Wastewater Flow Depth Detection for Inflow Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for wastewater flow measurement, particularly in open channels, require obtaining pipe slopes and roughness coefficients, which can be difficult and risky, especially during meter installation, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in wastewater treatment.
Innovation Solution
An advanced mapping technology that determines volumetric differences in wastewater flows between dry and wet days without needing to ascertain pipe slopes and coefficients of roughness, allowing for the identification and reduction of inflow and infiltration into wastewater collection systems, thereby reducing treatment costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow measurement methods using Mannings equation are used, then flow calculation accuracy is improved, but confined space entry is required creating safety risks and increasing installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flow depth detectors as intermediary devices that can be installed remotely via manholes without requiring confined space entry. These detectors serve as mediators between the measurement goal and the physical constraints, enabling accurate flow depth measurements while maintaining installer safety through remote installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional manual measurement system (requiring physical entry into confined spaces to measure pipe parameters) with an automated electronic detection system. Flow depth detectors equipped with transducers automatically measure flow depth and transmit data, substituting mechanical manual measurement with electronic automated detection to eliminate safety risks.
2Measurement precision
If pipe slope and roughness coefficient measurements are obtained through conventional methods, then flow calculation precision is improved, but installation cost and time increase due to special equipment and permits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the critical measurement parameter (flow depth) from the complete set of parameters traditionally required for flow calculation. By using flow depth detectors that measure only flow depth and combining this with pre-stored pipe geometry data, the system eliminates the need to physically measure pipe slope, roughness coefficients, and other parameters that would require special equipment and permits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing pipe geometry data, roughness coefficients, and slope information in a database before the actual flow measurement takes place. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site measurement of these parameters during installation, reducing both equipment requirements and permit needs while maintaining calculation accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If traditional flow measurement installation is performed, then accurate flow data is obtained, but treatment cost reduction effectiveness is limited due to inability to efficiently locate inflow and infiltration sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wastewater collection system into multiple segments or zones, each equipped with flow depth detectors at strategic locations. By segmenting the system and measuring flow depth at multiple points, the system can identify which segments show abnormal flow increases during dry weather, thereby locating inflow and infiltration sources more efficiently than traditional single-point measurement methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring flow depth measurements and comparing them against expected values or historical data. When flow depth exceeds thresholds or shows abnormal patterns indicative of inflow or infiltration, the system provides feedback signals that trigger further investigation or alarm, enabling proactive identification and location of problem areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reducing rainwater and/or groundwater inflow and infiltration into a wastewater treatment collection grid. The method preferably involves the steps of (a) dividing the grid into a plurality of major subsystems, (b) determining flow depth levels in each major subsystem under dry and wet conditions, (c) using these wet weather and dry weather flow depth measurements to determine a volume flow ratio for wet versus dry conditions, (d) using these flow ratios to identify the particular major subsystem(s) in which the greatest amount of inflow or infiltration is occurring, and then (e) further dividing the highest ranking major subsystem(s) into smaller subsystems in which the same dry and wet weather level measurement and ranking analysis is preferably conducted to further isolate problem locations for surveillance, maintenance, and/or repair.