Separating apparatus, feed device, and method for purifying a liquid

Abstract

The invention relates to a separating apparatus (10) for purifying a liquid, in particular for purifying rainwater, comprising a container (11) with at least one separation region (12) and a deposition and sludge collection chamber (13), the deposition and sludge collection chamber (13), in order to receive sediments that are to be separated, being fluidically connected to the separation region (12) and arranged below the separation region (12) during use, the separating apparatus further comprising at least one feed device (14) for feeding the liquid to be purified and having at least one liquid outlet (15), which opens out into the separation region (12), the feed device (14) having at least one lower guide plate (16) between the deposition and sludge collection chamber (13) and the separation region (12), the lower guide plate (16) being arranged below the liquid outlet (15) during use, in such a way that a liquid flowing from the liquid outlet (15) can be guided by the lower guide plate (16) radially outward in the direction of the inner wall of the container (11), a lower gap (18) being formed between the outer periphery of the lower guide plate (16) and the inner wall of the container (11).

Description

[0001] Separation device, inlet device and method for cleaning a liquid

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a separation device for purifying a liquid, in particular for purifying rainwater, according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an inlet device for such a separation device and a method for purifying a liquid using such a separation device. A separation device of the type mentioned above is known, for example, from KR 10 0795918 B1.

[0004] Separation devices are typically used in rainwater treatment plants and are used to purify rainwater, particularly to separate contaminants from rainwater through density differences. For this purpose, a liquid to be purified flows through a tank, separating sediment from the liquid in the tank. To achieve a high sedimentation effect in the tank, the inflowing liquid to be purified should be distributed as evenly as possible, and remobilization of already separated sediment should be avoided wherever possible.

[0005] KR 100795918 B1 describes a separation device for purifying rainwater, comprising an inlet device for a liquid to be purified, with a central, downward-facing outlet opening. A funnel-shaped collecting skirt is provided beneath the outlet opening, which collects sediment separated during use and directs it into a sediment basin arranged below. A disadvantage of this separation device is the increased turbulence of the sediment collected on the collecting skirt by the downward-flowing liquid to be purified. In addition, such a separation principle is difficult to combine with filtration and adsorption. It is therefore the object of the present invention to improve a separation device of the type mentioned above such that the remobilization of separated sediment is reduced and the structure is simplified.Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an inlet device and a method for cleaning a liquid.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a separating device according to claim 1. With regard to the inlet device, the object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 13 and with regard to the method for cleaning a liquid by the subject matter of claim 14.

[0007] Specifically, the object is achieved according to the invention by a separation device for purifying a liquid, in particular for purifying rainwater, comprising a container with at least one separation zone and a settling and sludge collection chamber. The settling and sludge collection chamber is fluidly connected to the separation zone to receive sediment to be separated and, during use, is arranged below the separation zone. The separation device comprises at least one inlet device for supplying the liquid to be purified, with at least one liquid outlet leading into the separation zone.The inlet device comprises at least one lower guide plate between the settling and sludge collection chamber and the separation area. During use, the lower guide plate is arranged below the liquid outlet such that a liquid flowing from the liquid outlet can be guided radially outward through the lower guide plate toward the inner wall of the tank. A lower gap is formed between the outer periphery of the lower guide plate and the inner wall of the tank.

[0008] The separated sediments are collected in the settling and sludge collection chamber. The sediments are separated from the liquid by gravity. The sediments sink into the liquid. The settling and sludge collection chamber can also be referred to as a sludge trap.

[0009] During use, the separation zone is positioned above the settling and sludge collection chamber in the direction of gravity and serves to supply the liquid to be treated. Furthermore, the liquid can be treated in the separation zone for further purification. The invention has the advantage that the lower guide plate both promotes a uniform distribution of the incoming liquid to be treated and reduces the remobilization of sediment that has already been separated.

[0010] In use, the lower guide plate directs the liquid flowing from the liquid outlet radially outward toward the inner wall of the tank. This evenly distributes the liquid to be treated. The lower gap between the outer circumference of the lower guide plate and the inner wall of the tank allows the sediment to be separated to sink into the settling and sludge collection chamber. Because the lower guide plate is positioned below the outlet opening and between the separation area and the settling and sludge collection chamber, the settling and sludge collection chamber is largely shielded from currents in the separation area, thereby reducing the remobilization of already separated sediment in the settling and sludge collection chamber.

