阅读说明：本技术 用于使污泥脱水的装置和方法 (Apparatus and method for dewatering sludge ) 是由 T·萨尔法 于 2018-06-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于使污泥脱水的装置,包括：箱体,其内部空间由分隔壁分隔成吸入室和提取室；吸入管道,其通过吸入阀连接到吸入室；排放管道,其通过排放阀连接到提取室；和输送管道,其提供吸入室和提取室之间的流体连通。输送管道具有位于吸入室的底部附近的第一开口以及位于提取室的顶部附近的第二开口。泵在吸入室内选择性地产生正压和负压。筛网位于提取室内、输送管道的第二开口和排放管道之间。(An apparatus for dewatering sludge, comprising: a case body, the inner space of which is divided into a suction chamber and an extraction chamber by a partition wall; a suction duct connected to the suction chamber through a suction valve; a discharge conduit connected to the extraction chamber through a discharge valve; and a delivery conduit providing fluid communication between the suction chamber and the extraction chamber. The delivery duct has a first opening located near the bottom of the suction chamber and a second opening located near the top of the extraction chamber. The pump selectively generates positive and negative pressures within the suction chamber. The screen is located within the extraction chamber between the second opening of the delivery conduit and the discharge conduit.)

1. An apparatus for dewatering sludge, comprising:

a case body having an inner space partitioned into a suction chamber and an extraction chamber by a partition wall;

a suction duct connected to the suction chamber through a suction valve;

a discharge conduit connected to the extraction chamber by a discharge valve;

a delivery conduit providing fluid communication between the suction chamber and the extraction chamber; the delivery duct having a first opening located near the bottom of the suction chamber and a second opening located near the top of the extraction chamber;

a pump for selectively generating positive and negative pressures in the suction chamber;

a screen located within the extraction chamber, the screen positioned between the second opening of the delivery conduit and the discharge conduit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the delivery conduit is oriented at an angle of about 45 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the tank.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the divider wall includes an angled portion connected at an angle of about 45 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the tank.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the delivery conduit comprises a lower portion oriented at about a 90 degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the tank and an upper portion oriented approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tank.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dividing wall comprises a curved wall having an opening for receiving the upper portion of the delivery conduit.

6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a vent assembly attached to the second opening of the delivery conduit, the vent assembly comprising a valve for allowing matter to exit the second opening of the delivery conduit and preventing matter from entering the second opening of the delivery conduit.

7. The device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the screen substantially conforms to the shape of the extraction chamber and has an aperture therein for receiving the delivery conduit such that the second opening of the delivery conduit is within the screen.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an end of the tank adjacent the extraction chamber includes a door having an edge, and wherein the screen includes an edge that presses against the edge of the door when the door is closed.

9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first opening of the delivery conduit has a funnel that directs fluid into the opening.

10. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a flexible hose connected to the pump.

11. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a flexible hose connecting one or more of the suction conduit, the delivery conduit and the discharge conduit.

12. A method for dewatering sludge, comprising:

there is provided an apparatus including a casing having an inner space partitioned into a suction chamber and an extraction chamber by a partition wall; a suction duct connected to the suction chamber through a suction valve; a discharge conduit connected to the extraction chamber by a discharge valve; a delivery conduit providing fluid communication between the suction chamber and the extraction chamber, the delivery conduit having a first opening located near a bottom of the suction chamber and a second opening located near a top of the extraction chamber; a pump for selectively generating positive and negative pressures in the suction chamber; and a screen located within the extraction chamber, the screen being positioned between the second opening of the delivery conduit and the discharge conduit;

applying a negative pressure to the suction box by the pump with the suction valve open to suck a mixture of solids and liquid into the suction box through the suction pipe;

injecting a polymer into the suction box to coagulate the solids; and

applying positive pressure to the suction box by the pump with the suction valve closed, the delivery valve open and the discharge valve open to force a mixture of liquid and coagulated solids through the delivery conduit into the extraction chamber, whereby the screen traps the coagulated solids to allow liquid to pass through the discharge conduit.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein an end of the bin adjacent the extraction chamber includes a door having an edge, and wherein the screen includes an edge that presses against the edge of the door when the door is closed, the method comprising opening the door to remove solids from the extraction chamber without removing the screen.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to sewage sludge treatment, and in particular, to an apparatus and method for dewatering sludge and other materials.

Background

Sewage sludge consists of a mixture of solids and liquids. Separating the liquid from the solids allows the liquid to be recycled and allows the solids to be transported more efficiently for disposal. Various systems exist in the art for separating liquids from sludge or other materials, including: US 3,677,409, US 5,503,753, US 4,816,167, US 3,028,011, US 2016/0289109, US 5,462,661 and US 4,021,347.

