Light Liquid Separation Device with Segmented Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light liquid separating devices for rainwater management are expensive, complex, and unsuitable for large-scale use due to their quasi-stationary design requiring large settling volumes and complex spiral shapes, leading to inefficient removal of light liquids like oil and petrol from wastewater, resulting in groundwater contamination.
Innovation Solution
A light liquid separating device with a simple, space-saving design featuring a light liquid separating pipe with a flow space and a separate light liquid separation chamber connected via passage openings, allowing light liquids to rise and be retained without flowing through the waste water, utilizing a counter-slope and overflow wall to ensure effective separation and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional quasi-stationary light liquid separating devices are used, then light liquid separation is achieved, but very large containers are required leading to high costs and limited scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the separation process into two distinct segments: a flow chamber for wastewater passage and a separate light liquid separation chamber for accumulation. This segmentation allows the main container to remain compact while the separation chamber handles the accumulation function, resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and container size.
Solution Approach 2:
The light liquid separation chamber is extracted as a distinct functional component connected via passage openings rather than being integrated into the main flow path. This extraction allows the separation function to be performed in a dedicated space while keeping the overall device compact and suitable for large-scale deployment.
2Reliability
If conventional spiral-shaped separating devices are used, then light liquid removal is achieved, but the design becomes complex and expensive making large-scale use unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses simple geometric shapes (cylindrical flow chamber and spherical separation chamber) connected by passage openings, avoiding complex spiral geometries. The segmentation of functions into distinct chambers maintains separation efficiency while dramatically reducing structural complexity and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex spiral paths to achieve separation, the invention inverts the approach by using simple cylindrical and spherical chambers with passage openings. The separation occurs naturally through density differences in the simplified geometry, eliminating the need for complex spiral structures.
3Reliability
If large settling volumes are provided for effective separation, then light liquid separation improves, but installation space requirements increase and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The separation chamber is segmented as a distinct spherical component with controlled volume, connected to the main flow chamber through passage openings. This allows the settling volume to be optimized for separation effectiveness while being spatially separated from the flow path, reducing overall installation footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical separation chamber provides localized settling volume specifically where needed for light liquid accumulation, while the main cylindrical flow chamber maintains compact dimensions for flow handling. This local quality optimization ensures effective separation without requiring the entire device to be large.
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
Enables cost-effective, efficient removal of light liquids with reduced installation space and operational complexity, allowing for widespread use in rainwater management systems, particularly suitable for areas like streets and parking lots, while maintaining high flow speeds and using the coalescence effect for enhanced separation.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the light liquid continues to flow through the at least one flow space due to the compared to the rest of the waste water lower specific density of the light liquid rises to the top
Implementation Method 2
These very small light liquid particles then flow together on the net by the so-called coalescence effect and form larger light liquid droplets, which experience greater buoyancy and can therefore rise to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
The light fluid separation device (10) comprises a light fluid separation tube (11) that has a flow chamber (11c), where the light fluid rises up due to the lower specific density. The flow chamber is connected to a light fluid separation chamber (11d), where the light fluid is separated.