A sedimentation and filtration device for phosphorus removal from seawater

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of seawater filtration technology, specifically to a sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal. The device includes a filter chamber with a conical bottom, a top cover detachably connected to the top of the filter chamber, an inlet pipe and an overflow pipe connected to the top cover, and a conveying component for transporting seawater connected to the inlet pipe. A hollow tube is detachably connected to the bottom of the top cover, and the inlet pipe communicates with the interior of the hollow tube. A filter layer is detachably connected to the inner wall of the filter chamber, and the hollow tube extends through the filter layer to below it. This invention integrates chemical precipitation and physical filtration within the same chamber, directly transporting seawater to the sedimentation zone below the filter layer via the hollow tube, achieving continuous treatment of reaction, sedimentation, and interception, thereby improving the efficiency of seawater phosphorus removal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of seawater filtration technology, specifically to a sedimentation filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal. Background Technology

[0002] Phosphorus is an essential element for life and plays a vital role in biological growth. However, excessive phosphorus concentrations in water bodies can easily lead to eutrophication and red tides, impacting the ecological environment and economic development. Eutrophication refers to water pollution caused by excessive levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in marine waters, primarily manifesting as red tides. Enclosed bays are more prone to this type of pollution due to their limited water exchange capacity. In recent years, the rapid and sustained development of mariculture has resulted in high nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in aquaculture wastewater due to inputs (feed, veterinary drugs, etc.), excrement, and biological debris, hindering the sustainable development of aquaculture and fishery resources.

[0003] Currently, seawater phosphorus removal mainly employs technologies such as chemical precipitation, biological phosphorus removal, and adsorption. Chemical precipitation involves adding phosphorus removal agents such as aluminum, iron, or calcium salts, which react with phosphates in the water to form insoluble phosphate precipitates, which are then separated into solid and liquid phases through sedimentation or filtration. While chemical methods have a wide range of applications, they suffer from the problem of generating large amounts of sludge for high-concentration phosphorus removal. Biological phosphorus removal utilizes the metabolic characteristics of polyphosphate-accumulating bacteria and other microorganisms to create a phosphorus-rich sludge discharge system. However, its main drawbacks are that it is only suitable for low-concentration phosphorus, and the process is complex and has a long operating cycle. The high salinity, high ionic strength, and complex chemical environment of seawater, including chloride ions, significantly interfere with the effectiveness of traditional phosphorus removal treatments, further increasing the difficulty of implementing these technologies.

[0004] Regarding sedimentation and filtration devices, existing treatment equipment for seawater phosphorus removal typically separates the sedimentation and filtration units. This results in large equipment footprints, numerous connecting pipelines, and high energy consumption in the intermediate transportation stages. Although some devices employ an integrated design, the liquid inlet method can easily disturb the sedimentation zone, hindering the concentrated accumulation and discharge of sediment, and easily creating sludge dead zones that are difficult to clean.

[0005] Therefore, this invention proposes a compact, low-disturbance, and easy-to-maintain sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal, in order to improve the efficiency of seawater phosphorus removal. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal, which improves the efficiency of seawater phosphorus removal.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal includes a filter chamber with a conical bottom, a top cover detachably connected to the top of the filter chamber, an inlet pipe and an overflow pipe connected to the top cover, and a conveying component for conveying seawater connected to the inlet pipe; a hollow tube detachably connected to the bottom of the top cover, and the inlet pipe communicating with the interior of the hollow tube; a filter layer detachably connected to the inner wall of the filter chamber, and the hollow tube extending through the filter layer to below the filter layer.

[0008] The technical principles of the above solution are as follows:

[0009] Seawater is pumped into the inlet pipe via a conveyor and then transported through a hollow pipe to the sedimentation zone below the filter layer. In this zone, phosphates in the seawater react chemically with pre-added phosphorus removal agents to form insoluble phosphate precipitates (such as LaPO4). The conical bottom structure facilitates the natural settling and accumulation of sediment by gravity, achieving solid-liquid separation. The supernatant flows upwards, and as it passes through the filter layer, residual fine particles are intercepted and removed, further purifying the water. The clarified water is discharged from the top overflow pipe; through this integrated design, phosphorus in the seawater is effectively removed.

