Modular Water Treatment System for Disaster Scenarios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water treatment systems for drainage water face challenges in scalability, contamination control, and infrastructure independence, particularly during disasters or droughts, as they struggle to adapt to varying water sources and user needs, leading to hygiene issues and high maintenance burdens.
Innovation Solution
A modular water treatment system comprising units with purification tanks, solid-liquid separators, and control devices that can be scaled and configured based on toilet or restroom requirements, incorporating sensors and sterilization/disinfection mechanisms to manage water recycling and treatment effectively, even without a sewerage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional water treatment system is designed for fixed infrastructure locations, then it can provide stable water treatment function, but it cannot be transported or expanded according to varying user needs and disaster scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The water treatment system is divided into multiple independent treatment units (primary treatment unit, secondary treatment unit, etc.) that can be separately manufactured, transported, and configured. Each unit has standardized connection interfaces allowing modular assembly based on user needs, enabling the system to be scaled from small to large configurations without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment units are designed with universal connection standards and standardized interfaces that allow the same basic unit to function in multiple configurations and locations. The units can be connected in series, parallel, or combination configurations to handle varying water treatment requirements, making the system adaptable to both infrastructure-based and mobile applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the water treatment system includes complete treatment components for all water types, then it can handle various drainage water types, but it increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates water treatment into distinct functional units: a primary treatment unit for general drainage water and a secondary treatment unit for toilet sewage water. Each unit is optimized for its specific function, allowing customers to select only the necessary units based on their water treatment needs, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration where treatment units can be added, removed, or reconfigured based on the type and volume of water to be treated. The modular design enables the system to adapt from treating only drainage water to handling both drainage and toilet sewage water by simply adding the appropriate units without redesigning the entire system.
3Reliability
If the system requires centralized control for all treatment units, then it can coordinate operations effectively, but it increases management burden and infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent control units, with each treatment unit equipped with its own control device that can operate autonomously. This allows each unit to monitor and control its own operations, reducing the management burden on centralized control while maintaining coordination through standardized communication protocols that enable unit-to-unit data exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
Each treatment unit is designed with self-diagnostic and self-regulating capabilities, including onboard sensors and control systems that automatically adjust operations based on local conditions. This self-service approach reduces the need for continuous centralized monitoring and intervention, making the system easier to manage while maintaining reliable coordination through automated protocols.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the water treatment system is designed for permanent installation only, then it can optimize for fixed location performance, but it cannot be deployed in disaster scenarios or remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system is manufactured as separate, self-contained treatment units that can be easily transported and installed in various locations. Each unit includes all necessary components (tanks, treatment devices, control systems) integrated into a portable configuration, allowing deployment in disaster scenarios, remote locations, or temporary installations without requiring complex permanent infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static permanent installation design to a dynamic deployable configuration. The modular units can be rapidly assembled and disassembled, and the connection methods are designed to accommodate both permanent and temporary installations. This dynamic design allows the same system to serve both fixed infrastructure applications and emergency deployment scenarios.
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 enables flexible expansion and efficient treatment of drainage water, reducing contamination risks and infrastructure burdens, allowing for reliable water recycling and conservation, even in disaster scenarios or areas without a sewerage system.
Implementation Method 1
conducting a primary treatment of dirty water received, regardless of anaerobic aeration or aerobic aeration
Implementation Method 2
it is regularly necessary to separate solids from liquids and remove precipitate referred to as sludge in purification tanks and other tanks
Implementation Method 3
at least any of a pump, a sterilization device, a disinfection device, and a sterilizer
Implementation Method 4
at least any of a pump, a sterilization device, a disinfection device, and a sterilizer
Implementation Method 5
at least any of a pump, a sterilization device, a disinfection device, and a sterilizer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a water treatment system having: a first unit having a dirty water generation source; a second unit designed to purify water, the second unit having at least one of a purification tank, a solid-liquid separation tank, and an oil separation tank, and conducting a primary treatment of contaminated water that is received; and a third unit having a contaminated-water inlet, a primary reception tank, an intermediate treatment tank, a reserve treatment tank, a circulation treatment tank, a concentrated water and impurity tank, and an aseptic drainage tank. Each of the first to third units is equipped with a sensor and a valve. The third unit is furthermore equipped with a control device and at least one of a pump, a sterilization device, a disinfection device, and a sterilizer.