Modular Wastewater Treatment Trailers With Automated Sand Filter Backwashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wastewater treatment systems are costly, difficult to manufacture, non-movable, and do not operate at desired or variable speeds, failing to effectively remove contaminants such as iron, nickel, zinc, chromium, arsenic, and lead before discharge into surface water.
Innovation Solution
A modular wastewater treatment system comprising a holding tank, a first trailer with a sand filter and hydrocyclone, and a second trailer with a carbon filter and bag filter, allowing for sequential treatment regimens and automated backwashing with chlorine injection, along with an aerator system to maintain fluid suspension and prevent solid accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional wastewater treatment systems are used, then contaminants can be removed from wastewater, but the systems are costly, difficult to manufacture, and non-movable
Solution Approach 1:
The wastewater treatment system is divided into multiple independent trailers, each performing a specific treatment function (screening, sand filtration, carbon filtration, etc.). This segmentation makes the system easier to manufacture individually, transport, and deploy while maintaining comprehensive treatment capabilities through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment trailers are designed with universal, standardized components and interfaces that can be configured for different wastewater treatment scenarios. The modular design allows the same basic trailer platform to serve multiple treatment functions, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wastewater treatment systems are used, then contaminants can be removed from wastewater, but the systems are non-movable
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the treatment system into separate trailer modules, each unit becomes mobile and can be transported to different locations. The trailers can be deployed in series to achieve high treatment capacity while maintaining the ability to move and reposition as needed for different construction sites or waterways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed installation to a dynamic, mobile configuration. The trailers are designed to be transported on roads and deployed at various locations, providing adaptability to different sites while maintaining treatment productivity through parallel or sequential operation of multiple trailers.
3Productivity
If traditional wastewater treatment systems are used, then contaminants can be removed from wastewater, but they do not operate at desired or variable speeds
Solution Approach 1:
Each trailer is equipped with independently controllable pumps and flow control mechanisms, allowing the treatment speed and flow rate to be adjusted dynamically. This enables the system to operate at variable speeds to match different wastewater volumes and treatment requirements, improving both productivity and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented trailer design allows independent operation and optimization of each treatment stage. Flow rates and processing speeds can be adjusted in each trailer separately, providing operational flexibility while achieving high overall treatment capacity through parallel processing capabilities.
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 efficiently removes contaminants to meet discharge limitations, operates at variable flow rates up to 500 gallons per minute, and is mobile, enabling rapid treatment of construction site wastewater to protect downstream ecosystems.
Implementation Method 1
an aerator system to maintain fluid suspension and prevent solid accumulation
Implementation Method 2
flowing the backwashed water from the sand filter to at least one hydrocyclone to separate the backwashed water into solid material and liquid
Implementation Method 3
at least one sand filter configured to remove solids from an untreated wastewater
Implementation Method 4
a second trailer with a carbon filter and bag filter
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for backwashing a sand filter in a wastewater treatment system. In one aspect, the invention can be a system for backwashing a sand filter comprising: a sand filter configured to remove solids from an untreated wastewater; a container storing chlorine fluidly coupled to the sand filter by a chlorine supply manifold; a flow control mechanism positioned on the chlorine supply manifold between the container and the sand filter, the flow control mechanism alterable between a first position whereby chlorine cannot flow from the container to the sand filter and a second position whereby chlorine flows from the container to the sand filter, the flow control mechanism being biased into the first position; and a processor operably coupled to the flow control mechanism and configured to automatically actuate the flow control mechanism into the second position upon detecting that the sand filter is being backwashed.