Biological Clarifier Float Valve Air Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological clarification devices face inefficiencies in wastewater treatment, requiring multiple pumping operations, complex control systems, and costly throttling and sedimentation devices, which increase maintenance costs and reduce available tank volume for sludge storage.
Innovation Solution
A biological clarification device that automatically distributes compressed air between an aerator and a compressed air lifter based on liquid levels, using a float valve to switch between intermittent and continuous operation modes, eliminating the need for solenoid valves and allowing for efficient clear water discharge without separate sedimentation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pumping operations and separate sedimentation devices are used in SBR process, then wastewater treatment function is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sedimentation chamber and biological clarification chamber into a single integrated tank, eliminating the need for separate sedimentation devices and multiple pumping operations. The compressed air lifter serves dual functions: aerating wastewater in the biological clarification chamber and discharging supernatant from the sedimentation chamber, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining treatment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed air lifter is designed as a multi-functional device that can operate in different modes: aerating the biological clarification chamber when the distributor is in the first position, and discharging supernatant from the sedimentation chamber when the distributor is in the second position. This universal device replaces multiple specialized components, reducing maintenance costs and complexity
2Reliability
If separate secondary clarifier is added to continuous activated sludge process, then sludge separation is improved, but tank volume for sludge storage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the secondary clarifier functions into the sedimentation chamber that is part of the same tank as the biological clarification chamber. The partition wall creates distinct zones within the single tank, allowing effective sludge separation without requiring a separate external clarifier, thereby preserving tank volume for sludge storage
Solution Approach 2:
The tank is divided into functional zones using a partition wall: the biological clarification chamber for activated sludge treatment and the sedimentation chamber for sludge separation and supernatant discharge. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized within the confined space of a single tank, maintaining both separation efficiency and storage capacity
3Extent of automation
If float valve is used to distribute compressed air, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve is designed to automatically respond to liquid level changes in the sedimentation chamber, opening or closing the compressed air supply to the lifter based on the position of the float. This self-regulating mechanism provides automation without requiring external control systems, sensors, or complex programming, thereby maintaining simplicity
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
This solution combines the advantages of SBR and continuous processes, optimizing tank volume usage, reducing maintenance costs, and enabling smaller tank designs by allowing the entire tank surface to be used for wastewater accumulation, while dispensing with complex sedimentation devices.
Implementation Method 1
a float valve (62) which automatically distributes the compressed air flow
Implementation Method 2
The volume of liquid in the riser pipe is transported upwards by the compressed air
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
Biological clarifying device (10) comprises: devices comprising a clarification chamber (16), devices for transport and treatment of waste water, a pneumatic regulator (30) with a riser pipe (36), whose lower end has a compressed air connection (46) and the upper end is connected to a clear liquid outlet, an aerator, and a compressed air source for supplying the compressed air regulator. The aerator with compressed air leads via a compressed air line which branches from compressed air source into a first branch line and a second branch line. Biological clarifying device (10) comprises: devices comprising a clarification chamber (16), devices for transport and treatment of waste water, a pneumatic regulator (30) with a riser pipe (36), whose lower end has a compressed air connection (46) and the upper end is connected to a clear liquid outlet, an aerator, and a compressed air source for supplying the compressed air regulator. The aerator with compressed air leads via a compressed air line which branches from compressed air source into a first branch line and a second branch line, where the first branch line leads to the pressure connection of the compressed air regulator, and the second branch line leads to the aerator. The devices further comprise: a float valve, which is floating in the clarification chamber for controlling the distribution of the air flow of the compressed air line, where float valve is arranged on the first and/or the second branch line, and includes a hollow body and a valve body, which is movably mounted between a first and a second switching position in the hollow body, and comprises an inlet through which the hollow body is acted upon with compressed air; at least one output, which is connected to the compressed air source via at least a portion of the first branch line, and has a valve seat, which is closed by the valve body in the second switching position, and opened in the first switching position, and hollow body is tiltably arranged about an axis, depending on the liquid level of the clarification chamber such that it reaches a predetermined level exceeding in a tilt angle at which the valve body can move from the second switching position into the first switching position; and an electrical switch, which upon opening of the first branch line and/or during insertion of the conveyance of liquid from the upper end of the riser pipe, changes its switching state and generates a switching pulse for controlling the compressed air source. An independent claim is also included for operating the biological clarifying device, comprising intermittently running the compressed air source in a first operating phase, blocking the first branch line and opening the second branch line when a filling level of the clarification chamber is below a predetermined level, and releasing the first branch line for pressurizing the compressed air regulator, where the compressed air source terminates the first operating phase and begins a second operating phase, which comprises at least a period of continuous operation of the compressed air source.