Thin and layered modules for clarifiers

Abstract

A lamina (1) for a purifier having a plate (5), the plate (5) having linear longitudinal ribs (10) extending from an upper end portion (5a) of the plate (5) to a lower end edge (5d) thereof, linear longitudinal folds (15) having wings (40) and interposed between each pair of the ribs to form a protrusion (30) with a V-shaped wall protruding in the sagittal direction (S), an upper end transverse fold (20) in the upper end portion (5a) defining a flat portion (20a) extending rearward in the sagittal direction (S) to the upper end edge (5c), and a lower end transverse fold (60) curved rearward in the sagittal direction (S).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is in the technical field of devices and installations for treating effluents contaminated with impurities in the form of suspended solids, for example but not limited to in waste water treatment plants and drinking water treatment plants.

[0002] More specifically, the subject of the invention is a thin layer intended to be used in a bed purifier, as well as a bed module intended to be used in a bed purifier. [Background technology]

[0003] Clarifiers are devices commonly used in the purification process of wastewater (i.e. the liquid flowing in an industrial facility) to remove suspended solid impurities present in the wastewater, in particular in the purification of wastewater and in the treatment of water for consumption.

[0004] The clarifiers of interest in the present invention are of the "layered" type, which are provided with layered modules in order to improve their performance, the incorporation of which makes it possible to increase the effluent flow rate to be treated or to increase the solids purification efficiency.

[0005] The laminas are plates or profiles arranged in parallel and defining a series of channels. They are installed at mid-height inside the clarifier tank and cover the entire surface of the tank with an inclined orientation, usually forming an angle of 45° to 65° with the horizontal.

[0006] As the water enters the clarifier at the lower end of the tank below the lamina and the treated water is discharged through the upper end of the tank above the lamina, the water must circulate through the inclined channels formed by the lamina. This inclination causes the accumulation of solids present in the water at the bottom of each laminar channel and accelerates their purification towards the lower end of the tank where they are discharged. The water now free of most of the solids leaves the laminar channel through its upper end region in the direction of the outlet channel which leaves the tank to continue the treatment process.

[0007] The main problem with layered clarifiers, and the main reason for their reduced efficiency, is the impossibility of achieving a uniform upward flow through every single one of the installed layered channels.

[0008] In order for the lamina to perform their function properly, the flow through said lamina must be as uniform as possible over the entire installed surface, in other words, the upward velocity of each installed laminar channel must be the same in all of them. The theoretical velocity through the laminar channels is given by the outflow rate into the tank divided by the installed laminar surface area, which is the velocity at which the solids have enough time to reach the lower side of the laminar channel. In practice, however, this situation rarely occurs. The direction of these inlet flows is parallel to the surface of the tank, since the inlets for the effluent input must be made at certain points in the lower end area of ​​the tank, and then they must change their direction upwards, cross the lamina and find the discharge channel. Due to the inertia present in all effluents undergoing a velocity, this means that certain areas of the lamina will always tend to undergo a larger flow, generating upward velocities through the lamina installed in these areas that are much higher than the theoretical design velocity.

[0009] Furthermore, the support systems to which the lamina or layered modules are fixed are usually made using profiles and load-bearing beams that provide the necessary strength. Depending on their shape and size, the surfaces of these support systems become obstacles to the passage of the flows that arise under the layered modules and act as deflectors, creating areas where the layered channels function with very high upward velocities.

[0010] It is therefore common to find in these priority areas rising velocities of 3 to 7 times the design velocity. This means that the solids do not have time to clear in these areas and the bed channels remain through their upper end outlets, resulting in very high efficiency losses and early contamination. Given the uniform discharge of water through the spillway channels, the water flowing through the priority areas, once it has passed through the bed channels, follows horizontal paths over the bed equipment that are discharged through the corresponding spillway channel areas. The efficiency losses are due to the part of the suspended solids that are discharged through the spillway together with the treated water, and the early contamination is due to the part of the solids that deposit on the bed packages and their structures during these horizontal paths.

[0011] In most cases, the laminar clarification tank has areas where the thin layer does not exhibit any flow or has a downward flow to compensate for the excess flow through the preferential areas, instead of having an upward flow.

[0012] The efficiency losses due to these imbalances in velocities through the different stratified regions can be very high, with the most common values ​​being 40-60% of the performance loss. In other words, at homogeneous velocities, 40-60% of the solids that should be purified according to the theoretical design will be purified.

[0013] Furthermore, premature fouling will occur and the tanks will have to be shut down and cleaned more frequently, reducing the overall capacity of the treatment plant and increasing maintenance costs.

[0014] New thin layers specifically designed to solve the aforementioned problems have recently been developed, such as, for example, that disclosed by Spanish Patent No. P201830839 owned by the same applicant and relating to a "Thin Layer for a Purifier and a Layered Module for a Purifier".