[0011] The present invention therefore takes a different approach than the prior art, which provides separate structural measures for distributing the liquid to be purified and for preventing the remobilization of sediment already separated. Rather, in a separation device according to the invention, these two functions are combined within one element, namely the lower guide plate. This functional coupling has the further advantage that a separation device according to the invention is simpler in design than the prior art, thereby reducing the weight, size, maintenance effort, and susceptibility to failure of a separation device.

[0012] A separation device according to the invention is designed for use in rainwater treatment systems, particularly in sedimentation systems for rainwater treatment. The inventive concept can also be used in other separators, for example, in light liquid separators or grease separators. Furthermore, the invention can be used generally in connection with systems for treating liquids.

[0013] The settling and sludge collection chamber is fluidly connected to the separation area through the lower gap to receive sediments to be separated. The lower gap can be designed as a circumferential gap between the outer circumference of the lower guide plate and the inner wall of the tank. The lower gap can be designed as a radial gap between the outer circumference of the lower guide plate and the inner wall of the tank. In particular, the lower gap can be designed as a radially circumferential gap between the outer circumference of the lower guide plate and the inner wall of the tank. In other words, the lower gap can be designed as an annular gap between the outer circumference of the lower guide plate and the inner wall of the tank. The lower gap can also have a different shape. For example, the shape of the lower gap can have corners, edges and / or curves.It is also possible for the lower gap to be designed to be circumferential in sections. In other words, the lower gap can be interrupted in sections.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inlet device has an upper guide plate which, during use, is arranged above the lower guide plate. The upper guide plate and the lower guide plate form an intermediate space into which the liquid outlet opens in such a way that a liquid flowing from the liquid outlet into the intermediate space can be guided radially outwards through both guide plates. The intermediate space accordingly channels the liquid to be cleaned from the liquid outlet radially outwards towards the inner wall of the container, thereby additionally promoting a uniform distribution of the liquid to be cleaned, in particular in the radial direction. It is preferred if the liquid outlet is arranged between the lower guide plate and the upper guide plate.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the area of ​​the lower guide plate is substantially equal to or larger than the area of ​​the upper guide plate. In particular, the two guide plates can be designed such that, in plan view, the outer circumference of the lower guide plate encloses the outer circumference of the upper guide plate. In other words, the outer circumference of the lower guide plate can be spaced closer to the inner wall of the container than the outer circumference of the upper guide plate. During use, such a design of the two guide plates promotes the deflection of a liquid to be cleaned flowing out of the intermediate space upwards, away from the settling and sludge collection chamber. Conversely, this increases the shielding effect of the lower guide plate with regard to the settling and sludge collection chamber, thus further reducing the remobilization of separated sediment in the settling and sludge collection chamber.The area of ​​the lower guide plate can also be smaller than the area of ​​the upper guide plate.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the total opening area of ​​the liquid outlet is substantially equal to or larger than the smallest flow-through internal cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet device. This prevents acceleration of the liquid to be cleaned during use due to a cross-sectional taper at the liquid outlet, thereby reducing flow-inhibiting turbulence between the accelerated liquid to be cleaned and the liquid already present. Such a design of the liquid outlet therefore promotes a uniform distribution of the liquid to be cleaned.

[0017] It is preferably provided that the liquid outlet has a plurality of lateral outlet openings. As a result, the entire opening area of ​​the liquid outlet is divided into a plurality of smaller opening areas corresponding to the outlet openings. The spatial distribution of the entire opening area of ​​the liquid outlet created in this way ensures a particularly uniform distribution of the liquid to be cleaned in the container. The lateral arrangement of the outlet openings also supports a distribution of the liquid to be cleaned in the radial direction. The lateral outlet openings are preferably arranged laterally with respect to a longitudinal direction of the inlet device. In other words, the lateral outlet openings are preferably attached to an outer side of the inlet device.

[0018] To improve the distribution of the liquid to be cleaned, the lateral outlet openings are preferably distributed, in particular evenly distributed, in the circumferential direction of the inlet device. The lateral outlet openings can also be arranged unevenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the inlet device, for example, to direct the liquid to be cleaned in a targeted manner in one or more directions.

[0019] It is further preferred that the inlet device has at least one support foot, which is arranged on the lower guide plate and, during use, supports the inlet device against a bottom of the container to relieve pressure. Particularly preferably, the inlet device has three support feet. The lower guide plate preferably has a through-opening that can be closed by means of an actuating device that can be passed through the inlet device. The through-opening connects the settling and sludge collection chamber with the interior of the inlet device in such a way that separated sediments can be removed from the settling and sludge collection chamber through the interior of the inlet device. The closable through-opening in the lower guide plate enables easy access to the settling and sludge collection chamber from above during use, without having to remove any internals arranged in the container.

