Integrated Jar and DAF System for Sequential Water Testing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water testing methods are cumbersome and compromise quality due to the need to transfer water samples between separate test units, making them inefficient and potentially affecting the accuracy of results.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that integrates a jar with a diffused air flotation (DAF) system, allowing for chemical treatment, air introduction, and sampling within a single container, enabling efficient sequential testing without transferring the water sample, using a diffuser for air distribution and a tap for supernate sampling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If water samples are transferred between separate test units for different tests, then each test can be performed with specialized equipment, but the handling complexity increases and test quality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest capabilityVSAvoidhandling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple test functions (jar testing, DAF testing, sampling) into a single integrated test unit. The jar assembly includes both the jar testing port and DAF testing port, allowing sequential performance of coagulation/flocculation tests followed by dissolved air flotation tests without transferring samples between separate units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test unit is designed as a multi-functional system where a single jar assembly can perform multiple water treatment tests. The system includes chemical addition capability for coagulation/flocculation, air injection capability for DAF, and sampling capability, making one device capable of performing functions that traditionally required separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If water samples are transferred between separate test units, then specialized testing can be performed, but sample handling time and potential contamination increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest qualityVSAvoidhandling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple test functions (jar testing, DAF testing, sampling) into a single integrated test unit. The jar assembly includes both the jar testing port and DAF testing port, allowing sequential performance of coagulation/flocculation tests followed by dissolved air flotation tests without transferring samples between separate units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate test units are used for water testing, then each test can be optimized independently, but the overall system complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest functionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple test functions (jar testing, DAF testing, sampling) into a single integrated test unit. The jar assembly includes both the jar testing port and DAF testing port, allowing sequential performance of coagulation/flocculation tests followed by dissolved air flotation tests without transferring samples between separate units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test unit is designed as a multi-functional system where a single jar assembly can perform multiple water treatment tests. The system includes chemical addition capability for coagulation/flocculation, air injection capability for DAF, and sampling capability, making one device capable of performing functions that traditionally required separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for efficient and accurate testing of water samples by inducing flocculation, floating solids, and drawing supernate samples within a single container, reducing handling and maintaining test quality.

Implementation Method 1

The dissolved air forms tiny bubbles that adhere to the suspended matter, which then floats to the water surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolved air flotation: Froth Floatation

Implementation Method 2

Each jar may be treated with a different amount of a chemical selected to cause coagulation or flocculation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlocculation: Flocculation

Data Source

PatentUS9244050B2Methods and devices for testing water

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

Methods and systems for testing fluid samples include a diffused air flotation (DAF) system and a jar. The jar includes a diffuser for injecting the diffused air into the jar and a tap for drawing a fluid out of the jar.