Miniaturised water filtration station

Abstract

The present disclosure falls within the technical field of miniaturised laboratory or experimental systems for water treatment and filtration, defining a miniaturised station for water filtration, particularly wastewater filtration. The station of the present disclosure and the elements that it contains are miniaturised compared to large-size stations, such as wastewater treatment and filtration plants connected to the sewage network and forming part of the installed water treatment and filtration infrastructure. This technical field thus includes that of miniaturised systems, in the context of a laboratory and / or experimental system, the present disclosure defining a water filtration station. The station of the present disclosure and the elements that it contains are miniaturised compared to large-size plants, such as water treatment and filtration plants within large infrastructures.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] MINIATURIZED WATER FILTRATION STATION

[0003] DISSEMINATION AREA

[0004] This disclosure falls within the technical area of ​​miniaturized, laboratory or experimental systems for water treatment and filtration, defining a miniaturized station for water filtration, particularly wastewater filtration. The station in this disclosure and its components are miniaturized when compared to large-scale stations, such as wastewater treatment and filtration plants connected to the sewer system and forming part of the installed water treatment and filtration infrastructure.

[0005] This technical area thus includes miniaturized systems, in a laboratory and / or experimental system context, the present disclosure defining a water filtration station. The station in this disclosure and its components are miniaturized when compared to large-scale stations, such as water treatment and filtration plants found in large infrastructures.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] In the state of the art, solutions are known that seek to simulate the operation of water treatment and filtration plants, such as wastewater treatment and filtration plants, for educational purposes.

[0008] These solutions simulate the operation of treatment plants, including elements that, for example, are intended to represent contaminants, but which are not contaminants, consisting only of fictitious elements with which the aim is to demonstrate - particularly to trainees who operate or monitor the operation of these systems - how the aforementioned treatment and filtration plants work, typically in a learning context.

[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 water treatment and filtration plant would work. These plants do not allow for the framework of laboratory development and research. Consequently, they do not require their components to function effectively to treat or filter wastewater or water in general.

[0010] The miniaturized station of this solution allows for the innovative and efficient treatment, testing, and / or control of new models for the treatment and filtration of contaminated water. This can include different types of filter technologies and different filter materials with multiple combinations, perfect for a scientific development, research, and learning environment.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0012] This disclosure includes a miniaturized water filtration station, the station comprising a filtration column (F301) and at least two suitable reservoirs for containing liquids, a first reservoir (B301) and a second reservoir (B302), wherein: the filtration column is suitable for containing a gravity filtration medium within it and comprises a top-formed water inlet, a bottom-formed filtered water outlet and a side-formed backwash outlet, the filtered water outlet of the filtration column is connected to an inlet of the first reservoir and the backwash outlet of the filtration column is connected to a water inlet of the second reservoir, the station further comprising a first controllable valve (V302), a second controllable valve (V303) and a first controllable water pump (P311), the first water pump being configured to,When the first valve is closed and the second valve is open, water is pumped from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtered water outlet of the filtration column. A third controllable valve (V305) is connected to the backwash outlet of the filtration column. When open, water pumped from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the backwash outlet flows into the second reservoir. Upon reaching the backwash outlet of the filtration column and after passing through a filtration medium inside the column, each reservoir has a capacity between 4 and 50 liters. The second valve can be self-controlled or electronically controllable. The first and third valves, and the first pump, can be electronically controllable, with the station configured to initiate a pump activation program.The first valve is closed, and the second and third valves are opened, so that water pumped from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtered water outlet of the filtration column reaches the backwash outlet of the filtration column, and the second valve is open. After passing through a filtration medium inside the column, the water flows into the second reservoir. A seventh valve can be activated simultaneously, introducing filtered air into the filtration column. When open, the water reaches the backwash outlet of the filtration column, and the second valve is open. After passing through a filtration medium inside the column, the water flows into the second reservoir.

[0013] The station may comprise a fourth controllable valve (V301) and at least one second pump (P310), the fourth valve allowing the passage of water from an unfiltered water supply source (X301), and the second pump being controllable and pumping water from the water supply source.

[0014] The station may additionally comprise a flow meter, a fourth valve allowing the passage of water from an unfiltered water supply source (X301), and a second pump that is controllable and pumps water from the water supply source according to the flow meter and in a predefined quantity, this quantity being able to be defined according to experience, to the filtration column. The water passes through the stratified granules and is collected in the first reservoir (B301). The inlet of the first reservoir comprises at least one level sensor (B322).

