Reverse Energy Dissipating Inlet Eliminates Feedwell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wastewater treatment clarifiers are costly due to material expenses, particularly in the feedwell and energy dissipating inlet (EDI), and face issues with scum accumulation and removal, with conventional EDI designs being unsuitable for submerged applications with varying liquid levels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a reverse energy dissipating inlet (REDI) with radial baffles and a submerged design that eliminates the need for a feedwell, reducing material costs and improving flow velocity to enhance settling efficiency, while maintaining or improving effluent quality, and allowing operation in equalization basins with varying liquid levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional feedwell and energy dissipating inlet (EDI) are used, then flow velocity can be controlled to promote settling, but material costs and fabrication costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the feedwell component from the conventional EDI system, extracting only the essential energy dissipation function. The simplified EDI structure eliminates the need for a separate feedwell while maintaining flow velocity control through optimized baffle design and inlet geometry, thereby reducing material costs and fabrication complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single EDI structure that performs both flow distribution and energy dissipation without requiring a separate feedwell. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while maintaining effective solids settling promotion.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional feedwell is used with EDI, then flow distribution is achieved, but scum accumulates in the annular space between feedwell and EDI
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the feedwell component that creates the annular space where scum accumulates. By eliminating this component, the source of the scum accumulation problem is removed while flow distribution is maintained through the optimized EDI baffle system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by eliminating the feedwell and allowing flow to enter the EDI directly from the tank center. This reversal of the conventional configuration eliminates the annular space that traps scum, preventing accumulation rather than requiring additional scum removal mechanisms.
3Productivity
If conventional EDI/feedwell designs are used, then flow velocity is controlled, but the system cannot operate in equalization basins with varying liquid levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the EDI with dynamic adaptability to varying liquid levels through adjustable baffle configurations and flexible inlet positioning. The system can maintain effective flow velocity control across different operating levels by adjusting the baffle angles and inlet depth, enabling operation in equalization basins where liquid levels fluctuate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the EDI system to adapt to varying liquid levels by changing operational parameters such as inlet depth, baffle angle, and flow distribution patterns. These parameter adjustments allow the system to maintain effective solids settling promotion across different liquid levels in equalization basin applications.
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 REDI design reduces material and installation costs by 10-20% and total clarifier costs by 5-10%, eliminates scum accumulation, and achieves similar horizontal velocities to standard EDI/feedwell configurations, while promoting efficient solids settling and circulation within the tank.
Implementation Method 1
energy dissipating inlet
Implementation Method 2
promote settling of solids to the floor of the tank
Implementation Method 3
Series of baffles are positioned between the top and bottom plates in the reverse EDI, helping slow the flow velocity
Implementation Method 4
An eductor gap is positioned between the EDI's top plate and the center influent pipe. Eductor flow from the tank volume down along the center influent to mix with the flow at the ports
Data Source
AI summary
A clarifier of a wastewater treatment system is made more efficient and cost effective with an energy dissipating inlet (EDI) that removes the need for a conventional feedwell/EDI system. A central influent pipe has wastewater outlet ports under the liquid surface, the ports being surrounded by an efficient EDI surrounding the center pipe and extending outwardly therefrom. The EDI receives influent flow and directs the sludge outwardly and generally downwardly at reduced flow velocity. Series of baffles in the EDI help slow the flow velocity and disperse the sludge. In another embodiment a faucet-type EDI has discharge openings that disperse the sludge downwardly after it has flowed through sets of baffles above. Significant cost reductions in material and installation are realized by elimination of the conventional feedwell/EDI system.