[0010] The above approach has the following beneficial effects:

[0011] 1. This solution integrates chemical precipitation and physical filtration into a single chamber. Seawater is directly transported to the sedimentation zone below the filter layer via a hollow pipe, achieving continuous treatment of reaction, sedimentation, and interception. It eliminates the need for separate sedimentation and filtration tanks, reducing equipment footprint and piping requirements, making it suitable for space-constrained mariculture or small-scale treatment plants. Furthermore, the integrated design reduces energy loss during intermediate transport, lowering operating costs.

[0012] 2. In this design, the inlet pipe is connected to the hollow pipe. Due to the high water flow velocity inside the pipe and the slow flow velocity at the settling point, sufficient reaction and settling are achieved. Seawater directly enters the bottom of the filter layer, avoiding the impact and short-circuiting phenomena caused by traditional top-inlet systems. The water flow within the settling zone is stable, and phosphate precipitates can naturally settle to the bottom of the cone shape due to gravity. The supernatant carries only a small amount of suspended particles as it ascends through the filter layer, reducing the filter layer's retention burden and improving overall operational stability.

[0013] 3. The bottom of this design features a conical structure, causing sediment to converge towards the lowest point in the center, forming a high-concentration sludge layer. This facilitates subsequent sludge removal and avoids the sludge dead zones commonly found in flat-bottomed containers. The top cover is detachably connected to the filter chamber, allowing for easy cleaning of internal sediment, replacement of filter media, or cleaning of the chamber itself.

[0014] Furthermore, the top cover is also connected to a titration port for conveying the mixture.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The titration port facilitates the addition of phosphorus removal agents or pH adjusters into the device, ensuring a complete chemical reaction, improving phosphorus removal efficiency and reducing agent waste; it also enhances the adaptability and processing stability of the device.

[0016] Furthermore, the filter layer includes one or more of high-density PP filter media, wool filter media, or paper filter media.

[0017] Beneficial effects: The filter layer uses high-density PP, wool, or paper filter media, balancing chemical corrosion resistance and retention efficiency. Different materials can be used for graded filtration of colloidal phosphorus, suspended solids, and fine particles in seawater. Furthermore, combinations can be made to adapt to water quality fluctuations, improving overall phosphorus removal accuracy and effluent stability.

[0018] Furthermore, the inner wall of the filter layer is also provided with an upper grid plate for supporting the filter layer; a support member is also provided between the upper grid plate and the inner wall of the filter cavity.

[0019] Beneficial effects: The upper grid plate provides stable support for the filter layer. In conjunction with the support components, it reduces the short-circuiting phenomenon of water flowing around the edge of the filter layer, allowing seawater to pass through the filter media, ensuring uniform filtration effect, improving phosphorus removal accuracy, extending the service life of the filter media, and ensuring stable compliance of the effluent water quality.

[0020] Furthermore, a support ring can be detachably connected to the bottom of the filter chamber.

[0021] Beneficial effects: The support ring provides stable support for the filter chamber, and its quick-release design facilitates regular cleaning, reduces maintenance difficulty and downtime, and ensures continuous operation of sedimentation filtration.

[0022] Furthermore, the bottom of the hollow tube is circumferentially connected to several flexible tubes, and a baffle is fixedly connected to the bottom of the hollow tube; a float is fixedly connected to the end of each flexible tube away from the hollow tube, and the density of the float is less than that of seawater.

[0023] Beneficial effects: The bottom of the hollow tube is connected to a flexible tube with a float. The float has a density less than seawater, allowing the tube outlet to float in the upper clear liquid layer of the sedimentation zone. This enables multi-point, uniform, and low-disturbance water intake, avoiding direct impact of high-speed water flow on the bottom sedimentation layer, preventing the settled phosphate precipitates from being re-rolled up, and improving solid-liquid separation efficiency and effluent quality.

[0024] Furthermore, an aeration ring can be detachably connected to the inner wall of the filter chamber, and the aeration ring is connected to an air supply component for conveying compressed air; the air supply component is signal-connected to a controller, and the output end of the air supply component is connected to the middle of the aeration ring.

[0025] Beneficial effects: Aeration can be started and stopped by the controller, and the filter layer can be agitated by bubbles to prevent caking and blockage, thereby enhancing the solid-liquid separation effect. The detachable structure facilitates maintenance and cleaning, extends the life of the filter media, and improves phosphorus removal efficiency and stability.