[0020] Preferably, at least one treatment stage, in particular a substrate filter stage, is arranged above the lower guide plate. During use, an ascending, low-sediment liquid flows through the treatment stage, whereby contaminants, particularly dissolved and finely dispersed contaminants such as heavy metals or filterable substances, are additionally removed. The cleaning effect of the separation device is thus enhanced.

[0021] Particularly preferred is a treatment stage with removable segments. This simplifies handling during installation and / or removal of the treatment stage. In the case of a circular tank, the segments are circular segments. For other tank cross-sections, the segments are adapted accordingly.

[0022] Furthermore, the treatment stage is preferably height-adjustable. In other words, the height of the treatment stage can be used to adjust the distance traveled by an ascending liquid within the treatment stage. This makes it possible, for example, to adjust or adjust the cleaning effect of the separation device.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container comprises a dip tube for discharging purified liquid. For separating floating contaminants, such as mineral oil hydrocarbons, the dip tube can be immersed in a liquid in the container during use. In particular, the opening of the dip tube for discharging a purified liquid can be arranged below the floating contaminants. Within the scope of the invention, an inlet device for a separation device is further specified. The inlet device comprises at least one liquid outlet through which a liquid to be purified can be fed to a container of the separation device.At least one lower guide plate in use is arranged downstream of the liquid outlet in the flow direction such that a liquid flowing from the liquid outlet can be guided radially outwards through the lower guide plate, in particular in the direction of an inner wall of a container of a separation device.

[0024] For the effect and advantages of the inlet device according to the invention, reference is made to the explanations in connection with the separation device.

[0025] The inlet device is therefore disclosed and claimed both as part of the separation device and in isolation, i.e., independently of the separation device. The above-described developments of the inlet device are also disclosed in connection with the inlet device per se.

[0026] A further, subordinate aspect of the invention relates to a method for cleaning a liquid in a separation device comprising a container and at least one inlet device, wherein the container has at least one separation region and a settling and sludge collection chamber which is fluidly connected to the separation region for receiving sediments to be separated and is arranged below the separation region in use, and wherein the inlet device has at least one liquid outlet which opens into the separation region for supplying the liquid to be cleaned.According to the method, the liquid to be cleaned is fed to the tank, wherein the liquid flowing from the liquid outlet is guided radially outwards towards the inner wall of the tank by a lower guide plate arranged below the liquid outlet, so that separated sediments sink through a lower gap between the outer circumference of the lower guide plate and the inner wall of the tank into the settling and sludge collection chamber, the cleaned liquid rises upwards and is then discharged from the tank. Preferably, the cleaning of a liquid according to a method according to the invention takes place in a previously described separation device. The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the attached schematic drawings. Therein:

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section of a separating device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section of the separator device from Fig. 1 with the through opening of the lower guide plate open;

[0029] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the separating device in longitudinal section from Fig. 1;

[0030] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an inlet device in longitudinal section according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Fig. 5 is a further perspective view of the inlet device from Fig. 4 in longitudinal section;

[0032] Fig. 6 shows a longitudinal section of the separator device from Fig. 1 during the cleaning of a liquid.

[0033] The attached figures show a preferred embodiment of a separation device 10. The separation device 10 serves to purify a liquid and is used in particular for purifying rainwater in rainwater treatment systems. However, the invention can also be used to purify other liquids.

[0034] The separation device 10 shown in the attached figures is in its installed position, i.e., in use. Typically, the separation device 10 forms a shaft in use. The force of gravity causing the separation is shown in the direction of gravity by the arrow G. The arrangement, in particular the height of the various regions and internal components of the separation device 10, is related to the direction of gravity G, which acts as shown in use. Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through the separation device 10 comprising a container 11. The container 11 is essentially designed as a hollow cylinder with a circular base 23 and a tubular side wall 32. Other geometries are possible. The direction of gravity G coincides with the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical container 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 11 is open at the top.The container 11 can be closed by a lid (not shown). The side wall 32 comprises an inlet opening 28 and an outlet opening 29. The inlet opening 28 is arranged above the outlet opening 29. The inlet opening 28 can be arranged at the same height as the outlet opening 29. The inlet opening 28 is arranged substantially opposite the outlet opening 29. The inlet opening 28 and the outlet opening 29 can be freely positioned along the circumference of the container 11.

[0035] The tank 11 has a separation area 12 and a settling and sludge collection chamber 13, wherein the settling and sludge collection chamber 13 is fluidly connected to the separation area 12 for receiving sediments to be separated and is arranged below the separation area 12. The settling and sludge collection chamber 13 is bounded at the bottom by the bottom 23 of the tank 11.

