Device for demulsifying and recovering fats and oils from wastewater

Abstract

The present invention consists of a device for demulsifying and recovering fats and oils from wastewater containing same, having a prismatic vertical body and bacterial bed arranged inside a hopper of the type that is an inverted pyramid with a polygonal base, having a honeycomb grate on top of the bacterial bed, which improves the operability and efficiency of the device, achieving practically the complete separation of fats and oils contained in the affluent and the total extraction and pouring of the same, generating a fat- and oil-free effluent, in addition to filtered fats and oils as a profitable by-product.

Description

[0001] DEMULSIFIER AND RECOVERY EQUIPMENT FOR GREASES AND OILS FROM WATER

[0002] The present invention consists of a demulsifying and oil recovery unit for fats and oils from wastewater containing them (influent). This unit optimizes the efficiency and operation of the equipment, both in terms of the separation rate of the fats and oils contained in the influent and in their reception, accumulation, and disposal. The unit comprises an upper cylindrical section with a perimeter arrangement of air injectors for receiving, accumulating, and disposing of the separated fats and oils. It also includes a lower hopper-type section for fat and oil separation, where an influent delivery pipe passes through a honeycomb screen to reach a bacterial bed. The influent then continues its path to the bottom of the hopper, following the same angle as the hopper, thus improving the separation efficiency and operational performance of the unit.

[0003] The equipment of the invention is used in wastewater containing oils and greases from an industrial or domestic process that generates them and is feasible to use for both continuous flow wastewater effluents and batch systems.

[0004] The demulsifying and grease recovery equipment of the present invention modifies equipment already disclosed by the same inventor in application PCT / CL2020 / 050050, both in the upper zone of reception, accumulation and disposition of the fats and oils already separated from the influent, and in the lower zone of actual separation of the fats and oils contained in the influent.

[0005] More specifically, the upper area, or receiving, accumulation, and disposal section for purified fats and oils, is modified, improving and optimizing the recovery process. This modification allows for more efficient extraction of the purified oils and fats already separated from the influent.

[0006] While in the lower separation zone modifications are made that make the separation of fats and oils present in the influent more efficient and optimized, obtaining a better quality effluent, practically without fat and oil content, and therefore purified fats and oils free of water and solids.

[0007] To elaborate further, the demulsifying and grease recovery equipment of the present invention represents a substantial improvement over the equipment already disclosed by the same inventor in application PCT / CL2020 / 050050. The equipment of the invention not only optimizes the separation and collection of fats and oils contained in the influent, achieving the production of water- and solids-free oils and fats, forming a profitable byproduct available for use in the manufacture of products such as soaps and detergents, among others. It also produces an effluent that is practically free of fats and oils; that is, an effluent that far exceeds the water quality standards to which it is subject.

[0008] 1

[0009] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) these processes are subject to. Furthermore, and considering the high separation rates obtained in field tests, the operation of the equipment is also optimized since virtually no obstructions are generated that stop the operation of the equipment for their removal.

[0010] DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0011] It is known that the grease contained in an influent is a problem that practically all water treatment processes must overcome, both for subsequent chemical or biological treatments, which require grease-cutting equipment such as grease traps or chambers for its removal.

[0012] These grease traps are pretreatments for wastewater, and correspond to tanks or equipment that are generally large in size, are located in a horizontal position and must be placed upstream of a treatment plant, their objective being to remove the free grease contained in the water to be treated.

[0013] When the proportion of water exceeds that of oil and grease, an emulsion is formed, as occurs, for example, in milk. This emulsion is difficult to separate in a grease trap because the water entering the degreaser only separates the floating material or free grease, while the heavier material settles as sludge at the bottom of the trap. This sludge must be frequently removed from the equipment, which operationally affects its efficiency.

[0014] However, emulsions or emulsified fats, which are oils and fats that are completely homogeneous with water, and which give opacity to the water, cannot be removed by traditional equipment called degreasers.

[0015] Consequently, when a grease trap is used, the clarified water contains 60 to 70% less grease. This is why physicochemical treatments require large quantities of chemicals to be effective. And as mentioned earlier, the greasy sludge that remains at the bottom of a grease trap must be removed by emptying the entire tank and paying for its removal, negatively impacting equipment operation and increasing the overall cost.

