Retrievable Diffusor Frame Assembly for Wastewater Aeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wastewater treatment systems with fixed grid diffusor systems require frequent maintenance and replacement, leading to costly downtime and limitations in tank size and configuration, as they are typically wall-mounted and require draining the tank for repairs.
Innovation Solution
A bridge-mounted retrievable aeration system with a guide rail and transport device allows for the deployment and retrieval of diffusor frames without draining the tank, enabling maintenance and replacement without interrupting operations, and accommodating larger tank sizes by spanning across the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diffusor elements are fixed to the bottom of the tank via clamps or brackets, then the aeration elements remain securely in place, but maintenance and replacement become difficult, expensive, and time-consuming requiring tank drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed grid diffusor system into a dynamic retrievable system. The mounting frame assembly is designed to be movable along guide rails, allowing it to be easily retrieved from the tank for maintenance without draining the water. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining securement during operation while enabling easy retrieval when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the aeration system into modular components: the mounting frame assembly can be separated from the tank bottom and retrieved independently. This segmentation allows the aeration elements to be maintained or replaced by simply removing the entire frame assembly, eliminating the need for complex individual component repairs and avoiding tank drainage.
2Ease of repair
If wall-mounted retrievable systems are used, then maintenance can be performed without draining the tank, but the system is limited by tank width and cannot accommodate larger tank sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from wall-mounted (vertical dimension) to bridge-mounted (horizontal spanning dimension) retrievable systems. The bridge structure spans across the tank surface, allowing the mounting frame assembly to be retrieved from any position along the bridge. This dimensional change enables accommodation of larger tank sizes while maintaining the ability to perform maintenance without draining the tank.
3Device complexity
If fixed grid diffusor systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but frequent maintenance and replacement lead to costly downtime and operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic retrievability to the aeration system through bridge-mounted guide rails and movable mounting frame assemblies. This allows rapid retrieval and replacement of diffusor elements without tank drainage, eliminating operational downtime associated with maintenance while maintaining relatively simple system structure through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for aerating water in a treatment basin includes positioning at least one bridge above an upper surface of the water in the basin; providing a retrievable mounting frame assembly; securing a guide rail assembly to the bridge; transporting the mounting frame assembly on a transport device to a selected position on the walkway near the guide rail assembly; securing a transfer crane to the walkway proximate the guide rail assembly; transferring the mounting frame assembly from the transport device for connection to the a one guide rail assembly; connecting the mounting frame assembly to the guide rail assembly to provide a supply of air to the first air distribution conduit; moving the retrievable mounting frame assembly from a first position above the upper surface of the water to a second position below the water; and initiating a flow of air to the first air distribution conduit.