[0026] Furthermore, the inner wall of the filter chamber can be detachably connected to a baffle layer, which is located below the aeration ring. The aeration ring has several air outlet holes running through it circumferentially. The baffle layer has several trapezoidal guide holes, with the top diameter of the guide holes being larger than the bottom diameter.

[0027] Beneficial effects: By adding a baffle layer with trapezoidal guide holes below the aeration ring, a flow guiding structure is formed. The upper sediment can fall into the bottom sediment layer through the guide holes, while the bottom sediment is less likely to be swept upwards through the guide holes. This design reduces sediment resuspension, maintains stability in the sedimentation zone, and improves solid-liquid separation efficiency.

[0028] Furthermore, the filter also includes a flushing element for rinsing the filter layer, a controller connected to the flushing element via a signal connection, and the output end of the flushing element connected to the top cover; a solenoid valve is also connected inside the hollow tube, and the controller is used to control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve during the operation of the flushing element to close the connection path of the hollow tube; a storage chamber for storing sediment is also connected to the bottom of the filter chamber.

[0029] Beneficial effects: By coordinating the controller with the flushing components and solenoid valves, a control logic is achieved that first cuts off the bypass, then backflushes. During backflushing, the solenoid valve closes the connection path of the hollow pipe, allowing the flushing water to flow through the filter layer for reverse flushing, thus improving the backflushing intensity and cleaning efficiency. Collecting sediment in the storage chamber at the bottom prevents sludge from repeatedly suspending or diffusing in the filtration zone, ensuring clear effluent.

[0030] Furthermore, the hollow tube is equipped with several interconnected U-shaped tubes, all with their openings facing downwards; the water inlet pipe is connected to the top U-shaped tube, and the flexible hoses are all connected to the bottom U-shaped tube.

[0031] Beneficial effects: The U-shaped tube utilizes the difference in flow resistance to regulate flow velocity. Inlet water passes quickly through the top connection; upon entering the bottom flexible tube, the flow is restricted by the structure, resulting in a slower flow and extending the reaction residence time. This fast-in, slow-reaction mechanism optimizes the flocculation process, thereby further improving phosphorus removal efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an isometric sectional view of the sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a frontal cross-sectional view of the hose in the seawater phosphorus removal sedimentation and filtration device of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a frontal cross-sectional view of the aeration ring in the sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5This is a front cross-sectional view of the baffle layer in the sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal of the present invention.

[0037] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: 1. Filter chamber; 2. Top cover; 3. Hollow tube; 4. Filter layer; 5. Upper grid plate; 6. Support component; 7. Support ring; 8. Hose; 9. Float; 10. Aeration ring; 11. Baffle; 12. U-shaped tube. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0042] Example 1:

[0043] As attached Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown: A sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal includes a filter chamber 1 with a conical bottom. The top of the filter chamber 1 is connected to a top cover 2 by threads. The top cover 2 is connected to an inlet pipe and an overflow pipe. The inlet pipe is connected to a conveying component for conveying seawater. In this embodiment, the conveying component is a water pump. A hollow tube 3 is detachably connected to the bottom of the top cover 2. The inlet pipe is connected to the interior of the hollow tube 3. A filter layer 4 is detachably connected to the inner wall of the filter chamber 1. The hollow tube 3 extends through the filter layer 4 and below the filter layer 4.

[0044] The top cover 2 is also connected to a titration port for conveying the mixture. In this embodiment, the titration port is connected to the water inlet pipe, and the seawater and mixture are pumped together into the filter chamber 1 by a water pump. In some preferred embodiments, a separate drive source can also be used to pump the mixture into the filter chamber 1.

[0045] The filter layer 4 includes one or more of high-density PP filter media, wool filter media, or paper filter media. In this embodiment, high-density PP filter media with a pore size of 5-10 μm is used.

[0046] The inner wall of the filter layer 4 is also provided with an upper grid plate 5 for supporting the filter layer 4; a support member 6 is also provided between the upper grid plate 5 and the inner wall of the filter cavity 1.

[0047] A support ring 7 can also be detachably connected to the bottom of the filter chamber 1. In this embodiment, the support ring 7 is used to provide an installation position for the filter chamber 1, so that the device can be stably installed in the designated position; the support ring 7, the filter chamber 1 and the hollow tube 3 are all made of transparent materials, such as acrylic, to facilitate observation of the internal flow, the state of the filter layer 4 and the height of the sedimentation layer.