[0016] On the other hand, since it is not possible to process this greasy sludge or the floating grease to generate commercial products, a profitable byproduct is not generated by the removal of the grease, which would be an added value appreciated by many companies that are moving towards a circular economy.

[0017] Another problem with degreasers is the production of almost nauseating odors due to the accumulation of grease over time. The source of these bad smells is that fats and oils become rancid due to lipid peroxidation through the formation of peroxides. A wide variety of physical and chemical factors contribute to this process, such as light, heat, metal ions, humidity, acidity, chlorophyll, and other pigments. ("Why do the fat and oils graw rancid", Wilma A. Delgado, Bogotá)

[0018] Exposure to unpleasant odors can also cause gastric symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting (Steinheider, Both, Winneke, 1998). It can also cause respiratory effects such as an increased risk of wheezing without a cold, diagnosed asthma, and allergic rhinitis (Radon et al., 2007).

[0019] Other symptoms and discomforts include headache, eye irritation, nausea, and diarrhea. (Schiffmann et al, 2004).

[0020] While Chile lacks robust regulations regarding unpleasant odors, other countries do. Examples include Spain, the Netherlands, France, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, where applicable regulations define a high nuisance potential based on the measurement of "odor units per cubic meter" of 1.5 ou / m³. 3 for wastewater treatment plants, refineries, oil and grease processing, among others.

[0021] This highlights the need to develop a new demulsifier and grease recovery unit capable of: efficiently extracting all the free and emulsified grease separated from the influent, with minimal solids and water content, in the shortest possible time to minimize rancidity problems, thus obtaining purified fats and oils that can be used as a profitable byproduct; increasing the efficiency of fat and oil separation from the influent, separating virtually all the fats and oils contained therein, and therefore producing a higher quality effluent, free of oils and grease; and improving and optimizing water discharge, resulting in a more purified effluent and optimizing the results of the parameters applicable in chemical analysis standards.

[0022] Document ES 2290550 T3 describes a process for removing oils and greases from a continuous flow of water, and a system for carrying out this separation process from a chamber where the oils and greases are removed from the top, while the water, containing a reduced amount of free oil and grease, is discharged from the bottom through a level control device. This chamber consists of a vertical cylindrical vessel in which a series of cylinders are placed, some with end plates and some without, forming a series of vertical ring flow areas that allow for ultra-low flow velocity, promoting the coalescence of the free oil and grease.European patent EP2010301 describes a grease trap for separating fatty waste from wastewater comprising a tank having a downward-sloping bottom; an upward-sloping partition dividing the tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, with an opening near or in the top of the partition to allow waste to pass into the upper chamber; an inlet into the tank for receiving incoming wastewater; an outlet for removing water from the tank; and a pipe extending to the lower chamber for extracting solid waste by suction from the lower chamber, wherein the grease trap further comprises a lid covering the tank, the inlet being an inlet sill, the outlet being an outlet sill, and the upward-sloping partition being situated above an inlet sill opening and an outlet sill opening.

[0023] International publication W02004022197 discloses a collector for oil recovery in water comprising a separation vessel into which wastewater flows, in which the oil content is separated from the wastewater based on the difference in specific gravity between the oil content and the water; a water storage vessel forming a U-shaped passage with the separation vessel and storing the wastewater discharged from the separation vessel up to a predetermined water level; drainage means for draining the water flowing from the water storage vessel; and opening / closing means provided on the side of the separation vessel for recovering the separated oil content floating within the separation vessel at the predetermined water level.

[0024] International publication WO2012028628 describes a system and method for obtaining oil and / or grease from aqueous waste or raw materials containing oil or grease. The system comprises a raw material delivery / feeding unit and a raw material storage unit with at least two raw material tanks. Each raw material tank is designed with a cone. The raw material tank can be heated within the cone. A separation assembly for water, grease, and sediment is provided and has at least one separation stage. A filtration assembly has at least one plate filter, through which pure grease can be obtained. A product storage assembly comprises at least two product storage tanks with heating means.

