Passive Self-Cleaning Filter Vault for Wastewater Solids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for filtering wastewater containing suspended solids in septic tanks face challenges in effectively removing and managing solids that accumulate on filters, often requiring active cleaning mechanisms which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A passive self-cleaning filter vault with an impervious housing and filter elements featuring a smooth filtering surface and apertures, where unfiltered wastewater enters and filtered wastewater exits through open bottoms, allowing accumulated solids to settle and be removed by gravity without the need for mechanical cleaning devices, utilizing a single inlet and outlet for both unfiltered wastewater and accumulated solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active cleaning mechanisms are used to remove solids from filters, then filtration effectiveness is maintained, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system performs self-cleaning by utilizing the natural settling of solids and gravitational forces. The design allows the filter to clean itself without external mechanical intervention, eliminating the need for complex active cleaning mechanisms while maintaining filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning systems with passive gravitational and settling mechanisms. Instead of using mechanical brushes, motors, or automated cleaning devices, the system relies on natural physical processes to remove accumulated solids from the filter surface.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If mechanical cleaning devices are installed, then solid removal capability is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system automatically removes accumulated solids through its own operational processes without requiring manual intervention or complex maintenance procedures. The self-cleaning mechanism eliminates the need for operator involvement in solid removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts and removes accumulated solids from the filter surface through gravitational settling and natural discharge mechanisms, separating the cleaning function from any mechanical cleaning devices that would complicate operation and maintenance.
3Productivity
If multiple inlet and outlet openings are provided, then filtration efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single inlet and single outlet openings serve multiple functions: they provide wastewater entry, collect filtered effluent, and discharge accumulated solids. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate openings for each purpose, reducing structural complexity while maintaining filtration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of wastewater inlet, effluent outlet, and solid discharge into a single integrated opening structure. By merging these functions into one location, the design reduces the number of openings required and simplifies the overall device configuration.
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 solution enables efficient filtration and self-cleaning of suspended solids from wastewater, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring continuous operation without active cleaning devices, suitable for both gravity flow and pumped systems.
Implementation Method 1
A filter element positioned in the housing has a filtering surface that is exposed to unfiltered wastewater
Implementation Method 2
the solids resolve into an upper horizontal scum layer, a lower horizontal sludge layer, and an intermediate horizontal relatively 'clear' layer of wastewater containing suspended solids
Data Source
AI summary
Filter vaults are shown and disclosed. In some embodiments, the filter vault includes an at least partially impervious and at least partially submersible filter housing. The housing includes an inlet opening that permits unfiltered wastewater having suspended solids to enter the housing. The filter vault further includes a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes one or more filter elements positioned within the housing. Each of the filter elements includes an upper end and a lower end. Each of the filter elements includes a filtering surface that is exposed to the unfiltered wastewater. The inlet opening allows accumulated solids from said filtering surface to exit said housing.