[0048] The specific implementation process is as follows: First, the filter chamber 1 is stably installed in a predetermined position (such as a seawater aquaculture tank or aquaculture net cage) via the bottom support ring 7. The inlet pipe and the delivery component are connected, and the water pump inlet is placed in the seawater to be treated. The delivery end of the phosphorus removal agent (such as lanthanum chloride) is connected to the inlet pipe through the titration interface. The start-stop cycle of the water pump is set through the controller (such as automatically stopping for 10 minutes every 2 hours of treatment).

[0049] When the controller sends a start signal, the water pump begins operation, continuously pumping the mixture of seawater and phosphorus removal agent into the inlet pipe. The mixture then enters hollow pipe 3 and is transported along it to the sedimentation zone below filter layer 4 (i.e., the area above the conical bottom of filter chamber 1). In the sedimentation zone, phosphates in the seawater react chemically with the phosphorus removal agent to form insoluble phosphate precipitates (such as LaPO4). The conical bottom structure allows the precipitates to settle naturally under gravity and accumulate along the cone wall towards the lowest point in the center, forming a concentrated sludge layer.

[0050] The supernatant in the sedimentation zone flows slowly upward as the influent volume increases, first passing through filter layer 4. In this embodiment, a high-density PP filter material with a pore size of 5-10 μm is used, which can effectively intercept residual fine precipitate particles and suspended solids in the supernatant. Filter layer 4 is supported by the upper grid plate 5 and forms a flow-around-free seal with the inner wall of the cavity through the support member 6, ensuring that the liquid passes through filter layer 4 and avoiding short circuits. The filtered clean water continues to rise into the clean water zone between the top cover 2 and filter layer 4.

[0051] When the liquid level in the clear water zone rises to the height of the overflow pipe, the clarified water is continuously discharged from the overflow pipe. The controller can automatically control the water pump operation according to the preset intermittent or continuous mode. If the continuous mode is used, the device can achieve a balance between liquid inlet, reaction, sedimentation, filtration, and water outlet, and operate stably for a long time.

[0052] After a certain operating cycle (e.g., every 7 days or when the effluent turbidity increases significantly), stop the water pump intake. Remove the hollow tube 3 and filter layer 4 by disassembling the top cover 2 (threaded connection). Rinse the sediment at the bottom of the cone with clean water, or drain the sludge through the pre-drained sludge outlet at the bottom of the cone (not shown). Backwash the removed filter layer 4 or replace it with new filter media. After cleaning, reassemble to resume use.

[0053] This embodiment ensures long-term stable phosphorus removal effect through efficient mixing of seawater phosphorus removal agents and rapid separation and interception of precipitates; it is suitable for solid-liquid separation steps in chemical precipitation phosphorus removal (such as using metal salts to generate phosphate precipitates), and can also be used in similar experimental or small-scale treatment systems that require integrated precipitation and filtration.

[0054] Example 2:

[0055] As attached Figure 3 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the bottom of the hollow tube 3 is also circumferentially connected with several flexible tubes 8, and a baffle is fixedly attached to the bottom of the hollow tube 3; a float 9 is fixedly attached to the end of each flexible tube 8 away from the hollow tube 3, and the density of the float 9 is less than that of seawater.

[0056] The specific implementation process is as follows: First, connect the top of the hollow tube 3 to the water inlet pipe, and connect 4-6 flexible hoses 8 evenly around the bottom. A float 9 (such as PP material, with buoyancy greater than the weight of the same volume of seawater) is glued to the end of each hose 8.

[0057] During operation, unlike traditional devices that directly spray the mixed liquid from a fixed inlet into the bottom of the sedimentation zone, easily impacting the settled sludge, this solution achieves adaptive liquid distribution through a float 9. The controller starts the water pump, and the mixture of seawater and phosphorus removal agent enters the hollow tube 3 through the inlet pipe. Upon reaching the bottom of the hollow tube 3, the mixture disperses into each flexible tube 8. Because the float 9 has a lower density than seawater, the outlet of the flexible tube 8 can remain suspended in the clear liquid layer at the top of the sedimentation zone, rather than sinking into the sludge layer at the bottom. The mixed liquid seeps out uniformly from multiple flexible tube 8 ports at a low flow rate, similar to multi-point drip irrigation entering the sedimentation zone, without generating jets or localized eddies. This contrasts with the localized disturbances caused by fixed inlet pipes in existing technologies (regardless of whether the outlet faces upward, downward, or sideways).