[0036] The separation device 10 according to Fig. 1 further comprises an inlet device 14 for supplying the liquid to be purified, with a liquid outlet 15 that opens into the separation area 12. The inlet device 14 has a liquid inlet 31 that is fluidically connected to the exterior of the container. The liquid inlet 31 is fluidically connected to the liquid outlet 15 via a liquid line 30.

[0037] The fluid line 30 has a substantially tubular geometry. For example, the cross-section of the fluid line 30 is substantially circular. The fluid line 30 can also have other geometries.

[0038] The liquid line 30 has a substantially constant inner diameter. The liquid line 30 can have a substantially constant inner diameter in sections. The inner diameter can vary, in particular vary in sections. The liquid line 30 is divided into a horizontal line section 33 and a vertical line section 34 with respect to the direction of gravity G. The end of the horizontal line section 33 forming the liquid inlet 31 is inserted into the inlet opening 28 of the container 11. The other end of the horizontal line section 33 is connected to the vertical line section 34. The vertical line section 34 is arranged centrally in the cylindrical container. During use, it extends in the direction of gravity G. Other arrangements are possible.

[0039] The vertical conduit section 34 has an upper conduit opening 36 and a lower conduit opening 35. The upper conduit opening 36 is closed by an upper closure part 38, and the lower conduit opening 35 is closed by a lower closure part 37.

[0040] In Fig. 1, it can be seen that the liquid outlet 15 of the inlet device 14 is provided in the lower part of the vertical line section 34. The liquid outlet 15 has three lateral outlet openings 21. In other words, the liquid outlet 15 is formed by three lateral outlet openings 21. The liquid outlet 15 can also have one or two outlet openings 21. The liquid outlet 15 can also have more than three lateral outlet openings. The outlet openings 21 are arranged evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the inlet device 14. In other words, the outlet openings 21 are arranged evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the vertical line section 34. Consequently, the distances between the outlet openings 21 in the circumferential direction of the liquid line 30 are equal.Furthermore, the centers of the outlet openings 21 form a plane that is oriented essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vertical line section 34. The outlet openings are essentially circular. Other geometries are possible.

[0041] The total opening area of ​​the liquid outlet 15 is at least as large as the smallest flow-through inner cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet device 14. The total opening area of ​​the outlet openings 21 is at least as large as the smallest flow-through inner cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet device 14. The liquid outlet 15 or the outlet openings 21 are thus designed such that they do not represent a taper of the flow-through cross-sectional area for a liquid flowing through the liquid line 30. The inlet device 14 has a lower guide plate 16 between the settling and sludge collection chamber 13 and the separation region 12. In this way, the settling and sludge collection chamber 13 and the separation region 12 are spatially separated from one another, with a fluid connection existing between the two regions 12, 13.The lower guide plate 16 is arranged below the liquid outlet 15, specifically below the lateral outlet openings 21, such that a liquid flowing from the liquid outlet 15 can be guided radially outwards through the lower guide plate 16 in the direction of the inner wall of the container 11.

[0042] The inlet device 14 has an upper guide plate 19 above the lower guide plate 16. The upper guide plate 19 and the lower guide plate 16 form an intermediate space 20 into which the liquid outlet 15 opens such that a liquid flowing from the liquid outlet 15 into the intermediate space 20 can be guided radially outward through both guide plates. The lateral outlet openings 21 are arranged between the lower guide plate 16 and the upper guide plate 19, so that a liquid to be cleaned flows radially through the outlet openings 21 into the intermediate space 20.

[0043] A lower gap 18 is formed between the outer periphery of the lower guide plate 16 and the inner wall of the tank 11. This allows separated sediments to sink into the settling and sludge collection chamber 13. Analogous to the lower guide plate 16, an upper gap 17 is formed between the outer periphery of the upper guide plate 19 and the inner wall of the tank 11. This allows liquid to rise through the upper gap 17 after the separation of sediments.

[0044] The lower guide plate 16 can be designed as a substantially circular and flat disc. The lower guide plate 16 is substantially rotationally symmetrical. In the example according to Fig. 1, the lower guide plate 16 has a central through-opening 24 that can be closed. The through-opening 24 is substantially circular. Accordingly, in this example, the lower guide plate 16 as such is substantially annular.

[0045] The lower guide plate 16 can have other geometries. For example, the lower guide plate 16 can be closed, in particular essentially free of openings. The lower guide plate 16 can also have edges and / or corners along its outer circumference. The lower guide plate 16 can also have a rotationally asymmetric geometry. A rotationally asymmetric geometry of the lower guide plate 16 can be advantageous if, for example, the liquid to be cleaned is to be guided through the lower guide plate 16 in a preferred radial direction.

