Vacuum Tank Solids Separator for Human Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a global need for safe, affordable, and sustainable sanitation systems, particularly in regions without access to traditional sewer systems, where pathogen-laden fecal matter can contaminate food and water supplies, leading to health issues.
Innovation Solution
A solids separator system is introduced, comprising a vacuum tank with an inlet chamber, solids containment portion, liquid containment portion, and a separating filter. This system separates combined human waste into solids and liquids, allowing the liquids to flow through the filter and collect in the liquid containment portion, while the solids are contained in the solids containment portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sanitary sewer systems are used, then waste can be transported away from communities, but these systems are unavailable or impractical in many regions worldwide
Solution Approach 1:
The waste management system is segmented into separate containment chambers for solids and liquids within the vacuum tank, allowing independent handling and treatment of each waste stream. This segmentation enables the system to function without traditional sewer infrastructure while maintaining effective waste management.
Solution Approach 2:
A vacuum-based collection system serves as an intermediary mechanism to transport waste from collection points to processing facilities without requiring traditional sewer networks. The vacuum tank acts as a mediator that temporarily stores and separates waste before further treatment or disposal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If combined human waste is not separated, then disposal is simpler, but pathogen-laden fecal matter contaminates food and water supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum tank incorporates distinct containment portions for solids and liquids, physically separating different types of waste. This segmentation prevents pathogen-laden fecal matter from contaminating water supplies by keeping solid and liquid waste streams separate throughout the collection and transport process.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating filter extracts and retains solid waste particles while allowing liquid to pass through to the liquid containment portion. This extraction mechanism effectively removes pathogen-laden solids from the liquid stream, preventing contamination of water supplies.
3Reliability
If a separating filter is used to divide waste streams, then solids and liquids are separated, but the system requires multiple containment portions and outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid containment portion is nested within the vacuum tank structure, surrounding the solids containment portion. This nested arrangement allows both containment portions to occupy space efficiently within the same tank volume, reducing overall system footprint while maintaining separate waste streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum tank serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collects waste, separates solids from liquids using the filter, stores both waste streams in separate containment portions, and provides outlets for both streams. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each operation.
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 effectively separates human waste into manageable streams, reducing the risk of pathogen contamination and enabling safe disposal, while also recovering valuable resources like clean water, thus addressing the global sanitation challenges.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid portion of the combined waste is allowed to flow through the separating filter to an outer portion surrounding the central separation volume and collect in the liquid containment portion
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum tank having a top portion, a base, and a cylindrical wall and comprising an inlet chamber, a solids containment portion, a liquid containment portion, and a separating filter
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for collection and separation of human waste are described. The system can include a vessel (102) configured to receive human waste and a solids separator (106). The solids separator can include a vacuum tank as well as an inlet chamber formed within the vacuum tank at the top portion, a solids containment portion formed in the base of the vacuum tank and positioned centrally within the vacuum tank, a liquid containment portion formed in the base of the vacuum tank and contained within the vacuum tank surrounding the solids containment portion, and a separating filter having a cylindrical tubular shape and extending from the inlet chamber outlet to the solids containment portion. The separating filter forming a central separation volume within the vacuum tank. The inlet chamber is configured to receive the combined waste via an inlet (132) and to direct the combined waste to the central separation volume. The liquid portion of the combined waste allowed to flow through the separating filter to an outer portion surrounding the central separation volume and to collect in the liquid containment portion of the base. The solids portion of the combined waste contained within the central separation volume and collected in the solids containment portion of the base.