Irrigation Water Recirculation Filtration System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation water recirculation systems face issues with debris clogging and uneven water distribution, leading to unscheduled maintenance and equipment wear, while also requiring extensive filtration and disinfection to meet water quality regulations, which can be costly and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates multiple filtering subsystems, including an initial filter element within a basin that separates solids through turbulence, a perforated membrane storage tank, a low-pressure waste water pump, and a control system using a high-pressure pump to dislodge debris, along with a microfilter for final filtration before sprinkler head discharge, reducing maintenance and upkeep.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If water recirculation systems are used to reduce external water supply needs, then water conservation is improved, but debris clogging and uneven water distribution occur leading to increased maintenance and equipment wear
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple stages: a first filter element (124) positioned in the water collection basin (122) for initial debris removal, and a second filter element (482) positioned in the fluid flow conduit (120) for final filtration before sprinkler discharge. This segmented approach allows progressive cleaning of recirculated water while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first filter element (124) performs preliminary filtration by catching debris and solids before water enters the recirculation pump and conduit system. This preliminary action prevents debris from traveling through the system and causing clogs or uneven distribution, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling water conservation.
2Reliability
If filters are added to recirculation systems to prevent debris clogging, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter elements (124, 482) are designed to be self-cleaning through the irrigation system's existing water flow. Water pressure automatically flushes debris from the filter screens during system operation, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms or manual intervention. This maintains reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation pump serves multiple functions: it circulates water through the filtration system, provides pressure for the sprinkler heads, and enables the self-cleaning of filter elements. By making the pump multi-functional, the system achieves reliable filtration without adding dedicated cleaning devices, thus avoiding increased complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple filter elements are positioned in the water flow path, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but water pressure loss and flow restriction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first filter element (124) is positioned vertically in the basin, allowing water to flow downward through it under gravity. This vertical arrangement utilizes the existing water column height to provide filtration pressure without requiring additional pump pressure, thereby maintaining water pressure while achieving effective filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different filter elements are positioned at different locations with different filtration requirements: the first filter (124) in the basin handles initial heavy debris removal where high capacity is needed, while the second filter (482) in the conduit provides final fine filtration where precision is needed. This localized approach optimizes pressure distribution across the filtration system.
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 maximizes the use of recirculated water, provides extensive filtration, and minimizes maintenance costs by effectively separating solids and ensuring consistent water distribution, thereby reducing the need for external water supply and prolonging equipment life.
Implementation Method 1
the water engages the filter element, the water changes direction and solids in the water are separated from the water
Implementation Method 2
pumping high-pressure air and water through the discharge nozzle of the sprinkler head
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation recirculation system and methods of filtering and cleaning water within the irrigation recirculation system. The system includes an above the ground water source and a fluid flow conduit that conveys the water into a filter element within a basin. The filter element separates solids from the water by causing the water to change direction before continuing on a fluid flow path. The water is then stored and distributed by a self-cleaning storage system that convey the filtered water to sprinkler heads of the irrigation system.