Overflow element for excess water in water treatment tanks

Abstract

The present invention falls within the technical field of water treatment systems, defining a water overflow element (10) suitable for water tanks (20) in water treatment plants, taking wastewater treatment as an example. The overflow element (10) for excess water, the tank (20) in which it can be included and the respective station can be applied in a miniature format - with dimensions suitable for laboratory, experimental or training applications - compared to tanks (20) and large stations, such as wastewater treatment plants connected to the sewage network and forming part of an installed water treatment infrastructure. A tank (20) comprising the overflow element (10) of the present invention can be miniaturised compared to large-scale tanks (20) that are a part of wastewater treatment plants, and can have a capacity of between 4 and 50 L.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] ELEMENT FOR OVERFLOW DUE TO EXCESS WATER IN TREATMENT TANKS

[0003] OF WATERS

[0004] DISSEMINATION AREA

[0005] This disclosure falls within the technical area of ​​water treatment systems, defining a suitable water overflow element for water tanks in water treatment plants, using wastewater treatment as an example. The excess water overflow element of this disclosure, and the tank in which it may be included, and the plant in which this tank may be included, can have a miniaturized application – dimensions suitable for laboratory, experimental or training purposes – when compared to large tanks and plants, such as wastewater treatment plants connected to the sewer network and forming part of the installed water treatment infrastructure.A tank comprising the transfer element of this disclosure can be miniaturized when compared to large-scale tanks that are part of wastewater treatment plants, and may have a capacity between 4 and 50 l.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] Solutions that attempt to simulate the operation of wastewater treatment plants are known in the state of the art.

[0008] In the specific case of wastewater treatment plants for educational purposes, these solutions simulate the operation of the plants, including elements that, for example, are intended to represent contaminants, but which are not contaminants, consisting of fictitious elements with which they only seek to show trainees who operate or monitor the operation of these systems how a wastewater treatment plant would work.

[0009] These systems are not functional and do not allow for effective water treatment, at least not beyond removing these fictitious elements from the water or demonstrating by other means how a wastewater treatment plant could actually work. Therefore, they do not require their components to function effectively to treat wastewater.

[0010] Additionally, even existing miniaturized systems involving miniaturized storage tanks do not offer overflow solutions that are adequate for their size, failing to leverage miniaturization to include functionalities that are practical for a human user.

[0011] The overflow element of the present solution innovatively overcomes these limitations, particularly when dealing with a miniaturized structure.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0013] This disclosure includes an overflow element for excess water for a water tank, which in turn is for a water treatment plant. The overflow element comprises a first pipe and a second pipe, wherein the first pipe is formed superiorly to the second pipe. The first pipe has an upper portion for excess water inlet, and the second pipe has a lower portion for water outlet from the first pipe. The first pipe is telescopically and watertightly removable inside or outside the second pipe, thus adjusting the height of the upper portion of the first pipe for excess water inlet, defined by the length of the two pipes minus the length of the portion of one pipe that is inside the other pipe. Said telescopic movement is adjustable.and the overflow element further comprising a handle that is integrally coupled to the upper portion of the first pipe, and a longitudinal movement action of the handle consequently causes the movement of the first pipe relative to the second pipe, the handle comprising a manually operable tie rod.

[0014] The tie rod may have a length such that, when the first and / or second pipe is retracted into the other pipe to its maximum extent and when the overflow element is inside a tank, the tie rod is above an upper opening of the tank. This telescopic movement may be adjustable between a maximum level corresponding to the maximum height reachable by the upper portion of the first pipe, a minimum level corresponding to the minimum height reachable by the upper portion of the first pipe, and a plurality of intermediate levels arranged between the maximum and minimum heights reachable by the upper portion of the first pipe.

[0015] The maximum height achievable by the upper portion of the first pipe for excess water intake can range from 100 to 2,500 mm.

[0016] The overflow element may be suitable for overflowing excess water in a tank with a capacity between 4 and 50 liters.

[0017] The overflow element for excess water can be used for a miniaturized water storage tank, which in turn can be used for a miniaturized wastewater treatment plant.

