Clarifier Lamella Modules with V-Shaped Flow Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lamellar clarifiers suffer from inefficiencies due to non-homogeneous flow distribution across lamellar channels, leading to premature fouling and significant performance losses, especially in large-sized installations, despite existing technologies like P201830839 and P202031173 not fully addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
The lamella and lamellar module design features longitudinal ribs, folds, and wings that create V-shaped projections and integrated flow homogenization systems, reducing speed differences and turbulence, allowing for homogeneous flow and eliminating the need for spillway channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If effluent inlet is made at specific bottom points with parallel flow direction, then inlet structure is simplified, but flow distribution becomes non-homogeneous causing preferential areas with excessive ascending speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing a flow homogenization system with vertical partitions and adjustable deflectors at the inlet zone. These local structures modify the flow distribution specifically in the preferential areas where excessive speeds occur, allowing different parts of the inlet to handle flow differently - high-flow areas get redirected while low-flow areas receive additional flow, achieving homogeneous distribution without redesigning the entire inlet structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary flow homogenization system consisting of vertical partitions and adjustable deflectors positioned between the inlet and the lamellae. This intermediary structure mediates the flow transition, breaking up concentrated inlet flows and redistributing them uniformly across all lamellar channels before water enters the clarification zone, thus solving the non-homogeneous flow distribution problem
2Strength
If support systems use profiles and load-bearing beams for necessary strength, then structural strength is ensured, but they act as deflectors creating areas with very high ascending speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow-deflecting function from the structural support system by implementing a separate flow homogenization system with vertical partitions and adjustable deflectors. This separation allows the support beams to fulfill their structural strength function without interfering with flow distribution, as the dedicated homogenization structures manage flow redirection and uniformity independently of the load-bearing framework
3Productivity
If ascending speeds in preferential areas are 3-7 times design speed, then flow rate through these areas increases, but solids do not have time to clarify causing efficiency loss and premature fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing an adjustable flow homogenization system where deflectors can be positioned to control flow distribution dynamically. This allows optimization of ascending speeds in preferential areas to match design parameters, ensuring solids have adequate residence time for clarification while maintaining overall system productivity. The adjustable nature enables adaptation to different operating conditions and fouling levels
4Ease of operation
If spillway channels are used for water discharge, then overflow management is provided, but they contribute to efficiency loss and premature fouling due to horizontal flow paths over lamellae
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful horizontal flow path function from the spillway system by implementing a flow homogenization system that eliminates the need for traditional spillway channels. The vertical partitions and adjustable deflectors redirect flow vertically through the lamellae throughout the entire width, removing the horizontal overflow path that caused solids to be discharged with treated water and deposit on lamellar surfaces, thereby eliminating the source of efficiency loss and fouling
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 design achieves near-design efficiency and reduces maintenance by ensuring all lamellar channels operate at consistent speeds, minimizing fouling and turbulence, and optimizing performance in both longitudinal and transverse effluent distributions.
Implementation Method 1
a flow homogenization system, reducing speed differences and turbulence
Implementation Method 2
reducing speed differences and turbulence
Implementation Method 3
the water must circulate through the inclined channels formed by the lamellae. This inclination generates an accumulation of solids present in the water on the underside of each lamellar channel, accelerating their clarification towards the bottom of the tank
Implementation Method 4
accelerating their clarification towards the bottom of the tank where they will be discharged
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Disclosed is a lamella (1) for a clarifier, comprising a plate (5) provided with: longitudinal straight ribs (10) extending from the top part (5a) of the plate (5) to the bottom edge (5d), and longitudinal straight folds (15) provided with wings (40) and which are interposed between each pair of ribs (10) to form projections (30) with V-shaped walls that project in the sagittal direction (S); a top transverse fold (20) provided in the top part (5a), which defines a flat portion (20a) extending backwards towards a top edge (5c); and a bottom transverse fold (60) that curves the bottom part (5b) backwards.