Synchronized Pump Control for Pressure Sewer Fouling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure sewer systems face fouling due to the solidification of waste sediments in pipes, which existing solutions do not effectively address without adding additional mechanical equipment or increasing operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves synchronizing the activation of pumps to create a controlled change in flow rate and pressure within the pressure main, using data from sensors and databases to ensure effective flushing without exceeding nominal pressures, and utilizing a remote server for coordinated control and backup power to maintain system integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pumps are activated asynchronously based on individual pump sump levels, then each pump sump is emptied independently, but waste sediments accumulate and solidify in the pressure main causing pipe fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the operation of multiple independent pump sumps by coordinating their pump activation through a master control unit. Instead of operating independently, pumps are activated in a synchronized sequence to generate sufficient flow velocity in the pressure main, preventing sediment accumulation and pipe fouling while maintaining reliable emptying of each pump sump.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic activation of pumps in a coordinated sequence rather than continuous or completely independent operation. The master control unit activates pumps periodically in a specific sequence, creating periodic high-flow events that flush sediments from the pressure main while still achieving complete emptying of pump sumps over time.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional mechanical equipment is added to prevent pipe fouling, then flushing capability is improved, but system complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own wastewater resource and existing pump infrastructure to achieve self-flushing. By coordinating the activation sequence of existing pumps, the system generates sufficient flow velocity to flush sediments without requiring additional mechanical flushing equipment, water resources, or complex external systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by coordinating pump operations to create high-velocity flow in the pressure main. The synchronized activation of multiple pumps generates a hydraulic surge that increases flow velocity above the critical threshold for sediment transport, using the system's own hydraulic capacity rather than additional mechanical equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pump activation is controlled manually, then operational flexibility is maintained, but operator monitoring and intervention are required increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The master control unit continuously receives feedback from level sensors in each pump sump and automatically adjusts pump activation timing accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing wastewater levels and flow conditions while operating automatically, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control logic.
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 approach effectively prevents pipe obstruction by regularly removing waste sediments, maintaining system operation without additional mechanical equipment or service water, and allows for flexible adaptation to changing wastewater levels and operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Water gathered in the pump sump is then transported by the pump into the house connecting pressure pipe
Implementation Method 2
The instantaneous flow rate during the controlled change corresponds to a required flushing flow rate of the given part of the pressure main
Implementation Method 3
The instantaneous pressure during the controlled change does not exceed the nominal pressure of the pressure main
Data Source
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AI summary
The pressure sewer systems comprised of the pressure main (1) and the house connecting pressure pipes (2) are dimensioned in the stage of designing to accommodate the nominal flow rate (Qn) and the nominal pressure (Pn) of flowing wastewater. During common use, the instantaneous flow rate (Qi) and instantaneous pressure (Pi) are several times lower, which results in the pressure main (1) fouling by waste. The method describes a temporary controlled change in the instantaneous pressure (Pi) and the instantaneous flow rate (Qi) of wastewater up to the value approaching the nominal pressure (Pn) and nominal flow rate (Qn) for the purpose of flushing the pressure main (1) of the pressure sewer system. The subject of the invention is also the system for generation the temporary controlled change in the instantaneous pressure (Pi) and the instantaneous flow rate (Qi) of wastewater.