Aerobic Wastewater Clarifier with Angled Wall for Solid Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aerobic wastewater treatment systems face inefficiencies in separating solid waste particles from wastewater, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a treatment tank with an aeration chamber, a diffuser, and a clarifier with a unique angled wall configuration, along with an air inlet conduit and wastewater inlet conduit, to facilitate efficient aeration and separation of solids from liquids through continuous circulation and settling processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional aeration and separation systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the treatment efficiency is insufficient and solid-liquid separation is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewastewater treatment efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment tank is divided into distinct functional zones: an aeration chamber for biological treatment and a clarifier for solid-liquid separation. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function, improving overall treatment efficiency while maintaining a manageable system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clarifier employs an asymmetric wall configuration with a vertical outside wall portion and an inside wall portion angled at 45-60 degrees. This asymmetric design enhances flow patterns and settling efficiency, achieving better separation performance without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If conventional clarifier designs are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the separation of solids from liquids is ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolid-liquid separation effectivenessVSAvoidfabrication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clarifier's asymmetric wall design (vertical outside wall with 45-60 degree angled inside wall) creates optimized flow trajectories that enhance solid-liquid separation effectiveness. This geometric modification improves reliability of separation while remaining compatible with standard fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The clarifier bottom features a curved transition zone that facilitates smooth flow patterns and effective solids accumulation. This curvature design improves separation reliability by preventing dead zones and enhancing settling, while being manufacturable using conventional forming techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If traditional aeration systems are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the aeration efficiency is insufficient for effective treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaeration efficiencyVSAvoidsystem operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The aeration system incorporates a dedicated aeration chamber separated from the clarifier, allowing independent optimization of aeration performance. This segmentation enables efficient oxygen transfer and mixing while maintaining simple operational controls through dedicated air inlet conduits and diffusers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enhances wastewater treatment efficiency by effectively aerating and separating solids from liquids, resulting in a clearer effluent with reduced maintenance requirements.

Implementation Method 1

A diffuser may be provided in the aeration chamber. The diffuser may be disposed in pneumatic communication with the air inlet conduit.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAeration: Aeration

Implementation Method 2

Conventional aerobic wastewater treatment systems face inefficiencies in separating solid waste particles from wastewater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentUS10519055B1Aerobic wastewater treatment systems and methods of fabrication

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 JOHNSON III GEORGE E

AI summary

Aerobic wastewater treatment systems may include a treatment tank having a tank interior. An aeration chamber may be provided in the tank interior. A wastewater inlet conduit may be disposed in fluid communication with the aeration chamber. An air inlet conduit may be disposed in fluid communication with the aeration chamber. A diffuser may be provided in the aeration chamber. The diffuser may be disposed in pneumatic communication with the air inlet conduit. A clarifier in the tank interior may include a vertical outside clarifier wall portion. An inside clarifier wall portion may be disposed at an acute angle to the outside clarifier wall portion. A clarifier interior may be formed by and between the outside clarifier wall portion and the inside clarifier wall portion. A clarifier inlet may establish fluid communication between the aeration chamber and the clarifier interior. An effluent outlet conduit may be disposed in fluid communication with the clarifier interior. Aerobic wastewater treatment system fabrication methods are also disclosed.