[0046] The lower guide plate 16 is arranged at the lower end of the vertical line section 34. It is centered with respect to the vertical line section 34 and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the lower guide plate 16 is aligned substantially coaxially with the vertical line section 34. The lower guide plate 16 spans a plane in which the circumference of the lower line opening 35 lies. The circumference of the through-opening 24 of the lower guide plate 16 corresponds to the circumference of the lower line opening 35. Thus, the circumference of the through-opening 24 coincides with the circumference of the lower line opening 35. The lower guide plate 16 is fastened along the circumference of its through-opening 24 to the outside of the vertical line section 34 or to the circumference of the lower line opening 35. The through-opening 24 of the lower guide plate 16 therefore coincides with the lower line opening 35.In other words, the through-opening 24 corresponds to the lower line opening 35. The through-opening 24 of the lower guide plate 16 is thus closed by the lower closure part 37.

[0047] The upper guide plate 19 is essentially rotationally symmetrical. Specifically, the upper guide plate 19 is formed as a substantially circular and flat disk having a central through-opening. The through-opening is essentially circular. In other words, the upper guide plate 19 is essentially annular.

[0048] The upper guide plate 19 can have other geometries. For example, the upper guide plate 19 can have edges and / or corners along its outer circumference.

[0049] The upper guide plate 19 can also have a rotationally asymmetrical geometry. A rotationally asymmetrical geometry of the upper guide plate 19 can be advantageous if, for example, the liquid to be cleaned is to be guided through the lower guide plate 16 and the upper guide plate 19 in a preferred radial direction. The upper guide plate 19 is arranged above the liquid outlet 15, specifically above the lateral outlet openings 21. It is centered with respect to the vertical line section 34 and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the upper guide plate 19 is aligned substantially coaxially with the vertical line section 34. The vertical line section 34 extends through the through-opening of the upper guide plate 19. The upper guide plate 19 is in contact with the outside of the vertical line section 34 along the circumference of its through-opening.Thus, the circumference of the through-opening of the upper guide plate 19 in the contact area corresponds to the outer circumference of the vertical line section 34. The upper guide plate 19 is fastened along the circumference of its through-opening to the outside of the vertical line section 34.

[0050] The upper guide plate 19 is arranged substantially parallel to the lower guide plate 16. In other words, the upper guide plate 19 is arranged substantially coaxially to the lower guide plate 16.

[0051] Both guide plates 16, 19 delimit the intermediate space 20 in the vertical direction. The intermediate space 20 thus has a constant height. The vertical line section 34 extends from the through-opening of the upper guide plate through the intermediate space to the through-opening 24 of the lower guide plate 16. The liquid outlet 15, i.e., the lateral outlet openings 21, are arranged between the two guide plates 16, 19. The liquid outlet 15 thus fluidically connects the interior of the vertical line section 34 to the intermediate space 20. The outlet openings 21 are arranged essentially perpendicular to the lower guide plate 16 and the upper guide plate 19, respectively.

[0052] The lower gap 18 is essentially radially circumferential. In other words, the lower gap 18 is annular. The lower gap 18 has a substantially constant radial width. Similarly, the upper gap 17 is essentially radially circumferential. In other words, the upper gap 17 is annular. The upper gap 17 has a substantially constant radial width.

[0053] The area of ​​the lower guide plate 16 is larger than the area of ​​the upper guide plate 19. In other words, the lower guide plate 16 has a larger outer diameter than the upper guide plate 19. Conversely, the lower gap 18 has a smaller inner diameter than the upper gap 17. Thus, the width of the lower gap 18 is smaller than the width of the upper gap 17.

[0054] The inlet device 14 further comprises three support feet 22, which are arranged on the lower guide plate 16 and support the inlet device at the bottom 23 of the tank 11. Other support options for the inlet device 14 are possible. The support feet 22 are thus located in the settling and sludge collection chamber 13 and support the lower guide plate 16 in a column-like manner above the settling and sludge collection chamber 13. The support feet 22 are arranged vertically and, in plan view, are evenly distributed along a circle centered on the longitudinal direction of the vertical line section 34. In other words, the three support feet 22 form an isosceles triangle in plan view, the center of which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the vertical line section 34.