The inventors have determined that there is a need for improved apparatuses, methods, and systems for dewatering sludge and other materials.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for dewatering sludge. The device includes: a case body, the inner space of which is divided into a suction chamber and an extraction chamber by a partition wall; a suction duct connected to the suction chamber through a suction valve; a discharge conduit connected to the extraction chamber through a discharge valve; and a delivery conduit providing fluid communication between the suction chamber and the extraction chamber. The delivery duct has a first opening located near the bottom of the suction chamber and a second opening located near the top of the extraction chamber. The pump selectively generates positive and negative pressures within the suction chamber. The screen is located within the extraction chamber between the second opening of the delivery conduit and the discharge conduit.

Another aspect provides a method for dewatering sludge. The method comprises the following steps: providing a box body, wherein the inner space of the box body is divided into a suction chamber and an extraction chamber by a partition wall; a suction duct connected to the suction chamber through a suction valve; a discharge conduit connected to the extraction chamber through a discharge valve; a delivery conduit providing fluid communication between the suction chamber and the extraction chamber; the delivery duct has a first opening located near the bottom of the suction chamber and a second opening located near the top of the extraction chamber; a pump for selectively generating positive and negative pressures within the suction chamber; and a screen located within the extraction chamber and positioned between the second opening of the delivery conduit and the discharge conduit. The method further comprises the following steps: applying negative pressure to the suction tank by a pump with the suction valve open to suck a mixture of solids and liquid into the suction tank through the suction pipe; injecting a polymer into the suction box to coagulate the solids; with the suction valve closed, the delivery valve open, and the discharge valve open, positive pressure is applied to the suction box by the pump to force a mixture of liquid and coagulated solids through the delivery conduit into the extraction chamber, whereby the screen traps the coagulated solids to allow liquid to pass through the discharge conduit.

Additional aspects and details of example embodiments are set forth below.

Drawings

The embodiments are illustrated in the following figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. In the drawings, embodiments are shown by way of example and not limitation.

FIG. 1 shows a cross section of an example dewatering apparatus according to one embodiment, with a door lid closed.

Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the device of fig. 1 with the door open.

Fig. 3 shows an external view of a prototype dehydration engine according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 shows a view of the interior of the extraction chamber of the device of fig. 3.

Figure 5 shows the screen of the apparatus of figure 3.

Fig. 6 shows the apparatus of fig. 3 with the door open to remove solids from the extraction chamber.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example dehydration engine mounted on a truck bed, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 8 shows the arrangement of fig. 7 with the door open and the truck bed raised based on a certain inclination.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example dewatering apparatus according to one embodiment.

Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the device of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a top view of the device of fig. 9.

Fig. 11A is a cross-sectional view of fig. 11 taken along line a-a.

Fig. 11B is a side view of the device of fig. 9.

Fig. 11C shows a detailed view of the region in circle C of fig. 11A.

Fig. 11D shows a detailed view of the region in circle D of fig. 11B.

Fig. 12 shows the delivery conduit of the device of fig. 9.

Fig. 12A is a side view of the delivery conduit of fig. 12.

Fig. 12B is a front view of the delivery conduit of fig. 12.

Detailed Description

Example apparatus and methods for dewatering sludge are described below.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the examples described herein. These examples may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the described examples. The description should not be deemed to be limited in scope to the examples described herein.

Fig. 1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of an example apparatus 100 for dewatering sludge. The apparatus 100 includes a casing 102, and an inner space of the casing 102 is partitioned into a suction chamber 106 and an extraction chamber 108 by a partition wall 104. The pump 110 is connected to the suction chamber 106 to selectively generate positive and negative pressures in the suction chamber 106. The pump 110 may have a primary filter 112 and a secondary filter 114. The pump 110 and filter 112/114 may be substantially the same as in a standard vacuum truck. A suction line 116 having a suction valve 117 is connected to the suction chamber 106 for drawing sludge or other matter into the tank, as discussed below. A coarse suction filter (not shown), such as a canister filter or the like, may be provided on the suction line to prevent larger (e.g., greater than about 1/2 inches in diameter) solids from entering the suction chamber. A drain line 118 having a drain valve 119 is connected to the extraction chamber 108 for draining liquid from the tank, as described below.

The delivery conduit 120 provides fluid communication between the suction chamber 106 and the extraction chamber 108. The delivery duct 120 has a first opening 122 near the bottom of the suction chamber 106 and a second opening 124 near the top of the extraction chamber 108. The dividing wall 104 has an opening near its top to allow the delivery conduit 120 to pass through, but in addition to that, the extraction chamber 108 is sealed from the suction chamber 106.

