screen for separating the filter media from the fluid, and wherein the fluid collection screen is located adjacent to the media collection port.

7. The mixing device according to claim 6, wherein The sampling conduit comprises: media sampling tubes; and A fluid collecting tube, wherein the inner diameter of the fluid collecting tube is larger than the outer diameter of the medium sampling tube.

8. The mixing device according to claim 7, wherein The separated fluid is configured to pass through an annular space formed between the medium sampling tube and the fluid collecting tube.

9. The mixing apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a fitting element configured to connect the media sampling tube to the fluid collection screen.

10. The mixing device according to claim 9, wherein The distal end of the fitting element is press-fitted into the groove located at the front end of the fluid collecting screen.

11. The mixing device according to claim 10, wherein The mounting element includes a central passage therethrough.

12. The mixing device according to claim 11, wherein The media sampling tube is received in the central channel.

13. The mixing device of claim 11, further comprising a ferrule for clamping onto the medium sampling tube.

14. The mixing device according to claim 2, wherein The second end of the fluid discharge conduit terminates in a fluid outlet, and wherein the fluid outlet is configured to facilitate extraction of a desired amount of fluid for sampling purposes.

15. The mixing device of claim 14, further comprising a fluid sampling valve located adjacent the fluid outlet.

16. The mixing device according to claim 1, wherein The mixing device has an overall L-shaped structure.

17. The mixing device according to claim 1, wherein The first end of the fluid discharge pipe is connected to the sampling conduit at a 90-degree angle.

18. A method of sampling a filter medium and a fluid, comprising: Providing a mixing device according to claim 1; as well as The first end of the mixing device is inserted into a fluid collection port of a fluid processing vessel, wherein the fluid processing vessel includes a filter medium and a fluid.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: Start the medium sampling valve and / or fluid sampling valve; as well as The filter media and / or the fluid are collected from the fluid processing vessel at any time during normal operation.

Images