[0025] International application PCT / CL2020 / 050050, by the same inventor and representing the closest prior art, describes a demulsifier and oil and grease recovery device for wastewater flows, both for industrial wastewater and sewage, consisting of three main parts as shown in Figures 1 and 2. A prismatic vertical body containing lamellae (lamellar module) has free and emulsified grease floating on its upper surface (grease level), which is part of the prismatic vertical body. Below the lamellar module is a hopper (inverted pyramid with a polygonal base) containing the bacterial bed with mobile cells. Attached to the upper left side of this prismatic vertical body is another vertical body, which is an accumulation tank for purified fats and oils. This tank consists of a cube and, below it, a square-based hopper.In the prismatic vertical body, air bubble injectors push emulsified oils and free fats toward the collection bin and from there into the square-based hopper. While this prismatic vertical body design was developed to improve the equipment's mechanical strength when processing large volumes of water in a vertical body, it creates a problem at the top of the prismatic vertical body where the grease level is located and the free and emulsified grease floats. This is because the emulsion formed and suspended on the water is retained in the corners of the prism. This occurs because the air bubble injectors are unable to distribute the bubbles evenly enough to uniformly push the floating emulsion toward the collection bin, preventing it from then quickly and completely flowing down into the square-based hopper.

[0026] Furthermore, the team disclosed in PCT / CL2020 / 050050 describes and proposes the following:

[0027] The influent enters the grease separator and demulsifier through an inlet pipe (101) that reaches the bottom of the vertical prism body and bends horizontally, forming an L shape. This L-shaped pipe crosses the entire tank through perforated horizontal tubes (111), entering with an upward flow of water towards the lamellar modules (114). The horizontal tubes (111) are located on a honeycomb grid (103) and therefore on a bacterial bed (104) situated inside the inverted polygonal-based pyramid or hopper.

[0028] As previously stated, the honeycomb grid (103) is intended to separate the bacterial bed filter (104) and prevent mobile particles from escaping and reaching the lamellar modules (114). These modules (114) are self-cleaning because a thermostat connected to electric heat tubes or a heating system (110) heats the water to a certain temperature, loosening the grease and oils adhering to the modules and causing them to separate through flocculation and flotation without the need to add any chemicals.

[0029] However, according to pilot tests conducted on the equipment already disclosed in the previously identified international application, it has been found that the perforated horizontal distribution tubes (111) become clogged due to grease adhering to solids. These fatty solids also clump together within the lamellar modules (114) and accumulate inside the horizontal distribution tubes (111), making it necessary to remove the obstruction. This requires stopping the equipment's operation for cleaning, typically using a hydrojet.

[0030] Furthermore, even with a heating system (110) surrounding the entire vertical body beneath the lamellar modules (114), which prevents fats and oils from solidifying and adhering within the lamellae, this proves insufficient because it does not ensure complete grease expulsion, much less the removal of solids trapped within the horizontal distribution tubes (111). Additionally, since the horizontal distribution tubes (111) have perforations above the honeycomb grid (103), where the organic solids load exceeds the openings of the honeycomb grid (103), these solids will not enter the bacterial bed (104). Moreover, if the openings of the honeycomb grid (103) were enlarged, mobile organisms would escape from the bacterial bed (104).

[0031] Thus, in the lower zone, the following modifications are made: - the shape and position of the influent water flow distribution pipes, - the addition of a pivot structure that prevents mobile bodies from the bacterial bed from re-entering the effluent outlet and discharge pipe, and the incorporation of a new structure over the honeycomb screen to prevent blockages from various solid loads that might adhere. These modifications optimize the separation of fats and oils present in the influent, resulting in solid-free oils and fats.

[0032] Therefore, to improve the equipment's performance and operation, as well as the quality of the treated water delivered (effluent), it is also necessary to modify the design of the lower section or separation zone of the demulsifier and grease separator. This modification will prevent obstructions in the lamellar modules (114), the honeycomb grid (103), and the perforated horizontal distribution pipes (111) located above the grid (103). The aim is to achieve higher levels of water purification in the equipment's output (effluent), along with reduced maintenance and fewer operational shutdowns.

