Wastewater Retaining Device with Segmented Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewage treatment plants face challenges in retaining carrier material bodies in the clarification tank without disrupting the flow or becoming clogged by biofilm, leading to reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device with a flat housing nestled against the tank wall, featuring elliptical or circular openings smaller than the carrier material bodies, which minimizes protrusion into the tank, prevents biofilm overgrowth, and ensures mechanical contact with the flow, thereby maintaining efficient swirling of carrier material bodies and preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slotted tubes are used to retain carrier material bodies, then carrier material retention is improved, but processing effort increases and energy consumption rises due to considerable manufacturing complexity and flow disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is segmented into a housing with multiple circular openings arranged in a pattern, rather than using a single slotted tube. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of each component while maintaining effective retention through the collective action of multiple openings
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of cutting slots into a tube (complex processing), the invention uses a housing with pre-formed circular openings that are simpler to manufacture. The retention function is achieved inversely by using the spacing between openings rather than cutting through material
2Reliability
If slotted tubes protrude into the clarification tank, then carrier material retention is improved, but flow roller efficiency decreases due to disturbance of the flow pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is positioned at the wall boundary rather than protruding into the tank volume. By utilizing the wall dimension for mounting, the device retains carrier material effectively while minimizing intrusion into the three-dimensional flow roller pattern, thus maintaining flow efficiency
3Reliability
If sieves are used to retain carrier material bodies, then carrier material retention is improved, but outflow becomes impeded due to clogging by biofilm
Solution Approach 1:
The housing openings are strategically positioned and sized to provide different local functions: larger openings prevent carrier material passage while allowing water flow, and the specific arrangement ensures that no single location becomes a clogging bottleneck, maintaining both retention and outflow efficiency
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 effectively retains carrier material bodies without impeding the flow, prevents biofilm accumulation, and maintains a stable flow roller, enhancing the biological treatment efficiency while reducing energy consumption and processing effort.
Implementation Method 1
fine-bubble air is introduced into the body of water in the clarification tank via an aeration device, from which a flow is formed in the clarification tank, so that the carrier material bodies are swirled
Implementation Method 2
a flow is formed in the clarification tank, so that the carrier material bodies are swirled in a flow roller
Implementation Method 3
at least the outlet having a retaining device with circular openings that have an opening width slightly smaller than the smallest dimension of the carrier material body, for retaining the carrier material body
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wastewater treatment plant with a settling tank in which carrier material bodies covered with a biofilm are swirled, wherein the wastewater flows in at an inlet, if necessary from a primary settling tank, and flows out as clear water via an outlet, wherein at least the outlet has a retention device with circular openings, which have an opening width slightly smaller than the smallest dimension of the carrier material bodies, for retaining the carrier material bodies in the settling tank.