Modular Floatable Apparatus for Surface Water Solid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface water bodies are degraded due to pollution from total solids, nutrients, algae, and cyanobacteria, which persist even after external sources are removed, causing harmful algae blooms, water chemistry changes, and economic impacts.
Innovation Solution
A floatable apparatus comprising water-resistant materials with a base member and collection member, designed for deployment on water surfaces to collect, mix, separate, and remove total solids, algae, and cyanobacteria through physical and chemical processes, utilizing floatation members and attachment points for mobility and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pollution removal methods are used, then water quality can be improved, but the cost is high and the systems are not portable or scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into modular components including base members, collection members, floatation members, and removable lids that can be independently assembled and deployed. This segmentation enables the system to be scaled by adding or removing modules rather than requiring complete system replacement, directly addressing the portability and scalability requirements while maintaining effective pollution removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The floatation members provide automatic buoyancy that allows the apparatus to self-position and remain afloat on water surfaces without external support structures. The modular design enables easy self-assembly and self-deployment by operators, eliminating the need for complex installation equipment or infrastructure, thus improving both portability and cost-effectiveness.
2Reliability
If external sources of pollution are removed, then some water quality parameters improve, but total solids and nutrients persist causing continued degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The collection members are specifically designed to extract and concentrate total solids, nutrients, algae, and cyanobacteria from the water column into separate containment compartments. This extraction process removes the persistent harmful factors from the water body, addressing the issue of continuing degradation even after external pollution sources are eliminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus enables visual monitoring of water quality improvement through color changes in the water as pollutants are removed. As total solids and nutrients are extracted, the water transitions from turbid to clearer, providing direct visual feedback that the harmful factors are being effectively addressed and water quality is improving.
3Ease of operation
If afloat apparatus is used for pollution removal, then portability and scalability are improved, but the ability to effectively separate and contain solids must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The separation system is segmented into distinct functional zones within the base members, including collection chambers, separation compartments, and containment areas. This segmentation maintains effective solids separation through controlled flow paths while keeping each component compact and modular for easy deployment and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes flexible, water-resistant materials for the base members and collection members that provide structural integrity for effective separation while remaining lightweight and adaptable. These flexible shells can be easily assembled and disassembled for portable deployment while maintaining the containment effectiveness needed for reliable solids separation.
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
Effectively removes total solids and harmful algae from surface water bodies, improving water quality and reducing economic impacts by providing a portable and scalable solution for pollution control.
Implementation Method 1
floatation member for providing floatation for the base member and the collection member
Implementation Method 2
the interior of the base member is configured to remove total solids from fluid entering into the apparatus from a surface water body
Data Source
AI summary
A floatable, portable and readily deployable apparatus used in a surface water body for the collection, mixing, separation, containment and removal of total solids from fluid in surface water by settling, sorption, floatation or filtration of total solids from fluid entering or pumped into the apparatus. Separation of total solids from fluid can include the use and recycling of commercially available or proprietary biologic, chemical and/or physical substances and processes to increase the rate and percentage of total solids removed from fluid in the apparatus.