Flexible Membrane Aeration Device for Wastewater Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aeration devices for wastewater treatment face issues with unreliable gas supply, inefficient gas distribution, and difficulty in maintenance due to exposed gas connections and rigid materials, leading to clogging and complex repairs.
Innovation Solution
An aeration device with a base plate and a detachable membrane featuring a resilient valve member integrated into the gas supply vent, which acts as a one-way valve to prevent backflow and optimize gas distribution, allowing for easy maintenance and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing ring and air distributor film are used to seal the gas supply vent, then the gas connection is sealed during air supply interruption, but the gas supply vent becomes exposed and vulnerable to waste water backflow and particle clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane made of elastomeric material that can deform under pressure. The membrane is positioned over the gas supply vent and sealed to the base plate, creating a flexible barrier that prevents waste water backflow while allowing the vent to remain accessible for gas supply. The flexibility of the membrane enables it to conform to pressure changes without compromising the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane acts as an intermediary element between the gas supply vent and the waste water environment. It mediates the conflict between needing a reliable seal and preventing harmful factors by providing a physical barrier that can dynamically respond to pressure conditions, blocking waste water while permitting controlled gas flow.
2Reliability
If a rigid gas distributor member with resilient sealing member is used, then the gas supply vent is sealed, but gas distribution efficiency is reduced and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid gas distributor member with a flexible membrane made of elastomeric material. This flexible membrane can deform and expand under gas pressure, creating numerous small bubbles for efficient gas distribution throughout the waste water. The flexibility allows the membrane to conform to the base plate surface and maintain effective sealing without requiring complex rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the gas distributor from rigid to flexible elastomeric material. This parameter change enables the membrane to dynamically respond to pressure variations, expanding when pressurized for optimal gas distribution and contracting when depressurized for easy removal and maintenance.
3Reliability
If a rigid gas distributor member is used, then sealing is achieved, but maintenance and replacement become relatively difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane that can be easily detached from the base plate for maintenance and replacement. The membrane's flexibility allows it to be removed without complex disassembly procedures, significantly reducing maintenance difficulty compared to rigid gas distributor members that require extensive repair work.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the gas distribution system into a separate, removable membrane component that can be independently maintained and replaced. This segmentation allows the membrane to be detached from the base plate and gas supply connections, enabling quick maintenance without affecting other components of the aeration device.
4Reliability
If the air distributor film is constantly strained, then sealing is maintained, but the sealing ring may detach and move away, exposing the gas supply vent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane that maintains sealing through its elastic properties rather than constant strain on rigid components. The membrane can dynamically adjust to pressure changes while maintaining contact with the base plate, providing stable sealing without the risk of detachment that plagues rigid sealing systems under constant strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced when worn or damaged. This approach prioritizes system reliability by using an inexpensive, easily replaceable sealing element rather than attempting to maintain the stability of complex rigid sealing mechanisms under constant strain.
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
Ensures reliable and efficient gas supply with optimal distribution, prevents clogging, and simplifies maintenance by protecting the gas connection and allowing for uniform pressure and flow, reducing operational costs and downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a valve member (12) made of resilient material
Implementation Method 2
devices for introducing air bubbles are used and are positioned on the floor of the tank
Implementation Method 3
the rigid gas distributor or gas bubble emission member features, on the underside, a resilient sealing member opposite the air supply vent, which sealing member abuts on the edge of the air supply vent in an unpressurised state
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for inserting gas bubbles into a liquid, the device including a base plate (2) with a gas supply opening (3) which is connected to a gas supply device (3) and closable by a valve, wherein a valve element (12) is fixed in the operating position directly to the upper side of the base plate (2).