[0055] Above the lower guide plate 16, a treatment stage 26, in particular a substrate filter stage for the filtration and adsorption of filterable substances and dissolved contaminants, is provided. The treatment stage 26 is arranged above the upper guide plate 19. The treatment stage 26 is arranged between a lower protective grid 39 and an upper protective grid 40. The lower protective grid 39 rests on lower supports 41, which are attached to the vertical line section 34 and to the inner wall of the container 11. The upper protective grid 39 is fixed upwards via upper supports 42, which are attached to the vertical line section 34 and to the inner wall of the container 11. The treatment stage 26 can be adjusted in height by means of fastening means 43, such as threaded rods, which are arranged between the upper protective grid 39 and the upper supports 42.

[0056] The treatment stage 26 comprises removable segments. Removing or adding individual segments simplifies handling during installation and / or removal of the treatment stage. The segments are essentially circular in shape.

[0057] The distance between the upper guide plate 19 and the lower protective grid 39 is at least 100 mm. For the discharge of purified liquid, the container 11 also includes a dip tube 27. The dip tube 27 comprises a vertical pipe section that can be immersed in a liquid in the container 11 during use. The vertical pipe section terminates in a horizontal pipe section that is inserted into the drain opening 29 of the container 11, thus establishing a fluidic connection between the interior and exterior of the container 11.

[0058] Fig. 2 shows a further longitudinal section of the separation device 10, wherein the through-opening 24 of the lower guide plate 16 is open. In other words, the lower line opening 35 is open. The through-opening 24 or the lower line opening 35 connects the settling and sludge collection chamber 13 with the interior of the vertical line section 34, so that separated sediments can be removed from the settling and sludge collection chamber 13 through the vertical line section 34. In order to prevent the liquid to be cleaned from flowing into the settling and sludge collection chamber 13 during operation, the through-opening 24 can be closed by means of an actuating device 25 that can be passed through the vertical line section 34. For this purpose, the lower closure part 37 is attached to the lower end of the actuating device 25. The upper closure part 38 is mounted on the opposite end of the actuating device 25.A handle is also arranged on the outside of the upper closure part 38. In this way, by means of the actuating device 25, the through-opening 24 or the lower line opening 35 can be opened and closed simultaneously by the lower closure part 37, and the upper line end 36 of the vertical line section 34 can be opened and closed simultaneously by the upper closure part 38 (indicated by vertical arrows).

[0059] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the separation device 10. The cylindrical shape of the container 11 and the circular ring shape of the lower guide plate 16 and the upper guide plate 19 are clearly visible. In addition, the essentially radially encircling and circular ring-shaped shape of the gap 17 and the gap 18 is evident. Furthermore, it is clear that the vertical line section 34 is arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical container 11. Furthermore, it can be seen that the horizontal line section 33 and the vertical line section 34 are arranged such that the respective longitudinal axes intersect at a substantially right angle. In addition, the two closure parts 37, 38 are clearly visible, which are arranged in their closed position and are connected to one another via the actuating device 25. In Fig.Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an inlet device 14 in longitudinal section according to another embodiment of the invention. The inlet device 14 comprises a liquid line 30 that fluidically connects a liquid inlet 31 to a liquid outlet 15. The liquid line 30 is divided into a horizontal line section 33 and a vertical line section 34.

[0060] The horizontal line section 33 has a substantially rectangular cross-section, with the width of the cross-section decreasing in the direction of flow. The horizontal line section 33 narrows in the direction of flow. The horizontal line section 33 flows into the vertical line section 33.

[0061] The opening of the horizontal line section 33 into the vertical line section 34 is arranged in the upper region of the vertical line section 34. The vertical line section 33 comprises a deflection device 44 downstream of the opening in the flow direction in order to introduce the liquid flowing from the horizontal line section 33 into the vertical line section 34 tangentially into the vertical line section 33.

[0062] The vertical line section 34 is divided into an upper section 45, a middle section 46 and a lower section 47, wherein the sections are arranged one below the other. The upper section 45 has a substantially circular cross-section with a substantially constant inner diameter. The upper end of the middle section 46 adjoins the lower end of the upper section 45. The middle section 46 therefore has an inner diameter at the upper end which essentially corresponds to the inner diameter of the upper section 45. The middle section 46 has an essentially funnel-shaped geometry. The inner diameter of the middle section 46 decreases essentially continuously in the flow direction. The geometry of the middle section 46 forms a taper of the cross-sectional area through which the flow can pass in the flow direction.The upper end of the lower section 47 adjoins the lower end of the middle section 46. The lower section 47 has a substantially circular cross-section with a substantially constant inner diameter. Thus, the middle section 46 has an inner diameter at its lower end that essentially corresponds to the inner diameter of the lower section 47.

