A laboratory water tank that can reduce the concentration of suspended solids in drug solutions

Abstract

This invention provides a laboratory water tank for reducing the concentration of suspended solids in pharmaceutical solutions. The tank comprises a square tank with a downward-sloping central area. Within this recessed area, from top to bottom, are arranged the following: a sedimentation separation zone for preliminary solid-liquid separation of the liquid entering the tank; a filtration and adsorption zone connected to the lower end of the sedimentation separation zone for filtering and adsorbing the pre-separated liquid; and a purified liquid discharge zone connected to the lower end of the filtration and adsorption zone and connected to an external drainage pipe. This invention integrates sedimentation separation, multi-stage filtration, and adsorption functions, effectively intercepting and removing large particles of pharmaceutical residue and fine suspended solids from waste pharmaceutical solutions, while also effectively reducing dissolved organic matter, pigments, and odors, thus achieving effective pretreatment of laboratory waste pharmaceutical solutions at the source of discharge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of laboratory equipment technology, specifically to a laboratory water tank that can reduce the concentration of suspended solids in pharmaceutical solutions. Background Technology

[0002] In research and teaching laboratories in chemistry, biology, and medicine, water tanks are indispensable infrastructure, primarily used for washing laboratory equipment and disposing of waste liquids. However, the traditional design concept of laboratory water tanks has long been limited to meeting basic water supply and drainage functions. Their structure typically consists of only a simple tank and a drain outlet with a simple filter. This design has significant shortcomings when dealing with increasingly complex laboratory waste liquids, especially those containing solid pharmaceutical residues, suspended particles, and various chemical components: First, they lack the ability to separate suspended solids, relying solely on gravity sedimentation, which cannot effectively remove tiny particles, leading to the direct discharge of suspended solids with the wastewater and easily clogging drain pipes. Second, they lack targeted treatment structures, making it difficult to handle waste liquids of different properties and achieve graded treatment of suspended solids. Third, cleaning pharmaceutical residues is inconvenient; due to the lack of specialized collection and separation structures, pharmaceutical residues easily adhere to the inner walls of the tank or accumulate near the drain outlet, requiring manual wiping or unblocking, which is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but may also lead to residue residue residue and secondary pollution. Finally, without pollution prevention measures, the waste liquid is prone to producing odors and breeding bacteria when left for a long time, and there is also a risk of cross-contamination. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a laboratory water tank that can reduce the concentration of suspended solids in pharmaceutical solutions.

[0004] The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0005] A laboratory water tank capable of reducing the concentration of suspended solids in drug solutions includes:

[0006] a square sink;

[0007] The central area of ​​the square water tank has a downward-facing concave structure, and within this concave structure, from top to bottom, are arranged the following:

[0008] A sedimentation separation zone is used for preliminary solid-liquid separation of the liquid entering the water tank;

[0009] A filtration and adsorption zone, connected to the lower end of the precipitation and separation zone, is used for filtration and adsorption treatment of the liquid after preliminary separation; and

[0010] A clean liquid discharge area is connected to the lower end of the filtration and adsorption area and is connected to an external drainage pipe.

[0011] Optionally, the sedimentation separation zone is a detachable circular basket, which is made of stainless steel grating to form a water-permeable structure; the upper end of the circular basket is provided with a handle, and the outer side wall is provided with steel bar slots for positioning.

[0012] Optionally, the upper inner wall of the filter adsorption zone is provided with a slot that matches the steel bar slot, and the steel bar slot and the slot form a detachable snap-fit ​​fixing structure.

[0013] Optionally, the interior of the filtration and adsorption zone is filled from top to bottom with a coarse filter media layer, a fine filter media layer, and an adsorption filter media layer.

[0014] Optionally, the height ratio of the coarse filter layer, the fine filter layer, and the adsorption filter layer is 2:1:1.

[0015] Optionally, the coarse filter layer is a layer of granite crushed stone with a particle size range of 15-20 mm, the fine filter layer is a layer of quartz sand with a particle size range of 10-15 mm, and the adsorption filter layer is a layer of granular activated carbon with a particle size range of 5-10 mm.