[0058] Within the stable sedimentation zone, phosphate ions react with the reagent to form insoluble LaPO4 precipitate. The settled precipitate is not stirred up; the conical bottom allows it to slide naturally and accumulate at the bottom, resulting in a clear supernatant. The supernatant then flows upwards, passing through high-density PP filter media, where residual fine particles are intercepted, further purifying the solution. Finally, the clarified water is discharged from the overflow pipe on top cover 2.

[0059] When sludge removal or maintenance is required, the controller stops the water pump. Since hose 8 and float 9 can be removed together with hollow tube 3 (the entire assembly can be lifted after removing top cover 2), cleaning is convenient. The baffle also prevents filter media from falling off during removal. Throughout the entire operating cycle, float 9 automatically adjusts the outlet height of hose 8 to adapt to changes in liquid level, preventing it from inserting into the sludge layer and causing blockage.

[0060] Example 3:

[0061] As attached Figure 4 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 2 is that an aeration ring 10 is detachably connected to the inner wall of the filter chamber 1. The aeration ring 10 is connected to an air supply component for conveying compressed air. The air supply component is signal-connected to a controller, and the output end of the air supply component is connected to the middle of the aeration ring 10. In this embodiment, the air supply component is an air pump, and the output end of the air supply component extends along the inside of the hollow tube 3, passes through the baffle, and is connected to the aeration ring 10.

[0062] The specific implementation process is as follows: First, the aeration ring 10 is detachably installed on the inner wall of the filter chamber 1 using snap-fit ​​or other means, located below the baffle of the hollow tube 3 and above the sedimentation zone. The output end of the air supply component (air pump) is connected to a thin tube, which extends downward along the inside of the hollow tube 3, passes through the pre-set sealing hole on the baffle, and connects to the middle of the aeration ring 10.

[0063] After the device has been running for a period of time, the controller starts the air pump according to a preset cycle. Compressed air is delivered to the aeration ring 10 through the thin tube inside the hollow tube 3, and is evenly sprayed out from the air outlet to form a group of bubbles. At this time, the bubbles pass through the bottom of the sedimentation zone, disturbing the accumulated sediment and preventing it from caking and clogging the sludge discharge port. Furthermore, when the bubbles rise to the area of ​​the float 9, a large number of tiny bubbles adhere to the surface and surrounding of the float 9, further increasing the buoyancy of the float 9, making the outlet of the hose 8 more stably suspended in the upper layer of the clear liquid layer, avoiding the hose 8 from sinking into the sludge zone due to liquid level fluctuations or water flow disturbances, and improving the solid-liquid separation efficiency. This is different from the situation in the prior art where the aeration ring 10 is used alone, and may even interfere with the stability of the influent distribution.

[0064] When maintenance is required, the controller shuts off the water pump and air pump, removes the top cover 2, and pulls up the hollow pipe 3. The hose 8 and float 9 are removed together, and the aeration ring 10 can be disassembled and cleaned separately. Throughout the operation, the aeration ring 10, float 9, and hose 8 achieve dynamic adaptive coordination through the physical action of air bubbles, which prevents sedimentation and caking and ensures low-disturbance and uniform water intake.

[0065] Example 4:

[0066] As attached Figure 5 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 3 is that the inner wall of the filter chamber 1 can also be detachably connected to a baffle 11, which is located below the aeration ring 10. The aeration ring 10 has several air outlet holes running through it in the circumference. The baffle 11 has several trapezoidal guide holes, and the top diameter of the guide holes is larger than the bottom diameter.

[0067] The specific implementation process is as follows: The controller starts the water pump, and the mixture of seawater and phosphorus removal agent enters the hose 8 through the hollow pipe 3. Under the action of the float 9, it is steadily released into the upper part of the sedimentation zone, where it reacts to generate phosphate precipitate. The precipitate accumulates at the bottom of the cone, and the supernatant passes through the filter layer 4 and is discharged from the overflow pipe.

