SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF WASTEWATER

Abstract

System (1) for the treatment and disposal of wastewater, comprising: a pipeline (13) for conveying the wastewater containing at least light substances, at least one settling basin (2) for receiving the wastewater from the pipeline (13), wherein the flow direction of the wastewater in the settling basin (2) is helical or spiral towards the center and leads to the spatial separation of light substances contained in the wastewater, wherein an earth dam (20) of the settling basin (2) creates flow conditions for calming the wastewater within the settling basin (2); a flooded wetland (6) crossed by at least one track (71, 72, ..., 7 m ) is defined, where each path track (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) a large number of fluidically interconnected basins (91, 92, ..., 9 N ) exhibits, with within each lane (71, 72, ..., 7 M) a movement (18) of the wastewater takes place by means of gravity and organic pollutants are removed by biological degradation exclusively by means of bacteria and other microorganisms; and an expulsion area (4) comprising at least one ramp (40) leading to an entrance (6) IN ) of the flooded wetland (6), comprising a ramp surface (41) of the ramp (40) comprising a plurality of obstacles (42) arranged on the ramp surface (41) and enhancing the turbulence of the wastewater flowing from the ramp surface (41) to the entrance (6 IN ) of the flooded wetland (6) flows down, with the expulsion area (4) receiving the wastewater from an outlet (25) of the settling basin (2).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a system for the treatment and disposal of wastewater containing at least substances with a lower density than water.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the treatment and disposal of wastewater containing at least substances with lower density. DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0003] German patent application DE 21 63 283 A discloses a process and a plant for wastewater treatment. In a first stage, coarse suspended solids are allowed to settle, while lighter material is allowed to float to the surface. The wastewater is drawn off at a level between the sediment and the surface. In a second stage, the drawn-off wastewater is filtered through a filter bed planted with vegetation. The filter bed is periodically drained until the filtered sludge layer has dried. In a third stage, the filtered wastewater is passed through the root zone of at least one elimination bed, whose plants can utilize the remaining impurities as a nutrient source.

[0004] European patent EP 2 213 629 B1 relates to an arrangement for the treatment and disposal of wastewater containing salt and oil. The arrangement includes a settling area for receiving wastewater and for the precipitation of oil components from the wastewater. A reed bed contains plants for absorbing and breaking down impurities in the wastewater, and the reed bed borders the settling area. Adjoining the reed bed is a modular basin area with a connecting basin, the connecting basin being supplied with treated wastewater from the reed bed area and / or other connecting basins, controlled by distribution devices. A brine zone is provided for receiving residual water from the modular basin area, as well as for water evaporation and salt concentration. The reed bed area has parallel reed segments, which are formed from rows of flow-through reed beds.The settling area features corresponding settling basins within the reed beds. A vertical channel is provided at the settling area for feeding and distributing the wastewater to the settling basins. The supply basin for the modular basin area is designed for cultivated plants, algae, animals, fish, shrimp, and / or microorganisms. The settling area, the reed bed area, the modular basin area, and the saltwater area are arranged with their basins in a terraced, decreasing-height arrangement in the direction of wastewater flow. The flow of wastewater through the system is driven by gravity. Surface skimmers are provided in the settling area to remove oil from the surface and transfer it to a collection tank. A control device is equipped with sensors for measuring and adjusting the chemical and physical parameters of the wastewater.The base of the reed bed area has a lower sealing layer for waterproofing and a substrate layer for planting, with the reed bed being planted with Phragmites Australis.

[0005] International patent application WO 2009 / 000845 A2 discloses a method for using contaminated water from a borehole outflow generated by oil wells to produce biofuel and / or other biochemical compositions. The method is defined by separating the borehole outflow in an oil-water separation apparatus into a crude oil stream and a contaminated water stream containing capped fractions of impurities, such as crude oil, salt, and metals. Subsequently, at least a portion of the contaminated water stream is fed into an irrigation system of a cascade-like series of soil beds in which at least one salt-tolerant cellulose plant, such as reeds, eucalyptus trees, and / or tamaris, is planted, this cascade of soil beds acting as a cascaded biological filter for the stepwise further reduction of the crude oil and metal content of the contaminated water stream.The cellulose crop(s) are cultivated in the raised beds, using the contaminated water stream to irrigate and mature them. A mature cellulose crop is harvested from at least one of the raised beds, and the harvested cellulose material is then converted through a chemical transformation process into a biofuel compound and / or other biochemical composition.

[0006] The article "Oil / Water Separation: State of the Art," United States Environmental Protection Agency, Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory, Cincinnati OH 45268, EPA-600 / 2 78-069, April 1978, discloses several methods for separating oil and water. One method described is separation by gravity.

[0007] US Patent 5,174,897 A discloses a design comprising, in hydraulic sequence, a sedimentation basin, a flat-lip separator, a grass filter, a wetland, and a deep pond. The design can be used to remove pollutants from diffuse runoff sources. Wetlands are planted with vegetation that promotes the growth of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, which are helpful in removing and detoxifying pollutants.

[0008] US Patent 3,770,623A discloses a system for purifying contaminated wastewater containing oily impurities, coarse suspended material, mucus, colloidal material, dissolved inorganic and organic compounds, and / or pathogenic organisms. In a first-stage vessel, for example, the oily impurities are separated because they float to the surface of the water. Multiple filtration beds in the second stage remove mucus and colloidal material. Pipelines and valves connect the first-stage vessels to the second stage. A third stage includes at least one elimination bed in which a plant can grow and utilize the dissolved material in the wastewater as nutrients.

[0009] The biological treatment of wastewater is typically carried out in two different ways: either technically or naturally. The technically approach is standard wastewater treatment, such as that using sequencing batch reactor (SBR) technology and many others employed worldwide. The naturally occurring approach is reed bed technology, which is also state-of-the-art in many parts of the world. Reed beds, consisting of several essential components such as a pretreatment system for solids removal, the horizontally or vertically flowing reed bed containing Phragmites australis (common reed) and / or other higher plants, marsh plants, or helophytes, and all the necessary technical equipment (such as inlet, outlet, connections, flow and quality measurement, and flow regulation), are well-established in wastewater treatment.

[0010] The main characteristic of all reed types is that the water to be treated must flow through the planted filter body vertically or horizontally, or a combination of both, and in any case, water should not constantly be present on the surface. However, there is also another term, the so-called constructed wetland system family, which, in addition to the reed types mentioned above, also includes settling ponds and overflow reed beds, which represent a mixture of reed and settling pond technology.

[0011] One disadvantage is that the roots of Phragmites australis or other higher plants, such as marsh plants, penetrate the waterproofing layer if the treatment area or overflow reed bed is not artificially sealed, such as a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film. This makes the waterproofing layer permeable, posing a risk of seepage and groundwater contamination.

[0012] Another disadvantage is that the extensive biomass of Phragmites australis, which can grow up to 6 m tall, prevents sunlight from reaching the water's surface. Therefore, the active water column above the root zone is almost as dark and shaded as at night. This lack of sunlight in the water column prevents some of the important biological and chemical activities that take place in sunlit, shallow waters.