[0015] The lamina and layered modules described in P201830839, as described in the corresponding patents, effectively address various problems present in the conventional technology, but do not completely eliminate efficiency losses resulting from uneven distribution of rising speed through different areas of the installed lamina.

[0016] Additionally, other devices have been developed to address the aforementioned problems, such as that disclosed in Patent No. P202031173, owned by the same applicant, entitled "Flow Balance and Sunscreen Device for Layered Purifiers."

[0017] The flow balancer disclosed by P202031173 is intended to solve the problem of velocity imbalance in layered purifiers as well as provide solar protection for the modules.

[0018] The present invention effectively solves the problem of solar radiation on the layered modules, but does not completely and reliably eliminate the imbalance of the flow through different areas of the layered purifier. Therefore, in order for the balancing device to achieve optimal balance, it is appropriate to increase the pressure drop during the passage of water, which is its characteristic feature.

[0019] Furthermore, since it is an additional part, it involves additional manufacturing and assembly costs for the layered module.

[0020] On the other hand, the layered module, the object of patent P201830839, presents a transverse continuous channel separated by each lamella that composes it, improving the hydraulic performance generated due to the velocity gradient inside the channel. In a clarifier tank with a water distribution with a flow perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tank and therefore to the direction of the channel, the assembly formed by the module according to patent P201830839 and the balancer according to application P202031173 shows good performance, reducing the difference between the maximum and minimum velocities and thus clearly improving the efficiency of the clarifier.

[0021] On the other hand, when the water distribution is across the tank, it rises faster through the thin layer located in the preferential flow region and reaches the balancer, which diverts part of its flow across the channel through its lower end region and the higher region of the module, making the balancer less effective and less efficient.

[0022] Similarly, in some layered clarifier installations, the balancer according to document P202031173 is not always able to achieve by itself the pressure drop required to sufficiently balance the ascending velocities through all the installed thin layers and therefore cannot eliminate the outflow channel.

[0023] Another aspect to improve in any laminar cleaning technique in general is the performance loss due to the transition length that occurs at the inlet of each laminar channel. Depending on the velocity and angle at which the sublaminar distributed flow reaches the inlet to the laminar channel, turbulence may occur that continues for a certain distance of the total length of each laminar channel until the laminar regime is stabilized with perfectly parallel streamlines inside the duct. Laminar duct cleaning is only efficient if this last condition is met, and therefore there may be a certain length of flow path from the inlet where the efficiency is not high enough. Depending on the inlet velocity, incidence angle, and channel geometry, this transition distance can extend by 10 to 40% of the total length of the laminar channel.

[0024] Moreover, the inlet region of the laminar channel accumulates solids grouped along the entire length of the channel in the process of discharge, thus reducing its portion available for the inlet of the effluent. This again contributes to increasing the velocity, turbulence of the effluent at the inlet, making the aforementioned transition length longer than necessary. Similarly, this accumulation of solids in the lower part of the channel and the aforementioned increase in velocity favors the entrainment by the upward flow of a portion of the solids present in this region.

[0025] The laminar and stratified modules according to patent P201830839 used together with the flow balance and sunscreen device according to document P202031173 show good performance in installations with longitudinal water distribution, the imbalance is not too pronounced and is very suitable for small and medium sized clarifiers, whereas in larger tanks showing high speed imbalance between different areas the desired efficiency goals are not achieved.

[0026] With regard to fouling, the performance of the laminar and layered modules according to patent P201830839 is optimal taking into account their longitudinal curvature, while in installations where high velocities occur in certain areas due to the aforementioned imbalances, the transition length may extend longer than necessary. Under these conditions, this first part of the layered channel experiences more pronounced efficiency losses, since it is the one that contributes most to the capacity of the system, since it has a smaller inclination angle to the horizontal.

[0027] In conclusion, the developments disclosed in documents P201830839 and P202031173 are very suitable for installations with certain characteristics, generally small and medium-sized clarifiers that show less pronounced imbalances. However, for larger installations that show more pronounced imbalances in water distribution, the results are less promising, so there is still a need to develop a layered clarifier that can achieve the desired capacity and efficiency objectives and do so without a spillway. Summary of the Invention

[0028] The present invention is intended to correct or reduce the problems in the art as described above, as well as to provide further advantages to the art.

[0029] Moreover, its design, according to patent P201530891, has the necessary features to ensure and optimize the operation of the automatic cleaning device.

