Pinch Valve for Automated Sludge Discharge in Soil Settling Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for clarifying water in agricultural processes, particularly for tuberous root vegetables, face challenges in efficiently separating soil from water without generating slurry and in managing the disposal of accumulated sludge.
Innovation Solution
The proposed extrusion system includes a conical settling tank with a diffuser and a plate pack particulate filter, which promotes the separation of soil from water by gravity and extrudes concentrated soil for efficient disposal, while recirculating clarified water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gravity-based settling tanks are used to separate soil from water, then water clarification is achieved, but sludge accumulates requiring manual removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the weight of the sludge itself to drive its removal. A gate valve at the bottom of the settling tank allows concentrated sludge to discharge automatically into a hopper and onto a conveyor belt system, eliminating the need for manual scraping or pumping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sludge discharge mechanism extracts the accumulated sludge from the settling tank through a dedicated discharge path. The gate valve isolates and removes the sludge phase separately from the clarified water, enabling continuous operation without manual intervention for sludge removal.
2Quantity of substance
If manual cleaning of settling tanks is performed, then sludge is removed, but labor time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sludge discharge system operates continuously or periodically without shutting down the water clarification process. The gate valve can be opened to discharge accumulated sludge while the settling tank continues to receive and clarify water, maintaining continuous useful action in the clarification process.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical cleaning operations are replaced with an automated discharge system using a gate valve, hopper, and conveyor belt. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for workers to manually enter and clean the settling tank, significantly reducing labor time and operational disruption.
3Quantity of substance
If opening the gate valve for sludge discharge is prolonged, then more sludge is removed, but water loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate valve is opened periodically for short durations to discharge accumulated sludge rather than being left open continuously. This periodic action allows sufficient sludge removal while minimizing the time the valve is open, thereby reducing water loss through the discharge path.
Solution Approach 2:
The hopper and conveyor belt system creates a separate discharge path for sludge that replicates the removal function without requiring the gate valve to remain open. The sludge is funneled into the hopper and transported away, allowing the gate valve to close quickly after discharge begins, reducing water loss while maintaining sludge removal efficiency.
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 system effectively addresses the inefficiencies of prior methods by automating the separation and disposal of soil, improving water clarity, and reducing manual labor for sludge management, making it scalable for large harvesting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a settling tank configured for receiving soiled water, separating the soil from the water
Implementation Method 2
The proposed extrusion system includes a conical settling tank with a diffuser
Data Source
AI summary
An extrusion system for separating particulates entrained in wash water, e.g. from harvesting tuberous produce, includes a settling tank configured to receive a flow of particulated water. A diffuser suspended within the tank converts the flow of particulated water into multiple transverse flows to avoid churning settled particulates. A particulate filter fixed within the tank includes a central channel surrounded by a cylindrical array of cantilevered parallel vertical blades. The channel directs the flows below the blades, causing dynamic movement of the blades as the particulated water rises therebetween to trap particulates along boundary layers, promote particulate settling by gravity, and allow clarified water to rise to the top of the tank. A sensor detects settled particulate reaching a predetermined setpoint, and in response the system actuates an auger and opens a pinch valve to force concentrated particulate from the bottom of the tank.