[0013] Another disadvantage is that the extensive biomass of Phragmites australis must be harvested regularly and, due to a lack of further use, disposed of at considerable expense. Furthermore, no suitable harvesting technology is available, which results in varying degrees of damage to the soil and riparian zones of the reedbeds. After harvesting, the reedbeds must be repaired.

[0014] Furthermore, the large-scale growth of reed biomass is in fierce competition for nutrients with the microorganisms living in shallow water, such as the bacteria responsible for breaking down pollutants like hydrocarbons. The growth of reed biomass requires a large amount of artificial fertilizer for the operation and functioning of the system. Moreover, the nutrient deficiency must be compensated for by adding artificial fertilizer to the system, which negatively impacts the environmental footprint and operating costs.

[0015] Reed bed technology, whether filter bed systems or flooded reed beds, is dependent on the reeds, marsh plants, or helophytes for its process function and is therefore limited to a specific maximum salinity. This upper limit is reached when the salinity of seawater is reached, which is approximately 3.5%. Above this salinity, higher plants cannot survive, and therefore filter bed reed beds and flooded reed beds reach their limits at a maximum salinity of 3.5% in the wastewater being treated.

[0016] Settling ponds were at the beginning of wastewater treatment plant history and were long considered state-of-the-art in wastewater treatment. However, with increasing population and pollution levels, settling ponds are no longer considered state-of-the-art for domestic wastewater treatment, as their treatment capacity is limited, they require a large amount of space, and they can potentially cause odor problems. Settling ponds are still used today for specialized, mostly industrial applications.

[0017] The main characteristic of settling ponds is that no significant wastewater flow passes through a filter medium. The microorganisms responsible for the purification and / or degradation process are primarily in a mobile phase, floating freely throughout the water. Only a small portion of the purification and / or degradation process is carried out by immobile microorganisms that form a biofilm on surfaces such as the bottom or sides of the ponds. This biofilm also acts as a biological seal, as it blocks or at least significantly reduces the passage of water through the so-called biological membrane (the biofilm on surfaces). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for the treatment and disposal of wastewater containing at least light substances (substances with a lower density than water), wherein the system has no negative impact on the economic efficiency and the environmental balance of the plant, does not cause shading so that sunlight reaches the water surface, avoids groundwater pollution, and does not require a limit on the salt content of the wastewater to be treated.

[0019] The above problem is solved by a system for treating and disposing of wastewater containing at least light substances, wherein the system comprises the features of claim 1.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for the treatment and disposal of wastewater containing at least light substances, wherein the method has no negative impact on economic efficiency or environmental impact. Furthermore, the method should not provide shading to allow sunlight to reach the water surface. Likewise, groundwater pollution should be avoided, and no limit on the salt content of the wastewater to be treated should be necessary.

[0021] The above object is achieved by a method for treating and disposing of wastewater which contains at least light substances, the method comprising the features of claim 14.

[0022] The system for treating and disposing of wastewater containing at least light solids has a pipeline for supplying the wastewater. The wastewater to be treated can be domestic and industrial wastewater, thermally contaminated water such as cooling water, oil production water, or wastewater additionally contaminated with salt, metals, minerals, and other substances. The wastewater emerges from the pipeline at a speed of a few meters per second.

[0023] At least one settling basin receives the wastewater from the pipeline to spatially separate the lighter solids from the rest of the wastewater. After a defined residence time of the wastewater in the settling basin, the lighter solids float or are located at the surface of the water. Lighter solids are substances that have a lower overall density than water. A discharge zone is arranged at an inlet of a flooded wetland, and this discharge zone receives the wastewater from the settling basin. Preferably, the discharge zone receives the wastewater from approximately the middle of the water column (midway between the water level and the bottom of the settling basin) within the settling basin. The flooded wetland is defined by at least one pathway, each pathway comprising a plurality of interconnected basins.Within each lane, the wastewater moves by gravity. The interconnected basins serve to remove organic contaminants through biological degradation, which occurs exclusively through bacteria and other microorganisms. The other microorganisms can be fungi, fungal spores, algae, etc., which are introduced into the basins via the wind or bird droppings, for example. Bacteria can also be introduced via the wind.

[0024] It is clear that no higher plants are involved in the biological degradation.

[0025] Additionally, microalgae can be added to or already present in the pools of the flooded wetland. The microalgae act as a catalyst for nutrients for the bacteria.

[0026] The volume of the settling basin is dimensioned such that the daily volume of wastewater to be treated can be retained for at least one day. The ratio between the diameter and depth of the settling basin is at least 1:10, preferably 1:20.

[0027] The advantage of this wastewater treatment and disposal system lies in the fact that roots of higher plants cannot penetrate the sealing layer of the basins, and sunlight is not blocked from reaching the water surface by higher plants. The system can therefore be operated economically. Furthermore, the system according to the invention has no limitations regarding the salt content of the wastewater or its capacity.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the settling basin has an octagonal shape and is bordered by an earth dam. The octagonal shape of the settling basin serves to dissipate energy and reduce the flow velocity of the wastewater, which is loaded with at least light substances, such as oil, and also salt, and is fed to the settling basin via the pipeline. In the settling basin, the light substances are spatially separated from the wastewater.

[0029] The advantage of a settling basin is that the incoming wastewater is introduced into the basin somewhere in the middle third of the watercourse, and the basin walls provide sufficient friction to calm the flow of the wastewater within the basin. Lighter solids are then easily separated from the rest of the water. Settling basins can have various artificial shapes, such as round, hexagonal, octagonal, or similar.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the system, at least one extraction device is provided to extract the light materials, such as oil, from the settling basin. A pipeline is provided for transporting the extracted light materials, for example oil, to a storage area for light materials.

[0031] As described above, a discharge area is located at the entrance to a flooded wetland, and this discharge area receives the wastewater from the settling basin. The wastewater is transported from the settling basin to the discharge area by gravity flow. Downstream of the settling basin, the wastewater is transported solely by gravity flow. The advantage of gravity flow is that no pumps are required, thus saving energy. The discharge area has at least one ramp with a ramp surface, from which the nearly light-pollutant-free wastewater from the settling basin flows down the ramp surface to the entrance of the flooded wetland.

[0032] The ramp area includes several obstacles arranged on it. These obstacles are designed to increase the turbulence of the wastewater flowing down the ramp area towards the entrance of the flooded wetland. In one embodiment, the number of ramps in the discharge area corresponds to the number of pathways.

[0033] The advantage of the expulsion zone is that it can be used to expel H2S that may be present in the wastewater. The expulsion zone efficiently creates turbulence and increases the surface area of ​​the wastewater, which increases the efficiency of expelling H2S. Expelling H2S is important because too much H2S in the wastewater would impede or delay subsequent degradation processes in the flooded wetland (floodplain).