[0030] To this end, a first object of the invention is to provide a lamina for a purifier comprising a rectangular or square plate made from a single piece, the plate having: a plurality of longitudinal linear ribs extending from an upper end portion of the plate to a lower end edge of the plate; a plurality of linear longitudinal creases, each of which extends from an upper portion of the plate to a lower edge of the plate, each of said creases being interposed between a pair of longitudinal ribs, such that a space provided between said pair of longitudinal ribs defines a protrusion with a V-shaped wall protruding sagittally forward and at the corner of which the linear longitudinal creases are located; a plurality of wings, one wing disposed sagitally anterior to each longitudinal fold and one wing disposed sagitally posterior to each longitudinal fold; - four end wings, one end wing arranged sagittal in front of each longitudinal edge of the plate and one end wing arranged sagittal in rear of each longitudinal edge of the plate; an upper transverse fold in the upper portion of the plate defining a flat portion extending sagittal rearward a fixed distance from the fold point to the upper edge of the plate; a lower transverse fold in the lower end portion of the plate such that said lower end portion is curved backwards in a sagittal direction; is provided on the thin layer.

[0031] The specific design of these lamellae for the clarifier according to the invention, incorporating a flow homogenization system in its unique structure, makes it possible to significantly reduce the velocity differences of the different laminar channels, whether they are located in preferential flow regions or not, thus also avoiding regions with laminar channels operating at very low or negative velocities.

[0032] Furthermore, given that the wings form independent channels across the width of the layered module, the flow from the preferential area is prevented from rising at a higher speed and then moving under the homogenization system through the high areas of the module.

[0033] In this way, in a layered installation formed by layered modules according to the invention, improved performance is achieved regardless of the type of distribution of the effluent to be purified, whether vertically from the head of the tank or horizontally from the side of the tank; moreover, the sufficient balance of the flows through the integrated homogenization system makes it possible to eliminate the outflow channel, since uniform extraction of water is no longer necessary to achieve said balance.

[0034] This allows all the laminar channels to operate at close to the average design speed, so that the solids present in the water have time to reach the underside of each laminar channel, grouping them together and leaving the laminar channels through their lower openings towards the base of the clarifier. In this way, the laminar installation operates at an efficiency value close to the design value.

[0035] By preventing the presence of flow passages operating at high velocities, the likelihood that some solids will exit the flow passages through their top portions, resulting in the usual efficiency losses and premature fouling that occurs when some of these solids are deposited on the top surface of the bed equipment, thereby reducing the maintenance and cleaning efforts of the bed.

[0036] Furthermore, in view of the thin layers of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the turbulence caused by shortening the transition length to establish a stable laminar flow with parallel streamlines, regardless of the direction in which the effluent flow under the layered package reaches the inlet of the layered channel. These turbulences, and therefore the transition length, are directly proportional to the inlet velocity to the layered channels, and therefore by reducing the inlet velocity that would occur in the channels located in the preferred region, the transition length associated with the inlet velocity is also reduced, optimizing the performance of all channels and reducing efficiency losses associated with the transition length.

[0037] Likewise, a greater inclination of the laminar channel relative to the horizontal in the inlet region prevents the transition region from extending beyond the bottom fold of the lamina into the working region of the laminar channel. This greater inclination of the channel also favors the discharge of solids in this inlet region, avoiding the aforementioned accumulation, increasing the passage section available for the inlet flow, lowering its velocity, reducing turbulence, and reducing the transition length and entrainment of a portion of the solids with the inlet effluent flow.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the lamina according to the invention, both the wings on the linear longitudinal folds and the end wings on the longitudinal edges extend from the upper portion of the plate to its lower edge.

[0039] On the other hand, the single-piece plate is preferably a plastic plate manufactured using plastic injection technology.

[0040] Polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), recycled plastics or combinations thereof are non-limiting examples of preferred plastic materials for manufacturing the thin single component plates according to the present invention.

[0041] In this sense, it is important to note that neither plastic extrusion nor plastic thermoforming allows the provision of thin layers with complex geometric shapes as described in the present invention: provision of thin layers with different thicknesses, perforations, longitudinal and transverse folds, differently positioned ribs, etc. is not possible with the aforementioned techniques present in the state of the art.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lamina comprises at least one longitudinal linear structural fold having wings and extending from the upper portion to the lower edge of the plate, said structural fold being interposed between a pair of longitudinal linear ribs, whereby the space comprised between said pair of longitudinal ribs defines a structural protrusion having V-shaped walls projecting sagittally forward and at a corner of which the structural fold is located, the angle defined by the V-shaped wall of the structural protrusion being more acute than the angle defined by the walls of a conventional protrusion in order to provide the required mechanical strength.

[0043] The structural fold preferably comprises a greater thickness and at least one fastening point comprising a perforation adapted to receive a support element, said perforation preferably being conical in shape.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the thin layer comprises at least one structural fold having an upper end fixing point including a perforation closest to the upper end transverse fold and a lower end fixing point including a perforation located at its lower end portion and below the lower end transverse fold.