[0015] The station may comprise a fifth valve (V304), the fifth valve being connected to the water outlet of the first reservoir and to a filtered water outlet of the station (X302), the first water pump being configured so that, when the first valve is closed, the second valve is open and the fifth valve is closed, it pumps water from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtered water outlet of the filtration column.

[0016] The station may additionally comprise a sixth controllable valve (V306) for the outlet of the second reservoir (Backwash Water Drain), the sixth valve allowing the outlet of backwash water from the column inside the second reservoir. The filtration column, the first and second reservoirs may be installed on at least one bench, this bench being mobile, optionally by means of wheels installed on an underside of the bench.

[0017] This disclosure further includes a system comprising the station of this disclosure and control means, the control means being configured to electronically control any of the controllable elements, including any valve or pump.

[0018] This disclosure further includes a method for water filtration in the water filtration station of this disclosure, the filtration column comprising a gravity filtration medium inside, optionally with stratified grains / granules of different particle sizes, the method comprising the following steps:

[0019] • Obtain water for filtration in the filtration column by entering the filtration column through its water inlet and keeping the first, second, and third valves closed.

[0020] • Open the first valve and / or the first and fifth valves to obtain filtered water at the station's water outlet.

[0021] The method may additionally include waiting a period of time for the water to filter by gravity in the filtration column. This step can be performed between the step of obtaining water to filter in the filtration column and the step of opening the first valve and / or the first valve and the fifth valve.

[0022] The step of opening the first valve and / or the first and fifth valves and obtaining filtered water at the station's water outlet may additionally include closing the second valve.

[0023] The grains or granules may be sand and / or anthracite.

[0024] The method may include the following steps:

[0025] • Close the first and fifth valves,

[0026] • The first pump will pump water from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtration column's water outlet, • Fill the filtration column with water to a predefined volume, at a level above the filtration column's backwash water outlet, and

[0027] • Open the third valve, allowing water to pass from the filtration column to the second reservoir.

[0028] This method can more specifically encompass the steps of

[0029] • Close the first and fifth valves.

[0030] • Activate the first pump and pump water from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtration column's water outlet.

[0031] • Fill the filtration column with water to a predefined volume, at a level above the filtration column's backwash water outlet, and

[0032] • Close the first and second valves and open the third valve, allowing water to pass from the filtration column to the second reservoir.

[0033] Alternatively, this method may more specifically include the following steps:

[0034] • Close the first and fifth valves.

[0035] • The first pump pumps water from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtration column's water outlet.

[0036] • Fill the filtration column with water to a predefined volume, at a level above the filtration column's backwash water outlet, and

[0037] • Open the third valve, allowing water to pass from the filtration column to the second reservoir.

[0038] The step of closing the first and fifth valves may involve closing the first valve and opening the second valve and / or closing the first and fifth valves and opening the second valve.

[0039] This disclosure may additionally include one or more filtration columns. These filtration columns may contain granules of varying sizes and / or materials. They may thus incorporate one or more types of integrated technologies and / or multiple types of filter materials and combinations. The columns may be arranged in series or in parallel.

[0040] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] Figure 1 - Schematic representation of a station according to the present disclosure.