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flooded wetland is defined by at least one sector-shaped pathway, each sector-shaped pathway consisting of several fluidically interconnected basins. The movement of wastewater takes place within each sector-shaped pathway, and the removal of organic contaminants through biological degradation occurs exclusively using bacteria and other microorganisms. If necessary and appropriate, additional microalgae and / or bacteria can be added to the degradation process. The daily loading height of the basins of the flooded wetland is between 2 and 5 cm / m. 2The area of ​​the basins in the flooded wetland is affected. The daily loading level depends on many factors, such as pollution, evaporation rate at the specific location of the flooded wetland, and many more. For reasons of economic feasibility, the flooded wetland area is sealed with a so-called natural mineral sealing layer (MSL), which is between 20 and 30 cm thick, depending on the permeability of the material used for the MSL. Permeability is measured using the permeability coefficient (kf-value). The permeability coefficient depends strongly on the soil particle size and factors such as the void content, saturation, and the shape and arrangement of the soil particles.

[0035] The advantage of the sector-shaped route is that the route has long and narrow basins that conform to the contours of the available land, and that the shape of the flooded wetland fits perfectly into the contours of the available land, offering a significant advantage in terms of economic feasibility.

[0036] As described above, the settling basin preferably has an octagonal shape defined by an earth dam. It is designed to dissipate energy and reduce the flow velocity of the oil- and salt-laden wastewater fed into the basin via the pipeline. Due to the octagonal shape of the settling basin, the wastewater flows helically or spirally towards the center of the basin. The nearly oil-free wastewater exits the settling basin through a central outlet structure located at a height similar to the pipeline inlet.

[0037] This flow direction enables the flotation of light solids, such as oil. After the flotation process, the light solids float to the surface, where they are removed using existing equipment, such as skimmers or suction devices, and transported via a pipeline to an oil storage tank. The volume of the settling tank is dimensioned to retain the daily volume of wastewater to be treated for at least one day. The ratio between the diameter and depth of the settling tank is at least 1:10, preferably 1:20.

[0038] The advantage lies in the fact that the shape of the settling basin and the position of the inlet of the oil-laden wastewater enable an efficient and time-effective separation of the oil from the rest of the wastewater.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ejection area has at least one ramp with a ramp surface, wherein the ramp surface may include several obstacles arranged on the ramp surface. The number of ramps corresponds to the number of sector-shaped lanes. The ramp surface is rectangular or ideally trapezoidal.

[0040] The advantage of the ramp design lies in the increased turbulence of the wastewater flowing down the ramp. This turbulence aerates the water, thus increasing its surface area, which allows gases such as H₂S to be driven out. The removal of H₂S is a crucial process step, as excessively high H₂S concentrations in the treated water hinder or delay subsequent degradation processes in the flooded wetland.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the multiple fluidically interconnected basins of each sector-shaped path has rounded shapes, thereby changing the flow direction and significantly reducing the flow velocity. These rounded shapes are provided to prevent parts of the wastewater from participating in the biological degradation process.

[0042] The flooded wetland is the area where the actual treatment (e.g., hydrocarbon removal) takes place. The advantage of the rounded shapes is that reduced or stopped wastewater flow in the corners of the basins is avoided. A reduced or stopped wastewater flow would negatively impact the degradation process. Another advantage of the rounded shapes of the basins is that no backfilling occurs, which has a positive impact on the economic efficiency and environmental impact of the plant.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the daily height of the load in the flooded wetland is between 2 and 5 cm / m². 2 and depends on many factors, such as pollution, evaporation capacity at the respective location, and many more. For reasons of economic feasibility, the area of ​​the wetland designated for flooding will be sealed with a so-called natural mineral sealing layer (MSL), which should be between 20 and 30 cm thick, depending on the measured permeability of the material (grain size, grain distribution).

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a dam encloses each basin of each sector-shaped track. The dam also forms dividing walls within some basins of the sector-shaped track. A road may be constructed on top of the dam.

[0045] The advantage is that the dam allows maintenance personnel to reach almost any location within the flooded wetland, and also some of the dams cover the pipes that run from one basin to the next downstream basin of the terrace system.

[0046] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the several fluidically interconnected basins are arranged in a natural landscape or landscape profile. The water level of the wastewater to be treated within the interconnected basins has an identical contour line for each basin and lies at a lower level for each subsequent basin.

[0047] The advantage of this design of the flooded wetland in a natural landscape is that construction costs and construction time are significantly reduced, which has a positive effect on the economic efficiency of the system.

[0048] According to one embodiment shown, the interconnected basins are defined by the contour lines and a fluid connection between two successive basins, the fluid connection being a constriction. According to another embodiment shown, the interconnected basins can be defined partly by the contour lines and partly by at least one dam. The fluid connection between two successive basins can preferably be a constriction.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the outflow of the last basin of the at least one lane leads to a salt separation area.

[0050] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a collecting channel or gutter is arranged at an outlet of the flooded wetland, which collects the treated wastewater from an outlet of the last basin of at least one path. The collecting channel leads to a salt separation area.

[0051] The salt separation zone can be an evaporation zone.

[0052] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a central control unit is provided to control the amount of oil-laden wastewater fed to the settling basin and the residence time in the settling basin, the rate of nearly oil-free wastewater fed to the expulsion area, and the amount of wastewater fed to the flooded wetland. Likewise, the flow rate between the basins of each lane and the amount of purified, but saline, water fed into the collecting channel can be regulated or controlled.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, a collecting channel is arranged at an outlet of the flooded wetland, which collects the wastewater from each of the sector-shaped pathways. An evaporation area receives the purified, but saline, wastewater via the collecting channel.

[0054] According to the invention, a method for treating and disposing of wastewater containing at least light substances is disclosed: • in one step, the wastewater is fed via a pipeline to a settling basin to separate light substances (e.g. oil) and the floating light substances are removed from the surface of the water body in the settling basin; • In a further step, the wastewater, which is almost free of light substances, is transported from the settling basin to an expulsion area, where turbulence and aeration are generated to expel the H2S; and • In a further step, the wastewater from the discharge area, which is almost free of light substances, is transferred to a flooded wetland in order to clean it of organic pollutants exclusively by means of bacteria and other microorganisms, with the water to be cleaned flowing through several interconnected basins.

[0055] According to a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, in an additional step the treated wastewater from the last basin of the at least one path is conducted via at least one outflow of the flooded wetland to a salt separation area.

[0056] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a step of transferring the purified water from the last basin of each lane of the flooded wetland can be carried out directly into the salt separation area or indirectly into a collecting channel, which then leads to the salt separation area. The salt separation area can have various configurations. For example, it can be a simple pond or lake, a solar saltworks, or a technical saltworks.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the process step in the settling basin is supported by a tangential, spiral, or helical flow. Sufficient friction is generated by the walls of the settling basin to slow the movement of the wastewater within it. The settling basin can have various artificial shapes, such as round, hexagonal, octagonal, or the like. The shape of the settling basin can be defined by an earthen dam. Light solids separation preferably takes place over a residence time of one and a half to three days. In one embodiment, the light solids are extracted from the surface of the settling basin and transported via a pipeline to a storage area for the light solids.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the H₂S is expelled onto a ramp surface of at least one ramp in the expulsion area, while the wastewater flows down the ramp surface. For example, the inflow rate from the expulsion area to the flooded wetland is approximately 40,000 m³ / h. 3 / day and an outflow from the flooded wetland of approximately 26,000 m³ 3 / Day.

