Wastewater treatment system and wastewater treatment method

Abstract

The wastewater treatment system (10) includes an administration subsystem (12) into which a coagulant is added to wastewater containing microparticles. The administration subsystem (12) produces coagulant-treated wastewater containing coagulated microparticles. The wastewater treatment system (10) further includes a mixing and residence time extension subsystem (14) which is in fluid communication with the administration subsystem (12). The mixing and residence time extension subsystem (14) is adapted to receive the coagulant-treated wastewater and further collect the microparticles in the coagulant-treated wastewater to produce aggregated microparticle wastewater. The wastewater treatment system (10) includes a separation subsystem (16) which is in fluid communication with the mixing and residence time extension subsystem (14). The separation subsystem (16) is adapted to receive the aggregated microparticle wastewater and separate the aggregated microparticles from the wastewater to produce separated microparticles and filtered wastewater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wastewater treatment system and a method for wastewater treatment. In a non-exclusive aspect, the present invention relates to a wastewater treatment system and a method for wastewater treatment, by which microparticles, such as microplastic particles, are removed.

Background Art

[0002] Microparticles, also known as microspheres, refer to tiny particles having a diameter in the micrometer range, typically 0.1 to 100 micrometers (μm). They may be composed of various materials, such as polymers, ceramics, metals, or composite materials, and have various properties depending on their composition and intended use.

[0003] Important points regarding microparticles include the following: Manufacture and composition: Microparticles can be designed from a wide range of materials, such as synthetic polymers (e.g., polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate), natural polymers (e.g., gelatin, alginate), ceramics (e.g., silica), and metals. The material selection depends on the application and takes into account factors such as biocompatibility, degradability, and mechanical strength. Properties: The size, surface charge, and morphology (shape and surface structure) of microparticles can significantly affect their behavior in various environments and applications. These properties can be precisely adjusted during their manufacturing process. Applications: Microparticles have a wide range of applications across various fields: Medical and pharmaceutical: In drug delivery systems, microparticles are used to encapsulate drugs to protect them from degradation and control their release over time. They are also used in diagnosis and tissue engineering and as contrast agents in imaging diagnosis. Cosmetics: Microparticles are used in cosmetic products for a variety of purposes, for example, as carriers for active ingredients, in sunscreens, and as texturing agents. Environmental applications: In environmental applications, microparticles may be used for water purification and pollution control, and may also be used as sensors for environmental monitoring. Food Industry: Microparticles can be used to encapsulate flavorings, vitamins, or probiotics, potentially improving the nutritional value, stability, and flavor of food. Environmental Issues: Synthetic microparticles, particularly plastic microbeads used in personal care products, pose environmental problems due to their persistence in the environment and potential harm to aquatic life. As a result, many countries are making regulatory efforts to limit their use. Research and Development: The field of microparticles is constantly evolving, with research focusing on the development of new materials, manufacturing technologies, and applications, such as responsive systems that can change their properties in response to external stimuli.

[0004] While microparticles offer innovative solutions across a wide range of applications, they also present challenges that require careful consideration, particularly regarding their environmental impact.

[0005] There are various types of plastics, each with its own unique properties and uses. Among them, polyethylene (PE) is widely used due to its chemical resistance and flexibility, making it ideal for packaging and household goods. Polypropylene (PP), on the other hand, boasts excellent durability and heat resistance, and is used in automotive parts and medical devices. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exhibits high versatility, and is therefore used in building materials, electrical cables, and medical supplies.

[0006] In the field of lightweight plastics, polystyrene (PS) has a strong presence due to its insulating properties and is often used in packaging and disposable tableware. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is known for its transparency and moisture resistance and has established itself as a standard plastic for beverage bottles and food containers. Due to its unparalleled flexibility in applications, polyurethane (PU) is also suitable for furniture, insulation, and footwear.

