Meander Duct Flocculation Path for Compact Gentle Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flocculation processes are inefficient, requiring large amounts of flocculant and processing space, leading to high costs and residual flocculant in the discharged mixture.
Innovation Solution
A flocculation process utilizing a duct structure with a series of interconnected straight and bent path sections, including meander duct sections, allows for gentle flocculation with reduced flocculant use and compact footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static or dynamic mixers are used for flocculation, then mixing efficiency is improved, but floc size becomes too small and residual flocculant increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flocculation process is divided into multiple sequential chambers (first flocculation chamber, second flocculation chamber, etc.), each providing gentle mixing conditions. This segmentation allows progressive floc formation without excessive shear forces that would break flocs into small particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static mixers to dynamic flow conditions where water flows sequentially through multiple chambers with varying flow rates. The dynamic flow regime creates gentle turbulence that promotes floc growth without the harsh mechanical mixing that produces small flocs.
2Productivity
If conventional flocculation processes are used, then flocculation occurs, but flocculant usage increases and processing space expands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous flocculation through multiple sequential chambers where the water flow continues uninterrupted. This continuous action allows充分 contact time between flocculant and suspended particles, improving flocculation efficiency and reducing the total flocculant dose required compared to intermittent or single-stage processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the flocculation process into the longitudinal dimension by creating a series of chambers arranged in sequence. This multi-dimensional approach increases the effective flocculation volume and contact time without requiring a proportional increase in flocculant dosage, as the distributed chambers provide progressive floc formation throughout the flow path.
3Productivity
If conventional flocculation processes are used, then flocculation occurs, but processing space and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple flocculation chambers within a compact vertical or horizontal arrangement, where each chamber is contained within the overall apparatus structure. This nesting allows multiple flocculation stages to occupy a reduced footprint compared to conventional dispersed arrangements, maintaining high flocculation efficiency while minimizing the area occupied by the processing equipment.
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
Achieves high flocculation efficiency with a significant reduction in flocculant usage and processing space, resulting in improved floc formation and minimal residual flocculant in the discharged mixture.
Implementation Method 1
Flocculation generally concerns introducing a flocculating agent (also known as a 'clarifying agent', 'flocculant', 'agglomeration agent') into a solid-liquid mixture, wherein the flocculating agent generates flocs from the solid suspended fraction of the mixture.
Implementation Method 2
flocculation is a process of contact and adhesion whereby the particles of a dispersion form larger-size clusters
Data Source
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AI summary
A process for flocculating one or more solids fractions of a solid-liquid mixture, for example sludge or graywater, including: - feeding a flocculating agent (F) to the solid-liquid mixture (M); and - conducting the solid-liquid mixture and flocculating agent (F) along a flocculation path (P), in particular during a corresponding flocculation period, wherein the flocculation path (P) is defined by a duct structure (10) that includes at least a first meander duct section (10a) and a second meander duct section (10b), the first meander duct section (10a) being located above the second meander duct section (10b), the first meander duct section (10a) and second meander duct section (10b) being interconnected via a respective vertically oriented bend section (12a).