[0059] The evaporation area can be considered a recycling lake for water evaporation and the collection of residual materials. The water evaporates and is thus returned to the regional water cycle. The residual materials, such as minerals, various salts, rare earth elements, and many other substances, can be collected from time to time as needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The numerous advantages of the disclosure may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system for treating and disposing of wastewater containing at least light substances. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a system for the treatment and disposal of wastewater, which contains at least light substances and is additionally capable of processing thermal water. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the settling basin and the expulsion area. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the in Fig. 3 area marked with a dashed line showing the settling basin and the expulsion area. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment (see Fig. 1) of the flooded wetland for cleaning by means of bacteria and other microorganisms of residual organic pollutants remaining in the wastewater. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the area that is in Fig. 5 is marked with a dashed line B, which shows a detailed view of the expulsion area. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the Fig. 5 Area marked with a dashed line C showing the fluid connection from an upstream basin to a downstream basin of the flooded wetland. Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the area that is in Fig. 5 is marked with a dashed line D, which shows an outflow from a basin of a sector-shaped path of the flooded wetland to a collecting channel. Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the settling pool along section line AA in Fig. 4. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the expulsion area along the section line BB in Fig. 6, followed by a first basin of the sector-shaped trail. Fig. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the transition from the first basin to the second basin of the sector-shaped trail. Fig. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the transition from the second basin to the third basin of the sector-shaped trail. Fig. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the transition from the third basin to the fourth basin of the sector-shaped trail. Fig. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the transition of the fourth basin of the sector-shaped trail to a collecting channel. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a dam of the salt separation section, which is an evaporation section. Fig. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a basin of Fig. 2 along the section line GG in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a basin of Fig. 2 along the section line HH in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 18 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the ramp of the expulsion area. Fig. Figure 19 is a schematic representation of an additional embodiment of the ramp of the expulsion area. Fig. Figure 20 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the method for treating and disposing of wastewater from oil production, containing at least salts and oil. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The same reference numerals in the different figures refer to identical elements or elements with similar functions. Furthermore, only those reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the figures. The embodiments shown are merely examples of how the invention can be carried out. This should not be interpreted as a limitation of the invention.

[0062] Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the specific methods, materials, and modifications described and, as such, can naturally vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein serves only to describe certain aspects and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

[0063] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as generally understood by a person skilled in the art in the field to which this invention belongs. Although all methods, systems, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in practice or in testing the invention, the preferred methods, systems, and materials are now described.

[0064] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system 1 for the treatment and disposal of wastewater containing at least light substances. The in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 depicts a system 1 for treating wastewater containing oil as a light substance and also salt. The system 1 is surrounded by a boundary 11. For example, the boundary 11 can include protective walls, fences, roads, and / or gates. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the system 1 can also be used for wastewater that does not originate from oil production but is also contaminated with light substances. If the wastewater also contains salt, additional salt treatment in a salt separation chamber 8 is required.

[0065] According to the embodiment shown here, a pipeline 13 feeds the wastewater to be treated into the system 1. A measuring unit 14 is associated with the pipeline 13 to measure the quantity of wastewater fed into the system 1, enabling the system 1 to determine the costs for wastewater treatment and disposal. An electrical connection 12 supplies electrical energy to a central control unit 15 to provide the system 1 with the energy necessary for operation. Furthermore, the central control unit 15 can communicate with several sensors (not shown) and several actuators (not shown) that serve to more or less automate the control and operation of the system 1 for the treatment and disposal of saline and oily wastewater (light waste). It is obvious to those skilled in the art that at least partial manual operation of the system 1 is also possible.A light substance / oil storage unit 16 has a fluid connection 17 to a settling basin 2 for receiving the oil, which separates as a light substance from the water body within the settling basin 2. In the embodiment shown here, the settling basin 2 has an octagonal shape, which provides sufficient friction so that the flow of the wastewater within the settling basin 2 calms down and the oil, as a light substance, can separate on the surface of the water. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the shape of the settling basin 2, as described herein, should not be considered a limitation of the invention.

[0066] From the settling basin 2, the wastewater, which has already been freed from most of the oil, is transferred to a discharge area 4 located at the entrance to the flooded wetland 6. The transfer to the discharge area 4 occurs by gravity. The discharge area 4 represents an important process step for removing as much hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as possible in the form of dissolved H2S from the wastewater before it reaches the flooded wetland 6.

[0067] In the embodiment shown here, the flooded wetland 6 is defined by three sector-shaped pathways 71, 72, and 73. Each sector-shaped pathway 71, 72, or 73 has four basins 91, 92, 93, and 94, which are arranged in a terraced fashion and interconnected by flow direction. In each sector-shaped pathway 71, 72, and 73, the wastewater to be treated moves slowly 18 from the discharge area 4 to a collection channel 10. The collection channel 10 transports the treated wastewater along a transport direction 19 to a salt separation area 8. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the salt separation area 8, which is designed as an earthen pond, is bounded on three sides by a dam 80 and on the other side by the edge 81 of a natural hill. According to one embodiment of the invention, the dam 80 can be designed as an earthen dam. In a further embodiment of the invention, a solar brine system is implemented in the salt separation area 8.

[0068] It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the design of the salt separation area 8 is defined by the natural environment of the installation site of the plant. The salt separation area 8 can also be defined by a completely circumferential dam 80. In addition, the number of paths 71, 72, ..., 7 N not three and the number of basins 91, 92, ..., 9 M per lane 71, 72, ..., 7 N not be limited to four, as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0069] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the salt separation area 8 is not limited to solar saltworks. The salt separation area 8 can be designed and function like a mechanical saltworks or something else, for example.

[0070] Fig. Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of system 1 for treating and disposing of wastewater containing at least light substances. The Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 shows a system 1 for cleaning wastewater, which contains at least oil as a light material and also salt. Furthermore, thermal water (cooling water from an industrial process) is a part of the system 1. It is also obvious that the Fig. The system shown is equally suitable for additionally treating thermal water. System 1 consists of several interconnected basins 91, 92, ..., 9. Ndefined, which are placed in a natural landscape 300, and may also be surrounded by a boundary 11. The several basins 91, 92, ..., 9 N are in at least one lane 71, 72, ...,7 M arranged.

[0071] According to the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the flooded wetland 6 of the system 1 comprises two pathways 71 and 72, the invention being not limited thereto.

[0072] The first path 71 of the flooded wetland 6 comprises the basins 91, 92, 93, ..., 99 and serves to treat the wastewater exclusively using bacteria and other microorganisms to remove hydrocarbons (e.g., oil residues) in the wastewater. The removal of organic contaminants, e.g., hydrocarbons, takes place in the basins 91, 92, 93, ..., 99 solely by bacteria and other microorganisms. The first basin 91 of the first path 71 is connected to an expulsion area 4, via which the virtually oil-free wastewater is transported via a gravity flow 50 from the settling basin 2 to the first basin 91. According to the embodiment shown here, a pipeline 13 supplies the wastewater to be treated (laden with oil) to the system 1, with a measuring unit 14 provided on the pipeline 13 to measure the quantity of wastewater supplied to the system 1.An oil storage area 16 has a fluid connection to the settling basin 2 for receiving the oil, which separates from the water body as a light substance in the settling basin 2. The settling basin 2 is located above an inlet 4E of the expulsion area 4, and the wastewater freed of light substances (oil) flows down the ramp surface 41 to the inlet 4E of the expulsion area 4 by gravity flow 50.

