Portable Insulated Water Treatment Modules for Cold-Weather Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile water treatment systems face challenges such as long delivery cycles, high manufacturing costs, and limited automation, making them unsuitable for cold weather operations and temporary applications, while custom systems are expensive and require dedicated shipping and handling.
Innovation Solution
Portable insulated water treatment modules housed in pre-manufactured plastic boxes, such as fish boxes, that integrate standard components for quick deployment and automation, allowing for modular expansion and control via Ethernet or wireless networks, reducing shipping costs and enabling rapid setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom manufactured water treatment systems are used, then treatment process is customized to specific application, but delivery time frames double and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular treatment stages (aeration, filtration, chemical reaction, adsorption, separation) that can be independently selected and configured. Each module is a self-contained unit that can be assembled in different combinations to meet specific treatment requirements, enabling customization without requiring complete custom manufacturing of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal treatment modules that can serve multiple functions across different applications. The same basic module types (aeration tanks, filter housings, reaction vessels) can be used for various contaminants and treatment objectives by changing internal components or operating parameters, rather than designing unique systems for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom manufactured water treatment systems are used, then treatment process is customized to specific application, but manufacturing costs have doubled
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the treatment system into standardized modules, the patent enables economies of scale in manufacturing. Each module type can be produced in larger quantities using the same tooling and processes, reducing per-unit costs while still allowing customization through modular assembly of different module combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows customization through parameter changes rather than physical redesign. Treatment capacity, chemical dosing rates, filtration media types, and operational settings can be adjusted to match specific applications without requiring custom manufacturing, thereby controlling costs while maintaining adaptability.
3Loss of time
If temporary treatment systems are assembled from rental subcomponents, then delivery time is reduced, but operating labor costs increase and automation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple treatment functions into integrated modules that include built-in pumping, control systems, and interconnecting piping. This merging eliminates the need for separate rental components and reduces on-site assembly requirements, thereby reducing both delivery time and operational labor while maintaining automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular systems are designed with self-contained control systems that automatically manage treatment processes, pump operations, and inter-module coordination. This self-service capability reduces dependence on operational labor for system management while enabling rapid deployment without extensive technical assembly.
4Loss of time
If temporary treatment systems are assembled from rental subcomponents, then delivery time is reduced, but automation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates control systems directly into each treatment module, combining automation capabilities with physical treatment functions. This integration enables automated operation while maintaining modular, rapidly deployable architecture, overcoming the limitation of rental systems that lack automation.
5Adaptability or versatility
If custom systems are manufactured, then treatment process is optimized for specific application, but shipping and handling costs increase due to dedicated trucks and cranes
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into modular units, the patent enables efficient shipping where modules can be transported on standard equipment rather than requiring dedicated heavy-lift resources. The modular configuration optimizes space utilization and allows for more economical handling compared to monolithic custom systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile water treatment modules are disclosed that are designed as building blocks that can be assembled together in parallel and/or series to form larger more complex water treatment processes for site specific applications. Mobile water treatment modules can be customized for project specific requirements and for client preferred features. The treatment modules typically used as building blocks include, but are not limited to, pumping modules, chemical dosing modules, chemical storage tank modules, sludge wasting modules, valve modules, pumping tank modules, filtering modules, and well head enclosure modules.