[0042] It includes a water supply inlet to the station (X301), which may be connected to another station that performs a prior water treatment process or to a water supply medium that provides water that requires filtration. A fourth valve (V301) is connected to this inlet, which, when open, allows water from the station's water supply inlet to reach a second water pump (P310). When activated, the second water pump pumps water from the station's water supply inlet, which may be determined by the flow meter and in the correct quantity based on experience, into a filtration column (F301) through an inlet formed at the top. The filtration column has a side outlet for washing water from its filtration medium and a bottom outlet for filtered water. A first reservoir (B301) is connected to the filtered water outlet.Between the filtered water outlet of the filtration column and the water inlet of the first reservoir, there is a first electronically controllable valve (V302). When this valve is open, water filtered by the filtration column reaches the interior of the first reservoir. The station may include a level sensor (B322) in the first reservoir to control the level, the efficiency of the quantity of pre-treated water, and to monitor the filter saturation process. A fifth valve (V304) is connected to an outlet of the first reservoir. When the fifth valve is open, water from inside the first reservoir reaches a (filtered) water outlet of the station (X302). Between the water outlet of the filtration column and the fifth valve, there is a second valve (V302) and a first water pump (P311).When the first valve is open and the second valve is closed, water filtered by the filtration column reaches the inside of the first reservoir. When the first and fifth valves are closed and the second valve is open, and the first pump is active, water is pumped from the first reservoir, exiting through its outlet, into the filtration column, entering it through its filtered water outlet, performing a process called backwashing of the filtration medium inside the filtration column. Additionally, the seventh valve (V3-3V1) can be activated, introducing filtered air into the filtration column (F301). In this way, it is possible to fill the filtration column with water to a predefined volume, at a level of the filtration column above the filtration column's backwash water outlet. The station includes a third electronically controllable valve (V305) connected to the backwash water outlet of the filtration column.This valve can be opened during water pumping to allow water to pass laterally from the filtration column to the second reservoir (B302). The first and second valves can also be closed and the third valve opened, thus allowing water to pass from the filtration column to the second reservoir. Additionally, a sixth valve (V306) is connected to the outlet of the second reservoir. When this valve is opened, backwash water from the filtration column located inside the second reservoir flows to a backwash water drain in the station.

[0043] Figure 2 - Side view of a filtration column (F301) according to the present disclosure, comprising a retaining ring (F301-1) substantially centrally positioned. The ring (F301-1), being tubular and possibly resilient, fits into the interior of the column (F301-2), preventing granules forming the filtration medium from exceeding this level during backwashing. In other words, the ring (F301-1) fits into the inner periphery of the column (F301-2), ensuring the filter's tightness in this area (F301), preventing the deep penetration of grains of different granulometry. The column (F301) also comprises a disperser (F301-3) consisting of a perforated plate adjustable to the top of the column. The perforations or openings in the plate (F301-43, not visible) allow for better distribution of water from the column's water inlet, resulting in a more uniform water flow across the entire upper surface of the filtration medium.

[0044] Figure 3 - another side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2.

[0045] Figure 4 - cross-sectional view of the embodiment of figures 2 and 3.

[0046] Figure 5 - perspective view of the embodiments of figures 2-4, highlighting the retaining ring (F301-1) and the disperser (F301-3).

[0047] Figure 6 - perspective view of a retaining ring (F301-1).

[0048] Figure 7 - detailed perspective view of a disperser located at the top of the retention column (F301-3).

[0049] Figure 8 - Top (left) and bottom (right) views of dispersers (F301-3) in flat (above) and three-dimensional (below) format. The disperser (F301-3) contains, on its top face, a flat central portion (F301-31) and a plurality of inclined peripheral portions (F301-32), the inclination projecting towards the bottom face. The openings (F301-33) are formed in the flat central portion (F301-31) and pass through the plate to the bottom face. On the bottom face, the openings (F301-33) form projections (F301-34) that extend beyond the plate.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following describes non-limiting ways of realizing the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0052] The station allows for water filtration, thus representing the function of supply / feeding, preliminary characterization, and the water treatment process, based on different water storage and circulation systems. The station described in this disclosure defines equipment that allows for mobility capabilities, enabling a mobile system for digital monitoring and control of water filtration and / or treatment in real time with the possibility of augmented reality.

[0053] This station allows for the intermediate treatment of pre-treated water, for example, through oxidation, precipitation, and flocculation processes, in a process of retaining suspended particles through filtration, recreating the real processes of water and wastewater treatment, namely in the reduction of suspended matter commonly present in water or originating from the treatment process itself.

[0054] Pollutants present in the water entering the filtration column are retained in the filtration media contained therein, such as different layers of grains or granules, e.g., sand or anthracite.

[0055] The filtration media can thus contain stratified granules, which perform the filtration, the stratification being organized by a gradual increase in particle size, and in layers. Each layer has flaps, which can form a ring, with airtight seals on the inner periphery of the filter, preventing the penetration of grains of different particle sizes to a greater depth. The set of granules is stacked vertically inside a transparent tubular medium to allow visualization of the experiments without influencing learning. Between each layer of granules, it is possible to collect water samples for preliminary analyses and measurement of the turbidity of the water resulting from filtration in the different layers.