[0018] The first tube can be moved telescopically inside the second tube.

[0019] The first tube can be telescopically moved outside the second tube.

[0020] The overflow element may further comprise a cup, the cup i) having an open upper surface, ii) a projection formed in its interior with at least one opening, and iii) being integrally and tightly coupled to the upper portion of the first pipe for excess water entry, such that water that overflows a side wall of the cup and enters it through the open upper surface reaches the interior of the cup and the opening of the cup projection connected to the upper portion of the first pipe, such that water that overflows the side wall of the cup flows into the first pipe through at least one opening of the cup.

[0021] The side wall of the cup that forms part of the open upper surface can be cut out, each cut having a predefined width between tops, such that particles present in excess water, and therefore overflowing, with a dimension greater than the predefined width, are filtered through the cut. Each opening in the cup projection can have a circular shape. The side wall of the cup that forms part of the open upper surface can be cut out in a crown shape. The overflow element can additionally comprise a handle that is integrally coupled to the upper portion of the first pipe, and a longitudinal movement of the handle consequently causes the first pipe to move relative to the second pipe.

[0022] The overflow element may comprise a first circular seal associated with a lower portion of the first pipe and a second circular seal associated with an upper portion of the second pipe, the first and second seals ensuring the tightness of the telescopic and removable connection of the first and second pipes.

[0023] The overflow element may additionally comprise a third curved pipe with an upper portion tightly connected to a lower portion of the second pipe, so that the overflow can be vertically aligned with a tank and an outlet of the third pipe can be connected to a side outlet of that tank.

[0024] This disclosure also includes a system comprising a wastewater tank and an overflow element according to this disclosure, the tank having an upper opening and a lower opening, and an additional opening for excess water outlet by overflow, the overflow element being disposed within the tank and being aligned vertically with a central axis of the tank, an overflow water outlet being connected to the additional opening of the tank, the tank having a capacity between 4 and 50 l.

[0025] The variation between the maximum and minimum height attainable by the upper portion of the first pipe of the transfer element can correspond to 10-70% of the total height of the tank, optionally 10-50%.

[0026] The overflow element may additionally comprise a third curved pipe with an upper portion tightly connected to a lower portion of the second pipe, so that the overflow can be aligned vertically with a tank and an outlet of the third pipe can be connected to a side outlet of that tank, and the additional opening of the tank can be formed laterally.

[0027] This disclosure also includes the use of the overflow element as described herein as an overflow element for excess water in a miniaturized water tank, the tank having a capacity between 4 and 50 l, and comprising adjusting the handle such that a longitudinal movement of the handle consequently causes the first pipe to move relative to the second pipe, to adjust the height of the overflow element level.

[0028] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] Figure 1a - representation of a side view of an overflow element (10) according to the present disclosure. The overflow element (10) comprises a first pipe (11) telescopically coupled to a second pipe (12). The first pipe (11) moves inside the second pipe (12), being partially disposed within it. A pull handle (15) in the form of a tie rod is coupled to the first pipe (11), and they move together. Thus, the movement of the tie rod causes the first pipe (11) to move telescopically in relation to the second pipe (12), consequently adjusting an overflow level within a tank (20) in which the overflow element (10) is disposed. Between the first pipe (11) and the pull handle (15) there is a cup (14), and overflowing water or liquid flows into the cup (14) and, from there, into the first pipe (11).The cup (14) has an open top surface, and liquid that reaches the interior of the cup (14) overflowing its side wall enters the interior of the cup (14) and then flows into the first pipe (11).

[0030] Figure lb - representation of a cross-sectional view along section AA of the overflow element (10) of figure la. The cross-sectional representation allows identification of the elements arranged inside the cup (14). Liquid that reaches the interior of the cup (14) exceeding its lateral surface reaches the interior of the first pipe (11) by entering openings (14b) formed in a projection (14a) of the cup (14) arranged centrally. This projection (14a) and, in particular, the openings (14b), are correspondingly connected to the first pipe (11).

