Parallel Filter Modules for Wastewater Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wastewater cleaning devices face inefficiencies due to intermittent operation and maintenance interruptions caused by the need to adapt the separation unit's capacity to varying wastewater flow and reactor output, leading to suboptimal energy use and operational disruptions.

Innovation Solution

The separation unit is designed with modular filter assemblies and a flexible connection system, allowing for dynamic adjustment of module usage based on operational needs, with pumps directly assigned to each module to minimize energy waste and enable continuous operation during maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the separation unit is cleaned from time to time to remove residual contaminants, then the treatment quality is maintained, but the operation of the separation unit and thus the entire device is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment qualityVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation unit is divided into multiple independent modules (first separation module, second separation module, etc.), each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows one module to be cleaned or maintained while others continue to process wastewater, eliminating operational interruptions and maintaining both treatment quality and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the separation unit's capacity is adapted to match the reactor's capacity, then operational efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for dynamic adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcapacity adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation unit incorporates dynamic adjustability through variable numbers of operational modules. The system can adapt its capacity by activating different combinations of modules based on wastewater flow rates and reactor output, allowing efficient matching of separation capacity to actual needs without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the separation unit into multiple independent modules with individual pumps and flow control, the system achieves flexible capacity adaptation through simple on/off control of modules rather than complex continuous adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving operational efficiency while limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If multiple modules are connected in parallel to increase separation capacity, then the treatment capacity increases, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment capacityVSAvoidnumber of modules and connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation unit is segmented into multiple identical or similar modules that can be independently operated. This standardization simplifies maintenance and reduces operational complexity compared to a single large complex unit, as each module can be maintained independently and uses the same design specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each module in the parallel configuration is designed with universal functionality, capable of performing the same separation tasks independently. This multi-functionality allows any module to replace another, simplifying maintenance decisions and reducing the complexity of managing different component types across the system.

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

This configuration enhances the efficiency of the separation unit by minimizing pumping losses and optimizing energy use, allowing for flexible operation and maintenance without disrupting the entire system's performance.

Implementation Method 1

a pump (36a, 36b, or 36c) connected in series with the filter arrangement (26a, 26b, or 26c) on the inlet side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

each module (22a, 22b, or 22c) containing a filter arrangement (26a, 26b, or 26c) through which the wastewater is passed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2536666B1Device for cleaning waste water containing a bioreactor and filter modules arranged in parallel
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 ENVEKO
  • EP2536666B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2536666B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for cleaning waste water containing contaminants, comprising at least one reactor (10) in which the waste water is mixed and enriched with gas and the biological decomposition of the contaminants takes place, and at least one separating unit (18) which is connected to the reactor and in which any contaminants that may still remain in the waste water are retained, wherein the separating unit (18) comprises a plurality of modules (22a; 22b; 22c) connected in parallel, of which each module (22a; 22b; 22c) contains a filter assembly (22a; 22b; 22c) through which the waste water is conducted.