Submerged Clarifier Launder Algae Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clarifier launders experience significant issues with algae buildup due to exposure to daylight, requiring frequent cleaning or the installation of algae sweeps, which are costly and operationally intensive.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a submerged effluent launder with a modified density current baffle, featuring an inwardly angled plate extended below the liquid level, a vertical mounting plate, and horizontal shelves, minimizing sun exposure and eliminating the need for weir plates, scum baffles, and algae sweeps by operating as a hydraulic conduit with controlled liquid levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional launders are exposed to daylight, then algae growth is promoted, but cleaning frequency and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the launder from the atmospheric environment and submerges it below the liquid level in the clarifier. By taking the launder out of the daylight-exposed environment and placing it in the submerged zone, the harmful effect of light-promoted algae growth is eliminated without requiring frequent cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid in the clarifier serves as an intermediary medium that physically separates the launder from the atmospheric environment. The launder operates through the liquid medium, allowing effluent to be collected while the liquid barrier blocks light from reaching the launder, thereby preventing algae growth.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If algae sweeps or covers are installed to prevent algae growth, then algae buildup is controlled, but capital and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for algae sweeps and covers by extracting the launder from the atmospheric environment entirely. The submerged configuration removes the root cause of algae growth (light exposure) so that additional anti-algae components become unnecessary.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding components (sweeps or covers) to an atmospheric launder to prevent algae, the invention inverts the approach by submerging the launder below the liquid level. This fundamental reconfiguration of the launder's position eliminates algae growth without requiring additional anti-algae components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If submerged effluent launder is used, then algae growth is prevented, but hydraulic control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The submerged launder configuration requires monitoring the liquid level in the clarifier to ensure the launder remains submerged and functioning properly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the hydraulic conditions maintain the anti-algae benefit while allowing efficient effluent collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid in the clarifier serves a dual function: it acts as the medium through which the submerged launder collects effluent, and simultaneously serves as the barrier that blocks light from reaching the launder. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate anti-algae components while maintaining hydraulic efficiency.
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 effectively prevents algae growth, reduces maintenance and capital costs by eliminating the need for frequent cleaning and algae sweeps, while maintaining efficient hydraulic operation and scum removal.
Implementation Method 1
The submerged effluent launder operates hydraulically as a substantially or completely full conduit, with liquid level in the clarifier controlled by monitoring plant influent flow rate or monitoring liquid level in the clarifier and controlling the level by an automatic weir elsewhere in the launder, or by an automatic valve in the effluent pipe
Implementation Method 2
A density current baffle in conventional construction is typically attached to the clarifier tank wall about one-half to two-thirds of the side water depth from the tank floor or to the bottom corner of the launder
Data Source
AI summary
A clarifier in a wastewater treatment plant is provided with a submerged launder for effluent, the launder preferably having an integral density current baffle and scum baffle. In one embodiment an existing launder is modified, with its vertical leg replaced with a sloped plate defining launder conduit triangular in cross section, and with a sloping portion of the plate forming a density current baffle. Openings in the sloped plate permit entry of effluent liquid, and the liquid level in a clarifier is controlled without an overflow weir plate. In another form submerged pipe with entry holes serves as the launder, with support brackets integral with a density current baffle. A third form of the launder is a box formed beneath the shelf of an existing internal launder in the clarifier, again with a density current baffle extending down from the box. In another version an existing launder is covered and sealed, and holes are drilled through the launder wall to admit effluent. A submerged launder avoids problems of algae buildup and the need for algae sweeps or frequent cleaning of the launder.