[0007] Tough and transparent polycarbonate (PC) is a step ahead in terms of impact and heat resistance and is used in eyeglass lenses, safety goggles, and automotive components. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a hard and rigid plastic, and its excellent impact resistance and surface finish make it widely used in consumer goods, automotive parts, and electronic devices.

[0008] Amidst the widespread use of plastics, an urgent concern has arisen: microplastics. These tiny plastic particles are less than 5 millimeters in size and encompass both primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics, such as microbeads and plastic pellets, are intentionally manufactured and used in products, such as personal care items and industrial processes. Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, arise from the gradual decomposition of relatively larger plastic items in the environment.

[0009] Understanding the diverse types of plastics is crucial not only for their functionality but also for responsible management of their lifecycle. From the environmental issues surrounding polyethylene microplastics to the recyclability of PET bottles, proper waste management and recycling practices play a vital role in controlling plastic pollution and promoting sustainability. By understanding the properties and impacts of various plastic types and addressing the microplastic problem, we can aim for a future that balances the benefits of plastics with responsible use and disposal.

[0010] Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters in size. They can be classified into two main types: primary microplastics and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics: These are manufactured as small plastic particles for specific purposes. They are intentionally produced and used in a variety of items. Examples include microbeads found in personal care products such as facial scrubs and toothpaste, or plastic pellets used in industrial processes. Secondary microplastics: These are formed by the decomposition of relatively large plastic items or materials. Over time, relatively large plastic debris in the environment, such as plastic bags, bottles, and fishing nets, may decompose due to the effects of sunlight, wind, and waves, breaking down into relatively small fragments. These fragments are considered secondary microplastics.

[0011] Microplastics come in various sizes, including the following: Macroplastics: These are relatively large plastic items, such as bottles, bags, and packaging. They eventually break down into relatively small pieces, becoming microplastics. Mesoplastics: These are plastic fragments of medium size, ranging from 5 millimeters to 1 millimeter in size. Microplastics: These are tiny plastic particles smaller than 1 millimeter in size. They can be further classified into the following two subtypes: Primary microplastics include, for example, microbeads and other small plastic particles, which are intentionally created for specific purposes, such as exfoliants in personal care products or abrasive additives in cleaning products. Secondary microplastics: These result from the decomposition and fragmentation of relatively large plastic items in the environment. Nanoplastics: These are even smaller particles, less than 100 nanometers (0.1 micrometers) in size. Concerns about nanoplastics are growing due to their potential for relatively easy ingestion by marine organisms and their ability to penetrate biological tissues.

[0012] Concerns have arisen regarding the presence of microplastics in the environment, such as in freshwater systems, oceans, and the atmosphere, due to their potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. They can be ingested by various organisms, accumulate in their tissues, and migrate through the food chain. Research is ongoing to gain a deeper understanding of the sources, distribution, and potential impacts of microplastics on both the environment and human health.

[0013] A significant but often overlooked source of microplastics is the laundry process. Clothing and other textiles made from synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, release thousands of microplastic fibers with each wash. These microfibers are a form of secondary microplastics, and in this case, they originate from the breakdown of relatively large plastic items: synthetic textiles.

[0014] During a typical washing cycle, agitation and friction cause tiny fibers to detach from the fabric and be released into the wastewater. Due to their small size, these fibers can easily pass through water treatment plants and reach natural bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. The environmental impact of these fibers is enormous, as they add to the already serious plastic pollution burden on aquatic ecosystems.

[0015] The textile industry is considered one of the major sources of microplastic pollution, with billions of synthetic fibers entering water systems worldwide every day. The impact is multifaceted, affecting not only marine life but also a relatively wide range of the environment and potentially human health, because these microplastics can enter the food chain.

[0016] Efforts to reduce microplastic emissions from laundry include developing washing machine filters designed to capture these fibers, promoting the use of laundry bags that minimize fiber shedding, and recommending the choice of natural fibers over synthetic ones. Furthermore, technological innovations in textile manufacturing aim to reduce fiber shedding at the source.

