Separator Decanter Access for Sludge Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water treatment devices face difficulties in accurately measuring and efficiently extracting sludge from under lamellar settling cells due to limited access, leading to inefficient sludge removal and cleaning operations.

Innovation Solution

A separator-decanter device with a means of access that traverses the lamellar settling cell, allowing direct measurement of the sludge veil and efficient removal through a sensor and suction pipe, minimizing interference with the settling surface and maintaining laminar flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a lamellar settling cell is used for water treatment, then particle separation and settling efficiency is improved, but access to the storage zone under the cell for measurement and sludge extraction becomes difficult or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesludge level measurementVSAvoidaccess to storage zone
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a separate access means (duct or opening) that provides independent access to the storage zone under the lamellar settling cell. This segmentation allows measurement and sludge extraction operations to be performed without interfering with the settling process, resolving the contradiction between maintaining settling efficiency and enabling access for operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access means acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the external measurement/extraction equipment and the storage zone under the settling cell. This intermediary structure enables precise sludge level measurement and efficient sludge removal while preserving the integrity and functionality of the lamellar settling cell.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the lower section of effluent channels is closed to maintain laminar flow, then settling efficiency is improved, but access under the settling cell for sludge extraction becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesettling efficiencyVSAvoidsludge extraction access
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the flow maintenance function from the access function by providing a dedicated access means independent of the effluent channels. This allows the channels to remain closed for optimal settling while the access means provides separate entry points for sludge extraction operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access means is positioned at the lower section of the settling cell, providing access from a different spatial location than the effluent channels. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous maintenance of laminar flow in the channels and provision of access for sludge extraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If sludge measurement is carried out in an upstream compartment, then access is easier, but the measurement is not representative of actual sludge storage in the settling compartment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accessVSAvoidsludge level representation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The access means serves as an intermediary that enables direct measurement in the storage zone while maintaining ease of operation. By providing a dedicated access path to the actual sludge storage location, the invention allows external measurement equipment to accurately assess sludge levels without requiring access to upstream compartments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables precise sludge level measurement and effective sludge extraction, improving the reliability and efficiency of sludge removal and cleaning operations while maintaining the separation and settling process.

Implementation Method 1

The lamellar cell makes it possible to create and maintain a laminar flow making it possible to ensure the separation and settling of the solid particles contained in the treated liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaminar flow: Laminar Flow

Implementation Method 2

These particles then fall into a sediment retention cell, positioned under the lamellar cell, where they will agglomerate to form sludge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentEP3238803B1Separator-decanter device for the treatment of rainwater and / or runoff
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 SAINT DIZIER ENVIRONNEMENT
  • EP3238803B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (1) separator-decanter for the treatment of rainwater and/or runoff (2) loaded with sludge particles to be removed from said water (2), said device (1) comprising a tank (3) to which is connected at least one supply pipe (4) through which the said loaded water (2) arrives and at least one discharge pipe (5) through which is discharged water (6) freed of at least part of said particles, said tank (3) comprising at least one separation and decantation compartment (7), which contains at least one lamellar decantation cell (8) configured to allow the passage of said sludge particles through said at least one lamellar decantation cell (8), towards a storage area (9) for the sludge (10), said storage area (9) being located under said at least one lamellar decantation cell (8).The present device (1) is particular in that it includes at least one means of access (11) to said storage area (9) from outside (E) of the device (1), said means of access (11) passing through said at least one lamellar settling cell (8), for a measurement of the sludge blanket in said storage area (9) and an effective removal of said sludge.