Pipe Sedimentation Layout Using Backwater Shafts for Flow Calming

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacture and installation of sedimentation pipes in rainwater treatment plants are complex and time-consuming due to the need for partitions and crossbars, which complicate the flow calming process and sedimentation.

Innovation Solution

A pipe sedimentation system utilizing backwater elements on intermediate shafts and fluid lines to calm fluid flow, eliminating the need for separating elements and simplifying the design and installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If partitions and crossbars are used in the sedimentation pipe to calm flow, then flow calming and sedimentation are achieved, but the manufacture and installation become complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow calming effectivenessVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the complex partition and crossbar structures from the sedimentation pipe, replacing them with a simplified design that uses the pipe geometry itself to achieve flow calming. The backwater wall and streamlined shape replace the need for internal separating elements, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining sedimentation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding internal structures (partitions and crossbars) to calm flow, the invention inverts the approach by using the external geometry and flow direction control (backwater wall, streamlined shape) to achieve the same effect without internal complexity. The flow is calmed by guiding it along the pipe length rather than blocking it with partitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If partitions and crossbars are installed in the sedimentation pipe, then sedimentation occurs, but the installation time and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesedimentation performanceVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the time-consuming partition and crossbar installation steps by eliminating these components entirely. The sedimentation pipe is installed as a simple cylindrical structure with a backwater wall, requiring no internal assembly or complex fastening operations, thereby significantly reducing installation time while maintaining sedimentation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple pipe design is used, then manufacture and installation are simplified, but flow calming capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidflow calming effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by introducing a backwater wall and streamlined shape at specific locations (the inlet end and along the pipe length) to create flow calming zones. These localized geometric features provide the necessary flow control functionality without requiring complex structures throughout the entire pipe, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring effective flow calming where needed.

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 system achieves efficient flow calming and reliable sedimentation of pollutants in rainwater, facilitating easy maintenance and sediment removal, while reducing manufacturing and installation complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one backwater element directly causes the fluid flow in the pipe sedimentation system to back up, so that the fluid flow is calmed and pollutants in the water, especially rainwater, can settle out

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Implementation Method 2

The pipe sedimentation system defines a fluid flow direction that leads from the inlet shaft along the connected fluid line to at least one intermediate shaft, and from there via at least one further fluid line and, if necessary, further intermediate shafts and fluid lines to the outlet shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational Convection: Gravitational Convection (non heat)

Data Source

PatentEP4678261A1Pipe sedimentation system
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 HEGLER RALPH PETER DR ING
  • EP4678261A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4678261A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4678261A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pipe sedimentation plant comprises an inlet shaft (4), an outlet shaft (34), at least one intermediate shaft (18, 28, 30, 32) which is fluidically connected to the inlet shaft (4) and to the outlet shaft (34) by means of fluid lines (9, 15, 25, 29, 31, 33), and at least one backwater element (14, 21, 22, 24) for backing up a fluid flow in the pipe sedimentation plant (1), wherein the at least one backwater element (14, 21, 22, 24) is arranged on the at least one intermediate shaft (18, 28, 30, 32) and/or on at least one of the fluid lines (9, 15, 25, 31).