Vertical Filter Bag Dewatering System Gravity Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dewatering technologies face high operating and maintenance costs, and limitations in handling and disposal of dewatered solids due to mechanical complexity and weight constraints, as well as issues with weather-related problems and drainage in geotextile bag systems.
Innovation Solution
A vertical skeletal framework with a filter bag or panels that utilizes gravity for efficient drainage, minimal moving parts for low maintenance, and a system for easy access and disposal of dewatered solids, incorporating a fill port, hydraulic doors for controlled discharge, and optional automatic wash systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical dewatering equipment is used, then dewatering effectiveness is improved, but operating and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical dewatering systems with a passive gravity-based filtration system. The filter bag is suspended in a vertical framework where gravity naturally drives liquid through the filter medium, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps, motors, and associated control systems while maintaining effective dewatering performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes natural gravitational forces to perform the dewatering function without requiring external mechanical energy input. The filter bag and framework structure are designed to automatically facilitate liquid filtration as slurry is introduced, and the collected solids can be easily discharged through the bottom opening without mechanical assistance.
2Ease of manufacture
If geotextile bags are positioned on the ground, then initial cost is reduced, but drainage efficiency deteriorates due to weather-related problems and pooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal ground-based bag positioning to a vertical framework configuration. This dimensional change allows gravity to act directly through the filter bag from top to bottom, maximizing drainage efficiency while protecting the system from weather-related issues by enclosing the filter bag within the framework structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a flexible filter bag suspended within a rigid framework, allowing the bag to be positioned vertically where gravity optimizes liquid filtration. The framework provides structural support and protection from environmental factors while maintaining the flexibility needed for effective filtration.
3Quantity of substance
If filter bags are made large to handle more material, then dewatering capacity is improved, but handling and disposal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple filter bags within the vertical framework rather than one large bag. This segmentation allows each bag to be of manageable size for easy handling and disposal, while the collective capacity of multiple bags provides the necessary dewatering volume. The framework structure accommodates multiple bags in a space-efficient manner.
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
This solution reduces operational and maintenance costs, enhances drainage efficiency, and allows for larger volumes of dewatered material to be handled and disposed of effectively, while minimizing environmental impact and handling expenses.
Implementation Method 1
The framework would be designed to contain a large filter bag that would be suspended inside the framework... the clear water will filter through the side walls of the bag and flow down the sides and out the bottom of the bag. The water will then fall down into the area below the framework
Implementation Method 2
a chemical commonly referred to as a flocculent or coagulant may be added depending on the type of sludge that is to be dewatered. The chemical will cause the solids to separate from the water and form agglomerations
Implementation Method 3
The slurry is treated with a flocculent and pumped into the bags where the solids are captured and the liquid bleeds out through the filtration fabric
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dewatering a solids laden waste stream, whereby the slurry is pumped into a vertical filter retaining structure and the liquid is allowed to flow out through the pores of the filtration element while retaining the solids within the structure. After the solids have dewatered, doors or gates located at the bottom of the structure are opened and the solids drop out the bottom by gravity. The structure is elevated to allow a transport vehicle to be placed under the doors prior to dropping out the solids. One embodiment utilizes an open bottom, closed top filter bag that is closed off by the doors or sliding gates located at the bottom of the structure. Another embodiment disclosed would use rigid filter plates to retain the solids and drop out the accumulated solids by opening sliding gates at the bottom of the structure. The filter bag or plates is accessible from the side to allow either manual or automatic pressure washing of the filtration elements or filter bag after each dewatering cycle.