[0017] Understanding and addressing the microplastic problem in laundry is a crucial step towards reducing overall microplastic releases into the environment. This highlights the need for individual behavioral changes, such as altering laundry habits and making informed choices about clothing, as well as the need for relatively broad systemic changes in manufacturing and waste management practices, thereby tackling the complex challenge of plastic pollution.

[0018] Various methods have been proposed to remove microplastics from wastewater. These methods include physical, chemical, and biological treatments. Physical treatments, such as filtration and sedimentation, are typically used to remove relatively large plastic particles. However, physical treatments have the disadvantage of being ineffective in removing relatively small microplastic particles. Therefore, chemical and biological treatments have been developed for the purpose of removing relatively small microplastic particles. However, chemical and biological treatments have the disadvantage of requiring complex treatment systems. Such treatment systems are expensive to produce and operate. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0019] The object of the present invention is to provide a wastewater treatment system and a wastewater treatment method that address the above-mentioned problems associated with conventional wastewater treatment systems, or at least to provide a useful alternative system and a wastewater treatment method for removing microparticles, such as microplastic particles, from wastewater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] According to the first aspect, this specification discloses a wastewater treatment system including: An administration subsystem wherein a coagulant is added to wastewater containing microparticles, and the administration subsystem generates coagulated wastewater containing the coagulated microparticles; A mixing and residence time extension subsystem, which is fluidly in communication with an administration subsystem, and is adapted to receive coagulant-treated wastewater and further collect microparticles from the coagulant-treated wastewater to produce aggregated microparticle wastewater; and A separation subsystem that is in fluid communication with a mixing and residence time extension subsystem, the separation subsystem being adapted to receive agglomerated microparticle wastewater and separate the agglomerated microparticles from the wastewater to produce separated microparticles and filtered wastewater.

[0021] Preferably, the wastewater treatment system includes a recovery subsystem associated with the separation subsystem, the recovery subsystem being adapted to separately accumulate the separated agglomerated microparticles and the filtered wastewater produced by the separation subsystem.

[0022] Preferably, the dosing subsystem includes a flocculant dosing unit having a wastewater inlet adapted to receive wastewater from a wastewater source and a flocculant inlet adapted to add a flocculant from a flocculant source to the wastewater within the flocculant dosing unit.

[0023] Preferably, the mixing and residence time extension subsystem includes a static mixer adapted to mix the flocculant-dosed wastewater.

[0024] Preferably, the mixing and residence time extension subsystem includes a piping network adapted to facilitate mixing of the flocculant-dosed wastewater.

[0025] Preferably, the separation subsystem includes a centrifugal density separation assembly.

[0026] Preferably, the centrifugal density separation assembly includes a high-speed disk stack centrifuge assembly.

[0027] Preferably, the wastewater treatment system includes a disinfection subsystem.

[0028] Preferably, the disinfection subsystem includes an ultraviolet light adapted to kill bacteria.

[0029] According to a second aspect, this specification discloses a method for treating wastewater, the method comprising the following steps: To provide wastewater containing microparticles; The process of adding a coagulant to wastewater containing microparticles to produce wastewater treated with a coagulant; Sending wastewater treated with a coagulant to a mixing and residence time extension subsystem; To produce aggregated microparticle wastewater by agglomerating microparticles in wastewater treated with a coagulant to form aggregated microparticles; Sending aggregated microparticle wastewater to a separation subsystem; and, The process involves separating aggregated microparticles from wastewater and generating filtered wastewater separated from the aggregated microparticles.

[0030] Preferably, the wastewater treatment method includes a step of separately recovering the aggregated microparticles and filtered wastewater resulting from the separation step.

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] In the drawing, the following applies: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wastewater treatment system of a first embodiment used for removing microparticles from wastewater.

[0034] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a wastewater treatment method according to a first embodiment for removing microparticles from wastewater.

