Effluent Elevator System for Septic Drainfield Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional septic systems face challenges in raising the water level of the drainfield to comply with updated regulations, requiring complex and expensive systems involving sumps and pumps for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An effluent elevator system comprising a housing with an inlet and outlet, an insert, and a baffle, where an air source is used to lift effluent from the septic tank to a higher elevation, allowing the drainfield to be raised efficiently and cost-effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional sump and pump systems are used to raise the drainfield elevation, then the drainfield can be raised to comply with regulations, but the system becomes complex and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the water-lifting function from complex mechanical pump systems and relocates it to the natural buoyancy and pressure differential mechanisms inherent in the effluent flow itself. The effluent elevator uses the upward flow of effluent to naturally lift water to the elevated drainfield without requiring external pump machinery, thereby eliminating system complexity while achieving the elevation raise.
Solution Approach 2:
The effluent elevator system is self-service in that it uses the kinetic energy and pressure of the effluent flow itself to perform the lifting function. The system does not require external power sources or mechanical intervention - the effluent's own flow characteristics drive the water elevation process, making the system maintenance-free and simple.
2Length of stationary object
If traditional sump and pump systems are used to raise the drainfield elevation, then the drainfield can be raised to comply with regulations, but expensive equipment and upkeep are required
Solution Approach 1:
The effluent elevator replaces expensive, durable pump equipment with simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and installed. The system uses basic elements like pipes, chambers, and flow distributors made from common materials, eliminating the need for costly pump motors, controls, and associated infrastructure while achieving the same elevation raise function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes mechanical pump systems with a fluid-dynamics-based system that uses effluent flow pressure and velocity to achieve water lifting. This replacement eliminates mechanical moving parts, motors, and electrical components, resulting in a system that is both cheaper to manufacture and install while requiring no upkeep.
3Length of stationary object
If the drainfield is raised to a higher elevation, then compliance with updated regulations is achieved, but complex pumping infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The effluent elevator operates autonomously using the natural flow characteristics of effluent. The system requires no operational intervention, monitoring, or maintenance - the effluent's own pressure and flow rate automatically drive the water lifting process, making the system as easy to operate as traditional gravity-based systems while achieving elevated drainfield placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the maintenance burden from the system by eliminating mechanical pumps and associated infrastructure. The water-lifting function is transferred to passive fluid dynamics mechanisms that require no upkeep, thereby achieving compliance with elevation regulations while maintaining ease of operation equivalent to simple gravity 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 allows for a seamless and efficient raising of the effluent level by 4-50 inches, providing a cost-effective solution that is easy to install and maintain, ensuring compliance with new regulations while maintaining continuous flow and promoting bacterial growth for wastewater treatment.
Implementation Method 1
An effluent elevator system for raising the water level of effluent... an air source is used to lift effluent from the septic tank to a higher elevation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a system of raising an effluent level of a septic system drainfield. The system includes an outer housing comprising an inlet in fluid communication with a septic tank. The housing further includes an outlet that enables the effluent to exit the system at a higher elevation. The housing interior includes a hollow insert that extends above a bottom surface of the housing. A baffle is positioned within the interior of the housing to surround the insert, dividing the housing interior into two compartments with insert passing therethrough. In use, wastewater effluent enters the housing interior from a septic tank and gravity falls into the bottom of the housing. An air pump can then be initiated to pump air into the system, which lifts the effluent into the housing upper compartment, where it will exit the system at a higher elevation.