Coagulant Injection Rate Determination via Agglomeration Start Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the coagulant injection rate in water treatment processes are either operator-dependent, time-consuming, lack universality, or require extensive data collection, making them inefficient for real-time adjustments in varying water quality conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the collection of water samples with varying coagulant injection rates, determination of agglomeration start time, and computation of a fitting line to establish a reasonable coagulant injection rate, allowing for automatic and rapid determination of the optimal coagulant injection ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual jar test method is used to determine coagulant injection rate, then measurement precision can be achieved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical jar testing with an automated measurement system using light beams and detectors to measure particle size and concentration, thereby determining coagulant injection rate automatically without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically injecting light beams into the water sample, detecting the scattered light, and computing particle characteristics without requiring operator presence or manual jar testing operations
2Productivity
If coagulation sensor method is used for real-time control, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system serves multiple functions: it measures particle size, particle concentration, and coagulant injection rate simultaneously using the same light beam detection apparatus, reducing the need for separate measurement devices
3Ease of operation
If injection rate formula method is used, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability decreases due to lack of universality
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters such as light beam intensity, detection wavelength, and sampling frequency based on varying raw water conditions including turbidity, pH, and temperature, enabling universal application across different water quality scenarios
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
Enables the automatic and timely determination of a reasonable coagulant injection rate, reducing operator dependency and data collection time, and ensuring adaptability to changing water quality conditions, thus improving the efficiency and effectiveness of water treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
a light beam radiation unit comprising any of a laser, LED or lamp for radiating light beams toward a water sample, a photoelectric converter that receives at least any one light of the front scattering light, the side scattering light, the back scattering light or the transmitted light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and an apparatus that enable rapid and automatic determination of the coagulant injection rate in a process of water treatment through coagulation and sedimentation. Using a coagulation analyzer comprising sample tanks 1A to 1D each for keeping a predetermined amount of raw water, a water supply pump 7, water supply/discharge valves 4, 6 for raw water and washing water, mixers 3A to 3D, a coagulant injection unit 21, and a detector 30 for determining the particle size and the particle number of flocs, the time within which the coagulant 20 injected into the sample tanks is dispersed by mixing and the particles begin to agglomerate (agglomeration start time) is determined, and based on the thus-determined agglomeration start time, the coagulant injection rate is determined, or the amount of the coagulant to be injected is controlled.