Underdrain Assembly Flow Control Vanes for Uniform Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underdrain assemblies face challenges in evenly distributing fluid and maintaining consistent flow rates, particularly as they increase in size, and the design of flume plates can lead to issues when fluid moves from underdrains into trenches, making installation and operation of extended lengths more difficult.
Innovation Solution
An underdrain apparatus with an upper structure for filtering particulates, a bottom plate connected to the upper structure, and at least one flow control vane positioned between the upper structure and the bottom plate, along with a flume plate or tubular member in the trench to direct fluid flow, which includes smaller pipe extensions embedded into the trench floor for inflow and outflow, and a hold-down mechanism for adjustable coupling to the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If underdrain assemblies are increased in size to handle larger volumes, then the filtration capacity is improved, but the fluid distribution becomes uneven and flow rates become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the geometry of flow distribution elements at different locations along the underdrain assembly. Specifically, the baffle plates or flow distribution elements have different spacing, angles, or dimensions at different positions to compensate for the increased path length and pressure drop in larger assemblies, ensuring uniform fluid distribution across the entire structure regardless of its size.
2Strength
If flume plates are designed to support underdrains over trenches, then structural support is improved, but fluid flow control from underdrains into trenches becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces baffle plates as intermediary elements between the underdrain and the trench. These baffles act as flow control mediators that guide the fluid from the underdrain into the trench in a controlled manner, preventing uncontrolled pooling or backflow while maintaining the structural support function of the flume plate system.
3Area of stationary object
If extended lengths of underdrain assemblies are installed to cover larger areas, then coverage is improved, but installation becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the underdrain assembly into modular sections that can be manufactured to standard lengths and then assembled on-site. The connection mechanisms between segments are designed to be simple and reliable, allowing extended coverage to be achieved through straightforward assembly of multiple standardized units rather than installing single long custom-made pieces.
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
The solution ensures even fluid distribution and consistent flow rates across the underdrain assembly, improves fluid flow control, and facilitates easier installation and operation of extended lengths by using flow control vanes and a flume plate system, while the hold-down mechanism maintains the underdrain's position and stability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flow control vane is positioned between the upper structure and the bottom plate
Implementation Method 2
an upper structure for filtering particulates from a fluid which is connected to a bottom plate
Implementation Method 3
a flume plate or tubular member positioned in the trench for directing fluid flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
An underdrain assembly for filtering particulates from a fluid having an upper structure connected to a bottom plate. The upper structure has first and second filtration members, the second filtration member positioned between the first filtration member and the bottom plate. The second filtration member has a shape that restricts fluid flow within the underdrain. The second filtration member may have a cross-sectional shape that is different from a cross-sectional shape of the first filtration member. The second filtration member may have a cross-sectional shape selected from the list consisting of concave, convex, z-shaped, s-shaped w-shaped and v-shaped.