[0045] Preferably, the lamina also comprises a plurality of structural wings, one structural wing disposed sagitally forward of each longitudinal linear structural fold and one structural wing disposed further sagitally rearward of each longitudinal linear structural fold.

[0046] Even more preferably, the flat portion of the upper end portion of the plate is provided with an upper longitudinal closure on each of its two longitudinal edges.

[0047] Similarly, for each longitudinal linear rib formed by the plate, a V-shaped deflector is preferably provided, said V-shaped deflector being arranged on the lower end surface of the flat part of the upper transverse fold.

[0048] Given the partial overlap of the plateaus of the lamina, the V-shaped deflectors rest on the upper end faces of the plateaus of the adjacent lamina and perform several functions: on the one hand they partially close the outflow channels in order to achieve a flow balance in all the installed modules and increase the pressure drop to the value required to improve the cleaning process, and, moreover, they make it possible to collect and direct the flows generated by the nozzles of the automatic cleaning devices, for example those disclosed in the Spanish patent no. 201530891.

[0049] Said overlap between adjacent lamellae is advantageous as it also reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the interior of the laminar channel, thereby reducing the problems of algae growth and microbiological processes therein.

[0050] Even more preferably, the lower end surface of the flat portion of the upper transverse fold is provided with a plurality of protrusions, each of said protrusions being aligned with one of the longitudinal linear folds of the plate or one of the longitudinal linear structural folds.

[0051] A second aspect of the invention relates to a layered module for a purifier comprising two or more lamellae according to the first aspect of the invention arranged in parallel without direct contact with each other and attached to a support element.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the layered module for a purifier according to the invention, the lamina comprises: - the lower part of each plate of the laminate has an inclination of 65 to 80° to the horizontal, and the intermediate part of the plate between the upper transverse fold and the lower transverse fold has an inclination of 45 to 65° to the horizontal, -The flat top of each thin plate should form an angle of 1° to 10° with the horizontal. To be placed.

[0053] The configuration described in the previous paragraph means that the lamina provided in each layer module have the following characteristics: The lamina are parallel to one another and in their working position define their main longitudinal direction (middle region) at an angle of between 45° and 65° to the horizontal. The lamina defines a plurality of independent laminar channels defined by planar surfaces on either side of each longitudinal linear rib and wings located on the longitudinal folds completing the intermediate partitions therebetween. said laminar channel, in its lower region, contained between the lower edge and the lower transverse fold, has an inclination relative to the horizontal of between 65° and 80°, i.e. a greater inclination than in its intermediate region; - the laminar channel further has a side opening in its lower end region and in front of the lower end transverse fold, the opening being created by wings provided on the longitudinal straight folds, end wings provided on the longitudinal edges and, where appropriate, structural wings provided on the structural folds; - the plateau defined by the upper transverse fold presents a small angle (included between 1° and 10°) to the horizontal, which allows it to overlap with part of the plateau of the lamina located immediately behind it, incorporating the homogenization system into its own structure. -This overlap reduces the portion available for the passage of water, increasing its velocity and therefore its pressure drop, which is why it acts as a flow balance system built into the layered module itself. Furthermore, it helps protect against solar radiation.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the layered module is characterized by the following: each of the lamina comprises at least one longitudinal structural fold and comprises an upper end fixing point comprising a perforation closest to an upper end transverse fold and a lower end fixing point comprising a perforation located at a lower end portion of said longitudinal structural fold; - the support element comprises at least two groups of threaded rods, the threaded rods of the first group being arranged to intersect with the perforations of the upper end fixing point of the lamina and the threaded rods of the second group being arranged to intersect with the perforations of the lower end fixing point of the lamina.

[0055] Furthermore, the layered module preferably comprises: at least one upper spacer arranged at an upper fixing point of the lamina, the at least one upper spacer being provided with a through hole allowing the passage of at least one of the threaded rods of the first group; and at least one lower end spacer arranged at a lower end fixing point of the lamina, the at least one lower end spacer being provided with a through hole allowing the passage of at least one of the second group of threaded rods; Also equipped.

[0056] These spacers are preferably provided with at least one frustoconical bushing adapted to receive a threaded rod and to be joined across a lamina, and at least another bushing is provided on another adjacent spacer. In the support and fastening area of ​​the spacer with each lamina, said spacers preferably have an inclination that determines the orientation of each lamina once the layered module is assembled.

[0057] Preferably, an end piece completes the support element at each end of the layered module and is provided on it with a vertical surface perpendicular to the threaded rod facilitating the correct support of the fastening means, preferably the nut, which secures the assembly.

[0058] A bottom spacer located near the bottom edge of the lamina is preferably provided with attachment means for attachment to the support base.