[0016] Optionally, a rubber sealing ring is fitted on the outer wall of the filter adsorption zone, and a sealed fixation with the inner wall of the square water tank recess structure is achieved by an external thread and an adjustable external nut set on the outer wall of the filter adsorption zone.

[0017] Optionally, an integrally formed partition with permeable holes is provided at the connection between the filtration and adsorption zone and the purified liquid discharge zone, wherein the diameter of the permeable holes is no greater than 5 mm.

[0018] Optionally, the purified liquid discharge zone and the filtration and adsorption zone are connected by a threaded structure consisting of an external drain pipe thread and a drain pipe nut.

[0019] Optionally, the handle is a ring-shaped structure to reduce the hand grip and wrist twisting required when lifting or placing a basket full of medicinal residue.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0021] This invention relates to a laboratory water tank that reduces the concentration of suspended solids in pharmaceutical wastewater. The main body of the tank is a square tank with a recessed central area. Within this recessed structure, three functional zones are innovatively arranged from top to bottom: a sedimentation and separation zone, a filtration and adsorption zone, and a purified liquid discharge zone. The sedimentation and separation zone, located at the top, is used for initial interception of large solid particles. Below this zone, the filtration and adsorption zone is filled with multiple layers of filter media for deep purification. The purified liquid discharge zone, located at the bottom, is responsible for discharging the treated liquid into the sewage system. These three zones are organically combined into a collaborative whole through specific connections and fixing structures. This water tank integrates sedimentation separation, multi-stage filtration, and adsorption functions, not only efficiently intercepting and removing large particles of pharmaceutical residue and fine suspended solids from waste pharmaceutical solutions, but also effectively reducing dissolved organic matter, pigments, and odors, thus achieving effective pretreatment of laboratory waste pharmaceutical solutions at the source of discharge. Meanwhile, this utility model aims to improve the maintainability and operational safety of the equipment. Through modular and user-friendly design, it simplifies the cleaning process, reduces secondary pollution and operator exposure risks, and also provides basic protective functions such as odor prevention and rodent control. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-sectional structure of the overall structure of a specific embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view of the overall structure of a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a large-scale drawing of the basket opening of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 0, water tank; 1, sedimentation and separation zone; 2, filtration and adsorption zone; 3, purified liquid discharge zone; 101, basket handle; 102, steel bar clamp; 103, water-permeable hole; 201, rubber sealing ring; 202, external thread; 203, external nut; 204, coarse filter media layer; 205, fine filter media layer; 206, adsorption filter media layer; 207, water-permeable hole; 208, slot; 301, external drain pipe thread; 302, external drain pipe nut. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0029] Reference Figures 1-3 This embodiment discloses a laboratory water tank that can reduce the concentration of suspended solids in a drug solution. It includes a square water tank 0, with a downward-facing concave structure in the middle region of the square water tank 0. Within this concave structure, from top to bottom, are arranged the following:

[0030] A sedimentation separation zone 1 is used for preliminary solid-liquid separation of the liquid entering the water tank 0;

[0031] A filtration and adsorption zone 2, connected to the lower end of the precipitation and separation zone 1, is used for filtration and adsorption treatment of the liquid after preliminary separation; and

[0032] A clean liquid discharge zone 3 is connected to the lower end of the filtration and adsorption zone 2 and is connected to an external drainage pipe.

[0033] Specifically, the main body of this device is a square water tank 0 adapted to the installation dimensions of a standard laboratory benchtop. This water tank 0 is preferably made of austenitic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance to withstand the erosion of various acids, alkalis, salts, and organic solvents encountered in the laboratory. The central area of ​​the water tank 0 is integrally molded and recessed downwards, forming a cylindrical installation cavity. The core innovation of this invention is a three-stage treatment system consisting of a sedimentation separation zone 1, a filtration and adsorption zone 2, and a purified liquid discharge zone 3, installed within this cavity. These three zones are vertically stacked in space and functionally progressive, together forming a complete waste liquid pretreatment flow path. Therefore, this invention vertically integrates the three major physical treatment units of sedimentation, filtration, and adsorption within the limited space of the water tank 0, forming a gradient treatment process from coarse to fine, and then to the molecular level. This integrated design changes the traditional single-function status of the water tank 0, upgrading it from a simple discharge container to a highly efficient source pretreatment device.

