Solids Removal Vessel with Segmented Weirs for Wastewater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing solids from solid-liquid mixtures, such as wastewater from oil and gas exploration, are inefficient and lack effective solutions for separating and treating contaminated fluids.
Innovation Solution
A solids removal system comprising a vessel with specific weir configurations and channels, along with a method for controlling fluid levels to separate solids, utilizing underflow and overflow weirs to collect and remove solids, and treat water, enhanced by bubblers for flotation and pneumatic valves for solid removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solids removal methods are used, then solids can be removed from solid-liquid mixtures, but the removal efficiency is low and the treatment process is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber for inlet and settling, second chamber for overflow and collection) separated by weirs. This segmentation allows different treatment stages to occur simultaneously in different zones, improving both removal efficiency and treatment effectiveness by creating dedicated spaces for settling, overflow, and solids collection
Solution Approach 2:
Weirs serve as intermediary structures between chambers, controlling fluid flow and enabling selective passage of liquid versus solids. The underflow weir and overflow weir act as mediators that direct contaminated fluid through the treatment process while separating solids based on their settling characteristics
2Productivity
If multiple weir structures and channels are added to improve separation, then solids removal efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weirs perform multiple functions simultaneously: they act as flow control barriers, separation interfaces, and structural dividers between chambers. Each weir structure serves universal purposes of directing fluid flow while enabling solids-liquid separation, reducing the need for additional specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel design merges settling, overflow, and collection functions into a single integrated structure with interconnected chambers. The weirs combine flow regulation and separation functions, while the bottom solids collection area merges settling and accumulation processes, simplifying the overall system compared to multiple separate units
3Productivity
If fluid level is increased to overflow level to improve solids collection, then more solids are captured, but energy consumption increases for pumping and fluid control
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel utilizes gravitational potential energy by designing the weirs at specific heights that allow fluid to flow naturally from the first chamber to the second chamber when the overflow level is reached. This equipotential design eliminates the need for additional pumping energy to maintain the overflow condition, as gravity naturally drives the flow once the critical level is achieved
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically controls fluid flow and solids collection through the weir structures without requiring external energy input for active control. When fluid reaches the overflow level, it automatically flows through the weirs into the collection chamber, and solids are passively separated and collected, making the system self-regulating and energy-efficient
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
Effectively separates and removes solids from contaminated fluids, allowing for efficient treatment and collection of clean water, capable of handling large volumes of waste water and promoting flotation of lighter solids.
Implementation Method 1
collecting second solids from the fluid settling adjacent a bottom of the vessel adjacent a lower end of the underflow weir
Implementation Method 2
capable of handling large volumes of waste water and promoting flotation of lighter solids
Data Source
AI summary
A system for solids removal is provided that includes a vessel having an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, an outer wall defining an interior space of the vessel and extending from the lower end to the upper end. The vessel further includes a bottom connected to the outer wall adjacent the lower end. The vessel includes an underflow weir, a solids collection weir, and a weir bottom connected to the underflow weir and the solids collection weir. The vessel further includes an overflow weir positioned in the interior space and connected to the vessel adjacent the lower end of the vessel and extending a distance to an upper end of the overflow weir located adjacent the upper end of the vessel, the overflow weir located between the underflow weir and the outlet.