[0059] The support base is adapted to be placed in the tank of the clarifier and in addition to acting as a base for supporting the module, also acts as an anti-floating device.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support base comprises at least one inverted T-shaped profile in which the connecting means for connecting the bottom spacer is accommodated.

[0061] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, a very brief description is provided below of a set of drawings, which explicitly relate to embodiments of said invention and which provide non-limiting examples thereof. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0062] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a lamina according to the invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lamina according to the invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the upper end portion of the lamina of FIG. 1 in greater detail. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the lower end portion of the lamina of FIG. 1 in greater detail. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing in more detail the top portion of one embodiment of the lamina, the flat portion of which is provided with a V-shaped portion and a protrusion for partially closing the effluent passage channel. [Figure 5A] 1 shows a possible embodiment of a layer module according to the invention; [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is an enlarged view showing the top portion of the layered module of FIG. 5A in greater detail. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5B is an enlarged view showing the lower end portion of the layered module of FIG. 5A in greater detail. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5B is a partially exploded side view of the layered module of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5B is an enlarged detail of the bottom end view of the layered module of FIG. 5A. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] (1)Thin layer (5) Plate (5a) The upper part of the thin layer (5b) The lower part of the layer (5c) Upper edge of the layer (5d) Lower edge of the layer (10) Longitudinal straight rib (15) Straight fold along the length (15') Longitudinal straight fold (20) Horizontal fold at top edge (20a) Flat part of horizontal fold (30)Protrusion (30') Structural protrusion (40) Wings (attached to the longitudinal straight folds) (40') Structural wing section (installed on the longitudinal linear structural fold) (40") End Wings (located at the longitudinal edges of the plate) (50a) Upper end perforation (50b) Lower end perforation (60) Horizontal fold at bottom edge (70) V-shaped deflector (85) Upper longitudinal closure (90) Protrusion (100)Layer Module (105a) Top spacer (105b) Top spacer (110a) Upper end (110b) Bottom end (120) Support Base (130) A means for connecting to a support base (140a) First group of rods (140b) Second group of rods (150) Side entrance (L) Longitudinal direction (T) Horizontal (S)Sagittal direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] Various preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0065] Throughout this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having the same or similar functionality are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0066] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a lamina (1) according to the invention. Furthermore, for greater clarity, said figure shows the following directions necessary for the purposes of explaining the invention: longitudinal (L), transverse (T) and sagittal (S).

[0067] In the embodiment shown, the lamina comprises a single-piece rectangular plate (5) having an upper portion (5a) terminating in an upper edge (5c) and a lower portion (5b) terminating in a lower edge (5d). Further, end wings (40") are disposed on each of the two longitudinal edges of the plate (5).

[0068] The plate (5) is provided with a plurality of longitudinal linear ribs (10) extending from its upper end portion (5a) to its lower edge (5d).

[0069] Similarly, there is a linear longitudinal crease (15) extending from the upper end portion (5a) of the plate (5) to the lower end edge (5d) thereof. Furthermore, each of the creases (15) is interposed between a pair of longitudinal ribs (10), whereby the space contained between said pair of longitudinal ribs (10) defines a protrusion (30) or ridge, the V-shaped wall protruding forward in the sagittal direction (S) and at the corner of which the linear longitudinal crease (15) is located.

[0070] Each of the linear longitudinal folds (15) is provided with wings (40) thereon extending along its entire longitudinal extent.

[0071] Similarly, plate (5) is provided with an upper transverse fold (20) in its upper portion (5a) defining a flat (20a) which extends rearward in the sagittal direction (S) a fixed distance from the fold point to the upper edge (5c) of plate (5).

[0072] Furthermore, the lower end portion (5b) of the plate (5) is provided with a lower end transverse fold (60) curving backwards in the sagittal direction (S), so that, when the lamina is in its operative position, said lower end portion (5b) of the plate forms a larger angle with the horizontal than the intermediate portion included between the upper end transverse fold (20) and the lower end transverse fold (60).

[0073] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the lamina (1) for the clarifier also comprises a linear longitudinal structural fold (15') extending from the upper end portion (5a) to the lower end edge (5d) of the plate (5), said structural fold (15') being provided with a structural wing (40') extending longitudinally over most of its longitudinal extent, except around the perforations (50a and 50b).

[0074] Each structural fold (15') is interposed between a pair of longitudinal linear ribs (10) such that the space contained between said pair of longitudinal ribs (10) defines a structural protrusion (30') projecting forward in the sagittal direction (S) and having a V-shaped wall at the corner of which the structural fold (15') is located. The angle defined by the V-shaped wall of the structural protrusion (30') is more acute than the angle defined by the wall of a conventional protrusion (30), and the structural protrusion (30') has a greater thickness to enhance its mechanical strength.

