Spoiler-Based Subcritical Flow for Pollutant Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filtration systems in fish farming require frequent cleaning and large amounts of water to maintain water quality, as pollutants accumulate on filtration materials, leading to reduced filtration efficiency and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A water-pollutant separation device with an inverted-barrel shaped separation structure and spoiler that generates subcritical flow, allowing easy discharge of pollutants and reducing accumulation on filtration materials, combined with multiple layers of filtration materials for secondary separation and biological treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a sedimentation tank or rotating separation module is used for separating particles pollutant, then the separation function is provided, but the separation effect is very low and the device scale needs to be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sedimentation tank or rotating separation module with a spoiler-based flow control structure. The spoiler generates subcritical flow that reduces water velocity, allowing particles to settle naturally without requiring large-scale mechanical separation equipment. This substitutes complex mechanical separation systems with a simpler flow dynamics approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow velocity parameter by using the spoiler to transition from high-velocity turbulent flow to low-velocity subcritical flow. This parameter change enables effective particle separation in a compact space, eliminating the need for large-scale sedimentation tanks while maintaining good separation effect.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the device scale is enlarged to improve separation effect, then the separation effect is improved, but the water quantity needed for back flushing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces large-scale mechanical separation systems with a compact spoiler-based flow control structure. The subcritical flow generated by the spoiler enables effective particle separation without requiring large volumes of water for back flushing, as the separation occurs passively through flow velocity reduction rather than active mechanical processes.
3Speed
If strong water flow is applied to the particles, then the water flow rate is maintained, but the separation effect is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water flow path using the spoiler structure, creating distinct high-velocity and low-velocity zones. The spoiler divides the incoming high-velocity flow, allowing particles to settle in the reduced-velocity zones while maintaining overall system flow rate. This segmentation enables both high flow rate and effective separation to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent locally changes the flow velocity parameter using the spoiler, creating subcritical flow zones where particles can settle while maintaining high flow rate in other parts of the system. This localized parameter change allows simultaneous achievement of high water flow rate and effective particle separation.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If filtration materials are used to block particles pollutant, then the water is purified, but the pollutant accumulates on the filtration materials and cleaning becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the spoiler to reduce flow velocity and promote particle settlement before water reaches the filtration materials. This preliminary separation of particles prevents heavy pollutant accumulation on filters, reducing the frequency and time required for cleaning operations while maintaining water purification effectiveness.
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 system effectively separates and discharges pollutants with reduced maintenance, maintaining stable water quality and minimizing the need for frequent cleaning and large water usage, thus lowering operational costs and improving water quality.
Implementation Method 1
a spoiler, which is installed onto the water inlet pipe after which goes through the upper closing cover of the separation structure in the tank, having a sealed lower-end and a plurality of openings or slots on the side-wall to generate subcritical flow to spoil the water flow
Implementation Method 2
the inner-wall of the separation structure is provided with filtration materials
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention, relating to a water-pollutant separation device, on which a water-pollutant separation and filtration device, an ornamental fish tank water-pollutant separation and filtration system, and a high density cultivation water-pollutant separation, filtration and oxygen aeration system are based on, comprises a tank, a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe respectively communicated with the top of the separation tank, and a pollutant discharge pipe disposed at the bottom of the tank; the inner cavity of the tank is provided with a separation structure which is in an inverted barrel shape, having an upper closing cover and slightly smaller external dimensions than that of the tank which provides a gap between the separation structure and the bottom of the tank; a spoiler is installed onto the water inlet pipe after the water inlet pipe passes through the upper closing cover of the separation structure in the tank; the spoiler is sealed at the lower end, and is provided with a plurality of openings or slots on the side wall to generate a subcritical flow to spoil the water flow, the openings or slots being biased in the same direction. In the technical solution, a water-pollutant separation device is preferably added prior to fish tank filtration, and the multiple slots provided on the spoiler are suitable for splitting the flow of relatively large water flow, so that most pollutants in the water can be separated and discharged, thus reducing the accumulation of the pollutants on filtration material, and improving water quality and stability.