Underdrain Wall Adaptor for Gravity Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gravity filtration systems face challenges in creating adequate passages for air and water distribution between the flume and underdrain, preventing air from entering the flume, and addressing issues like warpage from fusion welding and dead zones during backwashing.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an underdrain wall adaptor with a vertical end and horizontal base that mates with the underdrain block, allowing for controlled passage of air and water, and the use of sealants and fillets for secure installation, reducing dead zones and improving backwashing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If fusion welding is used to attach the endplate to the underdrain block, then the connection strength is improved, but warpage and uneven surfaces occur making sealing difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsurface flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment process is divided into two separate operations: first attaching the endplate to the underdrain block via fusion welding for strength, then separately applying a sealant layer to achieve the required sealing surface flatness. This segmentation allows each operation to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealant is introduced as an intermediary material between the welded endplate and the filter wall/orifice plate. This sealant compensates for the surface irregularities created by fusion welding, providing the necessary sealing function while allowing the welded joint to maintain its structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the water opening is made large enough for wall feed arrangement, then water passage is improved, but air can enter the flume from the underdrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater distributionVSAvoidair intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the underdrain block are assigned different functions: the front region contains larger water openings for effective water distribution, while the rear region contains smaller air openings that prevent air intrusion. This local differentiation allows each opening type to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising the other function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The opening configuration transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional distributed pattern with openings at different locations (front and rear of the underdrain block). This spatial distribution allows water and air openings to coexist without interference, with water openings positioned to maximize flow while air openings are positioned to prevent intrusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the air-water interface is controlled at low elevation near the bottom of the underdrain, then water passage is improved, but air is not restricted when passing through low openings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater passageVSAvoidair passage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional underdrain design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but dead zones are created where no backwash water or air can be discharged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidbackwashing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The underdrain block is segmented into multiple functional zones with different opening configurations. The front portion handles water distribution while the rear portion handles air distribution, eliminating dead zones by ensuring comprehensive coverage of both fluids across the entire underdrain surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The underdrain block incorporates dynamic flow paths that adapt during different operational modes (filtration and backwashing). The segmented opening configuration allows water and air to be distributed dynamically across different regions, ensuring that backwash water and air can reach all areas including previously dead zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10173150B2Wall adaptor for filter underdrain

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 XYLEM WATER SOLUTIONS ZELIENOPLE LLC

AI summary

A filtration system having an underdrain block and an underdrain wall adaptor. The underdrain wall adaptor includes a vertical end and horizontal base. The vertical end extends from a top wall to a bottom wall of an underdrain block and mates with an end portion of an underdrain block to secure the underdrain wall adaptor to the underdrain block. The horizontal base extends from the vertical end. The invention also includes a method of installing an underdrain wall adaptor. The underdrain wall adaptor controls air and water passage between the flume and the underdrain.