Waste Separation Apparatus Using Density-Based Skimming and Settling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting bioorganic waste into biogas are hindered by non-bioorganic materials that physically block and contaminate reactors, requiring effective separation of waste streams before biogas generation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a reactor filled with water, a mixer, a skimmer for removing lighter-density materials, and a settler for removing heavier-density materials, along with the use of anaerobic bacteria and micro-bubble diffusers to enhance separation and biogas production from partially sorted waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If waste material is fed directly into anaerobic reactors for biogas generation, then bioorganic matter can be converted into biogas, but non-bioorganic materials block the reactor and contaminate output materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a waste separation system before the anaerobic digestion process. The separator unit divides waste into organic and inorganic fractions, and the organic fraction is further separated into lighter and heavier components. This preliminary separation prevents non-bioorganic materials from entering the reactor, eliminating blockages and contamination while maintaining biogas generation productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If density-based separation is used to separate waste materials, then lighter materials float and heavier materials sink, but the separation process becomes complex with multiple threshold requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the waste separation process into distinct stages with dedicated functional units. The separator unit segments waste into organic and inorganic fractions based on density, while the organic fraction separator further segments organic materials into lighter and heavier components. Each unit operates with a specific density threshold, creating a hierarchical segmentation approach that achieves precise separation while managing system complexity through modular design.
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
Efficient separation of organic and inorganic materials, reducing reactor blockages and contamination, while enabling effective biogas generation from waste streams with high organic content, thus addressing the limitations of existing biogas production systems.
Implementation Method 1
a mixer for mixing said material with said water
Implementation Method 2
a skimmer for removing a portion of said waste material having similar or lighter density than said water, said skimmer situated at the top portion of said reactor
Implementation Method 3
a settler for removing a portion of said waste material having higher density than said water, wherein said settler is situated at the lower portion of said reactor
Implementation Method 4
Anaerobic reactors can be used to convert the bioorganic matter into biogas
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for waste sorting and uses thereof for the separation of said waste into organic and inorganic material, including processes for its use and in some embodiments subsequently producing biogas from said waste material.