Hydraulic Separator for Automatic Solids Disposal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste disposal systems in kitchens and food processing plants face challenges in efficiently separating and automatically disposing of waste water, solids, and FOG (fats, oils, and grease) liquids, leading to environmental concerns and increased treatment costs, as they often require manual intervention and additional equipment.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic separator system that uses the force of liquids to suction waste water and solids to a discharge outlet while allowing FOG liquids to rise and be collected separately, utilizing a perforated baffle tube and V-shaped bottom to facilitate separation and automatic removal of waste without electrical components or moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a holding tank is used to allow FOG liquid to rise to the top for separation, then the separation of FOG liquid from waste water is improved, but the tank requires periodic manual removal of solids and FOG liquid to restore operating capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically removes solids and FOG liquid without manual intervention. The solids are continuously removed through a screen and outlet, while FOG liquid is automatically discharged when it reaches a certain level in the holding chamber, eliminating the need for periodic manual emptying
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the problematic components (solids and FOG liquid) automatically. A screen continuously extracts solids from the waste water flow, while a FOG outlet automatically extracts accumulated FOG liquid from the holding chamber when it reaches a predetermined level
2Reliability
If a catch basket with fine screen is used to separate solids from waste water, then the quality of waste water is improved, but the catch basket must be manually cleaned more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is designed to be continuously self-cleaning through the flow of waste water and solids. The hydraulic flow automatically prevents solids from accumulating on the screen surface, eliminating the need for frequent manual cleaning while maintaining high separation quality
Solution Approach 2:
The screen operates continuously without interruption for cleaning. The waste water flow continuously passes through the screen, providing ongoing separation of solids while the hydraulic action continuously prevents screen clogging, maintaining constant useful action
3Reliability
If FOG liquid is allowed to accumulate in the holding tank for separation, then the separation process is improved, but the tank volume available for waste water and solids decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The FOG liquid is continuously extracted from the holding chamber through an automatic discharge mechanism. When FOG liquid reaches a predetermined level, it is automatically discharged through a FOG outlet, preventing excessive accumulation and maintaining adequate volume for waste water and solids processing
Solution Approach 2:
The FOG liquid discharge operates continuously or periodically to maintain optimal levels in the holding chamber. This continuous removal ensures that the chamber maintains sufficient volume for effective separation while preventing overflow or excessive FOG accumulation
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
The system effectively separates waste water from FOG liquids and solids, automating the disposal process, reducing manual labor and equipment needs, and ensuring efficient operation by utilizing hydrostatic forces for waste management, thereby addressing environmental concerns and treatment costs.
Implementation Method 1
uses the hydraulic force of liquids drained therein to suction waste water and solids from the bottom of the separator and carried to a discharge outlet at the top of the separator
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic forces of liquids drained into the separator also move the separated oils out of an outlet for proper disposal
Implementation Method 3
the collection head has a restriction therein that causes the waste water and solids to be suctioned therein due to the acceleration of the waste water drawn into the collection head
Data Source
AI summary
A separator for separating oils from waste water and solids. Waste liquids are drained into a baffle tube of the separator so that the oils rise and the waste water and solids migrate to the bottom of the separator. A collection head having a restriction is located at the bottom of the separator and is adapted for suctioning the waste water and the solids therein and carrying the same to a discharge outlet of the separator. Waste liquids drained into the separator provide the hydraulic force to accelerate the waste water and solids into the collection head. Liquids drained into the separator also provide the hydraulic force that allows the oils to be drained from the top of the separator.