[0073] The second pathway 72 of the flooded wetland 6, which in the embodiment shown here comprises five basins 91, 92, ..., 95, serves to treat thermal wastewater from an industrial process, which in this embodiment is the cooling water from an oil industry process. According to the embodiment shown here, a pipeline 13 supplies the thermal wastewater to the system 1, and a metering unit 14 for measuring the quantity of thermal water supplied to the system 1 is attached to the pipeline 13. The pipeline 13 terminates directly at an inlet 4E of a discharge area 4 of the second pathway 72, over which the thermal wastewater flows down the ramp surface 41 in a gravity flow 50 to the first basin 91 of the second pathway 72.

[0074] The thermal wastewater cools in basins 91 to 95 of the second path 72 to approximately the same temperature as the wastewater of the first path 71. The thermal wastewater of the second path 72 is combined with the wastewater of the first path 71 at a defined position 92. In the embodiment shown here, for example, this is where the fourth basin 94 of the first path 71 and the fifth basin 95 of the second path 71 meet.

[0075] In the natural area 300 shown here, some of the basins are 91, 92, ..., 9 N defined by a contour line 90 at the same elevation and a (dashed) constriction 91 at the fluid connection 60 between two consecutive basins. Additionally, several other basins 91, 92,..., 9 Npartially defined by contour line 90, partially by at least one dam 66 and the constriction 91 at the fluid connection 60 between two successive basins. The water level 301 of the wastewater to be treated within the connected basins 91, 92, ..., 9 N lies on a specific contour line 90, which is connected in the downstream basins 91, 92, ..., 9 N lies deeper. From the first basin 91 of the first lane 71 to the last basin 99 of the first lane 71, a slow movement 18 occurs by gravity of the wastewater, which is purified only by bacteria and other microorganisms. After the last basin 99, the purified wastewater flows via a drain 61 to the salt separation area 8. The in Fig. The embodiment described in section 2 has basins 91, 92, ..., 9 N , which are completely defined by natural area 300, and basins 91, 92, ..., 9 N, which are partially defined by the natural space 300 and partially by a dam 66. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the above-described embodiment should not be considered as a limitation of the invention. If the natural space 300 has the required properties, all basins 91, 92, ..., 9 N of the flooded wetland 6 shall be defined by a contour line 90 of the natural area 300.

[0076] The central control unit 15 is intended for the same purpose as already described in the description of Fig. 1. The electrical connection 12 supplies electrical energy to a central control unit 15.

[0077] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the settling basin 2 and an embodiment of the expulsion area 4. In the following description, the light substance is oil. Oil is used as a light substance for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. As already explained in connection with Fig. 1 and Fig. As mentioned in Figure 2, pipeline 13 conveys the wastewater to be treated to the settling basin 2. The oil storage unit 16 is fluidically connected to the settling basin 2 via a line 17, so that the oil storage unit 16 receives the extracted oil from the settling basin 2 for storage. The settling basin 2 has two main functions: firstly, to dissipate energy and reduce the flow velocity of the incoming oil- and salt-laden wastewater, for example, by a spiral motion in a concentric path; and secondly, to provide sufficient residence time for the separation and floating of the oil. In the embodiment shown here, the settling basin 2 has an octagonal shape, bounded by an earth dam 20. To remove H₂S, nearly oil-free water is supplied to the expulsion zone 4.Wastewater flows from discharge area 4 into the first basin 91 of lanes 71, 72, and 73 of flooded wetland 6. A barrier 22 (fence or similar) encloses the settling basin 2, the discharge area 4, and a portion of the flooded wetland 6 near the settling basin 2. The barrier 22 defines a protection area 23. The protection area 23 is necessary because the actual H2S content in the wastewater and the release of H2S in the discharge area 4 are unknown. Therefore, a hazard classification of the protection area 23 is required.

[0078] Fig. Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the in Fig. 3 shows area A, marked with a dashed line, showing the settling basin 2 and the stripping area 4. The oil- and salt-laden wastewater reaches the octagonal-shaped settling basin 2 via the pipeline 13, creating a screw path. Sufficient residence time is created for the oil to float to the surface. As the oil- and salt-laden wastewater flows along the concentric path at a reduced velocity, the oil begins to separate. The separated oil is extracted by means of at least one extraction device 24, which can be designed as a skimmer or suction device. The extraction device 24 is connected to a line 17, through which the extracted oil is transported to the oil storage unit 16. In addition, a barrier 22 is provided opposite the at least one extraction device 24. The barrier 22 is held in position by means of several cables 33.

[0079] The essentially oil-free wastewater is removed from the settling basin 2 by a device located at the bottom 26 (see Fig. 9) the outlet 25 positioned away from the settling basin 2. At least one line 27 leads to the expulsion area 4, the wastewater being transported from the settling basin 2 to the expulsion area 4 by gravity flow. As in the embodiment of Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the ejection area 4 in the embodiment shown here is formed by at least one rectangular or ideally trapezoidal ramp surface 41 with vertical obstacles (see Figure 6). Fig. 6) defined to generate turbulence, thereby increasing aeration and thus the water surface area. The aeration and the increased water surface area allow gases such as H₂S to escape from the wastewater. The expulsion of H₂S is an important process step, as an excessively high H₂S content in the water being treated hinders or delays subsequent degradation processes in the flooded wetland 6. After the wastewater has passed the at least one ramp 40 of the expulsion area 4, it reaches the flooded wetland 6. In the embodiment shown here, the flooded wetland 6 comprises three sector-shaped pathways 71, 72, and 73. From the ramps 40, the wastewater enters the first basin 91 of each of the three pathways 71, 72, and 73.

[0080] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the flooded wetland 6 for purification by bacteria and other microorganisms of organic pollutants, such as hydrocarbons, that remain in the wastewater. In the embodiment shown here, the flooded wetland 6 is divided into three sector-shaped pathways 71, 72, and 73, each sector-shaped pathway 71, 72, and 73 comprising four basins 91, 92, 93, and 94. The four basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 of each sector-shaped pathway 71, 72, and 73 are designed as shallow ponds and arranged in a terraced manner to facilitate the transport of wastewater from the inlet 6 IN to Exit 6 OUTto enable the flooded wetland 6. Wetland 6 is designed such that each basin 91, 92, 93 and 94 of each sector-shaped track 71, 72 and 73 is enclosed by at least one dam 66. In addition, the dam 66 forms partition walls within some of the basins 91, 92, 93 and 94 of the sector-shaped tracks 71, 72 and 73.