[0033] Consequently, for more efficient operation of the nearest prior art equipment (PCT / CL2020 / 050050), it is necessary to: a) modify and improve the design of the upper area of ​​the equipment or collection area, so that it is possible to extract all of the free and emulsified grease separated from the influent, in addition to avoiding operational obstructions due to grease accumulation in corners of the equipment on the inner surface of the grease level, and in the shortest possible time, avoiding problems of rancidity of the purified fats and oils, in addition to accelerating the discharge of the purified fats and oils, allowing their use as a cost-effective product.b) modify and improve the design of the lower area of ​​the equipment or the separation area itself, achieving higher levels in water purification and thus obtaining greater efficiency in the separation of fats and oils contained in the influent, obtaining a better quality effluent, in addition to avoiding the obstructions mentioned above in detail.

[0034] The present invention conveniently addresses the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a new demulsifying and oil recovery unit that substantially improves its efficiency and operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] The figures and numerical references supported by priority CL202401572 are described below:

[0036] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the equipment already disclosed by the inventor.

[0037] Figure 2 is a top plan view of the equipment already disclosed by the inventor.

[0038] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the equipment of the invention with detail of the upper area.

[0039] Figure 4 is a top plan view of the equipment of the invention with detail of the upper area.

[0040] Where the numerical references contained in figures 1 to 4 correspond to:

[0041] 1 prismatic vertical body

[0042] 2 hopper

[0043] 3 fat level

[0044] 4 cylindrical body

[0045] 5 storage container

[0046] 6 injectors

[0047] 7 level control

[0048] 8 stopcock

[0049] 9 containers

[0050] While the figures supported by priority CL202401744 are identified separately, since both the numbering of the figures and the numerical references contained therein have been modified. For practical purposes, the new numbering of these references ranges from 101 to 114:

[0051] Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-section and plan view of the equipment already disclosed by the inventor with detail of the lower area.

[0052] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-section and plan view of the equipment of the invention with detail of the lower area.

[0053] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-section and plan view of the equipment of the invention with the lower area enlarged.

[0054] Figure 8 is a view of the equipment of the present invention.

[0055] Where the numerical references contained in figures 5, 6, 7 correspond to:

[0056] 101 tributary inlet

[0057] 102 pipe that delivers the influent to the equipment in the lower zone

[0058] 103 honeycomb grid

[0059] 104 bacterial bed and mobile bodies

[0060] 105 flexible pivot cap

[0061] 106 water sprinklers

[0062] 107 Clean water discharge (effluent) pipeline

[0063] 108 water pressure pump

[0064] 109 storage tank 110 electric heater

[0065] 111 horizontal distribution pipes

[0066] 112 effluent outlet

[0067] 113 fat level

[0068] 114 lamellar module

[0069] Note then that the numerical references contained in figures 1 to 4 range from 1 to 9, while the numerical references in figures 5 to 7 range from 101 to 114.

[0070] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0071] In response to the aforementioned problems, the present invention modifies the demulsifying and oil recovery equipment disclosed in application PCT / CL2020 / 050050 (the closest prior art). More specifically, the equipment is modified in the upper zone or section where the fats and oils separated from the influent are placed, collected, and accumulated, with the aim of optimizing and improving the production of purified fats and oils, and in general, its functioning and operation.

[0072] The lower zone or separation sector itself, with the objective of achieving greater efficiency in the separation of fats and oils contained in the influent and therefore a better quality effluent, in addition to avoiding obstructions by the fatty solids, which could be deposited inside the equipment, and require stopping the operation to perform cleaning with hydrojet.

[0073] With the modifications made to both areas of the equipment, the grease and oil collection area and the actual separation area, the functioning, efficiency and operation of the equipment as a whole are improved and optimized, since by performing a greater separation of the fats and oils contained in the influent, not only is a better quality effluent obtained (with only traces of fats and oils) but also a better quality byproduct (fats and oils with only traces of water).

[0074] With reference to the upper or collection zone, the equipment of the present invention features a cylindrical vertical body (4) that corresponds to the upper part of the prismatic vertical body (1), defining the fat level (3) where the free and emulsified fat and purified oils are found floating. Preferably, the radius of the cylindrical vertical body (4) corresponds to the apothem of the prismatic vertical body (1).

