Segmented Flume System for Uniform Filter Bed Washing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter systems face mal-distribution issues during simultaneous liquid and gas washing procedures due to a low washing gas/liquid interface in flumes, leading to inefficient cleaning of filter beds in water and wastewater applications.

Innovation Solution

The design of a flume system that separates washing liquid and gas compartments, directing them upwardly through the filter bed without an interface, allowing for dedicated flumes for either liquid or gas and ensuring thorough evacuation of residual liquid to prevent mal-distribution, thereby optimizing fluid distribution during washing cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If simultaneous liquid and gas washing is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but fluid distribution uniformity deteriorates due to low gas/liquid interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidfluid distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flume system is divided into separate liquid-only flumes and gas-only flumes, eliminating the mixed fluid interface problem. Each flume is dedicated to carrying a single type of washing fluid, ensuring uniform distribution without the mal-distribution caused by gas-liquid interaction at low interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces separate flume structures as intermediaries between the washing fluid sources and the filter bed. These dedicated flumes act as mediators that deliver liquids or gases uniformly without the harmful interface effects that occur in mixed flumes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If low gas/liquid interface is accepted, then flume structure is simplified, but washing liquid area is reduced causing high velocities and mal-distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflume structure simplicityVSAvoidwashing liquid area

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the flume system into separate liquid and gas flumes, the patent restores the full cross-sectional area available for liquid flow. The liquid-only flumes can maintain higher liquid levels without gas interference, maximizing the wetted area and reducing flow velocities to achieve uniform distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If separate liquid and gas flumes are used, then fluid distribution uniformity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid distribution uniformityVSAvoidflume system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple separate flumes dedicated to different fluids (liquid-only and gas-only). This segmentation, while increasing component count, ensures uniform distribution by eliminating gas-liquid interface effects and allows each flume to be optimized for its specific fluid type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separate flume design provides versatility, allowing the system to handle different washing scenarios (liquid wash, gas wash, or combined) by selectively activating appropriate flumes. The same flume infrastructure can serve multiple washing purposes depending on the operational mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration enhances the uniform distribution of washing fluids, improving the cleaning efficiency of filter beds by eliminating the low gas/liquid interface issue and maximizing the area available for each fluid, leading to better filtration results.

Implementation Method 1

the flume receives a washing gas and directs the washing gas upwardly through the filter bed to assist in cleaning the filter bed between service runs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow through filter bed:

Implementation Method 2

the flume receives a washing liquid and directs the washing liquid upwardly through the filter bed to assist in cleaning the filter bed between service runs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid flow through filter bed:

Implementation Method 3

the washing procedure that employs simultaneous liquid and air washing fluids is highly susceptible to mal-distribution of the washing fluids through the filter bed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid distribution:

Data Source

PatentUS8992774B2Flume system for a filter system including at least one filter having a filter bed that is periodically washed with liquid, gas or a combination thereof

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 RG DELAWARE

AI summary

A filter system having a filter bed for filtering water or wastewater, where the filter bed is periodically washed between service runs by directing washing liquid and washing gas upwardly through the filter bed. The filter system includes a filter bed and at least one flume. The flume is in fluid communication with the filter bed. Preferably, the flume is configured such that no washing liquid and washing gas interface is present in the flume. The flume may be configured such that during washing of the filter bed between service runs the flume receives a washing gas and directs the washing gas upwardly through the filter bed to assist in cleaning the filter bed between service runs. The flume may further be configured such that during washing the only liquid directed from the flume to the filter bed is residual liquid that may be present in the flume from a prior service run.