Downpipe Backflow Seal for Reliable Wastewater Lifting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wastewater lifting systems, particularly those handling blackwater, are maintenance-intensive and prone to operational failures due to incorrect or insufficient maintenance, which can lead to unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a backflow preventer in the downpipe section of the wastewater conveying line that automatically closes during backflow events, with features like a widened passage area and strategic positioning to minimize contamination and enhance flushing, ensuring reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backflow preventer is installed in the lifting station, then backflow protection is improved, but the risk of contamination and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow preventer is extracted from the lifting station and repositioned in the downpipe section. This separates the backflow protection function from the lifting station environment, removing it from the contaminated wastewater zone while maintaining its protective function. The device is taken out of the problematic environment (lifting station with faecal wastewater) and placed in a cleaner location (downpipe section).
Solution Approach 2:
The downpipe section acts as an intermediary location between the lifting station and the sewer system. By placing the backflow preventer in this intermediate zone, the system benefits from the velocity of flowing wastewater that prevents contamination adhesion, while the backflow preventer still protects against backflow events. The downpipe section serves as a mediating environment that reduces contamination risk to the device.
2Reliability
If maintenance is performed at correct intervals, then system reliability is improved, but maintenance requirements still create operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The backflow preventer in the downpipe section benefits from self-cleaning through the velocity of flowing wastewater, which prevents contamination from adhering to functional components. This self-maintaining characteristic reduces the frequency and complexity of manual maintenance interventions, allowing the system to maintain itself through normal operation rather than requiring scheduled maintenance shutdowns.
3Reliability
If the backflow valve closes quickly during backflow events, then backflow protection is improved, but the force of closing can damage lifting station components
Solution Approach 1:
The downpipe section provides a cushioning effect by positioning the backflow preventer where the wastewater column has already begun to decelerate due to gravity. This reduces the kinetic energy of the backflowing wastewater before it reaches the valve, cushioning the impact and reducing the force with which the valve must close. The system prepares for the backflow event by allowing the wastewater to naturally decelerate in the downpipe section before reaching the preventer.
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 backflow preventer significantly enhances system reliability by preventing rapid backflow, reducing contamination, and maintaining the integrity of components, allowing the system to handle problematic wastewater effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a backflow valve which allows wastewater to pass through in the wastewater conveying direction and closes in the event of a wastewater backflow event
Implementation Method 2
a downpipe section in which wastewater moves in the direction of gravity
Implementation Method 3
a wastewater lifting plant with a wastewater conveying line, wherein the wastewater lifting plant is designed to pump wastewater through the wastewater conveying line in the wastewater conveying direction from a geodetically lower level to a geodetically higher drainage level
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a wastewater lifting system, comprising a wastewater lifting plant with a wastewater conveying line, wherein the wastewater lifting plant is designed to pump wastewater through the wastewater conveying line in the wastewater conveying direction from a geodetically lower level to a geodetically higher drainage level, wherein the wastewater conveying line has a riser section in the wastewater conveying direction, a curved line section with a peak level of the wastewater conveying line, and a downpipe section in which wastewater moves in the direction of gravity, the wastewater lifting system further comprising a backflow preventer which allows wastewater to pass through in the wastewater conveying direction and closes in the event of a wastewater backflow event, characterized in that the downpipe section has the backflow preventer.The invention also relates to an associated method for installing or improving a sewage lifting system and an associated use of a sewage backflow preventer for improving system reliability.