[0075] In this embodiment of the invention, the structural fold (15') comprises an upper end fixing point provided with a perforation (50a) and a lower end fixing point provided with a perforation (50b), the perforations (50a, 50b) being adapted to receive rods which are part of the layered modular support element.

[0076] 3A and 3B are enlarged views showing the upper and lower end portions, respectively, of the lamina of FIG.

[0077] Thus, for example, Figure 3A, among other things, clearly shows both the conventional protrusion (30) and the thin structural protrusion (30'). Also shown is the upper longitudinal closure (85) provided on the flat portion (20a) of the upper end portion (5a).

[0078] For its part, FIG. 3B shows, with particular clarity, for example, the lower edge (5d) of the plate and the perforations (50b) corresponding to the lower fixing points.

[0079] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lamina (1) according to the invention, with elements very similar to those of the embodiment of Figure 1, as far as that is concerned. However, Figure 2 shows diagrammatically the arrangement of a V-shaped deflector (70) in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Said V-shaped deflector (70) is arranged below the lower end face of the flat part (20a) of the upper transverse fold of the sheet metal and is visible from the perspective shown in Figure 2.

[0080] 4 shows another embodiment of the thin layer according to the invention, which also comprises a V-shaped deflector (70) under the lower end surface of the flat part (20a) of the upper transverse fold of the sheet metal, and further comprises a protrusion (90). As will be explained in detail later, both the V-shaped deflector (70) and the protrusion (90) contemplated by the present invention are intended to partially block the laminar channels, reducing the passing part of the water and increasing its passing velocity, and therefore increasing the pressure drop that occurs during the purification process to improve its performance.

[0081] Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E show a possible embodiment of a layered module (100) for a purifier according to the invention. The module (100) comprises a number of thin layers (1) arranged in parallel, without direct contact with each other.

[0082] In the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, each of the lamina (1) has two longitudinal structural folds with an upper end fixing point comprising a perforation (50a) and a lower end fixing point comprising a perforation (50b).

[0083] The layer module (100) further comprises two groups of threaded rods (140a) and (140b) (visible in FIG. 4D). In the assembled and operational state of the layer module, the threaded rods (140a) of the first group traverse the perforations (50a) of the upper end fixing point of the lamina (1), while the threaded rods (140b) of the second group traverse the perforations (50b) of the lower end fixing point of the lamina.

[0084] Furthermore, a top spacer (105a) is disposed at the top fixing point between each pair of adjacent lamellae (1). The top spacer (105a) is provided with a through hole with a frustoconical bushing that allows one of the threaded rods (140a) of the first group to be received therein. As shown in FIG. 5D, each top piece (110a) is disposed before the first lamellae (1) and after the last lamellae (1) of the layered module (100).

[0085] Similarly, a bottom spacer (105b) is disposed at the bottom fixing point between each pair of adjacent lamellae (1). The bottom spacer (105b) is also provided with a through hole having a frustoconical bushing that allows one of the second group of threaded rods (140b) to be received therein. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5D, each bottom piece (110b) is disposed before the first lamellae (1) and after the last lamellae (1) of the layered module (100).

[0086] Furthermore, the lower end spacer (105b) is provided with a connecting means (130) for connecting to an inverted T-profile support base (120) intended to be placed inside the clarifier tank, and in addition to functioning as a base for supporting the module, also functions as an anti-floating device.

[0087] These connecting means (130) consist of two pins arranged in the lower part of the separator and fitting into the upper part of each inverted T-shaped profile. The pins and some drillings in the profile make it possible to receive penetrating elements that fasten the module to the support profile. The penetrating elements may be, for example, screws or rivets.

[0088] Depending on the size of the clarification tank, a structural profile or beam may be needed to provide additional strength to the support base or inverted T-profile.

[0089] FIG. 5E shows how, in this embodiment of the layered module, side ports (150) are formed at the lower end portions of the layered channels due to the fact that the plates of each lamina (5) exhibit a greater inclination to the horizontal at their lower end portions than at their intermediate portions.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 5A-5E, when the layered module (100) is assembled and placed in the purification tank, said module (100) has the following characteristics: - All the lamellae (1) that comprise it are arranged parallel to one another. - the layered module (100) thus formed has independent layered channels bounded by planar surfaces on either side of each longitudinal rib (10), wing (40), structural wing (40') and, where appropriate, end wing (40"); the geometry of these channels remains constant from the lower transverse fold (60) to the height of the upper transverse fold (20), where the geometry is transformed into a low-profile flat channel. - the top flat area (20a) of each lamina partially overlaps the flat area (20a) of the adjacent lamina. Depending on the angle of the top fold, the free distance between the bottom and top faces of each lamina in this overlap area amounts to 2-6 mm. The overlap area preferably extends 15-25 mm. - As shown in detail in Figure 5B, in each overlapping area, a V-shaped deflector (70) resting on the upper end surface of the flat area of ​​the adjacent lamina (1) is received under the lower end surface of the flat area, creating a closure for the passage of water. Furthermore, between the V-shaped deflectors (70), a protrusion (90) resting on the upper end surface of the flat area of ​​the adjacent lamina is received under the lower end surface of the flat area. Between the V-shaped deflectors (70) and the protrusions (90) that partially close the passage of water in the overlapping area, a slot is formed that limits the water passage section, thus increasing the velocity at that point and the resulting pressure drop.

