Effluent Treatment Device with Automated UV Level Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current effluent treatment methods, such as those using filtration cartridges and ultraviolet light radiation, lack autonomy and efficiency in managing liquid levels and dilution processes, leading to suboptimal decontamination of pollutants like bacteria, viruses, and molds in wastewater networks.

Innovation Solution

A device and process that monitor liquid levels in an enclosure to control the supply and evacuation of dilution liquids, using probes to detect intermediate and high/low levels, and expose the effluent to ultraviolet light radiation through treatment channels, ensuring efficient dilution and decontamination by managing liquid flow and radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If simple storage of liquid effluents in an intermediate tank is used, then the treatment process is simplified, but the autonomy and efficiency of the treatment system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment process complexityVSAvoidsystem autonomy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment system performs self-monitoring and self-regulation through automated level detection and control mechanisms. The system automatically activates treatment processes when liquid reaches appropriate levels and shuts down when levels are depleted, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention while maintaining operational autonomy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates level detection probes that continuously monitor liquid levels and provide feedback signals to control the treatment process. When the liquid level reaches a predetermined threshold, the system automatically activates or deactivates treatment functions, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances autonomy without requiring complex manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If dilution liquid is continuously supplied, then the effluent is constantly diluted, but the liquid level control and radiation exposure efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedilution liquid supplyVSAvoidtreatment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous dilution liquid supply, the system uses periodic supply triggered by level detection. The dilution liquid is supplied only when the liquid level reaches a predetermined threshold, creating intermittent treatment cycles that maintain efficiency while reducing waste and improving overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares the effluent for treatment by allowing it to reach an appropriate liquid level through detection probes before activating the treatment process. This preliminary accumulation ensures that treatment occurs at optimal concentrations and volumes, maximizing the effectiveness of radiation exposure and dilution processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the effluent is exposed to ultraviolet light radiation, then decontamination is achieved, but the liquid level management and radiation dosage control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepollutant destructionVSAvoidliquid level management
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical liquid level management with optical or electromagnetic detection probes. These probes automatically detect liquid levels and trigger treatment sequences, simplifying the control mechanism while ensuring consistent radiation dosage delivery and maintaining effective decontamination processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

This approach enhances the autonomy and efficiency of effluent treatment by ensuring controlled dilution and exposure to UV radiation, effectively destroying pollutants and adapting to varying effluent conditions, with adjustable dilution and discharge rates for optimal decontamination.

Implementation Method 1

exposing, in at least one treatment channel, the discharged liquid to light radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet light radiation: Light

Implementation Method 2

expose the effluent to ultraviolet light radiation through treatment channels, ensuring efficient dilution and decontamination

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhoto-oxidation: Photo-oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP2227440B1Method and device for treating an effluent
Publication Date: 2015.07.08 SUD EST EAU PURE
  • EP2227440B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2227440B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2227440B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method and device for treating a liquid effluent, in which this effluent enters a chamber. An intermediate liquid level (39) in the chamber is detected; an inflow of a dilution liquid into the chamber is started; a high liquid level (40) in the chamber is detected; the inflow of the dilution liquid is stopped and an outflow of the fluid is started; a low liquid level (37) in the chamber is detected; the outflow of the liquid is stopped; and, during the outflow of said liquid, the latter is exposed to light radiation in at least one treatment channel (13).