Parallel-Flow Filter Basin for Wastewater Purification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sand filter basins have limitations in filtration capacity and efficiency due to vertical flow patterns, which restrict the filtration surface area and require more extensive installation areas.

Innovation Solution

A parallel flow filter basin design that allows raw water to flow horizontally through a filter bed, utilizing a pelvic body with a water distribution device and a water collector that extends vertically to maximize the filtration surface area, combined with a flushing group that uses compressed air to enhance cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If raw water flows vertically through the filter bed from top to bottom, then the filtration process is simple and straightforward, but the filtration surface area is limited by the horizontal cross-sectional area of the system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration surface areaVSAvoidflow path configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from vertical flow (one-dimensional) to horizontal parallel flow (two-dimensional), allowing water to flow horizontally through the filter bed while the distribution device and collector extend vertically. This dimensional change dramatically increases the filtration surface area from just the top surface to the entire horizontal cross-section of the filter bed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the filtration area is increased by extending the system horizontally, then more contaminants can be filtered, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration capacityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By utilizing the vertical dimension for the distribution device and collector orientation, the patent enables horizontal flow through the filter bed, effectively using the tank's height to maximize filtration area without increasing the horizontal footprint of the installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If compressed air is introduced into the filter bed for cleaning, then the cleaning performance is improved, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidcompressed air consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system introduces compressed air intermittently or periodically into the filter bed during operation, rather than continuously. This periodic aeration provides thorough cleaning of the filter medium while minimizing energy consumption and allowing the system to maintain filtration operation during non-aeration periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Area of moving object

If the water distribution device and water collector are arranged vertically, then the filtration area is maximized, but the flow uniformity across the path may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration surface areaVSAvoidflow uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The water distribution device is designed with multiple outlet openings distributed along its vertical length, and the water collector has multiple inlet openings. This creates locally optimized flow distribution at different heights and positions, ensuring uniform horizontal flow across the entire filter bed cross-section while maintaining vertical orientation of the devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 parallel flow design significantly increases the filtration surface area, enables more thorough cleaning, and improves the overall cleaning performance by allowing raw water to cover a longer route through the filter bed with a more uniform current, while also reducing the need for extensive installation areas.

Implementation Method 1

compressed air is introduced into the lower part of the rinsing assembly, which conveys a mixture of air, filter material, the dirt particles adhering to the filter material, and water through the assembly upwards

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluidization: Fluidisation

Implementation Method 2

The sand filter tank can trap contaminants in the water with a particle size much smaller than a gap in the filter material, primarily through contact flocculation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlocculation: Flocculation

Implementation Method 3

primarily through contact flocculation, but also through sieve filtration and precipitation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSieve filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 4

primarily through contact flocculation, but also through sieve filtration and precipitation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentEP4541774A1Parallel-flow filter bowl for waste water purification
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 PASSAVANT - GEIGER
  • EP4541774A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4541774A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4541774A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a parallel-flow filter basin for wastewater treatment, comprising a basin body (8) in which a filter bed (9) containing an adsorbent is provided, a raw water inlet assembly with a water inlet pipe (1) connected to a water distribution device (5) arranged vertically within the basin body (8), an outlet assembly for filtered water with a water outlet pipe (2) connected to a vertically oriented water collector (6), a rinsing assembly (3) for rinsing the filter bed (9), and a control system. The water distribution device (5) and/or the water collector (6) are arranged on one side of the basin body (8).The flushing assembly has an outlet opening located in the lower part of the basin body (8) and opening into the filter bed (9) at a horizontal distance from the water distribution device (5) and the water collector (6), which is connected to a compressed air source, the control being configured to introduce compressed air continuously or intermittently through the outlet opening into the filter bed (9).