Skimming Device Bypass Suction for Continuous Debris Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skimming and separation devices face issues with clogging due to solid objects and intermittent discharging phases, which reduce efficiency and capacity, especially when handling floating debris like bottle caps, plastic, and plant material.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a bypass member open to atmospheric pressure or an automatically controlled constant under-pressure system for continuous debris removal, and a guiding unit with finger-like elements to direct solid debris into the discharge zone for efficient transportation to a storage tank using suction forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If intermittent discharging phases are used to remove collected pollutants, then the separation process can be simplified, but the overall capacity and efficiency of the device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous discharge system where the bypass member constantly removes collected pollutants from the separation compartment through suction forces. This eliminates the intermittent discharge cycles of prior art, maintaining continuous separation operation and maximizing device capacity without requiring periodic interruption of the intake function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solid objects are carried along by the oil to the separation compartment, then the collection function is comprehensive, but clogging occurs in the discharge system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bypass member with suction forces as an intermediary mechanism between the separation compartment and discharge system. This bypass channel selectively removes pollutants including solid objects before they reach the main discharge path, preventing clogging while maintaining comprehensive collection capability through the angled nozzles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If floating solid debris is transported to the top of the separating unit, then complete collection is achieved, but the process takes considerably longer time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic suction forces through the bypass member to rapidly transport floating solid debris and other pollutants from the separation compartment to the discharge zone. This pneumatic transport mechanism is much faster than natural floating to the surface, achieving complete collection while significantly reducing transportation time.
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 solution enables continuous and efficient removal of pollutants without disrupting the separation process, improving handling of solid debris and increasing the device's capacity and efficiency in transporting pollutants to storage.
Implementation Method 1
a bypass member, being open to atmospheric pressure or a bypass member with an automatically controlled constant under pressure that provides for a continuous removing of the collected floating pollutants from a separating unit and facilitate transportation of the pollutants to a suitable storage tank
Implementation Method 2
The rotation of the fluid in the separation and discharge compartment makes a large horizontal area with a homogenous vertical speed. The discharge of fluid in the bottom of the separation compartment will generate a vertically oriented speed. This speed may be adjusted to be lower than the speed that the gravitational separation forces are generated to bring the pollutants towards the discharge area/compartment.
Implementation Method 3
a floater, which has some buoyancy. The floater is attached at its lower side to an essentially vertically arranged bellow allowing the floater to move from an upper position where no flow may enter the apparatus to a lower position forming a skimming weir allowing flow of water and debris to follow the contours of the floater
Data Source
AI summary
A skimming and separation device comprising an outer casing (1) provided with constructions to directly or indirectly fasten all parts, defining an open container (2), and a floater (3) configured to create the skimming function of the device, the floater is attached at its lower side to an essentially vertically arranged bellow (4) allowing the floater to adapt flow into a substantially circum volume and allowing the floater to move from an upper position with essentially no flow into the container (2) to a lower position allowing flow of water and debris follow the contours of the floater (3) in a downward direction into the device. A power device (8) is provided and includes a propeller to achieve in-flow and outflow of the device. The device further comprises a bypass member (B) being in fluid communication to an under pressure source via a suction tube (12), such that, during operation, an essentially continuously under pressure suction force is available at the bypass member. The bypass member and a guiding unit arranged in the device are both structured to continuously subject debris and floating pollutions to be accumulated on an upper surface in the skimming and separation device and to be subject to the suction force such that the debris and floating pollutions will enter the suction tube (12) directly and to facilitate a continuous flow pollutants to a tank.