Tilted Propeller Shaft Agitator for Wastewater Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wastewater treatment technologies require high energy consumption to generate and maintain a circulating flow in treatment tanks, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

Inclining the axis of the propeller shaft of a horizontal agitator at an angle of 3 to 5° to direct the flow towards the surface of the wastewater, reducing energy requirements by up to 10% through a simple and cost-effective measure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a horizontal agitator with a propeller shaft parallel to the ground is used, then a circulating flow is generated in the wastewater treatment tank, but high energy consumption is required to generate and maintain the flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidflow velocity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the inclination angle of the propeller shaft axis from 0° (parallel to ground) to 3-5° (slightly inclined). This subtle parameter change optimizes the flow generation efficiency, directing the propeller thrust more effectively toward the water surface and creating a more efficient circulation pattern that reduces energy consumption while maintaining required flow velocities of 0.25-0.40 m/s

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the propeller shaft axis is inclined at a large angle (e.g., 45°) to the ground, then the flow direction is directed towards the surface, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow directionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using a small inclination angle (3-5°) rather than a large angle (45°). This partial inclination is sufficient to direct the flow toward the surface and improve circulation efficiency without the excessive energy consumption and mechanical complexity that would result from a steeper inclination. The optimal angle range balances flow direction effectiveness with energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the propeller shaft axis is inclined at 3 to 5° to the ground, then energy consumption is reduced by up to 10%, but the flow velocity may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidflow velocity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: the propeller shaft inclination angle (3-5°), the propeller diameter (0.5-2.0 m), the rotational speed (10-50 rpm), and the propeller pitch. These coordinated parameter changes ensure that the reduced energy consumption does not compromise flow velocity, maintaining circulating flow speeds of 0.25-0.40 m/s while achieving up to 10% energy savings compared to conventional horizontal agitators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for a significant reduction in energy consumption while maintaining effective flow generation and mixing, achieving a flow velocity of 0.25 to 0.40 m/s, thereby enhancing the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes.

Implementation Method 1

The horizontal agitator has a propeller driven by a propeller shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPropeller propulsion: Impeller

Implementation Method 2

an aeration device for aerating the waste water is provided on the floor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAeration: Aeration

Data Source

PatentEP2828210B1Arrangement and method for producing a flow in a wastewater treatment tank
Publication Date: 2015.12.02 INVENT UMWELT & VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG
  • EP2828210B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2828210B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2828210B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for producing a flow in a wastewater treatment tank (1), comprising a substantially horizontal bottom (B) and a horizontal mixer (2, 3, 4), which is provided in the wastewater treatment tank (1) and which has a propeller (4) driven by means of a propeller shaft (3). According to the invention, in order to save energy to produce flows the axis (A) of the propeller shaft (3) is tilted relative to the bottom (B) by an angle alpha of 1 to 10° in such a way that a flow directed toward a surface (0) of the wastewater (W) can be produced by the horizontal mixer (2, 3, 4).