Modular UV Radiation Source Module for Open Channel Fluid Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid treatment systems face challenges such as high capital costs, difficult accessibility, low disinfection efficiency, and equipment redundancy, particularly in large-scale municipal wastewater or potable water treatment, due to issues with lamp placement, fluid flow dynamics, and radiation source management in open channel systems.
Innovation Solution
A radiation source module designed for open channel fluid treatment systems, featuring moveable and independently operable units with sidewalls and a floor to contain fluid flow, allowing for rotation or linear translation for easy removal and installation, and incorporating radiation source assemblies supported at both ends to maintain fluid flow along the sides, preventing short circuiting and reducing radiation source damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional enclosed chamber designs with UV lamps are used, then fluid treatment is achieved, but capital cost is high and accessibility to submerged equipment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source module is divided into separable components including the radiation source assembly, protective sleeve, and support structure. This segmentation allows the radiation source to be removed and replaced independently without draining the fluid or accessing difficult-to-reach submerged equipment, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness while improving accessibility for maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation source assembly is extracted from the enclosed chamber design and positioned in a location that is accessible for maintenance. The module can be removed from the fluid treatment system without requiring drainage or complex disassembly, solving the accessibility problem while maintaining treatment function
2Ease of operation
If open channel reactors with free-surface flow are used, then equipment accessibility is improved, but fluid flow changes at higher flows rendering the reactor ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source module is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned and removed as needed. This dynamic design enables easy accessibility for maintenance while the module itself maintains a stable structure that properly contains and directs fluid flow through the treatment zone, preventing the flow instability issues of traditional open channel reactors
3Stability of the object's composition
If less powerful UV lamps are used in open channel systems, then fluid flow stability is maintained, but a large number of lamps are required increasing system cost
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radiation sources are combined into a single integrated radiation source module that contains several UV lamps arranged in a compact configuration. This merging approach maintains fluid flow stability by containing all sources in one structured unit while reducing the total number of separate lamp assemblies needed, thereby lowering system complexity and cost
4Device complexity
If higher output UV lamps are used, then the number of lamps is reduced, but fluid flow changes significantly making the reactor ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source module is designed with specific local structural features including side walls and a floor that create a controlled treatment zone. This localized structure contains the fluid flow in a defined area, allowing higher output UV lamps to be used effectively without causing overall fluid flow instability, as the local containment maintains proper flow dynamics through the treatment zone
5Ease of manufacture
If radiation source assemblies are supported at one end only, then installation is simplified, but radiation sources are prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from single-point or one-end support to multi-point support distributed along the radiation source assembly. This dimensional change in support distribution provides structural stability and prevents damage while maintaining ease of installation through the modular design that accommodates multiple support locations
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 enhances fluid treatment efficiency, reduces equipment costs, and improves accessibility by maintaining fluid flow uniformity and preventing radiation source damage, while allowing for efficient maintenance without full equipment redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
ultraviolet (UV) radiation fluid treatment systems
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a radiation source module for use in a fluid treatment system. The radiation source module comprises: a housing having an inlet, an outlet and a fluid treatment zone disposed between. The fluid treatment zone comprises a first wall surface and a second wall surface interconnected by a floor surface. The first wall surface, the second wall surface and the floor surface are configured to receive a flow of fluid through the fluid treatment zone. The radiation source module further comprises at least one radiation source assembly secured with respect to the first wall surface and the second wall surface and a module motive coupling element connected to the housing and configured to be coupled to a module motive element to permit the radiation source module to be installed in and extracted from the fluid treatment system. A fluid treatment system comprising the radiation source module is also described.