Pressure Dissolved Oxygen Delivery in Sewer Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for dissolving oxygen in force-main and gravity sewers are limited by their inability to achieve high dissolved oxygen concentrations, leading to inefficiencies and increased capital and operational costs due to the use of gas bubbles for oxygen transfer, which also cause operational issues and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A method that dissolves oxygen without bubbles, utilizing head pressure to achieve significantly higher concentrations (>350-mg/L) and efficient oxygen transfer, reducing energy consumption and system size, with flexible suction and discharge arrangements and advanced control systems for precise oxygen delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If gas bubbles are used for oxygen transfer in sewer systems, then oxygen delivery is achieved, but dissolved oxygen concentration remains low (<300-mg/L) and operational issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing head pressure (pressure parameter) to dissolve oxygen into wastewater, achieving dissolved oxygen concentrations exceeding 350-mg/L. This pressure-driven dissolution method fundamentally changes the oxygen transfer mechanism from bubble-based to pressure-dissolved, eliminating operational issues associated with bubble systems while significantly increasing oxygen concentration in the sewer system.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional oxygenation systems are used, then oxygen is delivered to sewer systems, but system size and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the oxygen delivery function from complex bubble-based aeration systems and implements it through a simplified head pressure dissolution mechanism. By taking out the essential oxygenation function and delivering it through pressure-driven dissolution, the system achieves effective oxygen delivery with significantly reduced system size and lower capital costs compared to conventional oxygenation systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If oxygen is delivered to prevent anaerobic conditions, then corrosion and odor are controlled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the existing head pressure from the sewer system's own flow to dissolve and deliver oxygen, rather than requiring external energy input for aeration. The system uses the natural pressure of the flowing wastewater to achieve oxygen dissolution, eliminating the need for additional energy-consuming aeration equipment while effectively controlling corrosion and odor through maintained aerobic conditions.
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 method achieves greater than 95% oxygen transfer efficiency, reducing capital and operational costs, and minimizing corrosion and odor issues by maintaining aerobic conditions in sewer systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing head pressure to achieve significantly higher concentrations (>350-mg/L) and efficient oxygen transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for dissolving gases into a fluid that is passing through a force-main and gravity sewer system. The system includes a dissolution tank having a pressure vessel for containing a liquid and for providing a regulated gas head space above the liquid, an inlet that permits passage of wastewater into the gas head space, and an outlet that permits passage of treated wastewater out of the pressure vessel. The system also includes a gas source in communication with the pressure vessel; a pump for supplying wastewater from a force-main or sewer system sump into the pressure vessel under conditions effective to dissolve oxygen gas in the wastewater; and a discharge device in communication with the outlet of the dissolution tank assembly for discharging treated wastewater.