Vacuum Excavation Spoils Processing with Automated Drying Agent Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of managing and processing spoils material in vacuum excavation units, particularly the high costs associated with disposing of material containing excessive water content, which spreads and incurs disposal premiums, is not adequately addressed by existing methods.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for batch processing spoils material within a vacuum tank, involving weight measurement, open volume estimation, moisture content calculation, and addition of drying agents, with automated control and display on a handheld device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If material is disposed of as-is, then disposal process is simple, but disposal costs increase due to water content premiums
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the moisture content parameter of the material by adding drying agents (calcium oxide, calcium chloride, or silica gel) to convert liquid material into solidified batches, thereby eliminating disposal premiums associated with high water content material
Solution Approach 2:
Drying agents serve as intermediary substances that absorb excess moisture from the material. The system automatically selects and adds appropriate drying agents based on material composition and moisture levels, transforming the material properties before disposal
2Quantity of substance
If drying agents are added to reduce moisture, then disposal costs decrease, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining material weight, estimating open volume, calculating moisture content, and computing the precise amount of drying agent needed. The controller autonomously executes the entire drying agent addition process without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from weight measurements and volume estimations to calculate moisture content and determine the optimal drying agent quantity. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate moisture reduction while minimizing processing complexity
3Device complexity
If manual moisture measurement and drying agent addition is performed, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic measurements and control. Weight sensors, volume estimation algorithms, and automated drying agent dispensing eliminate manual labor and reduce processing time significantly
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating the required drying agent amount based on measured material properties before addition begins. This preliminary calculation ensures optimal drying agent dosage and reduces overall processing time
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
Enables efficient conversion of liquid material to a solidified batch, reducing disposal costs and improving operational efficiency by automating the processing steps.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile vacuum excavation unit is used to remove material from a site and place the material in a vacuum tank
Data Source
AI summary
A method for converting material within a vacuum tank that contains a mixture of liquid and solid material into a solidified batch of material. The method utilizes various devices to measure different features and properties of the tank and its contents to determine an amount of drying agent to be added to the tank. The method further utilizes various devices and methods for adding the drying agent to the tank and mixing the drying agent with the material within the tank. The method described herein may be completed automatically in response to human input on a handheld display device.