[0056] It is possible to measure the permeability of the granule filtration process and initiate a backwashing process, in which water enters the filtration column through its outlet formed at the bottom, originating from an initial reservoir.

[0057] The backwashing process and other circuits may include an airlock system to ensure efficiency and optimization of the hydraulic process without the presence of air in the circuit.

[0058] The station can include mechanisms to allow digital measurement of clogging, both in the total and partial aspects of the filter, enabling the verification of anomalies in the sizing and filtration processes based on suspended particles, detecting unexpected intermediate clogging. The entire process can be controlled automatically through programmed control means, commonly known as software, as if it were an industrial-scale filtration station, but also individually, allowing for scientific development and research into better processes, methods, and best practices.

[0059] The control program, with its data collection capability, allows for the parameterization and activation of all station elements, which can be viewed schematically or in 3D, in accordance with standards.

[0060] Data collection allows for direct intervention in process improvement in real time or can be used in an integrated way with Machine Learning.

[0061] This station can be equipped with two tanks (for cleaning the granules and collecting treated water), a set of sensors and actuators, to allow continuous process control, as well as the collection of samples for measuring turbidity due to the presence of solid particles in the water resulting from the pre-treated water.

[0062] This station can also be equipped with a continuous filter for comparing process efficiency between a conventional downflow and upflow filter and the continuous filter.

[0063] All elements are quick-connect type, such as piping, sensors, and actuators, allowing for easy configuration without tools and also providing enhanced skills in the area of ​​maintenance for this type of process.

[0064] The station of this disclosure includes and / or allows

[0065] - Separation of pollutants using granules, e.g., quartz sand and quartz gravel.

[0066] Deep filtration

[0067] - Measuring the pressure loss through the granular filter, e.g., sand filter.

[0068] - Granular filter washing process, e.g., sand filter

[0069] - To parameterize the process steps.

[0070] - Level measurement using analog pressure sensors.

[0071] Level measurement using different types of sensors.

[0072] - Continuous process control and process energy efficiency.

[0073] - Causes of turbidity in water. - Analysis and quantification of turbidity throughout the process.

[0074] Analysis of DTI symbology and schematics according to EN 62424:2010-01 and ISO 10628 standards.

[0075] The station may include

[0076] - At least 2 transparent water tanks with a capacity of, for example, 7 liters to allow visualization of the experiments without influencing the learning process, with a connection interface and holes for sample collection.

[0077] - Tubular and transparent filtration module (or more than one module) to ensure good visualization of experiments without influencing learning, capable of handling different particle sizes, e.g., sands and anthracite. This module has two particular features:

[0078] - Height-adjustable diffuser with central and lateral diffusion

[0079] - tabs that can form a ring of seals between granules, e.g., sands, on the inner periphery of the filter.

[0080] Continuous filtration module

[0081] Extended set of electrical sensors

[0082] Extended set of actuators

[0083] - Set of accessories, fasteners and tubing with quick connection.

[0084] Airlock for removing air from ducts.

[0085] - Double non-return valve suitable for category 3 fluids.

[0086] - Portable measuring equipment for analyzing pH, conductivity, free and total chlorine, color, and turbidity.

[0087] - Device for process control, data collection, and IoT (Internet of Things).

[0088] The processes that can be implemented by the station of this disclosure can be developed without compromising security in the learning and research environment.

[0089] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, it includes a disperser (F301-3) which contains, on its upper face, a flat central portion (F301-31) and a plurality of inclined peripheral portions (F301-32), the inclination projecting towards the lower face. The openings (F301-33) are formed in the flat central portion (F301-31) and pass through the plate to the lower face. On the lower face, the openings (F301-33) form projections (F301-34) that extend beyond the plate. The disperser thus includes a perforated plate adjustable to the top of a filtration column, a column with a tubular shape. The perforations or openings of the plate (F301-33) allow for better distribution of water from the column's water inlet, making the water fall more uniform over the entire upper surface of the filtration medium.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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. Miniaturized water filtration station, the station comprising a filtration column (F301) and at least two suitable reservoirs for containing liquids, a first reservoir (B301) and a second reservoir (B302), wherein: the filtration column is suitable for containing a gravity filtration medium inside and comprises a water inlet formed at the top, a filtered water outlet formed at the bottom and a backwash outlet formed laterally, the filtered water outlet of the filtration column is connected to an inlet of the first reservoir and the backwash outlet of the filtration column is connected to a water inlet of the second reservoir, the station further comprising a first controllable valve (V302) and a second controllable valve (V303) and a first controllable water pump (P311), the first water pump being configured so that, when the first valve is closed and the second valve is open,Pumping water from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtered water outlet of the filtration column, and a third controllable valve (V305) connected to the backwash water outlet of the filtration column, which, when open, allows water pumped from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtered water outlet of the filtration column to flow into the second reservoir when it reaches the backwash water outlet of the filtration column and after passing through a filtration medium arranged inside the column, where each of the reservoirs has a capacity between 4 and 50 L.

