UV Water Treatment Module Linear Guide Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Maintenance of UV water treatment systems with multiple emitters is hazardous and inefficient due to the need for large open spaces and crane operations, which pose risks of accidents and increased pressure loss in systems with vertically mounted radiators.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a UV water treatment system with modules equipped with a linear guide and a self-locking drive mechanism that allows modules to be moved parallel to the channel axis, minimizing the space required for maintenance and preventing uncontrolled lowering, using an electric motor or hydraulic/pneumatic drives with self-locking gears to ensure safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If modules are lifted out of the channel using a crane for maintenance, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but safety risks increase due to heavy loads and deep open spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The UV water treatment system is divided into modular units that can be independently handled. Each module contains a specific number of radiators (e.g., 4-8 pieces) and can be managed as a discrete unit, reducing the complexity and risk associated with maintenance operations compared to handling entire large-scale systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A linear guide mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the module and the channel wall. This guide runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the UV emitters and enables controlled movement of modules along a defined path, eliminating the need for crane operations and deep open spaces while ensuring safe, guided extraction and reinsertion of modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If vertically mounted radiators are used in the channel, then space utilization is improved, but pressure loss increases due to increased flow resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The radiators are oriented transversely to the direction of flow rather than vertically, changing the spatial dimension in which the radiators are positioned. This transverse arrangement allows the water flow to pass along the longitudinal axis of the channel with minimal obstruction, reducing flow resistance and pressure loss while still achieving effective UV irradiation of the water

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If swivel drives are used to pivot modules out of the channel, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the required free space in the duct increases creating fall hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidfree space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The module design segments the maintenance function from the channel structure. The module itself incorporates the necessary movement mechanism through the linear guide system, eliminating the need for additional free space within the channel for swiveling operations. The module is extracted along a linear path parallel to its longitudinal axis, requiring minimal clearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linear guide acts as an intermediary that constrains the module's movement to a safe, controlled linear path. This guide runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the UV emitters and is attached to the channel wall, providing a defined trajectory for module extraction that eliminates the need for large open spaces and associated fall hazards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design enhances maintenance safety and efficiency by allowing modules to be lifted out of the channel without creating a large open area, reducing the risk of accidents and maintaining low pressure loss, while ensuring operational reliability through controlled movement and minimal disruption to the channel's integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The modules (1) are provided with a linear guide (7) that runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the UV emitters (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear guide mechanism:

Implementation Method 2

a drive means (19) is provided that can move the modules (1) relative to a guide element (8) attached to the channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-locking mechanism:

Implementation Method 3

UV radiation has a germicidal effect and that the naturally occurring UV radiation in sunlight has a disinfecting effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV radiation germicidal effect: Radiation

Implementation Method 4

a gas discharge between two electrodes generates the UV radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas discharge:

Implementation Method 5

an electric motor or hydraulic/pneumatic drives with self-locking gears to ensure safety

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-locking gear:

Data Source

PatentEP2844616B1Open-channel UV water treatment plant
Publication Date: 2016.02.24 XYLEM WATER SOLUTIONS HERFORD
  • EP2844616B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2844616B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2844616B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a UV water treatment plant comprising at least one module (1) which includes a number of elongate UV radiation elements (2) in a mount. The radiation elements (2) run parallel to one another. A base (8) is provided to which at least one guide (16, 17) is fixedly connected, and at least one guide rail (7) is provided that is connected to the mount. The guide rail (7) is movably mounted in the guide.