Rotating Tray Decontamination Unit for Wastewater Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current desalination methods are energy-intensive and costly, with inefficiencies in removing suspended salts and clogging of membranes in reverse osmosis systems, and existing technologies lack real-time monitoring and control systems to optimize energy consumption and water recovery.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a horizontal water processing vessel with rotating trays and fixed baffles, coupled with a turbine and heat exchanger, that separates contaminants from water vapor, recycles brine, and incorporates sensors and controls for real-time operation to maximize water recovery and minimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If reverse osmosis membranes are used to remove suspended salts, then water purification is improved, but membrane clogging occurs and system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the water treatment process into multiple stages: pre-filtration stage (removing large particles), main reverse osmosis stage (removing dissolved salts), and post-treatment stage. This segmentation prevents membrane clogging by handling different contaminant types at different stages, improving both purification quality and system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary filtration actions before the main reverse osmosis process. Pre-filters and ultra-filters are installed upstream to remove suspended solids, organics, and bacteria before water enters the reverse osmosis membranes, preventing membrane fouling and extending system operational life
2Productivity
If multi-stage flash distillation is used for large-scale desalination, then water production capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operating parameters by using high-pressure pumps to increase feed water pressure instead of using thermal energy for heating. This pressure-driven reverse osmosis process achieves desalination at lower temperatures, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining high water production capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces thermal-based distillation processes with mechanical pressure-driven reverse osmosis. High-pressure pumps generate the necessary pressure to force water through semi-permeable membranes, substituting mechanical energy for thermal energy and reducing overall energy consumption
3Manufacturing precision
If high-pressure pumps are used in reverse osmosis systems, then water purification is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service energy recovery through pressure exchangers that capture high-pressure brine and use its pressure to pre-compress feed water before it enters the high-pressure pump. This self-service mechanism reduces the energy burden on the main pump while maintaining the high pressure needed for effective reverse osmosis purification
4Use of energy by moving object
If real-time monitoring and control systems are added, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control through sensors that continuously monitor parameters such as pressure, flow rate, and quality metrics. This real-time feedback enables automatic adjustment of pump speeds and valve positions to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining purification quality, managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms
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 system effectively recovers up to 99% potable water while reducing energy consumption and maintaining efficient operation by recycling contaminants and using sensors for real-time adjustments, addressing the inefficiencies of existing desalination methods.
Implementation Method 1
a decontamination unit having a generally horizontal elongated vessel having a plurality of alternately spaced rotating trays and fixed baffles disposed vertically along the elongated vessel
Implementation Method 2
vaporizing water
Implementation Method 3
an electrical generator fixedly attached to a portion of the rotating shaft that protrudes from the elongated vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process for decontaminating a bio-contaminated wastewater fluid as from a slaughterhouse or similar facility. The system and process recovers purified vapor/steam through a decontamination unit having a plurality of alternating rotating trays and fixed baffles in a processing vessel producing separate purified and contaminant streams. One or more filter/strainer units are disposed in parallel before the decontamination unit, and may be used alternately while the other is cleaned. A rotating shaft connected to the rotating trays may also connected to an electrical generator to provide electricity for circuits and controls in the system.