Underdrain Block Anchoring for Backwash Uplift Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underdrain systems in water, wastewater, and industrial liquid filtration units tend to lift off the filter bottom during backwash, causing sand to enter the effluent pipe and mix with filtered water, disrupting the filtration process.
Innovation Solution
An underdrain apparatus comprising underdrain blocks with anchoring assemblies, including support members and securing means, such as apertures and side clips, to securely attach the blocks to the filter floor, preventing uplift during backwash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If underdrain blocks are placed side-by-side to provide support and distribution, then filtration function is improved, but blocks lift off during backwash causing sand to enter effluent pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The underdrain system is divided into multiple individual blocks that can be independently anchored. Each block is a separate unit with its own anchoring mechanism, allowing for modular installation and maintenance while maintaining overall system stability during backwash operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Anchor members are installed in the filter floor before the underdrain blocks are placed. This preliminary anchoring structure is prepared in advance to receive and secure the blocks, preventing uplift during backwash operations before they can occur.
2Stability of the object's composition
If underdrain blocks are secured to filter floor, then block stability is improved, but requires additional anchoring components increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring function is extracted as a separate component (anchor member) from the underdrain blocks themselves. The anchor members are installed independently in the filter floor, and the blocks simply engage with these pre-installed anchors, simplifying the overall design while providing secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Anchor members serve as intermediary elements between the filter floor and the underdrain blocks. These intermediaries provide the connection function, allowing the blocks to be securely attached to the floor without requiring direct integration of anchoring mechanisms into the block structure itself.
Data Source
AI summary
An underdrain apparatus includes one or more underdrain blocks and an anchor assembly that includes one or more support members. Each of the underdrain blocks includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a pair of opposing end walls, and a center separation wall that extends between the pair of opposing end walls. The center separation wall of at least one of the underdrain blocks may have one or more apertures formed therein, the apertures configured to receive at least one of the support members. One or more of the side walls of the pair of opposing side walls of the underdrain blocks may have one or more side clips. At least one of the side clips defines an aperture for receiving a support member.