Double Coil Effluent Dispersal for Compact Wastewater Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional onsite wastewater treatment systems require large land areas and are not suitable for areas with restrictive soil conditions, leading to increased real estate costs and challenges in treating wastewater to acceptable standards, especially in areas with shallow soil depth above a restrictive layer.
Innovation Solution
A recirculating filter system using sand, gravel, or synthetic media with pressure compensating drip irrigation emitters for continuous dosing of septic effluent, combined with a subsurface or at-grade dispersal system that allows for efficient treatment and dispersal of wastewater in compact spaces, including areas with shallow soil depth, achieving 'class A' water quality suitable for non-potable uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional onsite wastewater treatment systems are used, then wastewater can be treated, but large land area is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal dispersion fields to a vertical subsurface injection system. The effluent is injected downward through injection wells into a permeable formation, utilizing the vertical dimension for treatment and dispersal. This dimensional change allows treatment in areas with limited horizontal land area while maintaining effective wastewater treatment through the vertical soil profile.
2Reliability
If conventional wastewater treatment systems are installed in areas with shallow soil depth, then treatment can be provided, but the restrictive layer prevents proper effluent treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic injection through subsurface injection wells to deliver effluent directly to the permeable formation beneath the restrictive layer. By using pressurized injection, the system overcomes the physical barrier of the restrictive layer and delivers effluent to depths where adequate soil profile and permeability exist, enabling effective treatment even when surface soil depth is insufficient.
3Reliability
If intermittent dosing is used with recirculation, then treatment media is protected from overload, but distinct dosing and resting periods are required reducing system simplicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous dosing of effluent through the subsurface injection system, eliminating the need for intermittent dosing cycles and resting periods. The recirculation pump continuously draws effluent from the settlement tank and injects it through the injection wells, maintaining constant treatment action without the complexity of timers, dosing schedules, or alternating active/resting periods required by conventional intermittent systems.
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 treats wastewater to 'class A' standards in minimal space, reducing land requirements and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, while extending the life of treatment media and reducing the need for UV disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
Septic tank effluent is continuously, or approximately continuously, dosed under pressure to the treatment media through pressure compensating drip irrigation emitters
Implementation Method 2
Treated wastewater or filtrate collected from the bottom of the recirculating filter returns to the recirculating tank, either by gravity flow or under pressure
Implementation Method 3
a treatment media filter over the recirculation tank and dosing tank
Implementation Method 4
This allows for regular and continual contact of molecular oxygen, water, organic material, and bacteria
Implementation Method 5
The subsurface drip system provides discrete distribution of secondary treated wastewater into sand media placed on a prepared soil surface
Implementation Method 6
The sand media removes fecal coliform bacteria and potential pathogens through physical and biological processes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a wastewater treatment system utilizing a recirculating filter system comprising sand, gravel, or synthetic media. Septic effluent is continuously, or approximately continuously, dosed under pressure to the treatment media through pressure compensating drip irrigation emitters. The dosed effluent is treated and dispersed into a dispersal field using double coiled distribution lines that can alternate flow through emitters to rest the dispersal field. The double coil dispersal lines allow more emitters per unit area allowing treatment of the effluent more slowly and effectively.