Multiphase-Pump Bioreactor Aeration for Low-Energy Oxygen Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioreactors face high energy consumption and low dissolved oxygen transfer rates due to the use of air blowers, leading to complex and inefficient wastewater treatment processes.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor design incorporating multiphase pumps with gas injectors to create pressurized gas-wastewater mixtures, generating microbubbles for enhanced oxygen supply and eliminating the need for separate aeration pipes, thereby reducing energy consumption and increasing treatment efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If air blowers are used to create air bubbles in the bioreactor, then oxygen is supplied to the wastewater, but energy consumption is high and dissolved oxygen transfer rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of gas bubbles by using pressurized gas injection to create much smaller bubble sizes (microbubbles) compared to conventional air blowers. This parameter change in bubble diameter dramatically increases the total surface area for oxygen transfer, achieving high dissolved oxygen transfer rates while reducing energy consumption because the pressurized injection system is more efficient than continuous air blower operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by injecting pressurized gas through injection holes in the carrier material. This pneumatic injection method creates fine gas-liquid mixtures that enhance oxygen transfer efficiency. The pressurized gas flow through the carrier material structure provides effective aeration without requiring high-energy air blowers, thus resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and oxygen transfer rate.
2Productivity
If conventional aeration systems are used, then oxygen transfer occurs, but the treatment process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the aeration function directly into the carrier material structure by incorporating injection holes within the carrier material itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate aeration pipes and complex aeration systems, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining efficient oxygen transfer. The carrier material simultaneously provides structural support and aeration functionality, resolving the contradiction between treatment efficiency and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier material is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for the bioreactor, serves as a substrate for microbial growth, and functions as an aeration device through integrated injection holes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated aeration equipment, simplifying the system while improving treatment efficiency through effective oxygen distribution throughout the wastewater.
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 bioreactor enhances purification efficiency, reduces treatment time, and allows for a smaller reactor size without compromising capacity, while minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a multiphase pump with a gas injector for injecting gas, such as air or oxygen, to the wastewater to create pressurized gas-wastewater mixture
Implementation Method 2
creating microbubbles by a pressurized gas-wastewater mixture
Implementation Method 3
releasing the pressurized gas-wastewater mixture to flow through the second nozzles causing a pressure drop in the gas-wastewater mixture generating gas containing microbubbles
Implementation Method 4
generating microbubbles for enhanced oxygen supply
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The bioreactor includes a tank (2), a carrier material bed (4) inside said tank, an inflow pipe (6), a first pump (12) for pumping wastewater into the tank via the inflow pipe, a second pump (10) and a circulation pipe (20) for pumping wastewater above the carrier material bed and second nozzles (24) for spraying wastewater on top of the carrier material bed (4). Said first and second pumps are multiphase pumps comprising a gas injector (62) for injecting gas, such as air or oxygen, to the wastewater to create pressurized gas-wastewater mixture.