Automated Water Sample Jar Testing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current jar testing methods for water samples are limited in providing real-time and comprehensive data on coagulation-flocculation processes, leading to inefficient control of pollutant removal and optimization in water treatment facilities.
Innovation Solution
An automated water sample jar testing system that includes a suspended particle characterization system, capable of measuring floc particle characteristics such as size, density, and settling velocity in real-time, using optical imaging and computing engines to analyze and communicate data for optimal coagulant dosing and mixing control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual jar testing methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but real-time data collection and measurement precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical observation and measurement with an automated optical imaging system. A camera captures images of floc particles in the jar test, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze particle size, density, and settling velocity. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with optical and computational systems enables precise real-time measurement while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated image capture and processing. The camera automatically takes images at specified time intervals, and the computing engine automatically processes these images to extract floc particle characteristics without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability enables continuous real-time monitoring while reducing the complexity of manual operations.
2Loss of information
If traditional jar testing is used, then equipment complexity is low, but information completeness and productivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous useful action by capturing images at multiple time intervals throughout the coagulation-flocculation process. Instead of single-point measurements, the camera continuously records floc particle characteristics from initial mixing through settling phases. This continuous data collection eliminates information gaps and enables complete process characterization, directly improving both information completeness and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes feedback loops where measured floc particle characteristics are used to optimize coagulant dosing and mixing control parameters. The computing engine analyzes the captured images and provides real-time feedback on treatment effectiveness, enabling operators to adjust dosing rates and mixing intensities to maximize pollutant removal. This feedback mechanism transforms static testing into a dynamic optimization process.
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
Enhances the monitoring and control of coagulation-flocculation processes, leading to improved pollutant removal efficiency and reduced operational costs by providing real-time feedback and data-driven optimization of water treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
using optical imaging and computing engines to analyze and communicate data
Implementation Method 2
measuring floc particle characteristics such as size, density, and settling velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A portable digital optical camera-based system and method can be used to test water and coagulant samples in a chamber. The chamber has a substantially square shaped horizontal cross section and a least one see-through wall. The system and method can comprise a light source and a contrast plate that are configured to be manually placed, at least partially, into the water and coagulant samples through an aperture at the top of the chamber. The camera is configured to be located outside the chamber and to view an illuminated region in the chamber though the see-through wall. The system and method further comprise a mixing paddle that can be programmed to operate at different speeds during different time segments. The system and method can measure, store, and display time-series data of floc particle count, floc volume concentration, equivalent average spherical floc particle diameter, and computed average floc particle volume of the water and coagulant samples.