Vertical-horizontal filter unit for biological water purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wastewater treatment systems, particularly in rural areas, face challenges in achieving optimal metabolic performance and denitrification, leading to inefficient pollutant removal and environmental harm.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal-vertical filter system with homogeneous upper and lower filter zones made of gravel and sand, enhanced by the addition of carbon substrates and genetically modified microorganisms in the lower zone, along with controlled environmental conditions and optional phosphate retention mechanisms, to improve denitrification and phosphate retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If different materials are used for upper and lower filter zones, then the filter arrangement can be complex, but the denitrification performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using the same filter material (gravel, sand, or stone) for both the upper and lower filter zones, eliminating the need for different materials. This homogeneous structure simplifies the filter arrangement while maintaining effective denitrification performance through the anaerobic conditions created in the lower zone and the vertical flow pattern.
2Productivity
If carbon substrates and genetically modified microorganisms are added to the lower zone, then denitrification performance increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the natural anaerobic conditions that develop in the lower filter zone through vertical flow and accumulation of treated water. The system naturally creates the environment needed for denitrification without requiring external carbon substrate addition or complex microbial inoculation mechanisms, thereby avoiding the device complexity that would result from adding such components.
3Productivity
If controlled environmental conditions are implemented, then pollutant conversion is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the natural cycling of water flow and accumulation in the filter zones. The vertical flow pattern creates periodic anaerobic and aerobic conditions that enhance pollutant conversion over time. This natural periodic process achieves enhanced conversion efficiency without requiring complex environmental control devices.
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 configuration significantly enhances denitrification performance, reduces pollutant accumulation, and sustainably manages phosphate resources by ensuring effective pollutant conversion and retention, even in heavily polluted water.
Implementation Method 1
In the anaerobic area, nitrogen oxides are converted into nitrogen and oxygen or water by denitrifying microorganisms.
Implementation Method 2
The organic pollutants present in the soil or sludge, e.g. As mineral oils are chemically converted by aerobic microorganisms.
Implementation Method 3
There is a barrier layer with openings between the upper filter zone and the lower filter zone.
Implementation Method 4
The dwell time is achieved by creating an accumulation of the dirty water flowing from top to bottom.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a vertical-horizontal filter unit for the biological purification of polluted water, comprising an upper zone of a soil patch planted with plants, having inlets for the polluted water, and arranged underneath a sand layer with a lower filter zone made of gravel and at least one removal point for the purified water, wherein between the upper and lower filter zones a barrier layer with openings is arranged and the filter unit is sealed against the soil on the sides and at the bottom. The openings in the barrier layer are arranged along the edge and/or the barrier layer does not reach the edge of the patch completely. The invention is characterized in that the upper zone acts as an aerobically cleaning zone and the lower zone as an anaerobically cleaning zone.