[0034] Precipitation separation zone 1 is a detachable basket-type primary solid-liquid separation unit, as shown in the reference. Figure 1 and Figure 3The sedimentation separation zone 1 is a detachable circular basket. This basket, serving as a primary processing unit, is designed to balance separation efficiency and ease of maintenance. Made of stainless steel, the basket measures 115mm in diameter and 115mm in height in this embodiment. Its surface is covered with permeable holes 103 formed by stainless steel grids, with the hole diameter strictly controlled to be less than 2mm to ensure smooth liquid flow while effectively intercepting larger particles such as solid residues, broken glass, and magnetic stir bar particles with a diameter greater than 2mm. A sturdy ring handle is located at the center of the upper end of the basket. Its size and shape are optimized for easy and stable one-handed grip even when wearing gloves, significantly reducing the difficulty of lifting a basket filled with heavy loads and the risk of accidental drops. In addition, two steel bar slots 102, each about 5mm long, are symmetrically welded to the outer wall of the upper end of the circular basket. These two steel bar slots 102 match the slots 208 pre-set on the inner wall of the upper end of the lower filter adsorption zone 2. When the circular basket is placed in, the slots will click into the slots 208, forming a stable and reliable locking structure. This not only prevents the basket from shaking or floating under the impact of water flow, but also makes the process of taking the circular basket out and taking it out extremely simple, achieving true "install and take out".

[0035] Filter adsorption zone 2 is a three-layer gradient deep purification core unit. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The filtration and adsorption zone 2 serves to deeply filter and adsorb waste liquid, and it is a modular cylindrical unit. The outer shell of this zone is also made of stainless steel, with an outer diameter of 120mm, allowing it to fit snugly into the recessed cavity of the water tank 0. To achieve a perfect waterproof seal, a thick rubber sealing ring 201 (inner diameter 120mm, outer diameter 143mm in this embodiment) is fitted onto the upper part of its outer wall. The outer shell also has external threads 202, which work in conjunction with an adjustable external nut 203 that can be tightened from below the water tank 0. During installation, the filtration and adsorption zone 2 is placed into the recess of the water tank 0, and the nut is tightened from below. The upward pressure of the nut fully compresses the rubber sealing ring 201, thus forming a reliable static seal between the outer wall of the filtration zone and the inner wall of the water tank 0, completely eliminating the possibility of sideflow and leakage. This also allows the entire filtration unit to be easily disassembled for thorough cleaning or replacement of the internal filter media.

[0036] The interior of the filtration and adsorption zone 2 is sequentially filled from top to bottom with a coarse filter media layer 204, a fine filter media layer 205, and an adsorption filter media layer 206, forming a gradient filter bed. This means the filter bed pores are arranged from large to small, ensuring the entire bed participates in the contaminant interception process, thus significantly increasing the contaminant holding capacity and filtration cycle. The upper coarse filter media layer 204 uses 15-20mm granite gravel, serving as a protective layer to intercept coarser particles falling from the upper basket and to evenly distribute the water flow, preventing direct impact on the lower fine filter media and avoiding surface erosion or channeling. The middle fine filter media layer 205 uses 10-15mm quartz sand. Quartz sand has high hardness, wear resistance, and good chemical stability; this layer is the main mechanical filtration layer, responsible for removing finer suspended particles and turbidity. The lower layer of adsorption filter media uses granular activated carbon with a particle size of 5-10 mm. Granular activated carbon has extremely strong adsorption capacity due to its huge specific surface area and highly developed microporous structure. Moreover, activated carbon is widely used to remove trace organic pollutants from wastewater, such as drug residues, pigments, and odor-producing compounds. In this layer, dissolved pollutants in the wastewater are effectively adsorbed, thereby achieving deep purification of the water. In addition, in this embodiment, the filling height ratio of the coarse filter layer 204, the fine filter layer 205, and the adsorption filter layer 206 is set to 2:1:1, which aims to balance the functions of each filter layer. The thicker coarse filter layer provides sufficient buffering and water distribution space, while the fine filter layer and adsorption layer of similar thickness ensure sufficient filtration and adsorption contact time, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the entire filter bed.

