Compact Wastewater Purifier with Internal Flow Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smaller wastewater treatment plants face challenges in managing variable sewage flow rates and quality, leading to oversized infrastructure and increased costs due to the need for complex pumping systems and oversized reactors to maintain consistent treatment conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact wastewater treatment device with a modified activated sludge process, featuring an anaerobic, anoxic, and oxic zone in a single basin combined with a secondary clarifier and retention space, utilizing internal recirculation and a flow regulator with a calibrated throttle to manage fluctuating flows without separate balancing tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If separate equalizing tanks and complex pumping systems are used to balance variable sewage flow, then treatment stability is improved, but device complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the equalizing function with the activated sludge reaction tank by creating an internal compartment structure within a single basin. The first compartment receives variable inflow and stores it, while the second compartment maintains stable treatment conditions. This merging eliminates the need for separate equalizing tanks and complex inter-tank pumping systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining treatment stability through gravitational flow between compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction tank is segmented into multiple compartments (first compartment for equalization, second compartment for treatment) with internal partitions. This segmentation allows different functional zones to coexist within a single basin, enabling flow balancing without requiring separate external equalizing tanks, thus simplifying the overall system while maintaining stable treatment conditions.
2Reliability
If oversized reactors are designed to handle maximum hourly flow Qmax, then reliability is improved, but productivity and space utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow management where the first compartment adapts to variable inflow rates by storing excess sewage during peak flows and releasing it during low flows. The internal recirculation system dynamically adjusts return activated sludge flow to maintain optimal treatment conditions. This dynamic approach allows the reactor to reliably handle Qmax without being permanently oversized, maintaining productivity during average flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The first compartment performs preliminary flow equalization by storing variable inflow before it enters the treatment zone in the second compartment. This preliminary action prevents hydraulic shocks from reaching the treatment processes, allowing the reactor to maintain optimal dimensions for average flow while reliably handling peak flows without oversizing.
3Productivity
If separate equalizing tanks are used to balance flow variability, then treatment efficiency is improved, but the volume required for the overall system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the equalizing function with the reaction tank by creating internal compartments within a single basin. The first compartment serves as an equalizing zone that stores variable inflow, while the second compartment performs treatment. This integration eliminates the need for separate external equalizing tanks, reducing the total system volume while maintaining treatment efficiency through the internal compartment structure and gravitational flow management.
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 allows for efficient biological purification with low demands on pumping and mixing technology, enabling adaptive capacity expansion and reduced operational costs while maintaining high water quality and nitrogen/phosphorus removal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an activated sludge chamber with non-aerated, anaerobic and anoxic zones
Implementation Method 2
an activated sludge chamber with non-aerated, anaerobic and anoxic zones
Implementation Method 3
a secondary clarifier combined with a retention space
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a waste water purifying device operating according to a modified activated sludge process with continuous inflow and outflow. The device comprises an activated-sludge chamber connecting non-aerated anaerobic and anoxic areas with an aerated oxic area, a secondary sedimentation chamber provided with an internal return system between the areas of the activated-sludge chamber and the secondary sedimentation chamber which are arranged in a tank. The tank (1) is provided with a bottom (2), an outer envelop (3) and is divided into a vertical through non-aerated labyrinth (7), an aerated activated sludge chamber (8), a secondary sedimentation chamber (9) and a retention chamber (24). Said labyrinth (7) is separated from the aerated activated sludge chamber (8) by a separating wall (4) which extends from the bottom (2) beyond a maximum level (B) defined by the level of a overflow shoot (29). The inventive device also comprises a through opening (10) at the bottom (2) of the tank (1) level or at a minimum level (A) determined by the level of the outflow pipe (11) of the tank (1).