Manhole Odor Eliminator with Variable Volume Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odor treatment systems for sewer manholes face issues with frequent fluctuations in air and gas pressure, leading to rapid depletion of odor-absorbing media, high replacement costs, and safety hazards for maintenance personnel due to frequent exposure to harmful gases.
Innovation Solution
A sewer gas odor absorption apparatus featuring a perforate manhole cover with an imperforate housing and a variable volume device, such as a bladder, that accommodates pressure fluctuations, minimizing the impact on odor-absorbing media by acting as a cache and extending its lifespan, along with a universal support band for easy installation on various manhole sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid housing with fixed volume barrier is used, then the structure provides stable support and easy manufacturing, but the frequent pressure fluctuations cause rapid depletion of odor-absorbing media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a rigid fixed-volume housing to a flexible bladder that can dynamically expand and contract. The bladder's flexible membrane allows it to adapt its volume in response to pressure fluctuations, absorbing sewer gases when pressure is high and releasing them when pressure is low, thereby protecting the odor-absorbing media from frequent flow cycles and extending its lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible bladder constructed from elastic materials to replace the rigid housing. This flexible shell can deform under pressure differential, expanding to store sewer gases when pressure is high and contracting to release them when pressure equalizes, thus minimizing flow through the odor-absorbing media and extending its operational duration.
2Device complexity
If odor-absorbing media is used without volume buffering, then the device structure is simple, but the media depletes quickly requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bladder introduces dynamic volume adjustment capability to the system. It expands to store excess sewer gases during high-pressure periods and contracts during low-pressure periods, creating a buffer that reduces the frequency and intensity of gas flow through the odor-absorbing media, thereby extending media lifespan without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder acts as an intermediary storage chamber between the sewer gas source and the odor-absorbing media. It temporarily holds sewer gases and releases them gradually, mediating the interaction between pressure fluctuations and the media, thus protecting the media from direct exposure to frequent pressure cycles and extending its operational life.
3Reliability
If frequent media replacement is required, then the device can maintain odor control, but maintenance costs and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic flexible bladder reduces the operational stress on the odor-absorbing media by absorbing pressure fluctuations, thereby extending media lifespan from months to potentially years. This significantly reduces maintenance frequency, lowering both direct replacement costs and indirect safety risks associated with frequent maintenance personnel exposure to harmful sewer gases.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder provides beforehand cushioning by pre-absorbing pressure fluctuations and storing sewer gases temporarily. This cushioning effect protects the odor-absorbing media from sudden pressure spikes and frequent flow cycles, extending its lifespan and reducing the frequency of maintenance interventions, thereby lowering overall maintenance costs and safety risks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a universal support band is used, then the device can be installed on various manhole sizes, but the housing must be flexible rather than rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid housing with a flexible bladder constructed from elastic materials. This flexible shell can deform to accommodate different manhole sizes and shapes while maintaining its sealing and buffering functions. The flexibility allows the bladder to adapt to various installation environments, providing universal compatibility across different manhole configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bladder's dynamic properties allow it to adapt its shape and volume to fit different manhole sizes. Unlike a rigid housing that would require custom manufacturing for each size, the flexible bladder can be inserted into various manhole configurations and will conform to the available space, providing universal adaptability while maintaining its pressure-buffering function.
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 significantly extends the life of odor-absorbing media, reduces maintenance frequency and costs, enhances safety by minimizing exposure to harmful gases, and provides effective odor control with less disruption to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Implementation Method 1
an odor absorbing media such as activated carbon or other type media(s)... provisions for the gasses above the liquid in the sewer line or manhole to pass through, around or over the absorbing media
Implementation Method 2
an imperforate flexible housing having internal and external surfaces and an internal volume that is a function of the internal and external pressures on the respective internal and external surfaces of the imperforate flexible housing
Data Source
AI summary
A sewer gas odor absorption apparatus for a manhole having a perforate manhole cover disposed in the manhole which includes an imperforate housing having a seal dimensioned and configured for sealing engagement with the manhole, the housing has a first extremity and a second extremity and a passageway in fluid communication with ambient air above the manhole cover at the first extremity and in fluid communication with sewer gases at the second extremity thereof. A sub-assembly including a porous absorption media and a variable volume device disposed in mutual fluid communication in a subassembly having first and second axial extremities, the first and second extremities of the subassembly being disposed in fluid communication respectively with the first and second extremities of the imperforate housing.