[0037] The bottom of the filtration and adsorption zone 2 is a stainless steel partition plate integrally formed with the cylinder body. The partition plate is evenly distributed with water-permeable holes 207 with a diameter of no more than 5mm. These small holes can ensure that the treated liquid flows smoothly into the liquid discharge zone 3 below, and can also reliably support the bottom activated carbon filter material to prevent it from being lost. At the same time, this pore size is also sufficient to form an effective physical barrier to prevent pests such as rats from entering the laboratory from the sewer system, adding an extra layer of protection to the safety of the laboratory environment.

[0038] The purified liquid discharge zone 3 is the final link in the entire treatment system. Its structure is relatively simple, and its main function is to collect the treated purified liquid and discharge it stably into the municipal sewer system. In this embodiment, its outer diameter is 50mm to fit standard drainage pipes. Its upper inlet is threaded to the lower outlet of the filter adsorption zone 2 via an external drain pipe thread 301 and a drain pipe nut. This connection method is firm and reliable, and also facilitates disassembly and maintenance when needed.

[0039] In summary, this device, through the interception of large-particle pharmaceutical residue in the sedimentation separation zone 1 and the subsequent multi-layer filter media system in the filtration and adsorption zone 2, significantly reduces the concentration of suspended solids (SS) in the discharged wastewater, effectively preventing pipe blockage. More importantly, the use of the adsorption filter media layer 206 (such as granular activated carbon) can remove some dissolved organic matter, pigments, and odor molecules, which is of great significance for reducing the load on subsequent wastewater treatment plants and lowering final environmental emissions. The detachable basket design of the sedimentation separation zone 1 allows users to easily remove and clean the intercepted solid waste, avoiding direct contact with the wastewater in the tank. The modular design of the filtration and adsorption zone 2 allows it to be disassembled as a whole for cleaning or replacing the filter media. These designs greatly simplify maintenance, reduce operation time, and lower the risk of chemical exposure and muscle strain for operators. The limited-pore-size (≤5mm) permeable holes 207 at the bottom of the filtration and adsorption zone 2 not only effectively prevent filter media leakage but also form a physical barrier, effectively preventing pests such as rodents from entering the laboratory through the drainage pipes. Meanwhile, the water seal structure and activated carbon deodorization function of the entire system help suppress odor generation and backflow of odors, maintaining a good laboratory working environment.

[0040] Workflow:

[0041] Primary sedimentation separation: When the waste liquid containing suspended drug residue is poured into the water tank 0, the waste liquid first flows into the circular basket of the sedimentation separation zone 1. Under the action of gravity, the denser solid particles (drug residue, sediment, etc.) quickly settle and are intercepted by the grid at the bottom and side wall of the basket.

[0042] Two-stage gradient filtration: After initial separation, the liquid passes through the permeable holes 103 of the basket and enters the lower filtration and adsorption zone 2. The liquid first flows through the coarse filter layer 204, where larger suspended solids are trapped; then it enters the fine filter layer 205, where even smaller particles are removed; finally, the liquid slowly permeates through the adsorption filter layer 206, where organic matter and pigments are adsorbed.

[0043] Three-stage adsorption purification: In the activated carbon layer, organic matter and pigment molecules dissolved in the liquid are adsorbed by strong van der Waals forces onto its porous surface, and odors are also removed.

[0044] Final discharge: The purified liquid, which has become clear after three stages of treatment, passes through the permeable holes 207 at the bottom of the filtration zone, enters the purified liquid discharge zone 3, and is finally discharged into the sewer system through the drain pipe.