[0091] Depending on the size of the V-shaped deflector (70) and the separation distance between the overlapping surfaces of the lamina (1), a slot is preferably formed with a length of 8 mm to 20 mm and a height of 2 mm to 6 mm, however, this dimensioning may vary according to the needs of each installation.

[0092] The upper end configuration of the slots is such that each channel formed has two slots of equal size, so that all water flowing through the channel must necessarily pass through the assembly of two slots at a velocity determined by its passage section, creating a pressure drop corresponding to said velocity. -The geometry of the partial closure in the form of a continuous slot of variable parts, brought about by the V-shaped deflector (70) and the protrusions housed under the lower end face of the flat area of ​​each lamina (1) and in the area of ​​overlap with the adjacent lamina, creates a pressure drop associated with the sudden narrowing of the passage of the water, a pressure drop associated with the very passage through the slot in the narrowest area, and a pressure drop associated with the gradual expansion of the flow after passing through the slot in the narrowest area. This set of pressure drops is much higher than the pressure drop required to stop the inertia of the water present in the preferential path area. When the high-velocity water reaches the laminar duct located in the preferential area, the pressure drop created at the nominal flow in the slot of each channel prevents the flow from increasing significantly and deflects the flow under the module towards the channel, which tends to have a lower flow rate, leveling out the rising speed in all the installed channels. -The shape of the closure provided by the V-shaped deflector and the linear protrusions housed below the lower end surface of the flat area of ​​each lamina in the area overlapping with the adjacent lamina facilitates receiving and concentrating the flow generated by the nozzle of the cleaning equipment and directs the pressurized water propelled by the nozzle in the direction of the through slot. - Prevents water from moving laterally relative to the layered module by creating separate channels, which prevents high upward velocities from occurring in the priority areas and prevents this flow from migrating under a closed system to other areas of the module or to adjacent modules when it reaches the top part of the module. - Considering the geometry of the laminae, each laminar channel comprises a section with a greater inclination (65°-80°) to the horizontal in its lower end region, where the water enters. The turbulence due to the change of direction occurs mostly in this region, reducing the transition distance, where the purification is ineffective. Once this region is passed, the water continues to rise through the working region of the laminar channel, in other words its intermediate region, with a lower inclination (45°-65°) to the horizontal, but already showing the parallel flow lines typical of the stable laminar region, enhancing the performance of the process. Likewise, considering its greater inclination, this inlet region favors the discharge of solids, preventing their accumulation at the inlet of the channel, increasing the surface area available for the passage of the water, reducing its inlet velocity, again minimizing the entrainment of solids in the upward direction. - In this lower end region, the longitudinal wings (40, 40' and 40") are sized such that the laminar channels open partially in the side regions. In a lateral water distribution or a distribution with a lateral component, these openings allow part of the flow to pass through them at a lower speed into the adjacent channel, partially laminated, again contributing to the reduction of the inlet turbulence and the ineffective transition region.

[0093] Each module (100), in its final position within the tank and on its support base (120), is aligned with adjacent modules and fully bonded to one another so that the last lamina of the previously placed module overlaps in the same manner as the first module lamina placed below.

[0094] However, the present invention should not be limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art may develop other embodiments in light of the description provided herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A lamina (1) for a purifier comprising a rectangular or square plate (5) made from a single piece, said plate (5) comprising: - a number of longitudinal linear ribs (10) extending from the upper end portion (5a) of said plate (5) to the lower end edge (5d) of said plate; a plurality of linear longitudinal folds (15), each of which extends from the upper end portion (5a) of the plate (5) to the lower end edge (5d) of the plate (5), each of which is interposed between a pair of longitudinal ribs (10), so that the space provided between the pair of longitudinal ribs (10) defines a projection (30) with a V-shaped wall projecting forward in the sagittal direction (S) and at the corner of which the linear longitudinal folds (15) are located; a plurality of wings (40), one wing (40) arranged in front of each longitudinal straight fold line (15) in the sagittal direction, and one wing (40) arranged in rear of each longitudinal straight fold line (15) in the sagittal direction, - four end wings (40"), one end wing (40") arranged in front of each of the longitudinal edges of the plate (5) in the sagittal direction, and one end wing (40") arranged in the rear of each of the longitudinal edges of the plate (5), - an upper transverse fold (20) in said upper portion (5a) of said plate (5) defining a flat (20a) extending a certain distance backward in said sagittal direction (S) from a fold point to said upper edge (5c) of said plate (5); - a lower transverse fold (60) in the lower end portion (5b) of said plate (5) so that said lower end portion (5b) is curved backwards in said sagittal direction (S); A thin layer (1), characterized in that it is provided with:

2. 2. A lamina (1) for a clarifier according to claim 1, wherein said wings (40) and said end wings (40'') extend from said upper end portion (5a) of said plate (5) to said lower end edge (5d) of said plate.