[0031] Figure 2 - Perspective view representation of the transfer from figure 1. The perspective representation highlights the third pipe (13), which has two deviations. Thus, the first and second pipes are aligned, the third pipe (13) having two deviations substantially at 90°, which allow the transfer to be coupled to a side wall of a tank (20).

[0032] Figure 3a - representation of a system (100) according to the present disclosure, in which an overflow element (10) according to figures 1a, 1b and 2 is disposed inside a tank (20), the pull handle (15) on a tie rod being movable and projecting through a tank lid (20) and a lower portion of the third pipe (13) coupling to a side wall of the tank (20) in which a side opening (21) is formed. If an increase in liquid inside the tank (20) is such that it exceeds a level above the side wall of the cup (14) of the overflow element (10), starting from the toothed portions of the crown (14c), this liquid above the said level will flow into the cup (14) and, from there, will be directed out of the tank (20) in a controlled manner. The telescopic adjustment of the cup height (14) adjusting the relative position between the first and second pipes allows adjustment of this overflow level.

[0033] Figure 3b - representation of a cross-sectional view along section AA of the transfer element (10) of figure 3a.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The overflow element (10) of this disclosure is described below using non-limiting embodiments.

[0036] The overflow element (10) defines a telescopic system that allows fine adjustment for the collection of sludge and suspended matter based on the results of experiments and research carried out in processes such as oxidation, chemical precipitation and coagulation-flocculation in water treatment plants such as miniaturized water treatment plants, comprising water tanks (20) in which it is intended to avoid uncontrolled overflow, which could cause undesirable contamination.

[0037] The overflow element (10) can be disposed within a tank (20). Its lower portion, for example a lower portion of the second or third pipe (13), is connected to a wall of the tank (20) for the outlet of overflowing liquid. As the tank (20) fills with water or other liquid, the liquid / water level rises until it reaches an upper portion of the overflow, for example, the side wall of the cup (14). From there it will be directed, flowing, into the first pipe (11), then into the second pipe (12) and / or into the third pipe (13). From there, it flows to the outlet of the tank (20) to which the overflow element (10) is coupled, causing the overflowing water / liquid to exit the tank (20) in a controlled manner.

[0038] Thus, the transfer element (10) is coupled below to the tank (20), with its upper section free, so that the telescopic movement between the first pipe (11) and the second pipe (12) can be regulated, as shown in the figures. This equipment is intended for the above collections with its insertion into a tank (20).

[0039] At its top it may have a toothed filter with a conical shape and an upper ring, designated as a cup (14). The concavity of this filter allows the collection of particles suspended on the surface for analysis of behavior and reason for their existence in relation to ongoing experience and research.

[0040] The linear movement of the overflow element (10) is ensured by a puller (15) which may comprise or consist of a mechanized – motorized or not – or manual puller, adjusting the height of the level for overflow and / or for the functions of collecting suspended particles above. The puller (15) is rigidly coupled to the upper portion of the first pipe.

[0041] (11), and a longitudinal movement action of the handle (15) consequently causes the first pipe (11) to move in relation to the second pipe.

[0042] (12), the handle (15) comprising a manually operable tie rod. Thus, the tie rod is moved manually by a user, namely by pulling it from inside a tank or by manually pushing the tie rod into the inside of a tank. This movement allows the solid connection between the tie rod and the first pipe (11), through the upper portion of the first pipe (11), to be actuated. Thus, in a simplified mechanical structure, the telescopic movement between the first and second pipes (11, 12) is actuated.

[0043] The tie rod may have a length equal to or greater than the length of the second pipe (12). The tie rod may have a length such that, when the first and / or second pipe (12) is retracted into the other pipe to a maximum extent and when the overflow element (10) is inside a tank (20), the tie rod is above an upper opening of the tank (20), to which a lid is attachable. This lid may have an opening so that the tie rod can pass through it.

[0044] The overflow element (10) thus allows the creation of adjustable intermediate emergency drainage levels for the safety of users and equipment where it is installed.