[0075] The vertical cylindrical body (4) has, on its inner surface and around its circular perimeter, between 8 and 25 injectors (6) located at the level of the grease surface. Preferably, eighteen air bubble injectors are used to push, displace, and direct the purified fats and oils toward a collection container (5). The number of injectors is determined according to the diameter of the vertical cylindrical body (4) and the quantity and quality of the fats and oils present in the influent. Figure 4 shows eighteen injectors. The injectors (6) are connected to an air blower pump.

[0076] The collection container (5) is a funnel-shaped, conical-bottomed cylindrical container. This container (5) is equipped with a level control (7) for filling and discharging the purified fats and oils, and also has a valve (8) at the bottom for discharging the purified fats and oils. Once the container (5) is full, the level control (7) is activated, opening the valve (8) to release the purified fats and oils.

[0077] Under the stopcock (8) containers are placed on a conveyor belt (9) automated by means of a PLC system, to transfer the purified fats and oils to containers for later use.

[0078] Finally, under the prismatic vertical body (1) there is a hopper (2) which corresponds to an inverted pyramid with a polygonal base.

[0079] The complete extraction or removal of clean fats and oils, with traces of water and solids, floating on the upper part of the vertical cylindrical body (4), at the grease level, occurs when these are moved by the injection of circular perimeter air bubbles on said level and overflow towards the collection container (5) located on the upper left side of the vertical cylindrical body (4), quickly pouring out all the oils and fats, eliminating and preventing the accumulation of grease on the internal surface of the vertical cylindrical body (4), making the operation of the equipment more efficient and functional, in addition to avoiding odor problems due to the accumulation of grease on said internal surface of the vertical cylindrical body (4).

[0080] In conclusion, the equipment of the present invention substantially improves the receptor and accumulator of purified fats and oils, allowing:

[0081] Obtaining a profitable byproduct from fatty effluents, resulting in high-quality purified grease with minimal or trace amounts of solids and water, is achieved thanks to the vertical cylindrical body (4). This eliminates angles and corners where grease can accumulate, allowing all the fats and oils separated by the equipment to flow into the collection container (5). This also prevents operational problems and eliminates the need for daily cleaning. Greater efficiency and speed in grease and oil collection are ensured by both the cylindrical configuration of the vertical body (4) and the perimeter arrangement of the air injectors (6), which efficiently direct the greases and oils to the collection area.

[0082] Greater efficiency in the accumulation and discharge of purified fats and oils by having a collection container (5) with a cylindrical body and conical bottom in the shape of a funnel, in addition to a level control (7) with filling and discharge valves, where once the level is full it is activated by opening the valve (8) allowing the discharge of the purified fats and oils without obstructions due to the elimination of corners, towards containers located on a conveyor belt (9) moving automatically by means of a PLC.

[0083] Regarding the separation zone, the horizontal distribution tubes with perforations are eliminated, being replaced by an influent delivery tube (102) that enters the bacterial bed (104) to the bottom of the hopper, passing through a small area of ​​the honeycomb grid (103) and following the same path angle as the hopper.

[0084] With respect to the new distribution tube, now called the influent delivery tube (102), it has a pivoting flexible cap (105) at the outlet, which is lifted by the pressure of the water flow, preventing the moving bodies of the bacterial bed (104) from entering the influent delivery tube (102) when the bacterial bed (104) is at rest, since the flexible cap (105) has a hinge that allows the cap to lower when there is no water flow in circulation and to rise with the pressure of the water flow.

[0085] Finally, and in order to prevent the honeycomb grid (103) from becoming clogged by the larger solids that are trapped in it, sprinklers (106) are located above said grid (103) pointing towards it, or against the flow of water from the influent delivery pipe (102).

[0086] The water used by the sprinklers (106) is clean discharge water (107) and constitutes a part of the flow of effluent that comes out of the equipment; for this purpose there is a water pressure pump (108) that is fed from a storage tank (109) of clean discharge water (107) or effluent by means of pipe and valve.

[0087] In conclusion, the new equipment to be patented involves modifying the equipment already described in the previously identified international application from the same inventor, and therefore requires:

[0088] 1. Replace the horizontal distribution pipes with perforations with a new influent delivery pipe (102), without horizontal sections and without perforations, so that it reaches the end of the hopper and is immersed in the bacterial bed (104), where said pipe (102) ends in a hinged flexible cover (105), which allows:

[0089] Eliminate blockages caused by the entry of grease and solids contained in the influent with a simple and effective solution.

