Flotation Tank Module External Overflow Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flotation plants face challenges in maintaining and replacing flotation tanks due to abrasive conditions and accumulation of crud inside the tanks, which obstructs maintenance and installation processes.
Innovation Solution
The flotation plant design features an overflow channel located outside the tank module, connected to an overflow receptacle with a releasable joint, allowing for easy maintenance and installation of tanks, and uses self-supporting frameworks with sloping channel portions and a sufficient diameter to prevent clogging, supported by brackets for cost-effectiveness and ease of replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the overflow channel is disposed inside the tank module, then the structure is compact, but it obstructs maintenance and removal of flotation tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow channel is extracted from the tank module interior and disposed outside the tank module. This separation allows the overflow channel to be maintained independently without interfering with flotation tank removal and installation operations, while still serving its function of conducting overflow from the tanks.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the flotation tank is made robust to withstand abrasive conditions, then it lasts longer, but it becomes heavier and harder to remove and install
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components where the flotation tank is separated from the tank module framework. The tank can be independently removed and replaced without moving the entire module, enabling maintenance of robust tanks while improving operational ease through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the flotation tank and tank module is made dynamic and reversible rather than permanent. This allows the tank to be easily inserted and removed from the module framework, facilitating maintenance operations while the tank itself maintains its robust construction for withstanding abrasive conditions.
3Reliability
If the overflow channel has a sufficient diameter to prevent clogging, then it remains unclogged, but it increases the overall size of the system
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow channel is positioned in a different spatial dimension - outside the tank module rather than inside. This external positioning allows the channel to have sufficient diameter for preventing clogs without increasing the footprint or volume of the tank module itself, as the channel occupies space outside the main structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~1b
Figure 2~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A flotation plant comprises a tank module (1) which includes a self-supporting framework (2) having an inner space (3). The tank module includes at least one flotation tank (4). The flotation tank is disposed in the inner space (3) of the self-supporting framework (2). The tank module is a self-supporting unit capable of being transferable and hoistable as an integral entity. The flotation plant comprises at least two drive units (5) for the rotation of drive shafts (6), each drive shaft (6) being connected to a rotor (7) for mixing and/or forming bubbles in the flotation tank (4). An overflow receptacle (8) is disposed at the level of the upper part of the tank module (1) for receiving an overflow from the flotation tanks (4). The flotation plant comprises an overflow channel (9) which is connected to the overflow receptacle (8) for receiving and conducting the overflow from the over-flow receptacle (8) to a pumping means (10). The over- flow channel (9) is disposed outside the tank module (1).