Sedimentation Tank Mixing Layout for Controlled Suspension Dilution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sedimentation devices face challenges in efficiently diluting solid-liquid suspensions without disrupting the sedimentation process and optimizing chemical reactions, often requiring external mixing areas that increase space and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sedimentation device with a mixing area around the settling tank circumference, using a pump in the overflow collector to dilute the suspension upstream, isolated from the settling tank, allowing controlled chemical reactions and minimal turbulence, with a stilling chamber for flow homogenization and overflow measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If dilution is performed in the feed well, then the suspension can be diluted effectively, but the sedimentation process is disrupted and chemical reaction time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the feed well into two functionally independent areas: a mixing area for dilution and chemical addition, and a feed area for sedimentation. This segmentation allows dilution operations to occur without disrupting the sedimentation process, as the two functions are spatially separated within the same structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A baffle wall acts as an intermediary element between the mixing area and the feed area. It prevents direct hydraulic connection and turbulence transfer, allowing the mixing area to perform dilution while the feed area maintains stable sedimentation conditions. The baffle wall mediates the interaction between these two functional zones.
2Ease of manufacture
If chemicals are added in the feed well, then chemical treatment can be applied, but the reaction time is insufficient due to immediate sedimentation
Solution Approach 1:
The feed well is segmented into a mixing area where chemicals are added and mixed with suspension, and a separate feed area where sedimentation occurs. This spatial segmentation creates a dedicated zone for chemical reactions to occur before the suspension enters the sedimentation zone, extending reaction time.
Solution Approach 2:
Chemical mixing and reaction are performed preliminarily in the mixing area before the suspension enters the sedimentation zone. This preliminary action ensures that chemical reactions have sufficient time to occur and be effective before the separation process begins.
3Quantity of substance
If overflow is collected around the circumference, then uniform overflow removal is achieved, but turbulence is generated that can affect sedimentation
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow collector serves as an intermediary structure that collects overflow uniformly from the circumference while preventing direct hydraulic connection to the settling tank. By positioning the overflow collector at a distance and using vertical walls, it achieves uniform overflow removal without generating turbulence that would affect the sedimentation process.
4Ease of operation
If a pump is used to convey overflow to the mixing area, then dilution can be controlled, but the pump may introduce air into the overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is positioned entirely below the overflow level, utilizing hydraulic pressure to convey overflow to the mixing area. This hydraulic arrangement eliminates the need for suction lines that could introduce air, ensuring that only liquid overflow is pumped while maintaining overflow quality and preventing air entrainment.
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
Achieves efficient dilution of solid-liquid suspensions with optimized chemical reactions and minimal space requirements, ensuring the sedimentation process remains unaffected and allowing precise control over the dilution process.
Implementation Method 1
a pump is disposed in the overflow collector and overflow from the overflow collector can be fed to the mixing area via the pump
Implementation Method 2
the overflow flows over an overflow collector weir to an overflow collector arranged around the circumference of the settling tank
Implementation Method 3
other chemicals added in the mixing area have a longer reaction time because mixing does not take place in the feed well
Implementation Method 4
a stilling chamber for flow homogenization
Implementation Method 5
The phases are separated under the force of gravity into the solid and the liquid phase
Data Source
AI summary
A sedimentation device for separating a solid-liquid suspension has a settling tank, a feed well, a feed pipe, an overflow collector and a mixing area. A pump is disposed in the overflow collector and overflow from the overflow collector can be fed through the pump to the mixing area. The solid-liquid suspension to be clarified can be diluted without affecting the sedimentation process, the chemicals can be used to the optimum, and the amount of overflow fed to the mixing area can be exactly determined.