[0035] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a wastewater treatment system used for removing microparticles from wastewater. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Figure 1 provides a schematic diagram of a wastewater treatment system according to a first embodiment, which is shown as a whole as reference numeral 10, and specifically is a wastewater treatment system that treats laundry wastewater to remove microparticles, such as microplastic particles. The wastewater treatment system 10 includes an administration subsystem 12. In the administration subsystem 12, a coagulant is added to the wastewater containing microparticles. After the administration of the coagulant, the administration subsystem 12 produces coagulant-treated wastewater containing coagulated microparticles.

[0037] The wastewater treatment system 10 includes a mixing and residence time extension subsystem 14 which is in fluid communication with the dosing subsystem 12. The mixing and residence time extension subsystem 14 is adapted to receive the coagulant-doped wastewater produced by the dosing subsystem 12 and to further collect the microparticles in the coagulant-doped wastewater to produce aggregated microparticle wastewater.

[0038] The wastewater treatment system 10 further includes a separation subsystem 16 which is in fluid communication with a mixing and residence time extension subsystem 14. The separation subsystem 16 is adapted to receive aggregated microparticle wastewater from the mixing and residence time extension subsystem 14 and to separate the aggregated microparticles from the wastewater to produce separated microparticles and filtered wastewater.

[0039] A recovery subsystem 18 is provided, associated with the separation subsystem 16. The recovery subsystem 18 is adapted to separately store the separated aggregate microparticles and filtered wastewater generated by the separation subsystem 16. Figure 1 shows the filtered wastewater line 20 and the microparticle line 22 for transporting the filtered wastewater and separated microparticles, respectively.

[0040] The administration subsystem 12 includes a coagulant administration unit 24, which has (i) a wastewater inlet 26 adapted to receive wastewater from an intermediate wastewater supply tank 25, and (ii) a coagulant inlet 28 adapted to add coagulant to the wastewater in the coagulant administration unit 24 from a coagulant supply source not shown. The coagulant administration unit 24 introduces coagulant into the wastewater in a volume proportional to the wastewater (typically in the range of 0.01% to 0.1%). The coagulant coagulates microparticles into relatively larger particle sizes, which contain suspended solids, thereby improving flocculation and removal.

[0041] In this embodiment, the intermediate wastewater supply tank 25 includes a wastewater supply inlet 27 that sends wastewater from the washing tank or coarse filtration system tank to the intermediate wastewater supply tank 25.

[0042] Coagulants can take various forms of substances suitable for promoting the aggregation of microparticles. Examples of usable coagulants include cationic polymers and surfactants. Note that the dosing subsystem 12 is located upstream of the separation subsystem 16. It is pointed out that the rate at which the coagulant is introduced into the wastewater should preferably be set to optimize aggregation. Such measures contribute to the removal of the maximum amount of microparticles and suspended solids from the wastewater.

[0043] The mixing and residence time extension subsystem 14 includes a static mixer 29, such as a static mixer made of PVC or steel, and is adapted to mix the coagulant-treated wastewater supplied by the dosing subsystem 12. The mixing and residence time extension subsystem 14 further includes a piping network 30 adapted to facilitate the mixing of the coagulant-treated wastewater. The mixer 29 is in fluid communication with the piping network 30. The continuous mixing process of the coagulant-treated wastewater within the piping network 30 includes several steps. Specifically, the coagulant-treated wastewater is introduced into the piping network 30 via a pipe inlet 32. The coagulant-treated wastewater flows through the piping network 30 due to the pressure difference between the pipe inlet 32 ​​and the pipe outlet 34. As the coagulant-treated wastewater flows through the piping network 30, it encounters various obstacles and changes in direction, which promote turbulence within the coagulant-treated wastewater. Such turbulence causes the coagulant-treated wastewater to mix itself. If other additives or liquids are introduced into the wastewater, turbulence also promotes the mixing of such additives or other liquids. Continuous mixing of the coagulant-treated wastewater promotes homogenization until the aggregated microparticle wastewater is discharged from the piping network 30 via the piping outlet 34 and introduced into the separation subsystem 16 via the feed pump 35.

