Floating Siphon Skimmer for Variable Sediment Pond Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current skimmers in sediment ponds discharge water at a nearly constant rate regardless of pond elevation, leading to unnecessary pollution during smaller storms and inadequate sediment capture.
Innovation Solution
A variable flow apparatus that adjusts discharge rates based on pond elevation, using a floating section and siphon system to control flow through orifice plates, allowing higher flow during large storms and lower flow during small storms, and incorporating a floc injector for enhanced sediment capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed orifice skimmer is used to drain water from sediment ponds, then water can be drained at a constant rate, but the discharge rate remains unnecessarily high during smaller storms causing downstream pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed orifice skimmer to a variable orifice skimmer where the discharge opening dynamically adjusts based on pond water level. The orifice plate includes multiple openings of different sizes that are selectively activated as the water level rises, allowing the system to adapt its discharge rate to match actual storm conditions and pond elevation, thereby reducing unnecessary discharge during small storms while maintaining reliable drainage during large storms.
2Device complexity
If a fixed orifice skimmer is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide variable flow rates to optimize sediment capture and water quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single orifice opening into multiple discrete openings of varying sizes on the orifice plate. These segmented openings are positioned at different vertical locations and are selectively exposed as water level rises, enabling stepwise flow rate adjustment. This segmented approach provides variable flow capability while maintaining relative structural simplicity compared to fully adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different opening sizes at different locations on the orifice plate. Each local region of the orifice plate has openings optimized for specific water levels, with smaller openings near the bottom and larger openings higher up. This local differentiation allows the system to provide appropriate discharge rates for different storm conditions without requiring a completely complex adjustment mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If constant flow discharge is maintained, then the skimmer operates simply, but turbid water from lower elevations is discharged during small storms polluting downstream areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the pond water level itself as a feedback signal that automatically controls the discharge rate. As the water level rises or falls, it naturally exposes or submerges different openings on the orifice plate, creating a passive feedback mechanism that adjusts flow rate according to actual pond conditions. This eliminates the need for active control systems while preventing discharge of turbid water during small storms when the water level remains low.
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
Enhances sediment capture and reduces downstream pollution by varying discharge rates, ensuring timely and efficient water removal while maintaining water quality.
Implementation Method 1
a floating section (204) configured to float on a water surface
Implementation Method 2
a siphon system to control flow through orifice plates
Implementation Method 3
control flow through orifice plates, allowing higher flow during large storms and lower flow during small storms
Implementation Method 4
incorporating a floc injector for enhanced sediment capture
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that may include base section further comprising one or more tubulars and a siphon formed from the one or more tubulars. The apparatus may further include a swivel section fluidly connected to the base section and further comprising an orifice plate and a floating section fluidly connected to the swivel section in which a fluid may enter.