Modular MBR Sewage Treatment Control for Variable Rural Influent
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rural domestic sewage treatment systems face inefficiencies due to fluctuating influent volumes and pollutant concentrations, leading to energy waste, over-aeration, and poor sludge discharge control, which compromises treatment efficiency and stability.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent modular membrane-based integrated apparatus and method that includes variable-frequency pumps and aeration assemblies controlled by sensors and a controller, optimizing module operation and aeration based on influent volume and food-to-microorganism ratio, with real-time adjustments to sludge discharge and airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all MBR membrane modules operate in an integrated mode under stable design conditions, then the system ensures consistent treatment capacity, but it causes over-aeration and energy waste when influent volume is lower than design inflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated MBR system into multiple independent membrane modules (first MBR module, second MBR module, etc.), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows selective activation of modules based on actual influent volume, preventing over-aeration when demand is low while maintaining treatment consistency through coordinated operation of active modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control where the operational status of each membrane module can be independently adjusted based on real-time influent conditions. The controller activates or deactivates specific modules dynamically according to the food-to-microorganism ratio and aeration requirements, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliable treatment.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of blower frequency and vent valve aperture is used to regulate DO levels, then operational flexibility is provided, but precision in food-to-microorganism ratio determination is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates online sensors that continuously monitor dissolved oxygen levels, influent flow rate, and other parameters. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of aeration intensity and sludge discharge timing, significantly improving the precision of food-to-microorganism ratio determination compared to manual methods while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of blowers and valves with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors and actuators. This substitution improves measurement precision by continuously monitoring parameters and automatically adjusting operations based on real-time data, eliminating the imprecision of manual assessment.
3Ease of operation
If offline sampling analysis method is used for sludge loading assessment, then operational simplicity is maintained, but timely response to treatment issues is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces offline laboratory sampling analysis with online sensors that continuously monitor sludge parameters, dissolved oxygen, and influent characteristics in real-time. This substitution maintains operational simplicity through automated monitoring while dramatically improving response time by providing immediate data for adjusting aeration and sludge discharge operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The online monitoring system provides continuous real-time data on sludge loading conditions, eliminating the intermittent nature of offline sampling. This continuous monitoring enables timely detection and response to changes in food-to-microorganism ratio, ensuring optimal treatment performance without the time delays inherent in periodic manual sampling.
4Ease of operation
If sludge discharge timing is determined by operator experience, then operational simplicity is maintained, but alignment between controlled sludge concentration and influent concentration is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses online sensors to continuously monitor sludge concentration and influent organic concentration, providing real-time feedback on the alignment between these parameters. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of sludge discharge timing and rate to maintain optimal food-to-microorganism ratio, significantly improving concentration alignment compared to experience-based manual control while keeping the system simple to operate.
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
This approach reduces power consumption, prevents sludge aging and deflocculation, enhances treatment efficiency, and maintains stable biochemical reactions by aligning activated sludge concentration with influent organic concentration, ensuring long-term system stability and reduced carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a bottom of the MBR membrane tank is provided with multiple sets of aeration assemblies; and each set of aeration assembly corresponds to a set of MBR module
Implementation Method 2
a discharge outlet of the influent regulating tank communicates with a feed inlet of the influent tank through a first variable-frequency pump; where the MBR membrane tank communicates with the influent tank
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent modular membrane-based integrated apparatus for rural domestic sewage treatment includes: an influent regulating tank configured to hold untreated sewage; an influent tank, where a discharge outlet of the influent regulating tank communicates with a feed inlet of the influent tank through a first variable-frequency pump; and a membrane bio-reactor (MBR) membrane tank, where the MBR membrane tank communicates with the influent tank; a bottom of the MBR membrane tank is provided with multiple aeration assemblies; each aeration assembly corresponds to one MBR module; a valve is disposed on an effluent discharge pipe of each set of MBR module; and the effluent discharge pipe of the MBR module communicates with a main effluent discharge pipe through a second variable-frequency pump. The present disclosure significantly reduces power consumption for equipment operation, enhances biochemical reaction stability and treatment efficiency, and reduces carbon emissions.