Conical Settling Tank with Diffuser for Automated Soil Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for clarifying water in agricultural processes, particularly in potato harvesting, face inefficiencies in removing concentrated soil from wash water, often resulting in slurry formation and labor-intensive manual cleaning, with no efficient automated solution for large-scale operations.
Innovation Solution
A conical settling tank system with a rotary screener and diffuser configuration that filters and separates soil from water, using a pinch valve and auger mechanism to extrude concentrated soil, allowing for automated and efficient removal of soil without generating slurry, and recirculating clarified water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravity settling tanks are used to separate soil from water, then water clarification is achieved, but sludge accumulates requiring manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an automated sludge removal mechanism where a pump draws accumulated sludge from the bottom of the settling tank and transports it through a hose to a discharge location. This self-service approach eliminates manual cleaning operations while maintaining continuous water clarification effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sludge removal function from manual operation by implementing a mechanical extraction system. The pump extracts sludge from the tank bottom, and the hose extracts it from the system, separating the harmful sludge accumulation from the water clarification process.
2Productivity
If centrifugal separation is used to separate solids from water, then separation efficiency improves, but sludge disposal remains problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a hose as an intermediary element between the settling tank and the discharge location. This intermediary allows the sludge to be transported without direct human handling, mediating the harmful sludge disposal process through a controllable, automated fluid transport mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated pump-and-hose mechanical system. The pump provides automated mechanical action to remove sludge, substituting human labor with a controlled mechanical system that can operate continuously without manual intervention.
3Ease of repair
If settling tanks with manual drainage openings are used, then sludge removal is possible, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The automated pump system enables continuous or periodic sludge removal operations without interrupting the water clarification process. The system can operate continuously to maintain optimal tank conditions, eliminating the time loss associated with periodic manual cleaning interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs sludge removal automatically through the pump and hose mechanism, serving itself without requiring human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the labor-intensive manual cleaning process while maintaining the tank's separation functionality.
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 system effectively separates soil from water, reducing manual labor and clogging issues, improving water clarity and enabling efficient soil removal and recirculation, thus enhancing the scalability and efficiency of water clarification in agricultural processes.
Implementation Method 1
separating the soil from the water... allowing soil to settle at a bottom of the settling tank
Implementation Method 2
separating the soil from the water, and outputting clarified water and concentrated soil
Implementation Method 3
a rotary screener and diffuser configuration that filters and separates soil from water, using a pinch valve and auger mechanism to extrude concentrated soil
Data Source
AI summary
An extrusion system for separating soil entrained in wash water, e.g. from harvesting tuberous produce, includes a settling tank configured to receive a flow of soiled water, to allow soil to settle by gravity, and to allow clarified water collection at the top. A diffuser suspended within the tank converts the flow of soiled water into multiple transverse flows to avoid churning the settled soil. A sensor detects the level of settled soil reaching a predetermined setpoint, and in response the system actuates an auger and opens a pinch valve to force concentrated soil from the bottom of the settling tank.