Circular Parallel Plate Grit Remover with Serpentine Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grit removal devices in sewage treatment plants are inefficient due to their large footprint, high energy consumption, and inability to adapt to varying flow rates, often resulting in incomplete grit removal and mechanical wear from abrasive grit particles.
Innovation Solution
A grit removal unit with a cylindrical grit removal chamber and a grit storage chamber below it, featuring inverted truncated cone lamella plates and a center shaft with rotating blades, which directs fluid flow in a serpentine path to enhance grit settlement and collection, while allowing for efficient fluid circulation and reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional grit removal devices are used, then grit removal function is provided, but the footprint area is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal flow separation to vertical flow separation by arranging inlet, outlet, and grit discharge ports at different vertical levels. The flow path extends vertically through the chamber with upward flow at inlet region, horizontal flow through middle region, and downward flow at outlet region, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce footprint area while maintaining separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved flow paths within the chamber, including upwardly curving flow paths at the inlet region and downwardly curving flow paths at the outlet region. These curved paths facilitate smooth transitions and enhance separation efficiency while compacting the overall device geometry, contributing to reduced footprint area.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional grit removal devices are used, then grit removal function is provided, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the natural kinetic energy and direction changes of the incoming fluid flow to achieve grit separation without requiring external energy input for pumping or agitation. The upward, horizontal, and downward flow transitions create centrifugal forces and turbulence that facilitate grit settlement and separation automatically, making the system self-powered and energy-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful abrasive nature of grit particles into a beneficial separation mechanism. The high-velocity flow and turbulence generated by the curved flow paths cause heavier grit particles to settle outward and downward while lighter clarified fluid moves upward and exits, transforming the problematic grit into the driving force for effective separation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional grit removal devices are used, then grit removal function is provided, but adaptability to varying flow rates is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The device features dynamic flow path adjustments through adjustable flow distributors and deflectors that can adapt to varying flow rates. The curved flow paths and vertical arrangement allow the system to maintain effective separation across a range of flow conditions by utilizing the natural dynamics of fluid flow and particle settlement, ensuring reliable grit removal regardless of flow rate variations.
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 solution effectively increases grit removal efficiency, reduces mechanical wear, and adapts to varying flow rates, providing a more compact and cost-effective solution for wastewater treatment systems.
Implementation Method 1
directs fluid flow in a serpentine path to enhance grit settlement and collection
Implementation Method 2
allowing for efficient fluid circulation
Implementation Method 3
the spacings between adjacent laminar plates define flow paths through which wastewater flows upwardly
Data Source
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AI summary
A grit removal unit including a cylindrical grit removal chamber above a grit storage chamber, with an opening to the grit storage chamber through the grit removal chamber bottom. At least one layer plate is an inverted truncated cone around the center axis which is spaced from the grit removal chamber vertical wall to allow fluid flow therebetween. Concentric inverted truncated cone lamella plates are supported in the grit removal chamber above the layered plates, with the lamella plates radially spaced from one another relative to the center axis. An influent opening in the grit removal chamber vertical wall below the layered plates allows fluid and grit into the grit removal chamber, and an effluent opening in the grit removal chamber vertical wall above the lamella plates allows fluid to exit the grit removal chamber.