[0045] Maintenance procedures:

[0046] Cleaning the basket: When a large amount of solid waste is found in the basket, the operator can easily remove it by simply holding the handle and lifting it vertically upwards. After pouring the waste into the designated solid waste collection container, the basket can be rinsed with clean water and then put back in. The whole process is quick and hygienic, and there is no need to come into contact with waste liquid.

[0047] Replace the filter media: When the treatment effect decreases due to adsorption saturation or clogging (which can be judged by the slow water flow or the presence of color / odor in the effluent), it can be replaced. The operator first loosens the external nut 203 from below the water tank 0, then removes the entire filtration adsorption zone 2 unit from above, pours out the ineffective filter media, cleans the inside of the chamber, and then refills it with new filter media in a 2:1:1 ratio. Finally, it is reassembled as before and the nut is tightened. The whole process does not require special tools and can be completed by ordinary laboratory personnel.

[0048] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should realize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made based on the description and illustrations of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A laboratory sink capable of reducing the concentration of a drug liquid suspension, comprising a square sink, characterized in that, The central area of ​​the square water tank has a downward-facing concave structure, and within this concave structure, from top to bottom, are arranged the following: A sedimentation separation zone is used for preliminary solid-liquid separation of the liquid entering the water tank; A filtration and adsorption zone is connected to the lower end of the precipitation and separation zone and is used to filter and adsorb the liquid after preliminary separation. as well as A clean liquid discharge area is connected to the lower end of the filtration and adsorption area and is connected to an external drainage pipe.

2. The laboratory sink capable of reducing the concentration of a reagent liquid suspension according to claim 1, wherein, The sedimentation separation zone is a detachable circular basket, which is made of stainless steel grating to form a water-permeable structure. The circular basket is provided with a handle at the top and steel bar slots for positioning on its outer side wall.

3. The laboratory sink capable of reducing the concentration of a reagent liquid suspension of claim 2, wherein, The upper inner wall of the filtration and adsorption zone is provided with a slot that matches the steel bar latch, and the steel bar latch and the slot form a detachable snap-fit ​​fixing structure.

4. The laboratory water tank for reducing the concentration of suspended solids in a drug solution according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior of the filtration and adsorption zone is filled from top to bottom with a coarse filter media layer, a fine filter media layer, and an adsorption filter media layer.

5. The laboratory water tank according to claim 4, which can reduce the concentration of suspended solids in a drug solution, is characterized in that, The height ratio of the coarse filter layer, fine filter layer, and adsorption filter layer is 2:1:

1.

6. The laboratory water tank according to claim 4, which can reduce the concentration of suspended solids in a drug solution, is characterized in that, The coarse filter layer is a layer of granite crushed stone with a particle size range of 15-20 mm, the fine filter layer is a layer of quartz sand with a particle size range of 10-15 mm, and the adsorption filter layer is a layer of granular activated carbon with a particle size range of 5-10 mm.

7. The laboratory water tank according to claim 1, which can reduce the concentration of suspended solids in a drug solution, is characterized in that, A rubber sealing ring is fitted on the outer wall of the filtration and adsorption zone, and a sealed fixation with the inner wall of the square water tank recessed structure is achieved by an external thread and an adjustable external nut set on the outer wall of the filtration and adsorption zone.

8. The laboratory water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, A one-piece molded partition with permeable holes is provided at the connection between the filtration and adsorption zone and the purified liquid discharge zone. The diameter of the permeable holes is no greater than 5 mm.

9. The laboratory water tank according to claim 1, which can reduce the concentration of suspended solids in a drug solution, is characterized in that, The purified liquid discharge area and the filtration and adsorption area are connected by a threaded structure consisting of an external drain pipe thread and a drain pipe nut.

10. The laboratory water tank for reducing the concentration of suspended solids in a drug solution according to claim 2, characterized in that, The handle is a ring-shaped structure to reduce the hand grip and wrist twisting required when lifting or placing a basket full of medicinal residue.

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