[0068] Unlike existing technologies where aeration holes only provide unidirectional upward aeration, this solution utilizes the air outlets of the aeration ring 10 to achieve bidirectional function. When the controller starts the air pump according to a preset cycle, compressed air enters the aeration ring 10 and is ejected from the air outlets to both the upper and lower sides, generating a large number of microbubbles. As the bubbles rise, they adhere to the surface of the float 9, increasing its buoyancy and making the outlet of the hose 8 more stably suspended in the clear liquid layer. On the other hand, the bubbles pass through the sedimentation zone, disturbing the hardened sediment, preventing blockage, and lifting the entrained fine particles into the supernatant where they are intercepted by the filter layer 4.

[0069] Simultaneously, another portion of the gas is ejected downwards from the vent, directly impacting the lower baffle 11. Because the guide holes on the baffle 11 are trapezoidal (larger at the top, smaller at the bottom), the downward-ejected gas, upon encountering the baffle 11, is guided by the sidewalls of the guide holes and enters the area below the baffle 11 through the smaller diameter opening at the bottom of the guide holes. This directional airflow sweeps the loose sediment on the surface of the bottom sediment layer below the baffle 11, causing it to fall into a deeper accumulation zone without suspending and returning to the supernatant. At the same time, the guiding characteristics of the trapezoidal guide holes ensure that the sediment can fall smoothly from above into the area below the baffle 11 under gravity, but disturbances from the gas or liquid below make it difficult to carry the sediment back upwards, thus achieving a solids-only retention effect.

[0070] This bidirectional design of the air outlet is fundamentally different from existing technologies where the aeration ring 10 only bubblees upwards, potentially even causing the sediment to churn throughout the tank. In this design, upward-flowing bubbles help stabilize the float 9, while downward airflow drives the sediment to the deeper bottom layer, improving solid-liquid separation efficiency and extending the cleaning cycle of the filter layer 4.

[0071] Example 5:

[0072] The difference from Embodiment 4 is that this embodiment also includes a rinsing component for rinsing the filter layer 4. The controller is signal-connected to the rinsing component, and the output end of the rinsing component is connected to the top cover 2. A solenoid valve is also connected inside the hollow tube 3. The controller is used to control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve during the operation of the rinsing component to close the connection path of the hollow tube 3. A storage chamber for storing sediment is also connected to the bottom of the filter chamber 1. In this embodiment, the rinsing component is a rinsing pump.

[0073] The specific implementation process is as follows: Under normal operating conditions, the hollow tube 3 is kept unobstructed. The phosphate precipitate generated by the reaction slides down the bottom of the cone under gravity and enters the storage chamber through the connecting port. The supernatant passes upward through the filter layer 4 and is discharged from the overflow pipe. The aeration ring 10 operates for short periods in a cycle, and the downward-spraying airflow further blows the precipitate below the baffle layer 11, ensuring that it falls smoothly into the storage chamber.

[0074] When the controller detects an increase in differential pressure in filter layer 4 or reaches a preset operating time (e.g., 24 hours), it initiates the backwashing mode. At this time, the controller first issues a command to close the solenoid valve inside the hollow tube 3, cutting off the connection between the inlet pipe and the hose 8. Then, it activates the flushing mechanism, injecting clean water (or an air-water mixture) into the filter chamber 1 from the top cover 2. The clean water flows downwards into filter layer 4, rinsing the surface of the filter media and washing away trapped impurities. The flushed wastewater flows downwards into the sedimentation zone, flushing away the small amount of sediment accumulated at the bottom of the cone into the storage chamber. After backwashing for 1–3 minutes, the controller stops the flushing mechanism, reopens the solenoid valve, and resumes the normal inlet filtration process.

[0075] This solution uses the storage chamber as a collection unit for backwash sludge. Impurities carried by the backwash wastewater directly enter the storage chamber. The storage chamber is set up independently, so that sludge does not accumulate inside the main filter chamber 1. With the linkage of the solenoid valve and the flushing components, automatic online cleaning and sludge discharge can be achieved, reducing manual operation.

[0076] Example 6:

[0077] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the difference from embodiment 5 is that the hollow tube 3 is also provided with a number of interconnected U-shaped tubes 12, and the openings of the U-shaped tubes 12 all face downwards; the water inlet pipe is connected to the top U-shaped tube 12, and the hoses 8 are all connected to the bottom U-shaped tube 12.

