Gravity Plate Settler Inlet Redesign for Impurity Re-entrainment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gravity plate settlers face inefficiencies due to mixing or disturbing of solid impurities already separated from the influent, which reduces the effectiveness of the separation process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a plurality of plates stacked at an acute angle, where influent is introduced above the settled solid impurities, preventing disruption and allowing them to settle or slide down while the fluid depleted of impurities flows upward for discharge, thereby increasing the plate utilization area and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If influent is introduced into gravity plate settler, then solid impurities can be separated from fluid, but the incoming influent mixes with or stirs up the separated solid impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The settler is divided into distinct zones: a solids storage zone at the bottom where separated impurities accumulate, and a separate influent introduction zone above it. This segmentation prevents the incoming flow from directly contacting and disturbing the settled solids, while still allowing efficient separation to occur in the upper region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the flow pattern by directing influent upward from below the settled solids layer, rather than horizontally across them. This dimensional change in flow direction allows the influent to pass through the settled solids zone without causing disturbance, as the flow moves perpendicular to the settled solids interface.
2Productivity
If traditional gravity plate settler design is used, then device complexity is low, but separation efficiency is reduced due to mixing of influent with settled impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet structure is segmented into multiple components: an inlet conduit positioned below the settled solids level, a distribution system that introduces flow upward, and a distinct solids storage zone. This segmentation achieves improved separation efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary flow path that allows influent to reach the separation zone without directly contacting settled solids. The upward-flowing current acts as an intermediary medium that carries suspended particles through the settled solids layer without disturbing it, enabling efficient separation while simplifying the overall structure.
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
This approach significantly reduces re-entrainment of settled impurities, enhancing the separation efficiency by up to 25% and potentially reducing costs, while maintaining a high capacity compared to current designs.
Implementation Method 1
allowing at least a portion of the solid impurities initially present in the influent to settle on upward-facing surfaces of said plurality of plates or slide down said upward-facing surfaces
Implementation Method 2
Influent is introduced into the plurality of channels in a manner that inhibits a disrupting or disturbing of the solid impurities that have separated from the influent
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed method and apparatus separates solid impurities from a fluid containing solid impurities. The method and apparatus allow the introduction of influent comprising a fluid containing solid impurities into a plurality of channels and allowing at least a portion of the solid impurities initially present in the influent to settle on upward-facing surfaces of a plurality of plates forming the channels or slide down the upward-facing surfaces, while permitting fluid, which has been depleted of at least a portion of solid impurities, to flow upward toward the top edges of the plurality of plates. The influent is introduced into the plurality of channels in a manner that inhibits a disrupting or disturbing of the solid impurities, which have separated from the influent.