[0044] The degree of mixing achieved within the piping network 30 depends on various factors. These factors include the flow rate of the coagulant-treated wastewater, the viscosity of the coagulant-treated wastewater, the pipe diameter within the piping network 30, the turbulence generated within the coagulant-treated wastewater, and the presence of obstacles or mixing elements, such as baffles or mixers. To optimize the mixing of the coagulant-treated wastewater, it is assumed that mathematical models and flow simulators can be used to predict the flow pattern and design an efficient piping network 30.

[0045] The piping network 30 is further used to extend the turbulent mixing time, or residence time, i.e., the time that the coagulant-treated wastewater remains within the piping network 30. Generally, as wastewater flows through a pipe, turbulence is generated by friction between the water and the pipe walls. Such turbulence mixes and fuses the water with any particles in the water. If these particles are denser than water, they tend to settle towards the bottom of the pipe under the influence of gravity. However, if the turbulence is strong enough, the mixing and fusing action of the water is strong enough to keep the particles suspended in the water, thereby preventing them from settling. The degree of suspension depends on the size and density of the particles, the flow velocity, and the turbulence intensity. Under low concentration conditions, a certain amount of particles may settle towards the bottom of the pipe for a short period of time. However, if the flow continues, such particles will be mixed back into the water by the turbulence.

[0046] In some applications, additional mixing elements may be added to the piping network 30 to improve mixing during residence time. Such mixing elements may include static mixers or mixing baffles, which are not shown.

[0047] The separation subsystem 16 includes a high-speed disk stack centrifuge unit 36 ​​adapted to separate aggregated microparticle wastewater generated by the mixing and residence time extension subsystem 14, thereby separating the microparticles (which have a relatively high density) from the aqueous phase. Specifically, the centrifuge unit 36 ​​includes a high-speed rotating vessel (not shown). Such a high-speed rotating vessel generates centrifugal force, which pushes the relatively high-density microparticles away from the center of the vessel while keeping the relatively low-density aqueous phase relatively close to the center of the vessel.

[0048] The recovery subsystem 18 may include a storage tank (not shown) or, as in this case, a discharge pipe provided in the form of a filtered wastewater line 20. The recovery subsystem 18 may be in fluid communication with a further treatment subsystem. In this embodiment, the wastewater treatment system 10 includes a further treatment system, which is in the form of a disinfection subsystem 38 through which the filtered wastewater passes. The disinfection subsystem 38 includes an ultraviolet light 40 adapted to kill bacteria present in the filtered wastewater.

[0049] The wastewater treatment system 10 of this embodiment includes a freshwater inlet 11 located downstream of the coagulant input system 12, and an interlocking valve 13 for facilitating flushing for cleaning the wastewater treatment system 10.

[0050] Figure 2 provides a schematic diagram of a wastewater treatment method according to a first embodiment, which is shown as a whole by reference numeral 42. The wastewater treatment method 42 includes a step 44 of providing a supply of wastewater containing microparticles, and a step 46 of adding a coagulant to the wastewater containing microparticles to produce coagulated wastewater. Subsequently, the wastewater treatment method 42 includes a step 48 of sending the coagulated wastewater to a mixing and residence time extension subsystem, and a step 50 of coagulating the microparticles in the coagulated wastewater to form aggregated microparticles suspended in the aggregated microparticle wastewater. Subsequently, the wastewater treatment method 42 includes a step 52 of sending the aggregated microparticle wastewater to a separation subsystem, and a step 54 of separating the aggregated microparticles from the wastewater to produce filtered wastewater separated from the aggregated microparticles.

[0051] The wastewater treatment method 42 of this embodiment includes a step 56 for separately recovering the aggregated microparticles and filtered wastewater resulting from the separation step 54. The wastewater treatment method 42 of this embodiment also includes a step 58 for disinfecting the filtered wastewater.

