Filter Underdrain Distribution Members for Uniform Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filter systems with granular media beds experience maldistribution of washing and influent fluids due to pressure variations in the plenum, leading to inadequate cleaning and filtration efficiency, particularly in filters with plenum style underdrains.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of distribution members with varying hydraulic characteristics, such as different-sized control orifices or adjustable discharge coefficients, which can be inserted into the underdrain to compensate for pressure differences and ensure uniform fluid distribution across the filter bed without altering the existing distribution chamber or reducing fluid velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If plenum style underdrains with identical hydraulic characteristics are used, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid distribution uniformity deteriorates due to pressure variations in the plenum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the hydraulic characteristics of distribution members at different locations within the underdrain system. Specifically, distribution members have different discharge coefficients or orifice sizes depending on their position, allowing each location to compensate for local pressure variations in the plenum. This creates non-uniform local properties that result in uniform overall fluid distribution across the filter bed.
2Manufacturing precision
If distribution members with varying hydraulic characteristics are introduced, then fluid distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the hydraulic characteristics of distribution members, specifically varying discharge coefficients and orifice sizes. These parameter adjustments allow each distribution member to compensate for pressure variations at its specific location, transforming the physical parameters of the distribution system to achieve uniform fluid flow distribution across the entire filter bed.
3Device complexity
If pressure variations in the plenum are not compensated, then device simplicity is maintained, but washing and filtration efficiency deteriorates due to maldistribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback principles by designing distribution members whose varying hydraulic characteristics effectively respond to and compensate for pressure variations in the plenum. The system uses the pressure distribution pattern as implicit feedback, with each location's distribution member automatically adjusting its flow based on local pressure conditions, thereby eliminating maldistribution and improving washing and filtration efficiency.
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 solution effectively reduces or eliminates maldistribution, ensuring thorough cleaning and filtration by uniformly distributing fluids throughout the filter bed, enhancing both washing and filtration processes.
Implementation Method 1
pressure variations in the plenum induced by velocity gradients, friction loss, turbulence, and recirculation zones
Implementation Method 2
distribution members with varying hydraulic characteristics, such as different-sized control orifices or adjustable discharge coefficients
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for uniformly distributing fluids (e.g., washing and in-service) through a filter bed of a filter. The system and method of the present invention can be used with any type of filter that uses media to remove impurities from a fluid. The filter bed can include one or more layers of media. The media can be natural (e.g., sand, gravel, anthracite, etc.) or can be fabricated (e.g., plastic). The filter media can be supported by one or more layers of gravel. Alternatively, the filter media can be supported by a porous plate or other support designed to replace the gravel layers. The present invention includes a system having one or more distribution members configured to uniformly distribute a fluid through a filter bed of a filter. Preferably, the one or more distribution members can be readily installed by relatively unskilled labor in both existing filters and new filters. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more distribution members are configured to extend into at least a portion of an underdrain from above the underdrain. In retrofit applications, the preferred design of the one or more distribution members is such that no significant alteration of the distribution chamber, underdrain or fluid velocity is necessary.