Water Recycling System with Nested Settlement Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water recycling systems for greywater are complex and costly, lacking affordable, easy-to-install solutions for commercial and domestic settings that effectively reduce water consumption and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost water recycling system comprising a series of tanks with inner and outer tanks for settlement and storage, equipped with overflow sensors, drainage outlets, filters, and dosing means for chemical treatment, allowing for efficient settlement of solids and reduction of soap residue, with a control system for regular purging and topping up to ensure consistent water supply for non-potable uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex whole-building water recycling solutions are implemented, then water reuse effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water recycling system is divided into separate functional modules: a settlement tank for solid particle removal, a storage tank for treated water, and a pump system for distribution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying overall system design and maintenance compared to integrated complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic controls including overflow sensors that trigger purging operations and level sensors that control pump operation and topping-up. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention and complex control systems while maintaining reliable water reuse functionality.
2Reliability
If advanced filtration and treatment systems are used, then water quality is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes only the essential treatment function needed for greywater reuse - specifically the settlement tank for solid particle removal - rather than implementing comprehensive advanced filtration systems. This extraction approach achieves sufficient water quality for non-potable uses while significantly reducing manufacturing and installation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the treatment parameter from advanced chemical/physical filtration to simple gravitational settlement and filtration through the inner tank structure. This parameter change maintains adequate water quality for toilet flushing and irrigation while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous operation without purging is maintained, then water supply consistency is improved, but harmful factors accumulate in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic purging operations triggered by overflow sensors rather than continuous operation. The pump operates intermittently to maintain water levels, and purging is activated periodically when overflow is detected, creating a rhythmic operation pattern that prevents pathogen accumulation while maintaining water supply consistency for reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
Overflow sensors provide feedback to the control system, triggering purging operations when water levels indicate potential contamination risks. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts system operation to maintain water quality by initiating purges before harmful factors can accumulate to dangerous levels, ensuring consistent safe water supply.
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 system reduces water consumption by up to 30% in commercial and household settings by efficiently recycling greywater, minimizing energy use and maintaining water quality for reuse in toilets and irrigation.
Implementation Method 1
a first reservoir for receiving and holding greywater to allow suspended solids in the greywater to settle at the bottom of the first reservoir
Implementation Method 2
an overflow sensor, for sensing water which is overflowing from the system and thus that the tanks of the system are full
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A water recycling system (10) comprises a first settlement tank (12), having an inlet (14) and an outlet (16); a second settlement tank (18) having an inlet (20) in fluid communication with the outlet of the first settlement tank, and an outlet (22); at least one storage tank (24) having an inlet (26) in fluid communication with the outlet of the second settlement tank, and an outlet (28, 29); wherein at least one of the first and second settlement tanks comprises an inner tank (34, 38) and an outer tank (36, 40) around and in fluid communication with the inner tank, wherein the inlet opens into the inner tank, and the outlet opens from the outer tank. Also disclosed is a water flow rate sensor assembly (52), a water overflow sensing system (70), a water settlement tank, and a control system (92) for use with a water recycling system.