[0045] The overflow element (10) allows:

[0046] - Selective removal of suspended particles on the liquid surface

[0047] - Adjustable maximum safety level

[0048] - Intermediate Level Adjustment The overflow element (10) may comprise a third curved pipe (13). The third pipe (13) thus allows for a bypass connection, coupling two points that are part of perpendicular or substantially perpendicular lines to each other. Thus, it is coupled at the top to a lower portion of the second pipe (12) and at the bottom and side to a lateral opening (21) in the wall of a tank (20). Between the lower portion of the second pipe (12) and the lateral opening (21) in the wall, the third pipe (13) makes at least one bypass, which may be 90°. In this way, the third pipe (13) may comprise one or more bypasses. In the example in the figures, the third pipe (13) contains two substantially 90° bypasses.

[0049] The overflow element (10) may comprise a cup (14). Following the example of figures 1a and 2, the cup (14) has an open upper surface. The base of the cup (14) contains a projection (14a) formed in its interior. This projection (14a), according to the figures, is cylindrical and centrally formed. The projection (14a) contains at least one opening (14b), and this opening (14b) is connected to the first pipe (11) by means of the upper portion of the first pipe (11). According to the figures, the projection (14a) has several openings (14b) formed laterally in its cylindrical wall. Additionally, the base of the cup (14) in which the projection (14a) is formed may be tapered. The projection (14a) may form a single piece with the cup (14) or may consist of a separate piece, attachable to a central portion of the cup (14), which contains a centrally formed opening.

[0050] The projection (14a) formed in the cup (14) is such that its longitudinal extension accommodates a section of the upper portion of the first pipe (11), for coupling between cup (14) and first pipe (11), maintaining the connection for overflow liquid. This longitudinal extension may comprise a perforated sealing washer, such that these perforations correspond to the openings of the projection (14a) of the cup (14) and the upper portion of the first pipe (11), thus ensuring the passage of overflow liquid between the cup (14) and the first pipe (11) and, simultaneously, an improved seal.

[0051] The overflow element (10) can be disposed within a tank (20). Its lower portion, for example a lower portion of the third pipe (13), is connected to a side wall of the tank (20) for the outlet of overflowing liquid. As the tank (20) fills with water or other liquid, the water level rises until it reaches the side wall of the cup (14). Exceeding the side wall, the water enters the cup (14). Then, it reaches the projection (14a) of the cup (14) and, consequently, the openings (14b) formed in it. From there it flows into the first pipe (11), then into the second pipe (12), and finally into the third pipe (13). From there, it flows to the side outlet of the tank (20) to which the overflow element (10) is coupled, causing the overflowing water / liquid to exit the tank (20) in a controlled manner.

[0052] The side wall of the cup (14), which forms part of the open upper surface, can be cut into a crown shape (14c). The crown cut (14c) has a saw-like configuration, forming triangular projections that follow the side wall, as shown in the figures. The crown arrangement (14c), with the crown configuration (14c), defines constrictions through which overflowing water from a reservoir (20) and particles smaller than a given constriction pass. However, particles larger than a given constriction will be trapped in the crown (14c). This allows the overflow element (10) to operate not only as a safeguard for situations of excess water overflow but also for collecting suspended particles smaller than a given constriction.

[0053] As will be clear to an expert in the field, the present disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, and various alterations are possible which remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0054] Naturally, the embodiments presented above can be combined in different possible ways, and the repetition of all these combinations is avoided here.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Overflow element (10) for excess water to a water tank (20) which in turn is for a water treatment plant, the overflow element (10) comprising a first pipe (11) and a second pipe (12), wherein the first pipe (11) is formed superiorly in relation to the second pipe (12), the first pipe (11) has an upper portion for excess water inlet, the second pipe (12) has a lower portion for water outlet from the first pipe (11), the first pipe (11) being telescopically and watertightly removable inside or outside the second pipe (12), thus adjusting the height of the upper portion of the first pipe (11) for excess water inlet defined by the length of the two pipes minus the length of the portion of one pipe that is inside the other pipe, said telescopic movement being adjustable,and the overflow element (10) further comprising a handle (15) which is integrally coupled to the upper portion of the first pipe (11), and a longitudinal movement action of the handle (15) consequently causes the movement of the first pipe (11) relative to the second pipe (12), the handle (15) comprising a manually operable tie rod.