[0081] On its long path through the basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 of each sector-shaped path 71, 72, and 73, the wastewater is purified by bacteria and other microorganisms. In each sector-shaped path 71, 72, and 73, the basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 are connected by a fluid connection 60 to enable the slow movement 18 of the wastewater to be purified through the basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 of each sector-shaped path 71, 72, and 73. Each last basin 94 in each sector-shaped path 71, 72, and 73 has an outlet 61 that directs the purified wastewater into a collecting channel 10 to transport the collected and treated wastewater (except for the salinity) along a transport direction 19. All basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 of the flooded wetland 6 are designed as shallow basins. Basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 are long and narrow, with no gradient at their base 62 (see, for example, [reference]). Fig. 10-14) and follow the contour lines of the sector-shaped pathways 71, 72 and 73 or of an available plot of land.

[0082] Basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 are arranged on several terraces at different elevations. The first basin, 91, of each sector-shaped pathway (71, 72, and 73) is located at the highest level, and the fourth or final basin, 94, of each sector-shaped pathway (71, 72, and 73) is located at the lowest level. The actual treatment (such as hydrocarbon removal) takes place during the long and slow flow of the nearly oil-free wastewater through basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 of each sector-shaped pathway (71, 72, and 73). The removal of organic contaminants, such as hydrocarbons, occurs in basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 exclusively through the action of bacteria and other microorganisms.

[0083] The design of basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 is explained using the third basin 93 of the first sector-shaped lane 71 as an example. The flow direction 76 within the third basin 93 between the two fluid connections 60 is represented by a series of arrows. The third basin 93 has areas 77, marked with a dashed circle, where the flow direction 76 changes. At these areas 77, the third basin 93 has a rounded shape 78. Fig. 5 it is evident that the rounded shapes 78 may be present in all basins 91, 92, 93 or 94 of the flooded wetland 6.

[0084] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the in Fig. 5, marked by a dashed line B, shows a detailed top view of the discharge area 4. The discharge area 4 leads to the flooded wetland 6. In the embodiment shown here, the discharge area 4 comprises three ramps 40 supporting a ramp surface 41. The ramp surface 41 is trapezoidal in this embodiment. Each ramp surface 41 has several obstacles 42 that increase the turbulence of the wastewater flowing down the ramp surface 41. Each ramp 40 directs the wastewater into a separate first basin 91 of each of the separate and sector-shaped pathways 71, 72, or 73.

[0085] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the in Fig. 5, with a dashed line C, shows the area that connects the fluid 60 from an upstream basin 91 to a downstream basin 92 of the flooded wetland 6. The fluid 60 connection between the upstream basin 91 and the downstream basin 92 of the flooded wetland 6 is realized by a multitude of pipes 65 buried through the dam 66.

[0086] Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the area that is in Fig. 5 is marked with a dashed line D. In the embodiment shown here, the outlet 61 of the last basin 94 of a sector-shaped path 71, 72 or 73 of the flooded wetland 6 discharges the treated wastewater into a collection channel 10. The discharge of the treated wastewater from the last basin 94 into the collection channel 10 is effected by a plurality of pipes 65, which are also laid underground through the dam 66.

[0087] Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the calming pool 2 along the section line AA in Fig. 4. The surrounding earth dam 20 with a maximum height of 20H encloses the settling basin 2. After the oil 28 has been separated from the wastewater, the almost oil-free water 29 is removed through an outlet 25 arranged at the bottom 26 of the settling basin 2. A line 27 serves to transport the almost oil-free water 29 to the expulsion area 4. The line 27 ends in a valve chamber 30, which can be used to regulate the transport of the almost oil-free water 29 to the expulsion area 4 (see Fig. 4). According to one embodiment of the invention, the transport of the virtually oil-free water 29 to the expulsion area 4 can be effected by a gravity flow. A gravity flow is a possible and preferred example and should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. To provide the gravity flow, a top side 25T of the outlet 25 is located at a level with the inlet 4E of the ramp 40 (see Fig. 10) of the expulsion area 4.

[0088] The settling basin 2 has a seal 31 at the bottom 26 and at the earth dam 20. The seal 31 can be a high-density polyethylene lining or anything else suitable for sealing and providing a watertight effect.

[0089] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the expulsion area 4 along the section line BB in Fig. 6. The ramp 40 is followed by a first basin 91 of the second sector-shaped path 72 of the flooded wetland 6. The almost oil-free water 29 is transported from the settling basin 2 to the beginning 43 of the ramp 40. The ramp surface 41 is sealed with HDPE. The obstacles 42 (see Fig. 6) is arranged in a bed 46 made of polymer cement concrete (PCC). PCC is typically simple cement concrete without additional reinforcement. A level difference 47 exists between the beginning 43 and the underside of the ramp 40 or the base 62 of the first basin 91. A valve 32 can regulate the amount of the virtually oil-free water 29 transported to the beginning 43 of the ramp 40.

[0090] Fig. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the transition from the first basin 91 to the second basin 92 along the section line CC in Fig. 5. The first basin 91 and the second basin 92 are part of the second sector-shaped pathway 72 of the flooded wetland 6. The base 62 of the first basin 91 has a level difference 47 to the base 62 of the second basin 92. A dam 66 separates the first basin 91 from the second basin 92. A road 67 is located on the dam 66. The fluid connection 60 between the first basin 91 and the second basin 92 is defined by at least one pipe 65 that runs through the dam 66. At the end 64 of the first basin 91, an outlet 63 is installed in the base 62. The outlet 63 is defined by a skimming ring 63S to prevent light substances from flowing by gravity from the first basin 91 to the second basin 92. The outlet 63 is in fluid communication with the at least one pipe 65.A slope at end 64 of the first basin 91 is provided with erosion control or a seal 70, which may be in the form of a Pegasone mat or an HDPE lining. The base 62 of the first basin 91 and the second basin 92 are covered with a seal layer 68, which is a mineral sealing layer (MSL). There is a height difference between the bottom 62 of the first basin 91 and the bottom 62 of the second basin 92. One end 71 of the pipe 65 of the first basin 91 is positioned above the bottom 62 of the second basin 92. In all basins 91, 92, 93 and 94 arranged on multiple terraces (see . Fig. 11 to Fig. 14) The wastewater should be between a minimum water level 73 and a maximum water level 74. Furthermore, all basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 should have a depth 72 greater than the maximum water level 74. To protect the walls of the dam 66, each basin 91, 92, 93, and 94 has an overflow area 75 in each terrace (see also Fig. 7 and Fig. 8), which is located at or above the maximum water level 74 and below the height of the dam 66. The overflow area 75 is defined by the seal 70, which is covered with a layer of interlocking stones. According to a preferred embodiment, the seal 70 is an HDPE lining protected by two layers of geotextile.

[0091] Fig. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the transition from the second basin 92 to the third basin 93 along the section line DD in Fig. 5. The second basin 92 and the third basin 93 are part of the second sector-shaped pathway 72 of the flooded wetland 6. The structure of the third basin 93 is similar to the structure of the first basin 91 and the second basin 92, as already described in Fig. 11. Here too, the outflow 63 is enclosed by a skimming ring 63S to prevent light substances from flowing by gravity from the second basin 92 to the third basin 93. To avoid unnecessary lengthening of the description, it is referred to Fig. Reference is made to Figure 11. The only difference shown here is that the end 71 of the minimum pipe 65 leading from the second basin 92 to the third basin 93 is slightly above or at the maximum water level 74 in the third basin 93. It must be noted that the difference in level, for example between the second basin 92 and the third basin 93, depends on the slope of the existing land in which the flooded wetland 6 is created. In flat areas of the land, the difference in level is lower than in steep areas of the land.

