Overflow Pipe Dechlorinating Device with Adjustable Conduit

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a reliable device that can automatically remove disinfectants like chlorine from water discharged through overflow pipes in public water systems to prevent harm to aquatic life and provide security against potential terrorist attacks by ensuring the water is dechlorinated before entering natural water bodies.

Innovation Solution

A dechlorinating device with a mixing chamber, dechlorinating conduit, and recirculation zone is installed on overflow pipes, featuring a conduit with adjustable inner and outer sections and a conduit screen containing dechlorinating materials like ascorbic acid, which effectively dechlorinates water while preventing clogs and providing a dual duckbill valve configuration for security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dechlorinating materials are placed in the overflow pipe, then disinfectant removal is achieved, but clogging occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedechlorination effectivenessVSAvoidclogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dechlorinating conduit is divided into an outer conduit and an inner conduit, creating segmented flow paths. The inner conduit contains screens with openings that allow water to pass through while filtering out debris, preventing clogs while maintaining dechlorination effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Conduit screens are introduced as intermediary elements between the dechlorinating materials and the water flow. These screens filter the water and prevent debris from clogging the system while allowing the dechlorination process to continue effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed dechlorinating conduit is used, then simple installation is achieved, but adaptability to different flow rates is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidflow rate adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The inner conduit is made rotatable within the outer conduit, allowing the system to dynamically adjust to different flow rates and conditions. This rotational capability enables the conduit to adapt its configuration while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The inner conduit is nested within the outer conduit, creating a compact structure that is easy to install. The nested design allows the inner conduit to rotate independently while maintaining the overall simplicity of the assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If overflow pipes discharge directly to stormwater systems, then simple discharge is achieved, but harm to aquatic life occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge simplicityVSAvoidharm to aquatic life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device converts the harmful chlorinated water into beneficial dechlorinated water by passing it through the dechlorinating conduit containing dechlorinating materials. This transforms the harmful discharge into a safe discharge that protects aquatic life while maintaining the simplicity of the discharge process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If security measures are added to protect against contamination, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against contaminationVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dechlorinating conduit serves multiple functions: it dechlorinates water, filters debris through screens, prevents clogs, and provides security against contamination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate security devices while maintaining overall device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device efficiently dechlorinates water, preventing harm to aquatic life and enhancing security by ensuring the water meets discharge standards, while its design prevents clogging and mitigates intentional contamination risks.

Implementation Method 1

a dechlorinating conduit (38) disposed within the mixing chamber (32)... A dechlorinating material (64) may be disposed within the conduit screen (50)... The dechlorinating material may include ascorbic acid, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium ascorbate, sodium metabisulfite, or calcium thiosulfate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a recirculation zone (39) disposed within the mixing chamber (32) and positioned between the dechlorinating conduit (38) and the outlet (36)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 3

The inner conduit (48) may include a circumference and a plurality of rows, each row having a opening... a conduit screen (50) disposed within the inner conduit (48) and in fluid communication with the inner conduit (48)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10538438B2Tank overflow pipe adjustable dechlorinating device
Publication Date: 2020.01.21 DEZURIK INC
  • US10538438B2 patent drawing
  • US10538438B2 patent drawing
  • US10538438B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dechlorinating device includes a mixing chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and the dechlorinating device is configured to receive a fluid. The dechlorinating device also includes a dechlorinating conduit disposed within the mixing chamber and a recirculation zone disposed within the mixing chamber and positioned between the dechlorinating conduit and the outlet. A dechlorinating system includes a storage tank, an overflow pipe in fluid communication with the storage tank, and the dechlorinating device in fluid communication with the overflow pipe. A method of dechlorinating includes providing the dechlorinating device and feeding the fluid to the inlet of the dechlorinating device.