[0052] Figure 3 provides a schematic diagram of a wastewater treatment system according to a second embodiment, which is shown as a whole by reference no. 100, and specifically is a wastewater treatment system for treating laundry water. Naturally, the disclosed wastewater treatment system is not limited to treating laundry water and has a wide range of applications for removing microparticles from wastewater. Wastewater treatment system 100 includes an administration subsystem 112. In the administration subsystem 112, a coagulant is added to the wastewater containing microparticles. After the administration of the coagulant, the administration subsystem 112 produces coagulant-treated wastewater containing the coagulated microparticles.

[0053] The wastewater treatment system 100 includes a mixing and residence time extension subsystem 114, which is in fluid communication with the dosing subsystem 112. The mixing and residence time extension subsystem 114 is adapted to receive the coagulant-doped wastewater generated by the dosing subsystem 112 and to further collect the microparticles in the coagulant-doped wastewater to produce aggregated microparticle wastewater.

[0054] The wastewater treatment system 100 further includes a separation subsystem 116 which is in fluid communication with a mixing and residence time extension subsystem 114. The separation subsystem 116 is adapted to receive aggregated microparticle wastewater from the mixing and residence time extension subsystem 114 and to separate the aggregated microparticles from the wastewater to produce separated microparticles and filtered wastewater.

[0055] A recovery subsystem 118 is provided, associated with the separation subsystem 116. The recovery subsystem 118 is adapted to separately store the separated aggregate microparticles and filtered wastewater generated by the separation subsystem 116. A filtered wastewater line 120 for transporting filtered wastewater and a microparticle line 122 for transporting separated microparticles are provided within the wastewater treatment system 100. The microparticle line 122 may include a solids removal unit (not shown) for removing solids from the filtered water. The filtered water is withdrawn and sent to field waste (not shown).

[0056] The administration subsystem 112 includes a first coagulant administration unit 124, which includes (i) a wastewater inlet 126 adapted to receive wastewater from a wastewater supply tank 125 that stores laundry wastewater, and (ii) a coagulant inlet 128 adapted to add coagulant to the first coagulant administration unit 124 from a coagulant source stored in a replaceable coagulant container 101. The first coagulant input unit 124 introduces coagulant into the wastewater in a volume proportional to the wastewater (typically in the range of 0.01% to 0.1%). The coagulant coagulates microparticles into relatively larger particle sizes, which include suspended solids, thereby improving flocculation and removal.

[0057] In this embodiment, the wastewater inlet 126 is fluidly connected to a wastewater supply tank 125 via a wastewater supply line 127, which includes a feed pump 103 that sends wastewater to a wastewater separation system 105. The wastewater separation system 105 is typically provided in the form of a strainer, cyclone separator, or decanter system adapted to remove particles larger than 0.5 mm. From the wastewater separation system 105, the wastewater passes through a three-way valve 107 and proceeds to the wastewater inlet 126 of a first coagulant dosing unit 124. An optional ultraviolet sterilization unit 109a is positioned between the three-way valve 107 and the wastewater inlet 126 to remove bacteria from the wastewater. A pH, conductivity, and turbidity measuring system 109b, as well as a pump 109c and valve 109d, are also provided between the ultraviolet sterilization unit 109a and the wastewater inlet 126.

[0058] The administration subsystem 112 includes a second coagulant administration unit 124b, which includes (i) a coagulant-administered wastewater inlet 126b adapted to receive wastewater from the first coagulant administration unit 124, and (ii) a coagulant inlet 128b adapted to add coagulant from a coagulant source stored in a replaceable coagulant container 101b to the coagulant-administered wastewater in the second coagulant administration unit 124b. It is noted that a static mixing system 111 is located between the first coagulant administration unit 124 and the second coagulant administration unit 124b.

