Skimmer With Flexible Peripheral Membrane For Sediment Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water skimmers lack modularity, efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, and are not well-suited for varying types and sizes of basins and different stages of usage, failing to meet current and future environmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A water skimmer design featuring a buoyant element with a flexible membrane and adjustable flow constriction, allowing for controlled water removal from sediment basins, with interchangeable membranes for different conditions and adjustable buoyancy, ensuring efficient sediment filtration and water flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid skimmer designs are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different basin sizes and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The skimmer is divided into modular components including interchangeable membranes, adjustable flow constrictions, and separable buoyant elements. This segmentation allows different membrane types and flow rates to be combined with a single buoyant element structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyant element structure serves multiple functions: providing flotation, supporting interchangeable membranes, and accommodating adjustable flow constrictions. This multi-functionality allows one structural design to adapt to various basin conditions without requiring complete redesign, balancing adaptability with design simplicity.
2Productivity
If fixed flow rate skimmers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but efficiency in meeting varying regulatory requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow constriction is designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the opening size to be modified based on regulatory requirements and basin conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables efficient water removal at varying rates without requiring multiple different skimmer models, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving productivity.
3Reliability
If single-function skimmers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but reliability in meeting diverse environmental regulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different membrane types with varying filtration parameters (pore sizes, materials, permeability) can be interchanged on the same skimmer structure. This allows the skimmer to reliably meet different regulatory requirements by changing membrane parameters rather than changing the entire device, balancing reliability with controlled complexity.
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
The skimmer effectively manages water flow rates and sediment filtration, meeting regulatory requirements while being adaptable to different basin sizes and usage stages, ensuring reliable and efficient water removal with reduced sediment content.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant element with a buoyancy sufficient that the skimmer will float generally at a surface of water within the basin
Implementation Method 2
The flexible membrane includes a side wall extending downward from the buoyant element to a position below the inlet, the flexible membrane configured to at least one of, filter water passing through the flexible membrane
Implementation Method 3
redirect water to pass under the flexible membrane, to and through the inlet at a water flow rate
Implementation Method 4
an inlet pipe mounted to an underside of the buoyant element via the mount, the inlet pipe defining an inlet located within a perimeter of the buoyant element for receiving water to be transmitted to the outlet conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A skimmer for removing water from a basin to an outlet conduit includes a buoyant element with a buoyancy sufficient that the skimmer will float generally at a surface of water within the basin; an inlet mounted to an underside of the buoyant element, the inlet pipe defining an inlet located within a perimeter of the buoyant element for receiving water to be transmitted to the outlet conduit; and a flexible membrane arranged circumferentially around the buoyant element. The flexible membrane side wall extends downward from the buoyant element to a position below the inlet, the flexible membrane configured to at least one of, filter water passing through the flexible membrane and redirect water to pass under the flexible membrane, to and through the inlet at a water flow rate. A related kit includes two skirts configured for use in different flow conditions.