Water Waste Collection Funnel With Flow Gradient Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste collection systems for bodies of water, such as sea, face challenges with manual labor, inefficiency, and clogging due to wave forces, and are cumbersome for both solid and liquid waste removal, particularly in scaling down for smaller operations.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a funnel structure connected to a base pipe via a vertical suction pipe with a pressure pipe creating a flow gradient, allowing efficient separation of waste by adjusting water flow and pressure to prevent emulsification of liquids, and accommodating different waste sizes and compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a submerged collection basket is used to collect solid waste, then waste collection is achieved, but manual labor and physical effort are required for emptying and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the kinetic energy of incoming water and waste to automatically empty the collection basket. The large orifice allows waste to be flushed out automatically when water flow is directed through the basket, eliminating the need for manual emptying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes hydraulic principles by using water flow pressure to move waste into and out of the collection basket. The water current carries waste into the basket and can be directed to flush it out, replacing manual labor with fluid dynamics.
2Ease of operation
If a large orifice is provided in the collection basket, then waste entry is facilitated, but waste exits the basket due to wave forces
Solution Approach 1:
The collection basket is designed to be dynamically adjustable in position and orientation. It can be moved to different locations and angled to optimize waste capture while minimizing the impact of wave forces that would cause waste to exit.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection system is divided into separate functional zones: an intake area with the large orifice for waste entry, a collection chamber for temporary storage, and an discharge area for waste removal. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function.
3Productivity
If oil booms and rotating brushes are used to collect oil, then oil removal is achieved, but the system is inefficient and breaks oil slicks into emulsion droplets
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts oil from water using a collection basket that allows oil to enter with the water flow but prevents it from mixing. The basket design enables oil to be separated and collected in its bulk form rather than being broken into droplets that form emulsions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the natural floating behavior of oil (which causes it to accumulate on surface) into a benefit by positioning the collection basket to capture this floating oil. The large orifice and water flow work together to guide oil into the basket without requiring mechanical disruption that would create harmful emulsions.
4Reliability
If mechanical separating arrangements with tanks and weirs are used, then waste separation is achieved, but the system is cumbersome and difficult to scale
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from traditional horizontal tank-based separation to a vertical collection basket structure. Waste separates from water in the vertical dimension as water flows through the basket, allowing separation without the need for large horizontal tanks and complex weir structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection basket serves multiple functions: it collects both solid and liquid waste, allows separation of waste from water, and can be adjusted for different operating conditions. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized components in traditional mechanical separating arrangements.
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 device enhances cleaning efficiency, reduces manual labor, prevents clogging, and is scalable, making it easier to use and maintain, while effectively collecting both solid and liquid wastes without forming emulsions.
Implementation Method 1
A jet of water is injected through the pressure pipe to the base pipe. A flow gradient is formed in the base pipe
Implementation Method 2
The device is further configured to move the water containing the waste material to the separating arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A device having a funnel structure (connected to a separating arrangement by a base pipe is disclosed. The base pipe is horizontal and arranged between the funnel structure and the base pipe. The base pipe is also a vertical suction pipe. The device includes a pressure pipe which is parallel to the base pipe. The funnel structure is slightly below the water surface. In operation, water and floating waste pass over the edges of the funnel structure and swirl into the suction pipe. A jet of water may be injected through the pressure pipe to the base pipe. A flow gradient may then be formed in the base pipe and the differently sized waste objects may separate. If the water contains liquid waste, the speed of the water jet may be adjusted in such a way that the liquid waste and water do not form an emulsion.