[0078] The specific implementation process is as follows: The water pump is started via the controller, and the mixture of seawater and phosphorus removal agent enters the inlet pipe. The mixture first flows into the top U-shaped pipe 12. Due to the downward opening of the U-shaped pipe 12 and the bend in its diameter, the liquid is guided by inertia and changes in direction as it flows within the U-shaped pipe 12, resulting in low flow resistance and allowing it to maintain a high linear velocity through each stage of the U-shaped pipe 12. This acceleration section design allows the mixture to quickly pass through the hollow pipe 3, shortening the delivery time from the inlet pipe to the outlet of the hose 8, and preventing the agent from reacting with the seawater prematurely during delivery to form precipitation and block the pipeline.

[0079] When the mixed liquid enters the hose 8 from the bottom U-shaped tube 12 outlet, the flow state changes due to diversion. The mixed liquid slowly seeps out from the hose 8 outlet at the float 9 end and enters the sedimentation zone. At this time, due to the low flow velocity, the seawater and the reagent have sufficient residence time in the sedimentation zone, allowing phosphate ions and reagent molecules to fully mix, collide, and react to form insoluble phosphate precipitates. This flow rate control mechanism, characterized by rapid initial flow and slow reaction during the reaction period, contrasts with existing technologies using fixed inlet pipes or ordinary straight pipe distribution methods. Existing technologies cannot control the delivery and reaction rates, either resulting in premature reaction and pipe blockage during delivery or excessive speed upon entering the sedimentation zone, disturbing the sediment layer. This solution, through the series structure of U-shaped tubes 12, achieves a combination of accelerated delivery and decelerated reaction without the need for external valve adjustment, utilizing fluid inertia and flow channel constraints. Simultaneously, all U-shaped tubes 12 openings face downwards, preventing air bubbles rising in the sedimentation zone from flowing back into the hollow tube 3, avoiding airlock and ensuring stable unidirectional liquid flow.

[0080] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal, comprising a filter chamber (1) with a conical bottom and a top cover (2) detachably connected to the top of the filter chamber (1), characterized in that, The top cover (2) is connected to an inlet pipe and an overflow pipe. The inlet pipe is connected to a conveyor for transporting seawater. The bottom of the top cover (2) is detachably connected to a hollow pipe (3). The inlet pipe is connected to the interior of the hollow pipe (3). The inner wall of the filter chamber (1) is detachably connected to a filter layer (4). The hollow pipe (3) extends through the filter layer (4) to the bottom of the filter layer (4).

2. The sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover (2) is also connected to a titration port for conveying the mixture.

3. The sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter layer (4) includes one or more of high-density PP filter media, wool filter media or paper filter media.

4. The sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the filter layer (4) is also provided with an upper grid plate (5) for supporting the filter layer (4); a support member (6) is also provided between the upper grid plate (5) and the inner wall of the filter cavity (1).

5. The sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the filter chamber (1) is also detachably connected to a support ring (7).

6. The sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom of the hollow tube (3) is also connected to several flexible tubes (8) in a circumferential manner. A baffle is fixedly connected to the bottom of the hollow tube (3). A float (9) is fixedly connected to the end of each flexible tube (8) away from the hollow tube (3). The density of the float (9) is less than that of seawater.

7. The sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inner wall of the filter chamber (1) can also be detachably connected to an aeration ring (10), which is connected to an air supply component for conveying compressed air; the air supply component is connected to a controller, and the output end of the air supply component is connected to the middle of the aeration ring (10).

8. The sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner wall of the filter chamber (1) can also be detachably connected to a baffle (11). The baffle (11) is located below the aeration ring (10). The aeration ring (10) has several air outlets running through it. The baffle (11) has several trapezoidal guide holes with the top diameter of the guide holes being larger than the bottom diameter.

9. The sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a flushing component for flushing the filter layer (4), a controller connected to the flushing component, and the output end of the flushing component connected to the top cover (2); a solenoid valve is also connected inside the hollow tube (3), and the controller is used to control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve during the operation of the flushing component to close the connection path of the hollow tube (3); a storage chamber for storing sediment is also connected at the bottom of the filter chamber (1).

10. The sedimentation and filtration device for seawater phosphorus removal according to claim 9, characterized in that, The hollow tube (3) is also equipped with several interconnected U-shaped tubes (12), and the openings of the U-shaped tubes (12) all face downwards; the water inlet pipe is connected to the top U-shaped tube (12), and the hoses (8) are all connected to the bottom U-shaped tubes (12).

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