[0092] Fig. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the transition from the third basin 93 to the fourth basin 94 along the section line EE in Fig. 5. The third basin 93 and the fourth basin 94 are part of the second sector-shaped pathway 72 of the flooded wetland 6. The structure of the fourth basin 94 is similar to the structure of the first basin 91 and the second basin 92, as already described in Fig. 11 described, or of the second pelvis 92 and of the third pelvis 93, as already described in Fig. 12 described. The only difference shown here is that the end 71 of the at least one pipe 65, which leads from the third basin 93 to the fourth basin 94, is slightly above or at the maximum water level 74 in the fourth basin 94. It must be noted that the difference in level between the third basin 93 and the fourth basin 94 depends on the slope of the land. In flat areas of the land, the difference in level is lower than in steep areas of the land.

[0093] Fig. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the transition from the fourth basin 94 to the collecting channel 10 along the section line FF in Fig. 5. The fourth basin 94 is part of the second sector-shaped pathway 72 of the flooded wetland 6. Here, too, the outlet 63 is defined by a skimming ring 63S to prevent light substances from flowing by gravity from the fourth basin 94 to the collection channel 10. According to the embodiment described here, the at least one pipe 65 of the fourth basin 94 leads to the collection channel 10. The bottom 100 and side walls 101 of the collection channel 10 are provided with a seal 102. According to a preferred embodiment, the seal layer 102 is a geotextile with an HDPE facing.

[0094] Fig. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an earth dam 80 of the salt separation zone 8, which is an evaporation zone. After the wastewater passes through the flooded wetland 6 and is treated there, the purified water, now carrying only a certain salt content, reaches the salt separation zone 8 via the collection channel 10 or the collection trough. The salt separation zone 8 can be, as in the embodiment of Fig. Figure 1 shows an earthen pond that is at least partially surrounded by the earthen dam 80. The salt separation zone 8 is provided with a seal 85, which is an environmentally friendly in-situ mineral sealing layer (MSL). A water-side seal 84 of the earthen dam 80 is formed by an HDPE lining with two protective layers of a geotextile. A water level 86 in the evaporation zone 8 can have a height 87 of 0 meters to 20 meters.

[0095] Fig. Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the basins 91, 92, ..., 9N , for example the fourth basin 94 of the first lane 71 from Fig. 2, along the section line GG in Fig. 2. As mentioned in the description of 2, basins 91, 92, ..., 9 are N built within the natural area 300 (natural landscape). For example, the fourth basin 94 is defined by the contour line 90, and in addition, the contour line 90 defines the water level 301 within the fourth basin 94.

[0096] Fig. Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one of the basins 91, 92, ..., 9 N out of Fig. 2 along the section line HH in Fig. 2. In the embodiment shown here, the seventh basin 97 is defined partially by the contour line 90 and partially by a dam 66. The water level 301 within the seventh basin 97 is defined by the contour line 90.

[0097] Fig. 18 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the ramp 40 of the expulsion area 4. There is a level difference 47 between the stilling basin 2 and the flooded wetland 6. Due to the level difference 47, a gravity flow takes place over the ramp 40 from the stilling basin 2 to the flooded wetland 6.

[0098] Fig. Figure 19 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the ramp 40 of the expulsion area 4. The expulsion area 4 has at least two ramps 40. Due to the level difference 47, a gravity flow occurs over the ramps 40 from the settling basin 2 to the flooded wetland 6.

[0099] Fig. Figure 20 is a flowchart 200, which represents an embodiment of the method for treating and disposing of wastewater from oil production, containing at least salt and oil.

[0100] According to step 201, a pipeline 13 conveys the wastewater to be treated (loaded with oil and salt) to the settling tank 2. For example, the velocity of the wastewater in the pipeline 13 is a few meters per second. The flow direction of the wastewater into the settling tank 2 is tangential, with the settling tank 2, according to one embodiment of the invention, having the shape of an octagon, such that the flow direction of the wastewater in the settling tank 2 is helical or spiral towards the center of the settling tank 2. As mentioned above, the settling tank 2 can have various artificial shapes, for example, round, hexagonal, octagonal, or the like. The outlet 25 from the settling tank 2 is located at a similar level to the inlet. This flow direction enables the flotation of light substances, such as oil.After the flotation process, the lighter solids float to the surface of the water, where they are removed using existing equipment such as skimmers or suction devices. According to a preferred embodiment, the settling tank 2 has an octagonal shape. However, any other shape for the settling tank 2 is also possible, such as circular, hexagonal, or similar, provided that the shape of the settling tank 2 allows for a spiral movement of the wastewater. The volume of the settling tank 2 has a capacity to provide a residence time of at least one day for the daily volume of wastewater to be treated. The ratio between diameter and depth is at least 1:10, preferably 1:20.

[0101] According to step 202, the at least oil-free wastewater leaves the settling basin 2 through a centrally located outlet 25 and flows by gravity to a discharge area 4. The at least oil-free wastewater flows off over at least one rectangular or ideally a trapezoidal ramp 40. Obstacles 42 on the ramp surface 41 create turbulence and aeration, thus increasing the water surface area, which allows gases, such as H₂S, to be driven out of the nearly oil-free wastewater. The drive-out of H₂S is an important step, because too much H₂S in the nearly oil-free wastewater hinders or delays subsequent degradation processes in the flooded wetland 6.

[0102] According to step 203, the almost oil-free wastewater (which still contains residues of hydrocarbons and salt) enters the flooded wetland 6. The actual treatment (e.g., removal of hydrocarbons) takes place in the flooded wetland 6. The daily load level is between 2 and 5 cm / m. 2 and depends on many factors such as pollution, evaporation rate at the specific location of System 1, and many others. According to the information provided here in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, four basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 are arranged for each sector-shaped path 71, 72, and 73. The basins 91, 92, 93, and 94 are designed as shallow basins and are arranged in a terraced manner, thus transporting the wastewater from the inlet 6 IN to Exit 6 OUT of the flooded wetland 6. At exit 6 OUT In the flooded wetland 6, the wastewater is only purified by bacteria and other microorganisms.

[0103] According to step 204, which represents an embodiment of the process, the purified water from the fourth basin 94 is transferred to a salt separation area 8.

[0104] According to another embodiment of the invention, purified water from the fourth basin 94 is directed to a collecting channel 10. The collecting channel 10 collects the purified water from all the last basins 9 N of the flooded wetland 6, which in the embodiment shown here is the fourth basin 94 of all sector-shaped trackways 71, 72 and 73 of the flooded wetland 6.

[0105] According to this embodiment of the invention, the collecting channel 10 transports the purified water to the salt separation zone 8, which can be an evaporation zone. The sole function of the evaporation zone 8 is to evaporate the remaining water.

