Sedimentation Tower With Smooth Walls for Faster Solids Settling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for settling and compacting particles in wastewater are inefficient, requiring significant time and resulting in high-fluid content slurry due to low compressive loads and frictional support from tank walls, leading to increased handling costs and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sedimentation tower with angled sidewalls (0-15°) and smooth interior surfaces, combined with an inlet above the midpoint and an outlet near the top, and a system of parallel augers to compact particles, measuring viscosity for optimal extraction when the desired fluid content is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional settling tanks with tapered lower sections are used, then particles can be directed to central extraction mechanism, but compressive load on lower particles is reduced and settling time extends significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional tapered geometry by using vertical or substantially vertical side walls instead of tapered walls. This inversion eliminates the frictional support effect that reduces compressive load, allowing particles to settle under full gravitational compression and achieve drier consistency faster.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the tank walls from tapered (angled) to vertical (0-15° from vertical). This parameter change fundamentally alters the force distribution on settled particles, maximizing compressive load and minimizing settling time while maintaining extractability through alternative means.
2Ease of operation
If tapered lower sections are used in settling tanks, then particles are directed to extraction mechanism, but frictional forces support particles and reduce compressive load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional tapered geometry by using vertical or substantially vertical side walls instead of tapered walls. This inversion eliminates the frictional support effect that reduces compressive load, allowing particles to settle under full gravitational compression and achieve drier consistency faster.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the extraction function from the settling geometry by using a separate extraction mechanism (augers, pumps, or conveyors) rather than relying on tapered walls to direct particles. This allows the settling zone to optimize for compressive load while extraction is handled by dedicated equipment.
3Productivity
If settling ponds are used with plenty of space, then solids can settle over long periods, but space requirements and time are excessive for urban settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal settling ponds to vertical settling towers, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve compact design. The vertical orientation with vertical walls maximizes compressive load on particles while minimizing the horizontal footprint, making the system suitable for urban environments with limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the tank walls from tapered (angled) to vertical (0-15° from vertical). This parameter change fundamentally alters the force distribution on settled particles, maximizing compressive load and minimizing settling time while maintaining extractability through alternative means.
4Ease of operation
If vertical augers are used at the base for sediment removal, then extraction is achieved, but compressive forces are limited by the reactive force of the material plug
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extraction function from the settling geometry by using a separate extraction mechanism (augers, pumps, or conveyors) rather than relying on tapered walls to direct particles. This allows the settling zone to optimize for compressive load while extraction is handled by dedicated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple extraction mechanisms positioned around the periphery rather than a single central auger. This distributed extraction system provides multiple reaction points and can apply greater total compressive force while maintaining the ability to remove settled material effectively.
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 sedimentation tower effectively reduces fluid content to a manageable level, allowing easier handling and transportation of settled particles as solids, enhancing efficiency and reducing handling costs.
Implementation Method 1
When wastewater is clarified via gravity settling it is common to collect the sediment in the base of the tank
Implementation Method 2
a sedimentation tower for settling, compacting and extracting particles in waste water
Implementation Method 3
Compressing the settled particles through a vertical auger may provide some means of reducing the fluid content of the settled particles
Data Source
AI summary
A sedimentation tower which includes a tank in which the sidewalls are at an angle to the vertical in the range 0-15°, and in which the walls in at least the lower half of the tank are smooth on the interior of the tank; the tank having an inlet at one side in the upper half of the tank for the admission of wastewater to be clarified and an outlet for the discharge of clarified water at the other side of the tank, closer to the top of the tank than said inlet; the tank having at least one solids outlet in or adjacent the base of the tank, for extracting settled particles from the tank.