SAND SCREENING DEVICE FOR PIPE COLLECTORS

Abstract

A sand screening device for pipe collectors, comprising a neck (3) mounted protruding from the mouth of a collector pipe (1), which has at least a plurality of slots (31) on its lower surface.

Description

Sand screening device for pipe collectors Technology sector The invention falls within the sector of solid separation processes using filter elements. These filter elements are installed in wastewater and drinking water treatment plants, industrial facilities with liquids loaded with solid particles and in urban drainage systems and collectors, so it could also be classified in these sectors, as well as in the construction of canals. State of the art Pipe collectors are conduits for transporting wastewater from sewers to a wastewater treatment plant. These collectors include one or more overflow weirs along their length, where screens are placed to retain solids. Among the current sieve solutions, a solid waste containment system stands out, made of a plastic material and consisting of a braided mesh, which is placed fixed inside the neck of the collector, fixed by its free end at the bottom of the spillway, to form a basket in which the solid waste that comes out through said collector, of a size larger than said mesh, is collected until it is completely full. However, all known solutions present the problem of sediment buildup, primarily composed of sand, which tends to settle at the bottom of the mesh, blocking the normal flow of liquid. These blockages reduce efficiency, generate additional pressure, and cause premature wear and high maintenance costs, as cleaning must be done manually and operational shutdowns increase expenses. Furthermore, the circulation of sand through the collectors causes wear because the accumulated abrasive materials erode the internal surfaces, reducing their lifespan. In summary, current models have means of retaining solids of a certain size, but they do not have an anti-sand system that allows for their evacuation. Therefore, it is necessary to have a solution that addresses this problem through a device that incorporates screening means and passive sediment evacuation, in order to eliminate the need for additional cleaning systems, reducing operating costs and improving flow efficiency. Explanation of the invention In order to achieve the proposed objectives, mentioned in the previous section, the invention proposes a sand screening device for pipe collectors, having the characteristics of claim 1. More specifically, this device is specially designed to be mounted together with a braided mesh solids containment system, explained above. The device that is the subject of this invention introduces an innovative solution designed to improve the efficiency of sediment management within pipe collectors. This device essentially consists of a neck, mounted on the mouth of the collector pipe, whose main feature lies in the integration of slots (slits approximately 10 mm wide) strategically distributed on the lower surface of said neck. These slots facilitate the continuous and controlled removal of sand and solid particles without interrupting the main flow of water and larger solid waste to the solids screen, usually mounted downstream. This minimizes sediment accumulation, reduces the need for manual maintenance, and extends the system's lifespan. The neck features a flexible design, allowing it to adapt to collectors of different dimensions without the need for additional modifications. This device facilitates the natural removal of sand, as gravity directs the particles toward the collectors, where they are then evacuated. Simultaneously, it also facilitates passive ventilation, helping to keep internal surfaces free of sediment and reducing internal pressure within the collector. All of this minimizes the need for manual intervention, prevents blockages, ensures continuous flow, and reduces the accumulation of debris at the base of the collector neck. When installed in conjunction with a mesh screen, this device also increases the screen's lifespan, as the sand does not clog the collection mesh. Furthermore, this device is specifically designed to also form the support for the mesh at the opening of the collection pipe, simplifying its installation. This device is ideal for wastewater and drinking water treatment plants, industrial facilities with liquids loaded with solid particles, and urban drainage systems and collectors. Unlike traditional systems that require frequent manual cleaning or additional filtration devices, this device offers great simplicity, as it is a passive design that requires no additional mechanical components. It is highly efficient because sand removal occurs without interrupting the water flow through the collector, resulting in low operating costs due to significantly reduced maintenance and downtime. Description of the drawings To complement the description being made and in order to facilitate the understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is included with this descriptive report in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: - Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of the device of the invention mounted on a collector pipe (1) at its outlet to a spillway (2). - Figures 2-3 show two views of a basic device and an embodiment that also allows the attachment of a mesh (5) for collecting solid waste. Realization of the invention As can be seen in the referenced figures, the sand screening device for tube collectors (1) comprises a neck (3), mounted protruding outside the mouth of said collector tube (1), which has at least on its lower surface a plurality of slots (31) for the continuous evacuation of sands and solid particles immediately below the mouth of the collector tube (1), without being thrown out and scattered by the jet produced by the flow of water as it exits through said collector tube (1). The neck (3) is made of stainless steel, ensuring high corrosion resistance and making it suitable for demanding industrial environments. It also features a U-shaped profile, providing flexibility for installation on collectors of varying dimensions. As shown in Fig. 2, in one embodiment, the neck (3) is provided at its base, facing the collector pipe (1), with several prongs (32) through which it is secured to the pipe using pins (33) or similar means. In one embodiment, the sediment evacuation slots (31) in the neck (3) are elongated longitudinally with respect to the neck and the collector tube (1). These slots (slit holes) are approximately 10 mm wide, although this varies depending on the application. They are evenly distributed and strategically positioned to ensure uniform particle evacuation without creating turbulence or reducing the system's transport capacity. In the figures shown, the neck (3) is fixed to the collector tube (1) from the inside. However, an alternative solution is possible in which the neck (3) is fixed to the collector tube (1) by wrapping around it from the outside. In the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 3, the neck (3) has means (4) for attaching a net (5) for collecting the solid waste exiting through the collector pipe (1). In one embodiment, these means for attaching the net (5) are fixed to the mouth of the neck (3) by means (41) that allow the net (5) to be removed without disassembling the neck (3). In an alternative embodiment, these means (4) for attaching the net (5) are formed within the neck (3) itself. Once the nature of the invention has been described, as well as an example of a preferred embodiment, it is evident that the invention is susceptible of industrial application in the indicated sector. It is also noted for the appropriate purposes that the materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements described may be modified, provided that this does not imply an alteration of the essential characteristics of the invention claimed below:

Claims

1. A sand screening device for pipe collectors, comprising a neck (3) mounted protruding from the mouth of a collector pipe (1), which has at least a plurality of slots (31) on its lower surface.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the slots (31) on the neck (3) are elongated longitudinally with the neck and the collector pipe (1).

3. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the neck (3) has a U-shaped elevation configuration, provided at the base facing the collector pipe (1) with protrusions (32) by means of which it is fixed to the pipe.

4. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the neck (3) is fixed to the collector pipe (1) from the inside.

5. A device according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the neck (3) is fixed to the collector pipe (1) by externally embracing it. 6.A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said neck (3) comprises means (4) for securing a net (5) for collecting the solid waste exiting through the collector pipe (1).

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the means for securing the solid waste collection net (5) are fixed to the opening of said neck (3) by means of detachable fastening means (41).