[0090] Greater efficiency in equipment operation, since when the effluent is discharged under the honeycomb grid (103), settleable solids and most suspended solids are removed by the bacterial bed (104) and by phagocytosis of the saprophytic bacteria located there. The hinged lid (105) prevents it from becoming clogged by the moving parts of the bacterial bed (104) when immersed in it.

[0091] Improve the quality of the water treated by the equipment, because a large part of the settleable and suspended solids, when removed, do not rise through the lamellar body.

[0092] 2. Placing water sprinklers (106) on the honeycomb grid (103) pointing towards said grid (103), or in other words, against the flow of water from the pipe that delivers the influent (102) to the equipment, allows:

[0093] Remove any obstructions that may adhere to the honeycomb grid (103), due to the entry of the influent that comes with grease and solids, and that flows out towards the lamellar bodies.

[0094] Greater efficiency in the operation of the equipment and reduction of expenses, because part of the same purified water that comes out of the equipment (effluent), is re-entered into the equipment to be used as pressurized water that falls on the honeycomb grid (103) by means of the sprinklers (106).

[0095] These improvements maximize efficient operation of the equipment, so that the effluent obtained far exceeds current Chilean standards for treated water discharge parameters, according to water quality standard 1333 / 78 for different uses, DS 46 / 2003 for liquids intended to infiltrate the soil, DS 609 / 98 for discharges to the public sewer system, and DS 90 / 00 for watercourses.

[0096] It also improves the degree of purification of the fats and oils obtained, which can then be used as raw material in subsequent processes.

[0097] To elaborate further, the procedure carried out in the new emulsifying and grease recovery equipment includes the following actions:

[0098] Demulsification of emulsified fats and oils contained in the influent.

[0099] Flotation of separated fats and oils, free of solids and water.

[0100] Inflow pipe (101) with a vertical drop, without horizontal sections and without perforations, making it simpler and more effective, as well as avoiding obstructions.

[0101] End of the influent inlet tube (102) with a flexible cover (105) that has a hinge, which prevents the entry of bacterial bed bodies (104).

[0102] Clean effluent discharge meeting all Chilean discharge standards, according to chemical analysis samples.

[0103] Avoid obstructions in the lamellar modules (114).

[0104] Cleaning the honeycomb grid (103) with heaters (110) removing adhered grease and then with the sprinklers (106) against the flow of water from the pipe that delivers the influent (102) to the equipment; eliminating any obstruction and allowing the detached organic load to be phagocytosed by the bacterial bed (104).

[0105] Recirculation to the equipment of part of the effluent for use in the sprinklers (106).

[0106] Subsequent use of the recovered purified fats and oils as a profitable byproduct. The invention generates a high-quality byproduct, a property highly valued by environmentally responsible companies that, through their processes, seek not only to minimize but rather eliminate the disposal, incineration, or treatment of waste such as grease sludge—all processes with high negative environmental externalities, high costs, and an increased carbon footprint.

[0107] It is also of environmental, economic and social value that the delivered effluent complies with all current water discharge regulations, contributing considerably to sustainable development and a circular economy, in addition to using said water both for irrigation of agricultural plantations, parks and the like, as well as for drinking by animals.

[0108] These improvements maximize the equipment's efficiency, ensuring that the effluent far exceeds current standards for oils and greases. They also enhance the purification level of the oils and greases obtained, allowing them to be used as raw materials in subsequent processes.

[0109] The procedure carried out in the emulsifying and fat recovery equipment includes the following stages or actions: demulsification of the emulsified fats and oils, flotation of the fats and oils, free of solids and water, sweeping and expulsion of the purified fats and oils, accumulation and removal of the purified fats and oils, and subsequent use of the recovered purified fats and oils as a profitable byproduct.

[0110] On the other hand, the company includes in its value proposition an additional line of business, delivering high-quality purified fats and oils as raw material to companies that process them to obtain commercial products.

[0111] APPLICATION EXAMPLES

[0112] The following details comparative sampling examples in the equipment already disclosed in document PCT / 2020 / 050050 with respect to the equipment of the invention to be protected by patent and developed by the same inventor.

