Multi-Cylinder Sedimentation Apparatus with Rotating Sensor Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-liquid and liquid-liquid separation technologies face challenges in performing simultaneous sedimentation tests under standardized conditions, leading to human error and variability in data collection, particularly in the 'jar-test' method, which lacks automated data collection and real-time analysis.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with multiple sedimentation cylinders, each equipped with non-intrusive sensor housings and a control system for real-time data collection and analysis, allowing for simultaneous testing under standardized conditions, using automatic flocculant dosing and advanced sensors for precise measurement of mud bed position, density, and clarity, with a custom software for computational analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual jar-test method is used for sedimentation testing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and data accuracy deteriorate due to human error in data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic systems. Optical sensors detect mud bed position and clarity, while a control system automatically records data, eliminating human error in measurement and data collection while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs self-measurement and self-recording through integrated sensors and control systems. The system automatically monitors sedimentation parameters, collects data, and generates results without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving precision while keeping operations simple.
2Productivity
If multiple sedimentation tests are performed simultaneously under different conditions, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to ensure standardized mixing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it holds multiple sedimentation cylinders, provides standardized mixing through rotation, and ensures uniform treatment conditions for all tests simultaneously. This universal design enables consistent, reproducible results across multiple parallel tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure rotates periodically to mix all sedimentation cylinders simultaneously under identical conditions. This periodic rotational mixing ensures that all tests experience the same mixing intensity and duration, guaranteeing standardized conditions while maintaining high productivity through parallel testing.
3Measurement precision
If automated sensor systems are implemented for real-time data collection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Manual measurement operations are replaced with optical sensors and automated control systems that continuously monitor sedimentation parameters. The system automatically detects mud bed position, measures clarity, and records data with high precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system receives continuous feedback from optical sensors regarding mud bed position and liquid clarity. This feedback enables real-time monitoring and automatic recording of sedimentation data, improving measurement precision while the integrated control architecture keeps system complexity manageable.
4Loss of time
If manual data collection and analysis methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to manual processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-data collection, self-analysis, and self-reporting through integrated sensors and control software. The apparatus automatically processes sedimentation data, generates results, and provides interpretations without requiring manual data processing, thereby eliminating time loss while keeping the automation level appropriate for the application.
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
This approach reduces human error, enhances data accuracy and precision, optimizes additive selection and dosages, improves liquor clarity, and reduces contamination and costs, enabling real-time remote access and analysis of sedimentation data.
Implementation Method 1
Rotate the sedimentation cylinders around an axis of rotation to homogenise the solutions in each sedimentation cylinder
Implementation Method 2
the suspended particles are allowed to settle under the influence of gravity to form a thickened mud bed on the bottom of the tank or vessel
Implementation Method 3
static sedimentation tests
Implementation Method 4
non-intrusive emitter and receiving sensor housing
Implementation Method 5
chemical products (principally, but not limited to, flocculants and coagulants) may be mixed with the slurry as it is fed into the tank
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for static sedimentation tests comprising a plurality of sedimentation cylinders, which are subject to the same mixing conditions, said apparatus comprises:a. A variable number of transparent sedimentation cylinders, the most common being 12;b. Each sedimentation cylinder is located inside a non-intrusive emitter and receiving sensor housing where each housing has an electronic ID card, electronic circuit boards and connection to a control system;c. A support structure containing the sedimentation cylinders and sensor housings which rotates around an axis of rotation;d. Each sedimentation cylinder has a bottom stopper and top stopper;e. Where each bottom stopper of each sedimentation cylinder is mounted on a lateral bar parallel to the rotation axis, by a fixing to the supporting structure;f. Also the sedimentation cylinders are fixed in the supporting structure by a clamping system around the top stopper of each sedimentation cylinderg. The top stopper of each sedimentation cylinder has an additive injection system.In addition, its presented a method for static sedimentation tests carried out simultaneously and under the same mixing conditions in a plurality of sedimentation cylinders, the most common being 12; which rotate around an axis of rotation; where each sedimentation cylinder is located inside a sensor housing which are connected to a control system.