3. A lamina (1) for a clarifier according to claim 1, wherein the plate (5) is a plastic plate manufactured using plastic injection technology.

4. 2. A lamina (1) for a clarifier according to claim 1, further comprising at least one longitudinal linear structural fold (15') extending from the upper end portion (5a) of the plate (5) to the lower end edge (5d) of the plate (5), said structural fold (15') being interposed between a pair of longitudinal linear ribs (10), whereby the space provided between the pair of longitudinal ribs (10) defines a structural protrusion (30') with a V-shaped wall protruding forward in the sagittal direction (S) and at the corner of which the structural fold (15') is located, the angle defined by the V-shaped wall of the structural protrusion (30') being more acute than the angle defined by the wall of a conventional protrusion (30).

5. 5. The lamina (1) for a purifier according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of structural wing portions (40'), one structural wing portion (40') being arranged at the front of each longitudinal linear structural fold (15') in the sagittal direction, and one structural wing portion (40') being further arranged at the rear of each longitudinal linear structural fold (15') in the sagittal direction.

6. 5. A lamina (1) for a clarifier according to claim 4, wherein the structural fold (15') is provided with at least one fastening point comprising a perforation (50a, 50b) adapted to receive a support element.

7. 7. A lamina (1) for a purifier according to claim 6, wherein at least one structural fold (15') is provided with an upper end fixing point with a perforation (50a) closest to said upper end transverse fold (20) and a lower end fixing point with a perforation (50b) located in said lower end portion (5b) below said lower end transverse fold (60).

8. 2. A lamina (1) for a clarifier according to claim 1, wherein the flat portion (20a) of the upper end portion (5a) is provided with an upper end longitudinal closure (85) on each of its two longitudinal edges.

9. 2. A lamina (1) for a purifier according to claim 1, wherein a V-shaped deflector (70) is provided for each of the longitudinal linear ribs (10) formed by the plate (5), the V-shaped deflector (70) being arranged on the flat portion (20a) of the upper end transverse fold (20).

10. 2. The lamina (1) for a purifier according to claim 1, wherein the lower end surface of the flat portion (20a) of the upper end portion (5a) is provided with a plurality of protrusions (90), each of the protrusions (90) being aligned with one of the longitudinal linear folds (15) or one of the longitudinal linear structural folds (15') of the plate (5).

11. A layered module (100) for a clarifier comprising two or more lamellae (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 arranged in parallel without direct contact with each other and attached to a support element.

12. The thin layer (1) is - such that the lower end portion (5b) of each of the plates (5) of the lamina (1) has an inclination of between 65° and 80° to the horizontal and the intermediate portion of the plate, provided between the upper transverse fold (20) and the lower transverse fold (60), has an inclination of between 45° and 65° to the horizontal; - so that the flat portion (20a) of the upper end portion (5a) of each of the plates (5) of the lamina (1) makes an angle with the horizontal comprised between 10° and -10°; The layered module (100) of claim 11,

13. - each of said lamina (1) is provided with at least one structural fold (15') comprising an upper end fixing point with a perforation (50a) closest to said upper end transverse fold (20) and a lower end fixing point with a perforation (50b) located in said lower end portion (5b); - said support element comprises at least two groups of threaded rods (140a, 140b), the threaded rods (140a) of a first group are arranged to cross the perforations (50a) of the upper end fixing point of the lamina and the threaded rods (140b) of a second group are arranged to cross the perforations (50b) of the lower end fixing point of the plate of the lamina (1); A layered module (100) for a clarifier according to claim 11.

14. at least one upper spacer (105a) arranged at an upper fixing point of the lamina (5), the at least one upper spacer (105a) being provided with a through hole allowing the passage of at least one of said threaded rods (140a) of said first group; at least one lower end spacer (105b) arranged at a lower end fixing point of the lamina (5), the at least one lower end spacer (105b) being provided with a through hole allowing the passage of at least one of said threaded rods (140b) of said second group; The layered module (100) for a clarifier of claim 13, further comprising:

15. 15. A layered module (100) for a purifier as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lower end spacer (105b) arranged near the lower end edge of the thin layer (5) is preferably provided with a connecting means (130) for connecting to a support base (120).

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