Vacuum-Controlled Gravity Disinfectant Dispensing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid disinfectant dispensing systems for wastewater treatment are inefficient, using excessive disinfectants, having multiple components that require frequent maintenance, and are not environmentally friendly, particularly due to reliance on venturi mechanisms that lead to excessive disinfectant usage and limited flexibility in disinfectant types.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-controlled, gravity-fed system that dispenses disinfectant directly into a holding tank as water levels rise, eliminating the need for venturi mechanisms and allowing for continuous, real-time disinfection with minimal disinfectant usage, capable of using various disinfectants like sodium hypochlorite, and designed for easy installation with no moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If venturi mechanisms are used for disinfectant dispensing, then continuous disinfection is achieved, but excessive disinfectant consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical venturi system with a vacuum-powered system that uses atmospheric pressure differentials to control disinfectant flow. This substitution eliminates the inherent inefficiency of venturi mechanisms that cause excessive disinfectant consumption while maintaining continuous dispensing capability through vacuum-activated flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using vacuum pressure levels (measured in inches of mercury) to precisely control the rate of disinfectant dispensing. By adjusting vacuum pressure, the system optimizes disinfectant flow rate to match actual treatment needs, preventing the over-dispensing problem inherent in venturi systems
2Reliability
If multiple components are used in disinfecting equipment, then disinfection function is achieved, but maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical components from the disinfecting system. By removing pumps, valves, and complex mechanical assemblies, the design achieves disinfection functionality through a simplified vacuum-activated mechanism, directly reducing maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-regulating vacuum-activated components that automatically control disinfectant flow without external mechanical intervention. The vacuum-powered diaphragm and check valve mechanisms self-regulate based on pressure differentials, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing maintenance frequency
3Reliability
If venturi systems are used for disinfectant delivery, then disinfection is achieved, but environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing venturi mechanisms with vacuum-powered delivery, the system eliminates the uncontrolled spray pattern and excessive dispersion characteristic of venturi systems. This substitution ensures precise target delivery to pump tanks and aerobic chambers, minimizing environmental release and improving ecological sustainability
4Reliability
If chlorine-based disinfectants are used, then disinfection is achieved, but flexibility in disinfectant selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum-powered delivery system is designed with universal compatibility across different disinfectant types. The system can handle chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, and other liquid disinfectants through the same vacuum-activated mechanism, providing regulatory flexibility and adaptability without compromising disinfection effectiveness
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 significantly reduces disinfectant consumption by half, ensuring effective wastewater treatment with minimal chlorine usage, enhancing environmental sustainability and reducing operational and maintenance costs while accommodating diverse disinfectant types and regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the dispensing of the disinfectant is controlled via a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
The disinfectant is drawn or pulled into the water to be disinfected using a venturi through a phenomenon known as the venturi effect
Implementation Method 3
A vacuum-controlled, gravity-fed system that dispenses disinfectant directly into a holding tank
Data Source
AI summary
A gravity flow liquid disinfectant dispensing reservoir comprised of a tapered base and a neck portion that extends centrally from the reservoir. An aperture located on the bottom of the reservoir facilitates the dispensing of liquid (i.e., disinfectant) from the reservoir into a holding tank. In another embodiment, a closed system for dispensing a liquid disinfectant into a tank containing liquid (effluent) and controlled via vacuum. The gravity flow device introduces disinfectant to the tank as the water level rises, giving the ultimate amount of contact time for treatment of effluent. Utilizing gravity and vacuum controlled dispensing of disinfectant dispenses disinfectant continuously and automatically in real time and provides for maximum contact time for minimal pathogen survival.