[0059] The mixing and residence time extension subsystem 114 includes a static mixer 129, in this case a steel static mixer, which is adapted to mix the coagulant-treated wastewater supplied by the dosing subsystem 112. The mixing and residence time extension subsystem 114 further includes a piping network 130, which is adapted to facilitate the mixing of the coagulant-treated wastewater. The static mixer 129 is in fluid communication with the piping network 130. The continuous mixing process of the coagulant-treated wastewater within the piping network 130 includes several steps. Specifically, the coagulant-treated wastewater is introduced into the piping network 130 via a pipe inlet 132. The coagulant-treated wastewater flows through the piping network 130 due to the pressure difference between the pipe inlet 132 and the pipe outlet 134. As the coagulant-treated wastewater flows through the piping network 130, it encounters various obstacles and changes in direction, which promote turbulence within the coagulant-treated wastewater. Such turbulence promotes the mixing of the coagulant-treated wastewater itself. If other additives or liquids are introduced into the wastewater, turbulence also promotes their mixing. Continuous mixing of the coagulant-treated wastewater promotes homogenization until the aggregated microparticle wastewater is discharged from the piping network 130 via the pipe outlet 134 and introduced into the separation subsystem 116.

[0060] The separation subsystem 116 includes a high-speed disc stack centrifuge unit 136 adapted to separate aggregated microparticle wastewater generated by the mixing and residence time extension subsystem 114, thereby separating microparticles (which have a relatively high density) from the aqueous phase. Specifically, the separation unit 136 includes a high-speed rotating vessel 136a. Such a high-speed rotating vessel 136a generates centrifugal force, which pushes the relatively high-density microparticles away from the center of the vessel while keeping the relatively low-density aqueous phase relatively close to the center of the vessel. The disc stack separation unit 136 is adapted to remove microparticles smaller than 0.5 mm.

[0061] The recovery subsystem 118 includes a purified water storage tank 138. The purified water storage tank 138 is in fluid communication with a pH, conductivity, and turbidity measuring system 140. A manual flushing valve 142 is positioned in a line between one pH, conductivity, and turbidity measuring system 140 and the other purified water storage tank 138. The pH, conductivity, and turbidity measuring system 140, in conjunction with a control device (not shown), controls the dispensing activity of the dispensing subsystem 112. An ultraviolet (UV) sterilization unit 141 is positioned in a line between the disc stack separation unit 136 and the pH, conductivity, and turbidity measuring system 140.

[0062] The purified water storage tank 138 includes a purified water storage tank outlet 144 that supplies filtered wastewater, for use in, for example, laundry. It is noted that an ultraviolet sterilization unit (not shown) may be placed between the purified water storage outlet 144 and the point of use.

[0063] A second embodiment of the wastewater treatment system 100 includes a recycling subsystem 148. The recycling subsystem includes a recycling line 150, which is in fluid communication with a recycling tank 152. A recycling pump 154 ​​is in fluid communication with a separation unit 136 via a separation unit line 156. The separation unit line 156 further includes a three-way valve 158, which provides fluid communication between the separation unit line 156 and the wastewater tank line 160, thereby allowing water from the purified water storage tank 138 to be returned to the wastewater supply tank 125. The water in the separation unit line 156 may be used to flush the separation subsystem 116.

