Single Vessel Reaction Chamber with Independent Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for chemical and biological processes, particularly in wastewater processing, lack the ability to independently control reaction conditions in a single vessel, limiting the simultaneous performance of multiple reactions under different conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a vessel having an upper and lower portion, each with independently controllable Venturi pumps and liquid-driving pumps, allowing for separate circulation and reaction conditions in each portion, enabling simultaneous performance of chemical and biological reactions, including microbial digestion, under different conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate vessels are used to perform different chemical and biological reactions under different conditions, then reaction condition control is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single reaction chamber is segmented into multiple distinct zones (first zone and second zone) that can be independently controlled. Each zone has its own mixing assembly with Venturi pumps, allowing different reaction conditions to be maintained simultaneously in different spatial regions within the same vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the reaction chamber are given different local properties through independent control of mixing intensity, aeration, and chemical addition. The first zone can be optimized for aerobic reactions while the second zone is optimized for anaerobic reactions, with each zone having tailored flow patterns and environmental conditions.
2Productivity
If multiple separate vessels are used for different reaction modes, then reaction optimization is improved, but space and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reaction systems that would traditionally require separate vessels are merged into a single integrated reaction chamber. The system combines aerobic and anaerobic reaction capabilities, multiple mixing zones, and different chemical addition points within one vessel, thereby reducing total space requirements while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single reaction chamber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - supporting both aerobic and anaerobic reactions, accommodating different mixing intensities, and enabling various chemical and biological processes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized vessels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent control of each reaction zone is implemented, then reaction flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Venturi pumps are used to provide hydraulic mixing and fluid circulation in each zone. The Venturi effect creates efficient mixing through pressure differential without requiring complex mechanical moving parts in each zone, simplifying the overall system while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to allow automatic or semi-automatic control where each zone can be independently regulated through simple control mechanisms. The independent mixing assemblies and chemical addition systems enable flexible operation without requiring complex centralized control, allowing each zone to serve its specific reaction requirements autonomously.
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 efficient and flexible processing of wastewater by allowing aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic digestion modes in a single vessel, reducing the need for multiple vessels, saving space, resources, and simplifying maintenance, while optimizing reaction conditions for each mode.
Implementation Method 1
Each mixing assembly comprises a Venturi pump having a motive fluid inlet, an aspirate inlet and a Venturi pump outlet, the Venturi pump configured for accepting liquid contents of a corresponding portion (upper or lower portion) of the chamber into the motive fluid inlet as motive fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices suitable for performing chemical and/or biological reactions. Also disclosed are methods of simultaneously performing at least two chemical and/or biological reactions under different conditions in a single reaction chamber.