Water Treatment Flotation Tank with Microbubble Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wastewater treatment methods face inefficiencies in separating solids from liquids due to turbulent flows and suboptimal bubble formation, leading to reduced flotation efficiency and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A water treatment system utilizing a shell tube introduction part with independent gas and water pathways, microbubble forming means, and a treated water outlet, which forms micron-sized bubbles for efficient solid-liquid separation in a flotation tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional flotation methods are used, then solids can be separated from liquids, but turbulent flows reduce flotation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bubble size parameter from conventional larger bubbles to microbubbles (0.01-0.5mm diameter). This parameter change fundamentally alters the flow dynamics, reducing turbulence and creating gentle rising microbubbles that enhance flotation efficiency while maintaining stable liquid composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by introducing gas (air or other gases) into the liquid to form bubbles. The gas injection system creates microbubbles that rise through the liquid, providing buoyant force to solids while the pneumatic mechanism controls bubble formation to minimize turbulence.
2Productivity
If conventional bubble formation is used, then gas can be supplied to the liquid, but bubble formation is suboptimal reducing separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes bubble size parameters, producing microbubbles rather than conventional bubbles. This is achieved through specialized bubble generation equipment that controls bubble diameter to 0.01-0.5mm, significantly improving separation efficiency by increasing bubble surface area and reducing coalescence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the gas supply into multiple small bubbles rather than forming few large bubbles. The bubble generation system divides the gas flow into numerous microbubbles, increasing the total surface area for solid attachment and improving overall separation efficiency.
3Speed
If faster bubble rising is used, then gas supply is efficient, but turbulent flow increases reducing flotation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bubble size parameter to microbubbles (0.01-0.5mm), which naturally rise slower than conventional bubbles. This slower rising speed reduces turbulence and enhances flotation efficiency, as the microbubbles provide gentle, continuous buoyant force rather than rapid, turbulent movement.
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
Enhances flotation efficiency by promoting slow-rising microbubbles, reducing turbulent flow, and improving the adsorption rate of particles, resulting in higher purity and economic efficiency of treated water production.
Implementation Method 1
The microbubble forming means may comprise a membrane diffuser
Implementation Method 2
a flotation tank; a shell tube introduction part connected to the flotation tank and comprising a shell configured to supply a gas and at least one tube configured to supply untreated water
Implementation Method 3
improving the adsorption rate of particles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
This disclosure is related to a water treatment system. The system comprises a flotation tank; a shell tube introduction part connected to the flotation tank and comprising a shell configured to supply a gas and at least one tube configured to supply untreated water, wherein each of the shell and the tube has a first part exposed to an outside of the flotation tank and a second part extending into the flotation tank; a microbubble forming means positioned on or adj acent to the second part of the shell; and a treated water outlet connected to the flotation tank and configured to allow treated water separated from solids in the flotation tank to be discharged therethrough.