Adjustable Gas Siphon for Dense Solid Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mixing solutions for water and wastewater treatment environments are inadequate for suspending or resuspending dense or densified solids, and they fail to meet the needs of various culturing and treatment applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adjustable gas siphon apparatus that produces large bubbles to maintain particles or solids in suspension, manage gradients, disrupt biofilms, and uncouple solids residence times in treatment tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mixing solutions are used, then basic mixing function is provided, but dense or densified solids cannot be effectively suspended or resuspended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gas siphon apparatus that utilizes pneumatic principles to generate large gas bubbles that rise through the liquid, creating strong upward flow and turbulence. This pneumatic mechanism effectively suspends and resuspends dense solids by generating sufficient upward force to counteract gravity, directly addressing the limitation of conventional mixing solutions that cannot handle dense materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of gas bubbles forming and rising through the liquid-solid mixture. The gas phase transitions from compressed state in the siphon chamber to expanded state as it rises, creating expanding bubbles that generate turbulence and mixing action, enabling effective suspension of dense solids while maintaining basic mixing functionality.
2Reliability
If gas siphon apparatus is introduced to suspend dense solids, then solid suspension capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas siphon apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it suspends dense solids, provides mixing action, creates turbulence, and can be adjusted to control bubble size and release rate. By consolidating these functions into a single device rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function, the patent improves solid suspension capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic control of gas flow rate, bubble size, and siphon depth. This dynamic adjustability enables the same device to adapt to different solid densities, mixing requirements, and tank configurations, improving suspension capability across various applications without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustable gas siphon is used to control mixing parameters, then mixing precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas siphon apparatus is designed with self-regulating characteristics where the gas flow rate and bubble release are automatically controlled by the pressure differential created during siphon operation. The system self-adjusts to maintain optimal mixing conditions without requiring complex external control mechanisms, improving parameter precision while maintaining ease of operation through automatic regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus allows operators to adjust key parameters such as gas flow rate, siphon depth, and bubble release timing through simple mechanical controls. These parameter changes enable precise control over mixing intensity and solid suspension levels, while the straightforward adjustment mechanisms maintain ease of operation by avoiding complex electronic or automated control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable gas siphon effectively mixes and stratifies substances in water and wastewater treatment systems, ensuring consistent composition, suspending dense solids, and managing solids residence times, thereby enhancing treatment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an inverted siphon fluidly coupled to the chamber and configured to convey fluid between the chamber and an area external to the container
Implementation Method 2
a gas supply release nozzle configured to release the gas into the chamber... configured to produce a gas flow firing volume, a gas flow firing frequency, or a gas flow firing amplitude
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for mixing a tank containing a fluid with a gas, wherein the gas is fired with a periodic intensity and duration through the employment of a gas container containing an inverted siphon, with one end contained in the container and the other end extending into a fluid.