[0063] The lower section 47 has a lower line opening 35 at its lower end, which is closed by a lower closure part 37. At the lower end of the lower section 47, a lower guide plate 16 is arranged essentially coaxially with the vertical line section 34. The lower guide plate 16 has a substantially circular geometry with a central through-opening 24. The through-opening 24 of the lower guide plate 16 essentially corresponds to the lower line opening 35, so that the through-opening 24 is also closed by the lower closure part 37.

[0064] An upper guide plate 19 is arranged above the lower guide plate 16. The upper guide plate 19 has a substantially circular ring-shaped geometry with a central through-opening. The upper guide plate 19 is arranged substantially coaxially with the vertical line section 34 and thus substantially parallel to the lower guide plate 16. The outer diameter of the upper guide plate 19 is smaller than the outer diameter of the lower guide plate 16. The upper guide plate 19 is connected to the outside of the vertical line section 34 along the circumference of its through-opening. The upper guide plate 19 is arranged between the middle section 46 and the lower section 47.

[0065] Both guide plates 16, 19 define a gap 20 in the vertical direction. The gap 20 thus has a constant height. The lower section 47 extends from the through-opening of the upper guide plate through the gap 20 to the through-opening 24 of the lower guide plate 16.

[0066] The liquid outlet 15 is arranged between the two guide plates 16, 19. The liquid outlet 15 comprises three lateral outlet openings 21. The liquid outlet 15 is formed by the outlet openings 21. The outlet openings 21 fluidically connect the interior of the lower section 47 to the intermediate space 20. The outlet openings 21 are arranged unevenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the inlet device 14, specifically in the circumferential direction of the lower section 47. Two of the three outlet openings 21 are aligned substantially opposite one another, with the third outlet opening 21 arranged substantially between them in the circumferential direction. Thus, the lower section 47 is designed to be closed relative to the third outlet opening 21.

[0067] Fig. 5 shows another perspective view of the inlet device from Fig. 4 in longitudinal section. The essentially rectangular cross-section of the horizontal pipe section 33 is visible. The deflection device 44 is also visible. Furthermore, the arrangement of the three lateral outlet openings 21 in the lower section 37 is clearly visible.

[0068] Fig. 6 shows a longitudinal section of the separating device 10 from Fig. 1 in operation, ie during the cleaning of a liquid.

[0069] A liquid to be cleaned is fed to the tank 11, wherein the liquid to be cleaned flows from the liquid inlet 31 of the inlet device 14 through the horizontal line section 33 and the vertical line section 34 towards the liquid outlet 15. The liquid outlet 15 comprises lateral outlet openings 21, such that the liquid to be cleaned flows through the outlet openings 21 into the separation area 12. Starting from the lateral outlet openings 21, the liquid to be cleaned flows through the intermediate space 20 arranged in the separation area 12, wherein the liquid to be cleaned is guided radially outwards by both guide plates 16, 19 towards the inner wall of the tank 11. This evenly distributes the liquid to be cleaned. Separated sediments then sink through the lower gap 18 into the settling and sludge collection chamber 13.Since the lower guide plate 16 shields a large portion of the settling and sludge collection chamber 13 from currents in the separation area 12, remobilization of separated sediments in the settling and sludge collection chamber is reduced. The low-sediment liquid then rises through the upper gap 17 and passes through the treatment stage 26, where contaminants, particularly finely distributed and dissolved contaminants such as heavy metals or filterable substances, are additionally removed. Floating contaminants, such as mineral oil hydrocarbons, float on the liquid surface, so that the purified liquid is located beneath it. The lower opening of the dip tube 27 is below the liquid surface or the floating contaminants, so that the purified liquid is discharged to the tank through the dip tube 27.

[0070] List of reference symbols

[0071] 10 Separation device

[0072] 11 containers

[0073] 12 Separation area

[0074] 13 Settling and sludge collection chamber

[0075] 14 Inlet device

[0076] 15 Liquid outlet

[0077] 16 lower guide plate

[0078] 17 upper gap

[0079] 18 lower gap

[0080] 19 upper guide plate

[0081] 20 space

[0082] 21 side outlets

[0083] 22 Column base

[0084] 23 Bottom of the container

[0085] 24 Through hole of the lower guide plate

[0086] 25 Actuating device

[0087] 26 Treatment Level

[0088] 27 Immersion tube

[0089] 28 Inlet opening

[0090] 29 Drain opening

[0091] 30 Liquid line

[0092] 31 Liquid inlet

[0093] 32 side wall of the container

[0094] 33 horizontal line section

[0095] 34 vertical line section

[0096] 35 lower cable opening

[0097] 36 upper cable opening

[0098] 37 lower locking part

[0099] 38 upper closure part

[0100] 39 lower guard rail upper guard rail lower supports upper supports fastening means deflection device upper section middle section lower section direction of gravity

