Wastewater Purification Plant with Segmented Aerated Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current individual wastewater treatment solutions, such as septic tanks, are inefficient in removing nitrogen and phosphorous compounds, leading to environmental concerns, and existing submerged aerated biofilter plants have limitations in power consumption and design for handling and pressure resistance.
Innovation Solution
A wastewater purification plant with a septic tank and two separated aerated compartments, featuring a longer, slimmer design for improved oxygen transfer and a receiving section that withstands groundwater pressure, along with a recycling system for phosphorous precipitation, optimizing liquid distribution and reducing chemical usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional septic tank is used for wastewater treatment, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the removal efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorous compounds is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The purification unit is divided into multiple aerated compartments (first and second compartments) with separate functions. The first compartment handles organic matter degradation and nitrification, while the second compartment focuses on phosphorous removal through chemical precipitation. This segmentation allows each compartment to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall purification efficiency while maintaining modular construction simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines biological treatment (aerated compartments with biofilters) and chemical treatment (phosphorous precipitation in the second compartment) within a single integrated unit. This merging of treatment methods enables simultaneous removal of organic compounds, nitrogen, and phosphorous, achieving high purification efficiency without requiring multiple separate structures
2Manufacturing precision
If a submerged aerated biofilter plant is used, then the purification efficiency is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system is designed to provide air only during specific operational phases: during filling of the first compartment and during emptying of the second compartment. This dynamic air supply, controlled by level sensors and valves, eliminates continuous aeration while ensuring adequate oxygen supply during critical treatment phases, thereby reducing overall power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The plant operates in periodic cycles of filling and emptying. During the filling phase, air is supplied to the first compartment for organic matter degradation. During the emptying phase, air is supplied to the second compartment for phosphorous precipitation. This periodic action replaces continuous aeration, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining treatment effectiveness
3Ease of operation
If the purification unit diameter is reduced for better handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the pressure resistance from groundwater becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The purification unit transitions from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical configuration. The compact cylindrical shape with height greater than diameter (H>D) reduces the horizontal footprint for easier handling and installation, while the vertical orientation allows the walls to better withstand groundwater pressure from all directions. The receiving section is positioned at the lowest point to maximize structural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The purification unit is constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or similar pressure-resistant materials that provide both structural strength to withstand groundwater pressure and flexibility for handling. The material selection ensures the unit can be manually positioned while maintaining integrity under hydrostatic pressure
4Manufacturing precision
If chemicals are added for phosphorous precipitation, then the phosphorous removal efficiency is improved, but the chemical usage and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plant utilizes the wastewater's own organic matter as a carbon source for phosphorous removal. Anaerobic bacteria in the first compartment break down organic compounds, producing volatile fatty acids that serve as electron donors for phosphorous precipitation in the second compartment. This self-service approach eliminates or minimizes the need for external chemical additives like aluminum salts or ferric chloride
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the typically harmful excess organic matter in wastewater into a beneficial resource. The organic compounds, which would normally require additional treatment, are instead used as the carbon source driving phosphorous precipitation. This transforms a pollutant into a reagent, eliminating chemical consumption and reducing environmental impact
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 solution reduces power consumption, enhances phosphorous removal efficiency, and maintains biological processes while minimizing chemical usage and environmental impact by optimizing compartment volumes and recycling nitrate-rich water for oxidation, thus improving overall purification efficiency and handling capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
two separated aerated compartments i.e. a first and a second compartment provided with bio filters
Implementation Method 2
a receiving section which is placed very deep and which does not collapse due to pressure from ground water as the outer walls of the unit forms the outer walls of the receiving section and as these walls are able to withstand a large pressure
Implementation Method 3
The phosphorous compounds are often removed by an oxidative precipitation in which chemicals are added to the waste water and oxidize the phosphorous compounds to phosphates which are precipitated as sparingly soluble salts
Implementation Method 4
a septic tank in which an anaerobic fermentation process at low temperatures purifies the waste
Implementation Method 5
an improved nitrification occurs
Implementation Method 6
a denitrification will be obtained in the septic tank due to the anaerobic conditions and freely available carbon
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a plant unit for water purification which plant unit is placed downstream of a septic tank. Numerous private housings are not connected to public sewer systems and their waste water is therefore not treated in a public purifying plant. Instead these housings rely on their individual solutions on the purification issue. A purification plant according to the invention comprises a pre-precipitation septic tank and a purification unit consisting of an upper part (21) comprising two separated aerated compartments (6, 9) i.e. a first and a second compartment provided with bio filters and two separated sedimentation compartments (7, 10), a first and a second, placed down- stream respectively of the first and second aerated compartments. The purification unit has a lower part (20) placed below one or both aerated compartments (6,9) which lower part (20) comprises a receiving section provided with an inlet (2) holding low-oxygen containing waste water from the pre- precipitation tank.