[0064] The separation subsystem 116 includes a water supply line 166 that supplies working water from the main water source 16.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be embodied in many other forms. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 10 Wastewater treatment system of the first embodiment 11 Fresh water inlet 12. Dosage subsystem 13 valves 14. Mixing and Residence Time Extension Subsystem 16 Separation subsystems 18 Recovery subsystem 20 Filtered wastewater line 22 Microparticle Line 24. Coagulant administration unit 25 Intermediate wastewater supply tank 26 Wastewater Inlet 27 Wastewater Inlet 28 Coagulant Inlet 29 Static Mixer 30 Piping Network 32 Pipe Inlet 34 Piping outlet 35 Feed pump 36 Centrifugal Separation Unit 38 Disinfection subsystem 40 UV light 42 Wastewater treatment method according to the first embodiment 44. Provision of wastewater supply 46. ​​Administration process 48. Feeding process 50 Agglomeration process 52 Feeding Process 54 Separation process 56 Recovery Process 58 Disinfection process 100 Wastewater treatment system of a second embodiment 101 Coagulant container 101b Coagulant container 103 Feed pump 105 Wastewater Separation System 107 Three-way valve 109a Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilization Unit 109b pH, conductivity, and turbidity measurement system 109c pump 109c Pressure valve 111 Static Mixing System 112 Dosage subsystem 114 Mixing and Residence Time Extension Subsystem 116 Separation subsystems 118 Recovery subsystem 120 Filtered wastewater line 122 Microparticle Line 124 First coagulant administration unit 124b Second flocculant administration unit 125 Wastewater supply tank 126 Wastewater Inlet 126b Wastewater Inlet 127 Wastewater supply line 128 Coagulant Inlet 128b Coagulant Inlet 129 Static Mixer 130 Piping Network 132 Pipe Inlet 134 Piping outlet 136 Separation Units 136a Rotating container 138 Water purification storage tank 140 pH, conductivity, and turbidity measurement system 141 Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilization Unit 142 Flushing valve 144 Water purification storage tank outlet 148 Recycling subsystem 150 Recycling Line 152 Recycling Tanks 154 Recycling pump 156 Separation Unit Line 158 Three-way valve 160 Wastewater Tank Line 166 Water supply line 168 Main water supply sources

Claims

1. Wastewater treatment systems, including the following: An administration subsystem wherein a coagulant is added to wastewater containing microparticles, and the administration subsystem generates wastewater containing the coagulated microparticles with the coagulant administered; A mixing and residence time extension subsystem, which is in fluid communication with the dosing subsystem, and is configured to receive coagulant-treated wastewater and further collect microparticles from the coagulant-treated wastewater to produce aggregated microparticle wastewater; A separation subsystem, which is in fluid communication with the mixing and residence time extension subsystem, and is configured to receive the aggregated microparticle wastewater and separate the aggregated microparticles from the wastewater to produce separated microparticles and filtered wastewater, A wastewater treatment system, including a wastewater treatment system.

2. The system includes a recovery subsystem associated with the separation subsystem, the recovery subsystem being configured to separately store the separated aggregated microparticles and the filtered wastewater generated by the separation subsystem. The wastewater treatment system according to claim 1.

3. The wastewater treatment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the administration subsystem includes a coagulant administration unit, the coagulant administration unit includes a wastewater inlet adapted for receiving wastewater from a wastewater supply source, and a coagulant inlet adapted for adding a coagulant from a coagulant supply source to the wastewater in the coagulant administration unit.

4. A wastewater treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a static mixer, wherein the mixing and residence time extension subsystem is adapted to mix the wastewater treated with the coagulant.

5. The wastewater treatment system according to claim 4, comprising a piping network, wherein the mixing and residence time extension subsystem is adapted to facilitate the mixing of the coagulant-treated wastewater.

6. The wastewater treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the separation subsystem includes a centrifugal density separation assembly.

7. The wastewater treatment system according to claim 6, wherein the centrifugal density separation assembly includes a high-speed disk stack centrifuge.

8. A wastewater treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a disinfection subsystem.

9. The wastewater treatment system according to claim 8, wherein the disinfection subsystem includes an ultraviolet light for killing bacteria.

10. A method for treating wastewater, wherein the method comprises the following steps: To provide a source of wastewater containing microparticles; To produce wastewater treated with a coagulant by adding a coagulant to the wastewater containing microparticles; Sending the wastewater treated with the coagulant to a mixing and residence time extension subsystem; To generate aggregated microparticle wastewater by agglomerating the microparticles in the wastewater to which the coagulant has been administered to form aggregated microparticles; The aggregated microparticle wastewater is supplied to the separation subsystem. Separating the aggregated microparticles from the wastewater to produce filtered wastewater separated from the aggregated microparticles, Methods that include...

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of separately recovering the aggregated microparticles and the filtered wastewater resulting from the separation step.

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