Reversible Pump with Shredder for Gravity Wastewater Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gravity feed wastewater drainage systems often reach maximum capacity quickly due to increased precipitation or high usage, leading to overflow and clogging issues, which require costly infrastructure replacements and wet well maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid pumping apparatus and method that increases flow rate in gravity feed networks by using a main conduit with check valves, sensors, and reversible pumps with shredder capabilities, allowing for self-clearing and continuous flow without increasing pipe size or pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the internal section of gravity piping is increased to increase maximum flow capacity, then the flow capacity is improved, but the infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent installs a pump system within the existing gravity pipe, creating a nested configuration where the pump assembly (including pump body, drive mechanism, and clearing mechanism) fits inside the existing conduit. This allows flow capacity enhancement without replacing the external pipe infrastructure, directly resolving the contradiction between increased productivity and reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reversible pump with clearing mechanism as an intermediary device between the upstream and downstream sections of the gravity pipe. This intermediary system actively manages flow and clears blockages, enabling increased flow capacity without modifying the existing pipe structure, thus avoiding infrastructure replacement costs
2Productivity
If conventional pumps are used in gravity feed networks, then liquid flow is increased, but clogging occurs due to stringy materials and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reversible pump that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. In forward rotation, it pumps liquid; in reverse rotation, it acts as a clearing mechanism to break up and eject blockages. This inversion of function eliminates clogging issues that plague conventional single-direction pumps, simultaneously maintaining productivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The reversible clearing mechanism enables the pump system to self-clear blockages without external intervention. The automatic reversal capability allows the system to detect and clear its own obstructions, eliminating the need for manual maintenance and wet well interventions, thus improving both reliability and operational continuity
3Reliability
If backup pumping devices or second pumping stations are installed to prevent failure, then system reliability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reversible pump performs multiple functions: pumping liquid in forward rotation and clearing blockages in reverse rotation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate backup pumping devices or second pumping stations, as a single device provides both primary pumping and failure prevention capabilities, reducing both cost and device complexity while maintaining reliability
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 solution effectively increases the flow rate of liquids in gravity feed networks during peak conditions without the need for infrastructure replacement, reduces clogging risks, and lowers maintenance and operational costs through remote sensing and control.
Implementation Method 1
one or more pumps having a motor operably connected to an impeller formed by one or more plates secured on a disc and one or more blades located on a side of the one or more plates, the motor configured to operate in a forward direction to drive the impeller and in a reverse direction to allow the one or more blades to clear any blockage
Implementation Method 2
a check valve operably connected in the manifold portion of the main conduit, the check valve operable between a first position and a second position to interrupt or resume the liquid flow
Implementation Method 3
at least one sensor adapted to determine a predetermined value of the liquid flow located in the main conduit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a pumping apparatus, system and method for increasing the flow of the in a first direction to boost liquid flow and in a reverse second direction to remove blockages and/or self-clearing, with operation having an rotor/impeller that can use a shredder and/or shearing action utilizing blades for processing to pass solids, debris and other things to prevent clogging and/or self-cleaning of the unit.