Diving Bell Sludge Removal with Adjustable Gas Outlet
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dredging techniques for removing sludge from wetlands are inefficient due to high turbulence, increasing moisture content, and the risk of resuspension, which complicates the cleaning process and can spread pollution, leading to unused areas with economic potential.
Innovation Solution
A diving bell with an open bottom and adjustable gas outlet, allowing for controlled pressure and water level regulation, is used to minimize turbulence and retain pollution within the bell during sludge removal, utilizing a compressor to maintain self-regulating pressure and a float to ensure the gas outlet remains above the sludge, preventing water influx.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional dredging techniques are used to remove sludge, then sludge removal is achieved, but high turbulence is created causing sludge churn and water turbidity
Solution Approach 1:
The dredging process is segmented into controlled phases: the diving bell is divided into a containment chamber and a separate pumping system. The bell itself is segmented into sections that can be independently controlled, allowing sludge to be captured and removed in discrete amounts rather than creating continuous turbulence throughout the water body.
Solution Approach 2:
The diving bell acts as an intermediary device between the sludge and the pumping system. It provides a controlled interface where sludge can be transferred from the water body to the pump without direct exposure to high-velocity water currents, thereby preventing turbulence and turbidity while maintaining efficient removal capability.
2Productivity
If traditional dredging techniques are used to remove sludge, then sludge is removed, but moisture content in the sludge is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The diving bell extracts and contains sludge in a controlled environment before pumping. By taking the sludge out of the water body and containing it within the bell's chamber, the system prevents additional water from mixing with the sludge during the removal process, thereby maintaining lower moisture content and improving subsequent dewatering efficiency.
3Productivity
If traditional dredging techniques are used to remove sludge, then sludge removal occurs, but polluted sludge spreads out over the wetland by resuspension
Solution Approach 1:
The diving bell serves as a containment intermediary that captures polluted sludge and transports it to the pumping system without allowing it to resuspend in the water body. This controlled transfer mechanism prevents pollution dispersal while maintaining efficient removal rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts polluted sludge from the wetland environment and contains it within the diving bell during the entire removal process. By taking the sludge out of the water column and keeping it contained, the system prevents resuspension and spreading of pollution across the wetland surface.
4Reliability
If a fixed gas outlet is used in the diving bell, then gas can escape, but water is driven out when the bell is pushed into sludge
Solution Approach 1:
The gas outlet is made dynamic rather than fixed - it can move vertically within the diving bell and adjust its position based on the bell's depth and orientation. This dynamic positioning allows the outlet to remain above the sludge-water interface, enabling gas escape while preventing water from being forced out through the outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas outlet system incorporates feedback mechanisms that respond to changes in water level and pressure within the diving bell. When the bell is pushed into sludge, the system detects the increased pressure and adjusts the outlet position or opening to maintain proper gas venting while preventing water loss, creating a self-regulating system.
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 solution effectively reduces turbulence and maintains pollution containment, allowing for efficient and cost-effective removal of sludge with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment, enabling the reuse of previously untouched areas.
Implementation Method 1
a float (27) that can float on the sludge (14) and to which the end of the tube (24a) with the outlet (25) is attached
Implementation Method 2
a compressor for pumping gas under pressure into the space of the diving bell during dredging
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the removal of a layer of sludge and/or sand from the bottom of a wetland includes: a diving bell with an open bottom and a lower free edge; a unit for driving the diving bell with its lower edge into the layer of sludge to be removed; a dredge pump installed in the space of the diving bell and provided with an inlet for pumping up the sludge and/or an outlet to which a pipe is connected for pumping the pumped up sludge and/or sand to a collector; and a compressor for pumping gas under pressure into the space of the diving bell during dredging. The diving bell is also provided with a gas outlet for the compressed gas, the gas outlet being adjustable in height in the diving bell because the outlet is attached to a float that can float on the sludge.