[0106] It is assumed that the present disclosure and many of its accompanying advantages will be understood from the preceding description, and it will be evident that various modifications to the form, construction, and system of the components can be made without deviating from the disclosed subject matter or sacrificing all material advantages. The described form serves only for illustrative purposes. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 system 2 relaxation pools 4 Expulsion area 4 E Entrance to the expulsion area 6 Flooded wetland 6 IN Entrance 6 OUT Exit 71, 72,..., 7 N Trail 8 Salt separation area 91, 92, ..., 9 M pool 10 Collection channel 11. Border, limitation 12 Electrical connection 13 Pipeline 14 measuring unit 15 Central control unit 16 Light material / oil storage unit; storage area; storage area 17 Fluid connection / line 18 Movement 19 Transport direction 20 earth dam 20 H Maximum height 22 Barrier 23 Protection area 24 Extraction device 25 outlet 25T Top 26 Floor 27 Management 28 Oil 29 Almost oil-free water 30 valve chamber 31 Sealing 32 valve 33 ropes 40 Ramp 41 ramp area 42nd obstacle 43 Beginning 45 HDPE sealing 46 beds 47 level difference 50 Gravity flow 60 Fluid connection 61 Procedure 62 base 63 Procedure 63S Skimming ring 64 End 65 pipe 66 Dam 67th Street 68 Sealing layer 70 Sealing 71 End 72 depth 73 Minimum water level 74 Maximum water level 75 Overflow area 76 Flow direction Area 77 78 Rounded shape 80 earth dam 81 Shore / Edge 84 Water-side sealing 85 Sealing 86 Water levels 87 Height 90 contour line; contour line 91 Narrow point 92nd position 100 soil 101 Side wall 102 Sealing 200 Flowchart Step 201 Step 202 Step 203 Step 204 300 natural area 301 Water level Area Area B C area D area E area AA section line BB cutting line CC cutting line DD cutting line EE cutting line FF cutting line GG cutting line HH cutting line

Claims

[1] System (1) for the treatment and disposal of waste water, comprising: a pipeline (13) for supplying the wastewater containing at least light substances, at least one settling basin (2) for receiving the wastewater from the pipeline (13), wherein the flow direction of the wastewater in the settling basin (2) is directed in a screw or spiral manner towards the centre and leads to the spatial separation of light materials contained in the wastewater, wherein an earth dam (20) of the settling basin (2) creates flow conditions for settling the wastewater within the settling basin (2); a flooded wetland (6) crossed by at least one track (71, 72, ..., 7 m ), where each path track (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) a multitude of fluidically interconnected basins (91, 92, ..., 9 N ), whereby within each path track (71, 72, ..., 7 M) the waste water is moved (18) by gravity and organic pollutants are removed by biological degradation exclusively by bacteria and other microorganisms; and an expulsion area (4) comprising at least one ramp (40) connected to an entrance (6 IN ) of the flooded wetland (6), wherein a ramp surface (41) of the ramp (40) comprises a plurality of obstacles (42) arranged on the ramp surface (41) and increasing the turbulence of the wastewater flowing up the ramp surface (41) to the entrance (6 IN ) of the flooded wetland (6), the expulsion area (4) receiving the waste water from an outlet (25) of the settling basin (2). [2] System (1) according to claim 1, wherein the settling basin (2) is octagonal and bounded by the earth dam (20). [3] System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one extraction device (24) is provided for sucking the light materials from the settling basin (2) and a line (17) for transporting the extracted light materials is connected to a storage area (16). [4] System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of ramps (40) corresponds to the number of path tracks (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) corresponds. [5] System (1) according to claim 4, wherein each path track (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) is sector-shaped. [6] System (1) according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of fluidically interconnected basins (91, 92, ..., 9 N ) each lane (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) rounded shapes (78) in areas (77) of each basin (91, 92, ..., 9 N ) at which the direction of the flow (76) changes and the speed of the flow (76) can be reduced. [7] System (1) according to one of claims 5 to 6, wherein a dam (66) separates each basin (91, 92, ..., 9 N ) each lane (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) and the dam (66) divides some basins (91, 92, ..., 9 N ) of the path (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) forms. [8] System (1) according to claim 7, wherein a road (67) is formed on top of each dam (66). [9] System (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of fluidically interconnected basins (91, 92, ..., 9 N ) are placed in a natural area (300) such that the water level (301) of the waste water in each of the interconnected basins (91, 92, ..., 9 N ) lies on a specific contour line (90), the contour line (90) being the same for the interconnected and downstream basins (91, 92, ..., 9 N ) is located lower, so that the wastewater moves by gravity. [10] System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet (61) of the last basin (9 N ) which has at least one path (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) leads to a salt separation area (8). [11] System (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein a collecting channel (10) is connected to the outlet (61) of the last basin (9 N ) which has at least one path (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) is flow-connected and the collecting channel (10) leads to a salt separation area (8). [12] System (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the salt separation region (8) is an evaporation region. [13] System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a central control unit (15) for controlling the amount of wastewater supplied to the settling basin (2) and the residence time in the settling basin (2), the rate of the almost light-matter-free wastewater supplied to the expulsion area (4) and the flooded wetland (6), and the flow rate between the basins (91, 92, ..., 9 N ) each lane (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) is provided. [14] A process for the treatment and disposal of waste water containing at least light substances, comprising: a step (201) of supplying the wastewater via a pipeline (13) to a settling basin (2), wherein, in order to separate light materials and to remove the floating light materials from the surface of the water body in the settling basin (2), the flow direction of the wastewater is directed in a screw or spiral manner towards the centre, wherein flow conditions for settling the wastewater within the settling basin (2) are created by an earth dam (20) of the settling basin (2), a step (202) for transporting the wastewater, which is almost free of light substances, from the settling basin (2) to an expulsion area (4) which has at least one ramp (40) with a ramp surface (41), wherein the ramp surface (41) comprises a plurality of obstacles (42) which are arranged on the ramp surface (41) and increase the turbulence of the wastewater, which the ramp surface (41) leads to an inlet (6 IN) of a flooded wetland (6), whereby the turbulence and aeration cause the H2S to be expelled; and a step (203) of transferring the wastewater, which is almost free of light substances, from the discharge area (4) into the flooded wetland (6), which has at least one path (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) to carry out a purification of organic pollutants exclusively by means of bacteria and other microorganisms, wherein the water to be purified passes through several interconnected basins (91, 92, ..., 9 N ) which has at least one path (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) by gravity. [15] A method according to claim 14, comprising a step (204) of transferring the purified water from the last basin (9 N ) via a process (61) of the at least one path track (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) of the flooded wetland (6) to a salt separation area (8). [16] Method according to claim 14, wherein the purified water is discharged from an outlet (61) of the last basin (9 N ) which has at least one path (71, 72, ..., 7 M ) to a collecting channel (10) which receives the purified water and transports it to the salt separation area (8). [17] Method according to claim 14, wherein the settling basin (2) delimited by the earth dam (20) is octagonal and thus a screw or spiral flow is generated and the separation of the light materials takes place with a residence time of between one day and three days. [18] Method according to claim 17, wherein the light materials are sucked off the surface of the settling basin (2) and transported via a line (17) to a storage area (16) for the light materials.

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