Ultrasonic Water Atomization for Sewer Odor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing odor pollution from underground sewer shafts are inefficient, costly, and prone to maintenance issues, particularly when ambient air is warmer or during winter conditions, and previous technologies have not been effectively adapted or maintained for improved performance.
Innovation Solution
A modified design using nozzles with fine openings to spray water into sewer shafts, creating a mist that quickly evaporates and binds odor-causing molecules, reducing the need for extensive infrastructure and minimizing ice formation, with optional deodorants and perfumes added to enhance odor neutralization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If water is sprayed using conventional devices in the shaft, then odor reduction is achieved, but water consumption is high and the shaft cross-section is narrowed making maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of water droplet size by using ultrasonic vibration to atomize water into extremely fine droplets (1-10 micrometers). This parameter change allows the same odor reduction effect to be achieved with significantly less water consumption, as the fine droplets have much larger total surface area for odor molecule absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration (mechanical vibration at high frequency) to the water supply line to generate fine water droplets. The ultrasonic vibration causes the water to break up into atomized droplets without requiring high pressure or complex nozzle structures, thereby reducing water consumption while maintaining effective odor neutralization.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional spray devices are installed in the shaft, then odor reduction is achieved, but the shaft cross-section is narrowed making maintenance work difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water atomization function from conventional spray devices and implements it directly in the water supply line using ultrasonic vibration. This eliminates the need for complex spray nozzles and baffles inside the shaft, leaving the shaft cross-section open and accessible for maintenance work.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spray device system (nozzles, pressure systems, baffles) with an ultrasonic vibration-based atomization system. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical components from the shaft interior, maintaining full maintenance accessibility while achieving the same odor reduction function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If water spray systems are installed in shafts, then odor reduction is achieved, but ice build-up occurs on components in winter conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water atomization process from stationary components inside the shaft and moves it to the water supply line itself. Since the ultrasonic atomization occurs before water enters the shaft, there are no water-spraying components inside the shaft to freeze, ensuring reliable winter operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ultrasonic vibration as an intermediary mechanism to atomize water outside the shaft. This intermediary process transforms liquid water into fine droplets before introduction, preventing ice build-up on shaft components while maintaining the cooling and odor-neutralizing effects of the sprayed water.
4Productivity
If fans are installed in the duct system to create chimney effect, then ventilation is improved, but purchase, maintenance, and operation costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the water spray system to self-generate the chimney effect through evaporative cooling. As fine water droplets evaporate, they cool the air in the shaft, creating density differences that drive natural convection and air flow upward, eliminating the need for externally powered fans while maintaining effective ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor through evaporation. This phase change absorbs heat from the surrounding air, cooling it and creating the density-driven chimney effect that provides passive ventilation without requiring energy-consuming fans.
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
Achieves effective odor reduction with significantly less water consumption and simpler, more robust design, allowing for reduced maintenance and operation costs, while maintaining performance across varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
nozzles with fine openings to spray water into sewer shafts, creating a mist that quickly evaporates and binds odor-causing molecules
Implementation Method 2
spray water into sewer shafts, creating a mist that quickly evaporates and binds odor-causing molecules
Implementation Method 3
EP 0800851 A1 describes the purification of polluted air by atomizing water, thereby condensing and binding the pollutants. The water is atomized using fine nozzles through which it is forced by compressed air.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for influencing the smell coming from shaft openings of underground sewers. According to the invention, water droplets are sprayed into the air in shafts (1) of underground sewers which are open in the direction of the ambient air. Said spraying device comprises a pressure vessel (3) containing water and a nozzle (4) having one or more small openings through which water can escape from the pressure vessel (3). Said pressure vessel (3) has a hydrostatic pressure which is at least 2 bars higher than the ambient pressure, and the diameter of one or more nozzle openings is less than 130 muiotatauiota.