[0113] The chemical analysis of the effluent at the discharge was carried out considering the following current Chilean standards:

[0114] 1333 / 78, on water quality for different uses

[0115] DS 609 / 98, discharges to the public sewer

[0116] DS 90 / 00, discharge of liquid waste into surface and marine water bodies. With reference to the aforementioned regulations, the following parameters were analyzed:

[0117] Suspended solids determine the turbidity of the water, where the smaller the number, the more transparent it is.

[0118] Oils and fats, determines the amount of oils and fats contained in the water.

[0119] It should be noted that all regulations have a maximum permissible limit for industrial wastewater discharges. If the discharge is below this maximum permissible limit, the regulation is considered to be in compliance.

[0120] On January 17, 2020, Labser, a laboratory accredited by the Superintendency of Sanitary Services, was asked to perform a chemical analysis of the parameters mentioned above. This monitoring was carried out on the equipment disclosed in application PCT / CL2020 / 050050.

[0121] And on November 9, 2023, the Carlos Latorre laboratory, also accredited by the Superintendency of Sanitary Services, was asked to perform a chemical analysis of the same parameters now in the new equipment presented in this patent application.

[0122] l'afe Z

[0123] Conclusion

[0124] Within the discharges of Liquid Industrial Waste (RILES), DS 90 / 2000 is one of the most demanding, compared to DS 609 / 98 for discharges to the sewer system.

[0125] Although with both devices the values ​​obtained indicate that the effluent discharge is safe for aquatic life, with the device of the present invention the values ​​obtained for the effluent are considerably improved, increasing by 50% for the oils and greases parameter and by 40% for the suspended solids parameter.

[0126] Furthermore, the Chilean Standard 1333, in the parameter visible floating solids and non-natural foams, is still absent for both equipment; however, in the equipment of the invention, the value obtained increased by 70% for the parameter floating oils and greases, and by 47% for the parameter emulsified oils and greases.

[0127] As can be seen from the above, the equipment of the present invention presents substantial improvements compared to the equipment already disclosed in application PCT / CL2020 / 050050.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A demulsifying and oil recovery unit for fats and oils from wastewater containing them, comprising a prismatic vertical body (1) and a bacterial bed (104) arranged within an inverted pyramid-type hopper with a polygonal base, with a honeycomb grid (103) over the bacterial bed (104), which improves the operability and efficiency of the unit, achieving practically the total separation of the fats and oils contained in the influent and their total extraction and discharge, generating an effluent free of fats and oils, in addition to purified fats and oils as a profitable byproduct, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a cylindrical vertical body (4) that corresponds to the upper part of the prismatic vertical body (1), where said cylindrical vertical body (4) defines a fat level (3), and has air injectors (6) located on its internal surface around the perimeter of said cylindrical vertical body (4),an influent delivery pipe (102) arranged vertically in the vertical body passing through the bacterial bed (104) through a small area of ​​the honeycomb grid (103) reaching the bottom of the hopper and following the same angle of path as the hopper.

2. The equipment of claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the height of the cylindrical vertical body (4) is within a range between 1 / 2 - 1 / 5 of the height of the prismatic vertical body (1).

3. The equipment of claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the injectors (6) are located at the level of the grease level surface.

4. The equipment of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the number of injectors (6) is within a range of 8 - 25.

5. The equipment of claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a storage container (5) of the overflow type attached to the vertical cylindrical body (4).

6. The equipment of claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the storage container (5) comprises a funnel-shaped, conical-bottomed cylindrical container.

7. The equipment of claim 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the storage container (5) comprises a filling and unloading level control (7), in addition to a stopcock (8) arranged at the bottom of the container (5).

8. The equipment of claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the influent delivery pipe (102) has at its outlet end a flexible cap (105) pivoted by means of a hinge.

9. The equipment of claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises sprinklers (106) arranged on the honeycomb grid (103) with said sprinklers pointing towards said grid (103) having for this purpose a water pressurizing pump (108) which is fed by the water contained in a storage tank (109).

10. The equipment of claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the storage tank (109) is configured by means of a pipe and valve to connect with the clean water discharge pipe (effluent) by re-entering a part of the same into the equipment.

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