Underdrain Filter Block Grout Chamber Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional underdrain filter blocks are susceptible to uplift failure due to internal pressure caused by headloss, which leads to deformation and dislodgment from the filter floor.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a grout chamber and openings in the bottom and side walls to secure the filter block to the filter floor using grout, providing structural reinforcement and preventing uplift failure by distributing the buoyant forces effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional underdrain filter blocks are used, then the structure is simple, but the block is susceptible to uplift failure due to internal pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblock structureVSAvoidresistance to uplift failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter block is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion by a transverse wall, with the lower portion containing a grout chamber. This segmentation allows the block to have different functional zones: the upper portion for filtration and the lower portion for anchoring, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Grout is introduced as an intermediary material into the grout chamber through openings in the bottom and side walls. The grout acts as a bonding agent between the filter block and the filter floor, transferring and distributing uplift forces, thus preventing direct failure of the block structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the filter block is secured with grout chambers and openings, then resistance to uplift failure is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to uplift failureVSAvoidblock structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grout chamber serves multiple functions: it provides anchoring through grout injection, distributes uplift forces across the filter floor, and maintains structural integrity under internal pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, balancing reliability improvement with manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If grout is injected into the block, then the block stability is improved, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblock stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The grout chamber and openings are pre-formed as integral parts of the filter block structure during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for现场 drilling or complex assembly operations, allowing grout to be quickly injected into the pre-positioned chamber, thus reducing installation time while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The filter block structure itself provides the means for its own securement through the integrated grout chamber and openings. The block is designed to receive and retain grout internally, eliminating the need for separate external anchoring systems or complex installation procedures, thereby reducing installation time while ensuring stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively secures the underdrain filter block to the filter floor, preventing uplift failure and maintaining stability under internal pressure, ensuring reliable drainage and backwashing operations.

Implementation Method 1

conventional underdrain filter blocks are susceptible to uplift failure due to an internal pressure caused by headloss through the underdrain. The headloss or internal pressure of the conventional underdrain blocks tends to force the block off the filter floor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS10112128B2Apparatus for securing underdrain filter block

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 XYLEM WATER SOLUTIONS ZELIENOPLE LLC

AI summary

An underdrain filter block for use in draining and backwashing a filtering media in a filter bed including a top wall, a pair of side walls extending from the top wall, a bottom wall extending between the pair of side walls, and a transverse wall extending from one of the pair of side walls to the other of the pair of side walls. The top wall, the pair of side walls, and the bottom wall define an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a grout chamber positioned between the bottom wall and the transverse wall and at least one of the bottom wall and said side walls contains an opening.