Claims

Claims: Separation device (10) for cleaning a liquid, in particular for cleaning rainwater, comprising a container (11) with at least one separation area (12) and a settling and sludge collection chamber (13), wherein the settling and sludge collection chamber (13) is fluidly connected to the separation area (12) for receiving sediments to be separated and is arranged below the separation area (12) during use, and at least one inlet device (14) for supplying the liquid to be cleaned with at least one liquid outlet (15) opening into the separation area (12), characterized by the fact that the inlet device (14) has at least one lower guide plate (16) between the settling and sludge collection chamber (13) and the separation area (12), wherein the lower guide plate (16) is arranged below the liquid outlet (15) during use,that a liquid flowing from the liquid outlet (15) can be guided radially outwards through the lower guide plate (16) towards the inner wall of the container (11), wherein a lower gap (18) is formed between the outer circumference of the lower guide plate (16) and the inner wall of the container (11). Separation device (10) according to claim 1 is characterized in that the inlet device (14) has an upper guide plate (19) which, in use, is arranged above the lower guide plate (16), wherein the upper guide plate (19) and the lower guide plate (16) form an intermediate space (20) into which the liquid outlet (15) opens such that a liquid flowing from the liquid outlet (15) into the intermediate space (20) can be guided radially outwards through both guide plates. Separation device (10) according to claim 2 dad u rch ken nzeich net,that the area of ​​the lower guide plate (16) is substantially equal to or larger than the area of ​​the upper guide plate. A separating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims is characterized by the fact that the total opening area of ​​the liquid outlet (15) substantially corresponds to or is larger than the smallest flowable inner cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet device (14). A separating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims is characterized by the fact that the liquid outlet (15) has several lateral outlet openings (21). A separating device (10) according to claim 5 is characterized by the fact that the lateral outlet openings (21) are distributed in the circumferential direction of the inlet device (14), in particular uniformly distributed.A separating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims is characterized in that the inlet device (14) has at least one support foot (22) which is arranged on the lower guide plate (16) and, in use, supports the inlet device (14) against a base (23) of the container. A separating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims is characterized in that the lower guide plate (16) has a through-opening (24) which can be closed by means of an actuating device (25) passable through the inlet device (14), wherein the through-opening (24) connects the settling and sludge collection chamber (13) with the interior of the inlet device (14) in such a way that separated sediments can be removed from the settling and sludge collection chamber (13) through the interior of the inlet device (14).Separation device (10) according to one of the preceding claims is characterized by the fact that a treatment stage (26) is located above the lower guide plate (16). in particular a substrate filter stage for the filtration and adsorption of filterable substances and dissolved contaminants is arranged. Separation device (10) according to claim 9 is characterized by the fact that the treatment stage (26) comprises removable segments. Separation device (10) according to claim 9 or 10 is characterized by the fact that the treatment stage (26) is height-adjustable. Separation device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims is characterized by the fact that the container (11) comprises a dip tube (27) for the discharge of purified liquid.Inlet device (14) for a separating device (10), in particular for a separating device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one liquid outlet (15) through which a liquid to be cleaned can be supplied to a container (11) of the separating device (10), characterized by the fact that at least one lower guide plate (16) in use is arranged in the flow direction after the liquid outlet (15) such that a liquid flowing from the liquid outlet (15) can be guided radially outwards through the lower guide plate (16), in particular in the direction of an inner wall of a container (11) of a separating device (10).Method for cleaning a liquid in a separation device (10), in particular a separation device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a container (11) and at least one inlet device (14), wherein the container (11) has at least one separation area (12) and a settling and sludge collection chamber (13), wherein the settling and sludge collection chamber (13) is fluidly connected to the separation area (12) for receiving sediments to be separated and is arranged below the separation area (12) in use, and. The inlet device (14) for supplying the liquid to be cleaned has at least one liquid outlet (15) which opens into the separation area (12) where the liquid to be cleaned is supplied to the container (11), wherein the liquid flowing from the liquid outlet (15) is guided radially outwards towards the inner wall of the container (11) by a lower guide plate (16) arranged below the liquid outlet (15), so that separated sediments sink through a lower gap (18) between the outer circumference of the lower guide plate (16) and the inner wall of the container (11) into the settling and sludge collection chamber (13), the cleaned liquid rises upwards and is then discharged from the container (11).

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