Local Backwashing Enclosure for Water Intake Pretreatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water treatment systems face issues with fish and marine organism damage from open intakes and clogging, as well as inefficiencies and environmental concerns with global backwashing methods, particularly in infiltration intakes and pretreatment units.
Innovation Solution
A local backwashing apparatus using a pneumatic system and enclosure to conduct partial volume backwashing of filter media, allowing continued operation of the filtering system with reduced water usage and minimal disruption, and integrating intake and pretreatment functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If open intakes with screen meshes are used to filter large debris, then large debris and marine life are prevented from entering pumps, but small marine organisms are still drawn into piping causing environmental damage and facility damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screen mesh filtration system with a hydrodynamic approach using a diffuser and vortex separator. Water is accelerated through a converging section and then expanded in a diffuser to reduce velocity and allow particles to settle, eliminating the need for physical screens that harm marine life while maintaining debris removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the velocity parameter of water flow dynamically - accelerating water through a converging section to draw in debris, then expanding through a diffuser to reduce velocity for particle settlement. This parameter transformation allows effective filtration without the harmful mechanical screening process
2Object-affected harmful factors
If infiltration intakes are used to protect marine environment, then marine life is protected from damage, but the systems clog over time and are highly difficult or impossible to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filter media from its fixed position in the infiltration intake and makes it movable and removable. The filter media can be taken out for cleaning or replacement, solving the problem of clogged filters that are difficult to maintain while preserving the environmental benefits of infiltration intakes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements to the infiltration intake system, allowing the filter media to be moved and adjusted. This transforms the static, permanently clogged filter system into a dynamic one that can be maintained and cleaned, ensuring long-term operational reliability
3Reliability
If global backwashing is used to clean filter media, then the filter media is cleaned of accumulated material, but huge amounts of wastewater are produced causing environmental and technical problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backwashing process to target only the filter media surface layer where accumulated material resides. Instead of flushing the entire filter volume, air is introduced to lift and remove particles from the surface, dramatically reducing wastewater generation while maintaining filter media cleanliness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic backwashing where air is introduced through the filter media to lift and remove accumulated particles. This gas-based approach replaces the traditional hydraulic flushing method, significantly reducing water consumption and wastewater production while achieving effective cleaning
4Reliability
If global backwashing with high water head is used to expand filter media, then sludge is released from filter media particles, but severe constructional implications arise requiring substrate to support large pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure (air injection) instead of high hydraulic head to expand filter media and release sludge. Air bubbles provide the necessary pressure differential to lift particles and facilitate sludge removal without requiring the substrate to support the large water pressures needed in traditional backwashing systems
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 solution enhances filtering efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and allows for larger filter system sizes by minimizing water usage and avoiding damage to aquatic organisms, while maintaining system operation during backwashing.
Implementation Method 1
generating suction through the pneumatic system that initiates a water flow from the upper part of the enclosure through the pipe system to the discharge structure
Implementation Method 2
raising the enclosure above the surface of the filter media to release the backwashed volume of filter media, by injecting air and increasing the air pressure in the upper part of the enclosure to float the enclosure above the filter media
Implementation Method 3
the water flow introduces into the lower end of the enclosed partial volume of filter media filtered water from the drainage layer which expands the enclosed filter media and releases sludge therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A local backwashing apparatus 110 for a filtering system comprises an enclosure 119 having an open lower end, positionable above a surface of filter media 92 supported by a drainage layer 96. The enclosure is connected to a mechanical member (300, FIG. 6A) configured to force the enclosure into the filter media and release the force prior to the lower end of the enclosure contacting the drainage layer. The lower end of the enclosure being brought into contact with the drainage layer through a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the enclosure. A pneumatic system such as an air pump, is in fluid communication with the upper part 127 of the enclosure and is configured to determine an air pressure therein. A pipe system connects the upper part of the enclosure with the pneumatic system and with a discharge structure 132. A control unit is connected to the pneumatic system. Also disclosed is a method of backwashing a filtering system. The backwashing apparatus may be used to pre-treat water.