2. Overflow element (10) according to the previous claim wherein the tie rod has a length such that, when the first pipe (11) and / or second pipe (12) is retracted into the other pipe to a maximum extent and when the overflow element (10) is inside a tank (20), the tie rod is above an upper opening of the tank (20).

3. Overflow element (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein said telescopic movement is adjustable between a maximum level corresponding to the maximum height attainable by the upper portion of the first pipe (11), a minimum level corresponding to the minimum height attainable by the upper portion of the first pipe (11), and a plurality of intermediate levels arranged between the maximum and minimum heights attainable by the upper portion of the first pipe (11).

4. Overflow element (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the maximum height attainable by the upper portion of the first pipe (11) for excess water inlet has a value between 100 and 2,500 mm.

5. Overflow element (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein it is suitable for overflowing excess water in a tank with a capacity between 4 and 50 l.

6. Transfer element (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first pipe (11) is telescopically movable inside the second pipe (12).

7. Transfer element (10) according to any one of claims 1-5 wherein the first pipe (11) is telescopically movable outside the second pipe (12).

8. Overflow element (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cup (14), the cup (14) i) having an open upper surface, ii) a projection (14a) formed in its interior with at least one opening (14b), and iii) being integrally and tightly coupled to the upper portion of the first pipe (11) for excess water entry, such that water that overflows a side wall of the cup (14) and enters it through the open upper surface reaches the interior of the cup (14) and the opening (14b) of the projection (14a) of the cup (14) in connection with the upper portion of the first pipe (11), such that water that overflows the side wall of the cup (14) flows into the first pipe (11) through at least one opening (14b) of the cup (14).

9. Overflow element (10) according to the previous claim wherein the side wall of the cup (14) which forms part of the open upper surface is cut out, each cutout having a predefined width between tops, such that particles present in excess water and therefore overflowing with a dimension greater than the predefined width are filtered through the cutout.

10. Overflow element (10) according to the previous claim wherein the side wall of the cup (14) which forms part of the open upper surface is cut out in a crown shape (14c).

11. Overflow element (10) according to any one of claims 8-10 wherein each opening (14b) of the projection (14a) of the cup (14) has a circular shape.

12. Overflow element (10) according to any of the preceding claims comprising a first circular seal (11a) associated with a lower portion of the first pipe (11) and a second circular seal (12a) associated with an upper portion of the second pipe (12), the first and second seals (11a, 12a) ensuring the tightness of the telescopic and removable connection of the first and second pipes.

13. Overflow element (10) according to any of the preceding claims wherein further comprising a third curved pipe (13) with an upper portion connected in a watertight manner to a lower portion of the second pipe (12), such that the overflow can be aligned vertically with a tank (20) and an outlet of the third pipe (13) can be connected to a side outlet of that tank (20).

14. System comprising a wastewater tank (20) and an overflow element (10) according to any of the preceding claims, the tank (20) having an upper opening and a lower opening, and an additional opening for excess water outlet by overflow, the overflow element (10) being disposed within the tank (20) and being vertically aligned with a central axis of the tank (20), an overflow water outlet being connected to the additional opening of the tank (20), the tank (20) having a capacity between 4 and 50 l.

15. System according to the previous claim wherein the variation between the maximum height and the minimum height attainable by the upper portion of the first pipe (11) of the overflow element (10) corresponds to 10-70% of the total height of the tank (20), optionally 10-50%.

16. System according to the previous claim wherein the overflow element (10) is according to claim 12 and the additional opening is formed laterally.

17. Use of the overflow element (10) according to any of claims 1-13 as an overflow element (10) for excess water in a miniaturized water tank (20), the tank (20) having a capacity between 4 and 50 l, and comprising the adjustment of the handle (15) such that a longitudinal movement action of the handle (15) consequently causes the movement of the first pipe (11) relative to the second pipe (12), for adjustment of the height of the level of the overflow element (10).

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