Vertical Vortex Grit Remover for Compact Sewage Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grit removal devices in sewage treatment plants are inefficient due to their large footprint, high energy consumption, and inability to adapt to varying flow ranges, often resulting in incomplete removal of grit particles which leads to mechanical wear and accumulation issues.
Innovation Solution
A grit separation apparatus featuring a cylindrical separation chamber with a central propeller-driven duct and vanes that create a spiral flow pattern, directing heavier particles into a storage chamber while lifting lighter organic particles, allowing for efficient grit separation and organic solids retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional grit removal devices are used, then grit separation function is provided, but the footprint is large and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal vortex flow to a vertical vortex flow configuration. The flow moves upward through the center of the chamber rather than horizontally across the bottom, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve grit separation. This vertical vortex approach reduces the horizontal footprint while maintaining effective grit removal through the upward spiraling flow path that carries grit to the upper outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber is segmented into functional zones with a central vortex core and peripheral flow paths. The vertical vortex creates distinct flow regions that separate grit particles from the liquid stream, allowing the device to achieve effective separation in a more compact configuration by dividing the flow into coherent rotational segments.
2Reliability
If traditional grit removal devices are used, then grit separation function is provided, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the kinetic energy of the incoming flow itself to generate the vortex and drive the separation process. The upward flow naturally creates the vortex pattern without requiring additional mechanical energy input, allowing the system to be self-sustaining and energy-efficient while maintaining effective grit separation.
3Reliability
If traditional grit removal devices are used, then grit separation function is provided, but they cannot adapt to varying flow ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical vortex configuration naturally adapts to varying flow rates because the vortex strength and flow patterns adjust automatically with the incoming flow volume. The system maintains effective grit separation across different flow ranges through this dynamic self-adjusting characteristic, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustments or complex control mechanisms.
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 apparatus effectively separates grit from the liquid stream, reducing mechanical wear and accumulation, while maintaining efficient operation across varying flow ranges with a smaller footprint and lower energy consumption compared to traditional devices.
Implementation Method 1
a propeller supported for rotation in the duct about the duct axis, rotation of the propeller drawing liquid in the duct upwardly
Implementation Method 2
create a spiral flow pattern, directing heavier particles into a storage chamber while lifting lighter organic particles
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of vanes adapted to be secured between the duct and the transition surface in an upwardly extending orientation and spiraling outwardly from the duct in the same direction as liquid flow within the separation chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A grit removal apparatus includes a cylindrical separation chamber above a cylindrical grit storage chamber, with a centrally disposed opening permitting communication between the chambers. An influent flume introduces a liquid stream, narrowed by a baffle, directly into a lower portion of the outer periphery of the separation chamber, and an effluent flume removes a liquid stream through an opening in an upper portion of the separation chamber wall. Outwardly spiraling vanes extend upwardly from the bottom at the center of the separation chamber, and a vertically oriented cylindrical duct is supported above the vanes. A tunnel is defined in the separation chamber by the portion of the separation chamber wall under the opening to the effluent flume, an upper wall at the bottom of that opening, and an inner arcuate wall concentric with the separation chamber wall portion. A ring extends inwardly from the separation chamber wall, with the tunnel upper wall defining a portion of the ring. A propeller inside the duct rotates about a vertical axis in the separation chamber center to draw fluid flow up through the duct toward the upper portion of the separation chamber.