Fats Oils Grease Sampling Port Recessed Bottom Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing F.O.G. sampling ports are difficult to access, prone to water retention, and present challenges during sample retrieval, making it hard for sewer authorities to effectively evaluate the removal and compliance of fats, oil, and grease from effluent flows.
Innovation Solution
A sample port and collector system with a housing that includes a recessed bottom for sample jar placement, a flume to direct effluent flow, and an adjustable extension collar for variable installation depths, along with a sampling collector featuring an adjustable handle and multi-positional connector for secure and angled sample collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sampling ports are installed, then F.O.G. sampling capability is provided, but accessibility for sample retrieval becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling port is divided into separate functional components: an accessible housing portion at ground level containing the sample jar, and a submerged flume portion that directs effluent. This segmentation allows the sampling function to be accessed easily while the structural complexity is distributed and managed separately.
Solution Approach 2:
A sample jar acts as an intermediary container between the effluent flow and the sampler. The jar is positioned in an accessible location while receiving effluent samples through the flume system, mediating between the difficult-to-reach effluent source and the easy-to-access sampling point.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sampling ports are installed at various depths, then adaptability to different installations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flume is designed with an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows it to be dynamically repositioned to different depths and angles. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to adapt to various installation conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in installation parameters such as flume depth, angle, and horizontal position without requiring different housing structures. By making these parameters adjustable rather than fixed, the system achieves versatility while keeping the base design simple and reusable.
3Speed
If flume extends into chamber above recessed bottom, then effluent flow direction is improved, but water retention in recessed bottom increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample jar is extracted from the main effluent flow path and placed in a separate accessible location. Only small amounts of effluent are diverted into the sample jar for collection, while the main flow continues through the flume without significant retention in the recessed bottom area.
Solution Approach 2:
The flume is designed to pre-direct effluent flow in a controlled manner toward the sample jar opening. By establishing proper flow direction and velocity before the effluent reaches the recessed bottom area, water retention is minimized while maintaining effective sample collection.
Data Source
AI summary
A fats, oils, and grease waste materials water sampling apparatus includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, a floor to accommodate a sampling jar below the inlet and an open top. The floor in the housing includes a recessed bottom, the recessed bottom extending between the inlet and the outlet to facilitate receipt of a sample jar for fats, oils, and grease waste materials sampling. Systems and methods for the invention are also described.