Vacuum-Pumped Water Polishing System with Calcium Carbonate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment systems are not scalable to handle varying sizes and volumes of storm water runoff and stream/river water, and they fail to effectively manage water pH levels, making them unsuitable for maintaining aquatic life.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, flexible water polishing system that includes calcium carbonate-lined containment basins and pollutant collection substrates, combined with a vacuum pumping system to treat and polish storm water runoff and stream/river water, adjusting pH levels and removing harmful pollutants to enhance water quality for aquatic life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional water treatment systems are used, then basic filtration can be achieved, but they are not scalable to handle varying sizes and volumes of storm water runoff and stream/river water
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent polishing basins (first polishing basin, second polishing basin, third polishing basin) that can be configured in series or parallel arrangements. Each basin contains specific substrates for different treatment functions, allowing the system to be scaled by adding or removing basins based on water volume requirements without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs adjustable flow control mechanisms and configurable basin arrangements that allow dynamic adaptation to varying water volumes and flow rates. The modular design enables the system to be adjusted for different storm water runoff volumes and stream/river water treatment requirements.
2Reliability
If conventional water treatment systems are used, then filtration can be performed, but they fail to effectively manage water pH levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates specific pH management substrates in dedicated containment basins and polishing basins. Limestone substrates and other pH-adjusting materials are placed in specific locations within the system to locally address pH imbalances in different water streams, allowing precise control without requiring system-wide chemical treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
Natural substrates such as limestone, sand, and organic materials serve as intermediaries between the water and the treatment process. These substrates naturally buffer and adjust pH levels through chemical reactions and biological processes, providing effective pH management without requiring complex chemical dosing systems.
3Productivity
If water is drawn through polishing basins to remove pollutants, then water quality improves, but the system requires effective vacuum generation to maintain flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes vacuum pumping to create negative pressure that draws water through the polishing basins. This pneumatic approach eliminates the need for complex mechanical pumps and allows for energy-efficient water movement through the treatment system, while vacuum breakers provide passive flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates vacuum breakers and gravity-assisted flow mechanisms that reduce reliance on continuous vacuum pumping. During certain operating conditions, gravity and pressure differentials naturally drive water through the basins, reducing energy consumption while maintaining treatment 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 effectively removes pollutants and adjusts pH levels, improving water quality to support fish and other aquatic life by increasing oxygen levels and stabilizing pH between 6.0 and 7.8, making it suitable for return to streams and rivers.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pumping system in fluid communication with the containment and polishing basins that draws water through the polishing system
Implementation Method 2
at least a first containment basin that has an inlet for inflow of water from a collection source and that contains calcium carbonate for treatment of water flowing through the system
Implementation Method 3
at least a first polishing basin in communication with the containment basin and that contains at least a first pollutant collection substrate for treatment of water flowing through the system
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained water polishing system includes at least a first containment basin that has an inlet for inflow of water from a collection source and contains calcium carbonate for treatment of water flowing through the system; at least a first polishing basin in communication with the containment basin and that contains at least a first pollutant collection substrate for treatment of water flowing through the system; and a vacuum pumping system in fluid communication with the containment and polishing basins that draws water through the polishing system.