Wastewater Treatment Regulating Unit with Interdependent Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cyclically operated wastewater treatment plants, such as SBR systems, face inefficiencies due to the need for waiting periods for sedimentation and complex control of clear water withdrawal, requiring multiple active devices for operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with two treatment basins connected as communicating vessels, featuring a regulating unit with interdependent closure means and a drive unit for simple and reliable control of clear water discharge, allowing alternating operation between basins without complex control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional SBR systems are used for wastewater treatment, then the treatment process can be simplified, but the effectiveness is limited due to waiting periods for sedimentation
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment system is divided into multiple treatment basins (at least two) that can operate in alternating cycles. While one basin is performing sedimentation, another can be charged with new wastewater, eliminating idle waiting periods and improving overall treatment effectiveness without increasing individual basin complexity
2Productivity
If multiple treatment basins are used to improve treatment effectiveness, then productivity increases, but device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions for multiple treatment basins are merged into a single regulating unit that simultaneously controls the inlet connection and clear water withdrawal for each basin. This integration simplifies the control system by coordinating all operations through one unified control mechanism rather than requiring separate complex control systems for each basin
3Productivity
If multiple active delivery devices such as pumps are used to operate multiple basins, then treatment effectiveness improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment basins are connected as communicating vessels, utilizing hydraulic principles to automatically equalize water levels between basins. This passive hydraulic connection eliminates the need for multiple active pumps, reducing device complexity and operational costs while maintaining the ability to transfer wastewater and clear water between basins effectively
4Productivity
If complex control of clear water withdrawal is implemented, then treatment effectiveness improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating unit automatically coordinates the opening and closing of inlet connections and clear water withdrawals based on the operational state of each treatment basin. The system self-regulates by monitoring which basin is in which phase (charging, reaction, sedimentation, or withdrawal) and automatically controlling the valves and connections, eliminating the need for complex manual control operations
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 solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and reliable removal of purified wastewater with high operational reliability and reduced susceptibility to incorrect operation, combining the advantages of SBR and continuous processes.
Implementation Method 1
The two treatment basins are connected to communicating vessels so that the water level is the same
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating wastewater, having a first treatment tank (2), a second treatment tank (3), an inlet (4), a first outlet (7) and a second outlet (8), wherein the inlet (4) is assigned to at least one of the two treatment tanks (2, 3), and wherein wastewater which is to be cleaned can be introduced via the inlet (4), and wherein the two treatment tanks (2; 3) are connected to form communicating vessels, and wherein the first outlet (7) is assigned to the first treatment tank (2) and the second outlet (8) is assigned to the second treatment tank (3). The invention here is distinguished in that the apparatus has a regulating unit (9), wherein the regulating unit (9) has a first closure means (10), a second closure means (11), a drive unit (12) and a mechanical connecting means (13), wherein the first closure means (10) and the second closure means (11) are connected mechanically to one another by way of the mechanical connecting means (13), and wherein the first closure means (10) is assigned to the first outlet (7) and the second closure means (11) is assigned to the second outlet (8), and in that, when the first closure means (10) is in an open position, the second closure means (11) assumes a closed position, and vice versa, and in that the open position and the closed position of the two closure means (10, 11) can be defined by the drive unit (12). The invention also relates to a regulating unit having the features described above.