Parallel Basin Filtration Assembly for Continuous Backwash Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wastewater treatment plants face challenges in efficiently removing pollutants like microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, and germs due to insufficient purification capacity, particularly in secondary clarifiers with high pollution loads, and retrofitting with filtration systems is complex and space-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A filtration system with multiple parallel-connected filtration devices, each with independent operation and backwashing capabilities, integrated into a settling basin to ensure continuous operation and simplified retrofitting, utilizing filtration media like sand and gravel beds, and optional UV irradiation and ozone introduction for enhanced purification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a filtration plant is constructed with storage tanks, pumps, and balancing basins, then filtration capacity is improved, but space requirements and construction complexity significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration capacityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filtration devices into a single integrated system where filtration units are arranged in parallel within a common basin. The collection lines and outlet structures are merged into unified components, eliminating the need for separate storage tanks, pumps, and balancing basins while maintaining effective filtration capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The basin structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the filtration devices, collects filtered water through integrated collection lines, and provides the outlet connection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall system complexity

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

2Productivity

If a filtration plant is constructed with multiple separate components, then filtration capacity is improved, but the space required for the wastewater treatment plant significantly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration capacityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple filtration devices are merged into a compact parallel arrangement within a single basin, with collection lines integrating the output of multiple units. This consolidation achieves the filtration capacity of multiple separate systems while occupying the space of one integrated unit, significantly reducing the overall footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If secondary clarifiers are deepened or expanded to increase purification capacity, then pollutant removal is improved, but construction complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification capacityVSAvoidmodification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The purification function is segmented into multiple independent filtration devices arranged in parallel, each handling a portion of the water flow. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high purification capacity without requiring a single large, complex structure, and enables modular installation and maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If a single large filtration device is used, then filtration capacity is improved, but continuous operation is compromised when maintenance is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration capacityVSAvoidcontinuous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration system is divided into multiple independent filtration devices that operate in parallel. Each device can be taken offline for maintenance while the others continue to provide filtration capacity, ensuring continuous operation of the overall system while maintaining high total filtration capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to easily replace or regenerate filtration media in individual devices without affecting the entire system. Used media can be removed and replaced or regenerated separately from each device, allowing maintenance to be performed on one unit while others remain operational

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 provides effective pollutant removal with reduced space requirements, allows independent maintenance of filtration units, and maintains continuous operation by distributing filtration capacity, ensuring high purification efficiency and reduced operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The water supplied to the filtration device flows through a filtration medium of the device, in particular through a filter bed, and is filtered by the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The filtration system can include a UV irradiation device for disinfecting the filtered water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV irradiation: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

The filtration system can include a device for introducing ozone into the water to be filtered or into the filtered water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 4

a first treatment stage in the form of mechanical treatment/primary clarification

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentEP3480168B1Filtration system assembly and a basin as well as method for operating the filtration system assembly
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 KONEMANN NORBERT
  • EP3480168B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3480168B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The filtration system comprises at least two filtration devices (3). Each filtration device (3) has an inlet opening for water from the basin (1) to be filtered. The water to be filtered, entering the filtration device (3) through the inlet opening, flows through a filtration medium within the filtration device (3). The filtration system includes a first collecting line (9) for receiving the filtered water flowing out of the respective filtration device (3) and for conveying the filtered water to a common outlet (15). Furthermore, the filtration devices (3) are backwashable.