Integrated Clarifier and Ultrafiltration for Wastewater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wastewater treatment systems face inefficiencies due to membrane clogging in reverse osmosis and ultra-filtration units, requiring frequent backwashing and additional equipment, which increases operational and maintenance costs and reduces processing capability.
Innovation Solution
An integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier apparatus with an optional electrocoagulation function that minimizes solid particulates reaching ultra-filtration units, using a sludge blanket as a secondary filter to extend membrane operation time and reduce backwashing frequency, and incorporates a single tank design for space and cost savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a reverse osmosis unit or ultra-filtration unit is used for final treatment, then high filtration performance is achieved, but membranes become clogged over time requiring frequent backwashing which slows processing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a clarifier stage before the ultra-filtration unit. This clarifier removes a significant percentage of solids from the liquid stream prior to reaching the ultra-filtration membranes, preventing premature clogging and extending membrane operation time between backwashing cycles, thus maintaining high processing capability while achieving high filtration performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the clarifier - that acts as a mediator between the incoming contaminated liquid and the ultra-filtration membranes. This intermediary stage performs preliminary solid removal, protecting the membranes from direct exposure to high concentrations of suspended solids, thereby reducing backwashing frequency while maintaining filtration effectiveness
2Loss of substance
If a clarifier is placed upstream of the ultra-filtration unit, then solids are removed from the liquid stream, but the remaining solids are well mixed due to natural mixing action in pipes, resulting in high loading on ultra-filtration filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by designing the clarifier with a bottom outlet positioned at the same level as the ultra-filtration unit inlet, and using a sloped bottom configuration that promotes natural flow without creating additional mixing. This equipotential design minimizes turbulent mixing that would otherwise redistribute settled solids back into the liquid stream, thereby reducing solid loading on the ultra-filtration filters
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate treatment units are used, then each unit can be optimized for its specific function, but the equipment requirements and space occupied increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clarifier and ultra-filtration unit into a single integrated apparatus. The clarifier and ultra-filtration membranes are positioned within the same tank structure, sharing common infrastructure such as the tank walls, bottom slope, and outlet arrangements. This integration maintains the functional optimization of separate treatment stages while significantly reducing the space occupied and equipment requirements compared to multiple separate units
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 integrated system effectively extends the operation time of ultra-filtration units, reduces backwashing needs, and minimizes equipment requirements, enhancing overall efficiency and reducing operational costs while maintaining high filtration performance.
Implementation Method 1
a sedimentation stage where the wastewater stream is allowed to slowly pass through a large tank, referred to as clarifier or sedimentation tank. The primary purpose of a clarifier is to remove solids that may be found in the wastewater stream
Implementation Method 2
Ultra-filtration defines a number of different membrane filtration systems in which hydrostatic pressure forces a liquid against one or more semi-permeable membranes. Suspended solids and solutes are retained in the filter, while water and lower molecular weight solutes are passed through the membranes
Implementation Method 3
a reverse osmosis process is a separation or filtration method that utilizes hydrostatic pressure to force the stream of liquid through a membrane that retains the solute on one side, and allows the pure solvent to pass on the other side of the membrane. Reverse osmosis may alternatively be defined as a process of forcing a solvent from an area of high solute concentration through a membrane to a region of lower solute concentration by application of a pressure in excess of the osmotic pressure
Implementation Method 4
using a sludge blanket as a secondary filter to extend membrane operation time and reduce backwashing frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Treatment of contaminated liquid is provided including an integrated ultra-filtration and clarification apparatus. Clarification of liquid occurs in a gap between a casing and a tank of the apparatus. Solids settle and aggregate in the bottom of the tank. The solids act as a secondary filter prior to contact of the liquid with the ultra-filtration filters. Clarified liquid is drawn through the ultra-filtration filters. An upstream electrocoagulation unit and a downstream reverse osmosis unit may be included in combination. Electrocoagulation can occur in the tank by reaction plates mounted within the tank. One embodiment includes dual integrated ultra-filtration and clarifier apparatuses and corresponding electrocoagulation units.