Mobile Wastewater Purification Filter with Multi-Stage Cartridge System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for cleaning wastewater from building facade treatments, such as sandblasting or high-pressure washing, are cumbersome, require handling of chemicals, and are not mobile, making it difficult to efficiently and safely dispose of wastewater containing paint residues and heavy metals during the cleaning process.

Innovation Solution

A compact filter device with multiple redundant cartridges, including sediment filters and activated carbon filters, that can be easily transported and used on-site, featuring a submersible pump and a system for recycling clear water to reduce fresh water usage and facilitate continuous operation without interrupting work.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wastewater treatment systems are used, then wastewater can be purified, but the devices are bulky and not mobile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewastewater purification effectivenessVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment system is divided into separate functional modules: a collection container, a filtration unit with multiple filter stages, and a pump system. This segmentation allows the components to be compactly arranged and easily transported while maintaining effective wastewater treatment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If scaffolding is used for facade cleaning, then cleaning work can be performed, but sewage catchers and ducts must be repositioned frequently which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefacade cleaning efficiencyVSAvoidtime for repositioning sewage equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system includes a self-contained collection container that accumulates wastewater directly at the cleaning location. The integrated pump automatically transfers wastewater through the filtration system without requiring manual repositioning of sewage ducts, enabling continuous operation throughout the facade cleaning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If untreated wastewater is drained into sewage system or allowed to seep, then disposal is simple, but environmental harm occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewastewater disposal simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental harm
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration system uses multiple filter stages with different pore sizes and filtration mechanisms tailored to specific contaminants. The first filter captures large particles, the second filter captures finer particles, and the activated carbon filter removes chemical contaminants, ensuring comprehensive purification before discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If multiple filter stages are used, then purification effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple filtration stages are combined into a single integrated filtration unit with sequential filter elements. The collection container, pump system, and multi-stage filters are merged into one compact mobile device, simplifying operation while maintaining effective purification through staged filtration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system effectively filters and purifies wastewater, allowing for safe disposal without the need for chemical handling, is lightweight and mobile, and can be used continuously with automatic cartridge replacement, significantly reducing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

the first cartridge (16) contains a sediment filter for particles larger than 5 μm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the second cartridge (17) contains a sediment filter for particles larger than 1 μm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

the third cartridge (18) contains a carbon or activated carbon filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 4

a float-controlled submersible pump in a pot is hydraulically connected to this second chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3257821B1Mobile device for purification of waste water from facade cleaning
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 FUCHS PETER SAS
  • EP3257821B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3257821B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3257821B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Filter device for cleaning wastewater from a facade cleaning process, comprising a filter tank open at the top or sides, an inlet (2) for wastewater (1), an outlet (19) for clear water (20), a submersible pump with an electrical connection (13), at least two chambers (3, 7), and three further cartridges (16, 17, 18), wherein the inlet is led at the top into a first chamber (3), which has a separator for coarse dirt particles at the bottom, an outlet into a second chamber (7) is arranged below the first chamber (3), a float-controlled submersible pump (13) in a pot (12) is hydraulically connected to this second chamber (7), the submersible pump (13) is connected to a first of at least three pressure-resistant, sealed cartridges (16, 17, 18), which are hydraulically connected to each other in series, and the last of which is connected to the outlet (19) for clear water (20).the first cartridge (16) contains a sediment filter for particles larger than 5 µm, the second cartridge (17) contains a sediment filter for particles larger than 1 µm, and the third cartridge (18) contains a carbon filter, furthermore a method for carrying out the cleaning.