Imaging-Based Coagulant Dosing for Real-Time Flocculation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and optimizing coagulation and flocculation in water treatment processes lack effective on-line control of chemical dosages, leading to suboptimal water quality and increased economic and ecological costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing an imaging device to capture visual data of particles in water, classify particle types, compute particle size distribution and count, and adjust coagulant and flocculant dosages based on predetermined values, incorporating particle color, turbidity, and concentration measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurements based on secondary parameters (sedimentation rate or treated water turbidity) are used for monitoring purification results, then the monitoring is simple and cost-effective, but the optimization of coagulation and flocculation processes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/optical measurement systems (turbidity meters, sedimentation rate measurements) with an imaging-based visual detection system. The imaging device captures images of particles in the water stream, and image analysis algorithms extract particle size, shape, and concentration information, enabling more precise monitoring of coagulation and flocculation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from secondary parameters (turbidity, sedimentation rate) to primary particle characteristics (particle size distribution, particle concentration, particle shape factors). This allows direct observation and quantification of floc formation and particle aggregation, providing more accurate process optimization data.
2Productivity
If on-line control of coagulant and flocculant dosage is implemented, then economic and ecological benefits are achieved, but current available solutions do not provide effective optimization methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the imaging device continuously monitors particle characteristics in the water stream, the control unit analyzes the image data to determine floc formation status, and the dosage of coagulants and flocculants is automatically adjusted based on this feedback. This enables real-time optimization of chemical dosage to achieve desired treatment outcomes while minimizing chemical consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-regulating control where the water treatment process automatically adjusts its own chemical dosage based on real-time particle monitoring. The control unit uses the visual data and particle analysis to autonomously determine optimal dosing levels without requiring external intervention or complex laboratory analysis.
3Measurement precision
If particle size distribution and particle count measurements are used to control flocculant dosage, then optimization accuracy is improved, but measurement and classification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex particle measurement instruments (particle counters, laser diffraction analyzers) with an imaging-based detection system. Standard imaging devices capture visual data of particles, and image analysis algorithms automatically extract particle size, shape, and concentration information, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (images) of particles in the water stream, which can then be analyzed without physically manipulating or isolating the particles. The image analysis generates digital representations of particle characteristics, enabling precise measurement and classification while avoiding the complexity of direct particle handling and measurement.
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 enables real-time optimization of chemical dosages, improving water quality by detecting particle properties and adjusting chemical additions, thus enhancing the efficiency of coagulation and flocculation processes in water treatment.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring the samples with an imaging device to capture visual data of particles dispersed or suspended in said liquid
Implementation Method 2
monitoring the samples with an imaging device to capture visual data of particles dispersed or suspended in said liquid
Implementation Method 3
computing water color of the sample based on the visual data, and comparing the computed water color to a predetermined water color value
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to methods and systems for optimization of coagulation and/or flocculation in a water treatment process. According to the invention, samples are taken from an aqueous liquid and the samples are monitored with an imaging device to capture visual data of particles dispersed or suspended in the liquid. The particles are classified into particle types based on the visual data and a particle size distribution indication is computed for each classified particle type. The particle size distribution indication is then compared to a predetermined particle size distribution value, and in response to a difference detected in the comparing step, dosage of at least one coagulation and/or flocculation agent in the water treatment process is adjusted.