2. Station according to the previous claim in which the first, second and third valves, and the first pump, are electronically controllable, the station being configured to initiate a pump activation program, closing the first valve and opening the second and third valves so that water pumped from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtered water outlet of the filtration column, when it reaches the backwash water outlet of the filtration column and the second valve is open, and after passing through a filtration medium disposed inside the column, flows into the second reservoir.

3. Station according to the previous claim wherein the second valve is self-controlling.

4. Station according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a seventh valve (V3-3V1) configured to introduce filtered air into the filtration column (F301), simultaneously with pumping water from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtered water outlet of the filtration column.

5. Station according to any of the preceding claims, the station comprising a fourth controllable valve (V301) and at least one second pump (P310), the fourth valve allowing the passage of water from a water supply source to be filtered (X301), and the second pump being controllable and pumping water from the water supply source to the filtration column.

6. Station according to the previous claim, further comprising a flow meter, a fourth valve allowing the passage of water from an unfiltered water supply source (X301), and a second pump being controllable and pumping water from the water supply source according to the flow meter and in a predefined quantity, this quantity being able to be defined according to an experiment being carried out, to the filtration column, and in such a way that water passes through the stratified granules and is collected in the first reservoir (B301).

7. Station according to any of the preceding claims comprising a fifth valve (V304), the fifth valve being connected to the water outlet of the first reservoir and to a filtered water outlet of the station (X302), the first water pump being configured so that, when the first valve is closed, the second valve is open and the fifth valve is closed, it pumps water from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtered water outlet of the filtration column.

8. Station according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a sixth controllable outlet valve (V306) from the second reservoir (Backwash Water Drain), the sixth valve allowing backwash water from the column inside the second reservoir to exit through the outlet of the second reservoir.

9. Station according to any of the preceding claims, in which the filtration column, the first and second reservoirs are installed on at least one bench, this The workbench can be moved, optionally by means of wheels installed on its underside.

10. System comprising the station of any of the preceding claims and control means, the control means being configured to electronically control any of the controllable elements, including any valve or pump.

11. Method for filtering water in the water filtration station of any of the claims 1-9, the filtration column comprising a gravity filtration medium inside, optionally stratified sands with different granulometries, the method comprising the steps of: • Obtain water for filtration in the filtration column by entering the filtration column through its water inlet and keeping the first, second, and third valves closed. • Open the first valve and / or the first and fifth valves to obtain filtered water at the station's water outlet. • Allow a period of time for the water to filter through the filtration column by gravity.

12. A method for filtering water according to the previous claim, in which, upon opening the first valve and / or the first and fifth valves and obtaining filtered water at the station's water outlet, it additionally includes closing the second valve.

13. Method for filtering water according to any one of claims 11-12, comprising the steps of • Close the first and fifth valves. • The first pump pumps water from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtration column's water outlet. • Fill the filtration column with water to a predefined volume, at a level above the filtration column's backwash water outlet, and • Open the third valve, allowing water to pass from the filtration column to the second reservoir.

14. Method for filtering water according to the previous claim comprising the steps of • Close the first and fifth valves. • Activate the first pump and pump water from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtration column's water outlet. • Fill the filtration column with water to a predefined volume, at a level above the filtration column's backwash water outlet, and • Close the first and second valves and open the third valve, allowing water to pass from the filtration column to the second reservoir.

15. Method for filtering water according to claim 13 comprising the steps of • Close the first and fifth valves. • The first pump pumps water from the first reservoir into the filtration column through the filtration column's water outlet. • Fill the filtration column with water to a predefined volume, at a level above the filtration column's backwash water outlet, and • Open the third valve, allowing water to pass from the filtration column to the second reservoir.

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