Floatable Solid Collection Apparatus for Surface Water Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface water bodies are degraded due to pollution from total solids, nutrients, algae, and cyanobacteria, which persist even after removing external sources, causing harmful algae blooms, water chemistry changes, and economic impacts, necessitating a cost-effective, scalable, and portable solution for removal.
Innovation Solution
A floatable apparatus comprising base members and collection members made of rigid to flexible, fluid pervious to impervious materials, designed to collect, mix, separate, and remove total solids from surface water bodies, using floatation members, wall members, and attachment points to facilitate fluid flow and solid containment, with optional filtration and transport modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pollution removal methods are used, then external sources of pollution can be removed, but total solids (dissolved, colloidal and suspended solids including nutrients, algae and cyanobacteria) continue to degrade water quality and cause harmful algae blooms
Solution Approach 1:
The water column is divided into multiple depth zones using collection members of varying lengths, allowing targeted removal of total solids from different water depths. This segmentation enables comprehensive treatment of the entire water column rather than just surface or bottom layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The floatable apparatus serves multiple functions: collection members capture total solids from the water column, base members separate and contain the collected solids, and the system can be configured in different modes (filtration, transport, mixing) to address various pollution scenarios.
2Productivity
If existing solid removal systems are deployed, then some pollutants can be removed, but the systems lack portability and scalability for cost-effective deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed as a floatable system that can be easily deployed, moved, and repositioned on water surfaces. The modular base members and collection members can be assembled and disassembled as needed, enabling scalable deployment from small ponds to large lakes while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes natural water flow and floatation forces to operate, minimizing the need for external power sources or complex mechanical systems. The floatable apparatus self-propels and self-adjusts to water conditions, reducing operational complexity and costs.
3Reliability
If comprehensive total solids removal is implemented, then water quality improves, but the system complexity increases requiring multiple components and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent functional modules: collection members for capturing solids, base members for separation and containment, and optional floatation members. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently selected and configured based on the treatment needs, simplifying the overall system design while maintaining comprehensive treatment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base members serve multiple purposes: they act as separation chambers, containment vessels for collected solids, and can be configured in different modes (filtration, transport, mixing). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each treatment stage.
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
Effectively removes total solids, algae, and cyanobacteria from targeted water columns, improving surface water quality and reducing economic impacts by providing a portable and scalable solution for pollution control.
Implementation Method 1
optional floatation members of rigid to flexible, fluid pervious to impervious material connected or inserted into the perimeter of the at least one base member and/or the upper perimeter of the at least one collection member
Data Source
AI summary
A floatable, portable and readily deployable apparatus used in a surface water body for the collection, mixing, separation, containment and removal of total solids from fluid in surface water by settling, sorption, floatation or filtration of total solids from fluid entering or induced to flow into the apparatus. Separation of total solids from fluid can include the use and recycling of commercially available or proprietary biologic, chemical and/or physical substances and processes to increase the rate and percentage of total solids removed from fluid in the apparatus.