Elongated Retaining Element for Wastewater Coarse Matter Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retention systems for rainwater and wastewater in sewer networks fail to effectively retain coarse matter and pollutants, leading to contamination and potential system failure during heavy rain events, as the reduced diameter and perforations in these systems can become clogged, causing uncontrolled entry of coarse materials into the overflow shaft and compromising the separation effect.
Innovation Solution
An elongated retaining element extending along the storage sewer, with retention channels having openings that allow water to flow radially into the overflow shaft only when the storage sewer is filled, ensuring that suspended and undissolved contaminants are retained, and the system can be easily retrofitted by extending over a partial length of the storage sewer, reducing the risk of blockages and maintaining effective flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reduced diameter combined sewer with perforations is used, then water flow capacity is improved, but coarse materials can clog the perforations causing system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The combined sewer is segmented into an inlet section, a storage sewer section with elongated retaining elements, and an outlet section. The retaining elements divide the flow path into multiple channels, allowing water to pass through while coarse materials are retained in the storage sewer, preventing clogging of the outlet perforations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated retaining elements act as intermediary structures between the inlet and outlet of the combined sewer. These elements create a storage zone where coarse materials can be temporarily held, mediating between the high-flow requirement and the need to prevent material passage through the outlet.
2Reliability
If a traditional retention rake positioned in the overflow shaft is used, then coarse matter retention is achieved, but the storage capacity of the storage sewer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the retaining element vertically in the overflow shaft (traditional approach), the retaining elements are positioned horizontally along the length of the storage sewer, extending from the inlet toward the outlet. This dimensional change allows the retaining structure to utilize the longitudinal space of the storage sewer rather than occupying cross-sectional storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is inverted from being a localized barrier at the overflow shaft to a distributed function along the storage sewer length. The elongated retaining elements create multiple retention zones throughout the storage sewer, reversing the traditional approach of concentrating retention at a single point.
3Reliability
If the retention element extends through the entire storage sewer, then retention capacity is maximized, but retrofitting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated retaining elements extend only partially through the storage sewer, from the inlet toward the outlet but not necessarily to the very end. This partial action provides sufficient retention capacity to prevent coarse materials from reaching the outlet while simplifying installation and retrofitting compared to full-length elements.
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 provides enhanced retention capacity and prevents coarse matter from entering the overflow shaft, ensuring the system does not burst and maintaining effective flow by positioning the retention channels in a middle area where contamination is minimized, allowing for efficient use of the storage volume and reducing the risk of blockages.
Implementation Method 1
the passages (7) are designed in such a way that suspended matter such as dissolved or undissolved cellulose fractions, tissue fractions and dirt of any kind are retained
Data Source
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AI summary
The structure (22) has a reservoir channel (5) arranged between an inlet (1) and an outlet (2). A retention unit is provided for retention of antisettling agents and contaminants in a region of the channel. A long stretched retaining element extends from an overflow shaft (3) along the channel towards the outlet and is provided as the retention unit. The retaining element permits retention of coarse substances and passing of water via the retaining element upto the overflow shaft in case of accumulation of rain water and sewage. Retention channels (6, 8) are provided as the retaining element. The antisettling agents are dissolved or undissolved cellulose components and tissue parts.