VacFlush Adapter for Submersible Pump Backflushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wastewater treatment systems face inefficiencies in aeration and maintenance due to the use of fine bubble diffusers, which decrease aeration efficiency with high mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and require frequent maintenance, while jet aeration systems are energy-intensive and prone to clogging, and pneumatic flushing is ineffective at orthogonal nozzle angles.
Innovation Solution
A wastewater treatment system incorporating a pump with an adapter that allows for both treatment and backflush modes, positioning nozzles closer to the bottom of the vessel for increased aeration efficiency and using a pump positioning sub-system to facilitate effective nozzle cleaning, with the adapter's interfaces designed for efficient connection and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fine bubble diffusers are used for aeration, then oxygen transfer can be achieved, but aeration efficiency decreases with high mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and frequent maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the aeration function from the traditional fine bubble diffuser system and implements it through jet aeration nozzles that project air jets directly into the wastewater stream. This extraction eliminates the need for complex diffuser assemblies and enables more effective aeration in high MLSS conditions while reducing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using diffusers to bubble air through the bottom of the vessel, the patent inverts the approach by using jet nozzles positioned at the top or side of the vessel to project air jets downward into the wastewater. This inversion of the aeration mechanism fundamentally changes how oxygen transfer is achieved, improving efficiency in high solids conditions.
2Reliability
If jet aeration systems are used, then aeration efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases and clogging becomes more prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning jet nozzles at specific locations (top or side of the vessel) and orienting them at optimal angles to maximize aeration efficiency. The nozzles are designed with specific jet patterns and flow characteristics tailored to local conditions, improving oxygen transfer while minimizing energy consumption compared to uniform system-wide aeration approaches.
3Ease of repair
If pneumatic flushing is used for nozzle cleaning, then maintenance can be performed, but flushing effectiveness is insufficient at orthogonal nozzle angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to clean itself through backflush operation. The pump is positioned and configured to allow wastewater to flow back through the jet nozzles in reverse, automatically clearing accumulated solids and debris without requiring manual intervention or external cleaning systems. This self-cleaning capability works effectively regardless of nozzle angle orientation.
4Reliability
If nozzles are positioned closer to the bottom of the vessel, then aeration efficiency increases, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pump and nozzle assembly movable rather than fixed. The pump can be positioned at the top or side of the vessel and moved to different locations as needed, allowing optimal nozzle positioning for aeration efficiency while maintaining ease of access for maintenance. The dynamic positioning capability resolves the contradiction between bottom-proximity positioning for efficiency and accessibility for repair.
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 system enhances aeration efficiency by increasing contact time of air bubbles with wastewater, reduces maintenance time, and provides more thorough nozzle cleaning, leading to improved oxygen transfer efficiency and reduced downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a pump having an adapter connected to the pump intake
Implementation Method 2
enhances aeration efficiency by increasing contact time of air bubbles with wastewater
Data Source
AI summary
Wastewater treatment systems are disclosed. A wastewater treatment system includes a wastewater conduit disposed in a wastewater treatment vessel, a pump comprising an intake and an outlet connectable to the at least one opening of the wastewater conduit, and an adapter comprising a first end and a second end. The adapter is configured, in a treatment mode, to provide a flow path for wastewater from the wastewater treatment vessel through the adapter and pump to the wastewater conduit. The adapter is further configured to, in a backflush mode, provide a flow path for wastewater through the plurality of nozzles of the wastewater conduit and through the adapter and pump for discharge into the wastewater treatment vessel. Methods of treating wastewater using the system and adapter are disclosed. Methods of retrofitting a wastewater treatment system by providing the adapter are disclosed.