A screen 130 is located within the extraction chamber 108 between the second opening 124 of the delivery conduit 120 and the opening of the discharge conduit 118. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1, the screen 130 may generally conform to the shape of the extraction chamber 108 and may have an aperture for the second opening 124 of the delivery conduit 120. Details of an example screen are discussed below with reference to fig. 5. In the example shown, an end portion of the extraction chamber 108 of the housing 102 includes a door 140 that can be opened to allow access to the extraction chamber 108 for removal of solids. The screen 130 includes an open end having a generally circular rim 132, the rim 132 pressing upwardly against a rim 142 of the door cover 140 when the screen 130 is in place and the door cover 140 is closed. The door cover 140 may be held closed by a buckle latch 144 as shown in fig. 2 or any other suitable mechanism. The tank 102 may also be provided with a relief valve 152 and a pressure gauge 154. In some embodiments, the housing 102 also has an access hatch 156 (see fig. 1) in an upper portion of the suction chamber 106 for providing access to the suction chamber 106, and the housing 102 also has a cleaning port 158 (see fig. 1) in a lower portion of the suction chamber 106 near the bottom of the delivery conduit 120 and the partition wall 104. In other embodiments, hatch 156 and/or port 158 may be located at different locations.

In the example shown, the delivery conduit 120 is angled approximately 45 degrees from horizontal. In other embodiments, the delivery conduit 120 may be at a different angle from horizontal. As used herein, the term "horizontal direction" refers to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 102, such that the absolute angle relative to the "horizontal direction" may change as the orientation of the housing 102 changes. This configuration allows any sludge or other matter remaining in the suction chamber 106 or transfer pipe 120 to fall into the extraction chamber 108 when the tank 102 is tilted for dumping or cleaning, as described below. In the example shown, angled portion 105 of dividing wall 104 is also angled at about 45 degrees from horizontal. In other embodiments, the dividing wall 104 and the delivery conduit 120 may be configured differently (e.g., in some embodiments, the dividing wall may extend vertically upward from the first opening at the bottom end of the delivery conduit, or the dividing wall may comprise a curved wall, while the delivery conduit may be generally vertical, as described below with reference to fig. 9-12), so in different embodiments, the suction and extraction chambers 106, 108 and the screen 130 may have different shapes.

Fig. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate features of a prototype dehydration engine 100A according to one embodiment. Elements of the prototype apparatus 100A of fig. 3-5 are numbered correspondingly to corresponding elements of the apparatus 100 of fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows a view of the interior of the extraction chamber 108A of the housing 102A of the device 100A of fig. 3, wherein the second opening 124A of the delivery conduit 120A is shown protruding through the dividing wall 104A. Fig. 5 shows the screen 130A of the apparatus 100A of fig. 3. Screen 130A includes a rim 132A, rim 132A having a structural support frame 134A extending therefrom. A mesh 136A formed of wire mesh and fine screen material is supported by the edge 132A and the frame 134A. Fig. 6 shows the apparatus 100A of fig. 3 with the door 142A in an open state for removing solids from the extraction chamber.

In some embodiments, the dehydration engine 100/100a may be mounted on a truck bed (as shown in fig. 7 and 8), on a trailer, or any other transport platform to move the engine to and from the work site. The operation of the example apparatus 100 of fig. 1 and 2 is illustrated in fig. 7 and 8, with the apparatus 100 in different orientations and the door cover 140 in a closed position and an open position. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be moved to different orientations, such as by raising a truck bed based on a certain inclination, as shown in fig. 8, with the door cover in an open position.

To initiate suction of the sludge, the suction line 116 is connected to a hose or the like (not shown) placed in the sludge source. With the suction valve 117 opened, negative pressure is applied to the suction chamber 106 by the pump 110, thereby sucking sludge into the suction chamber 106 through the suction pipe 116. Polymer is injected into the suction chamber 106, e.g. via a separate polymer injection valve (not shown). As is known in the art, injection of a suitable polymer into the suction chamber 106 causes the solids in the sludge to coagulate into lumps.

After the sludge is in the suction chamber 106, the suction valve 117 is closed, and with the discharge valve 119 open, positive pressure is applied to the suction chamber 106 by the pump 110. This positive pressure causes sludge to be forced into the first opening 122, up the transfer pipe 120, and into the extraction chamber 108 through the second opening 124. After the sludge enters the extraction chamber 108 through the second opening 124, the screen 130 separates the solids and the liquid by blocking the solids and allowing the liquid to pass through the screen 130, exiting through the discharge conduit 118.

In some embodiments, after the liquid is drained, the door 140 is opened and solids captured by the screen 130 within the extraction chamber 108 are manually removed by scooping or other means. In some embodiments, the tank 102 may be tilted for dumping, for example, by raising the truck bed based on a certain inclination, as shown in fig. 8.

Fig. 9-11D illustrate another example apparatus 200. Elements of the apparatus 200 of fig. 9-11D are numbered correspondingly with corresponding elements of the apparatus 100 of fig. 1 in the form of 2xx rather than 1 xx. As described below, the operation of the apparatus 200 is substantially similar to the apparatus 100 of fig. 1, but differs from the apparatus 100 in many details, including the shape of the suction chamber 206, the extraction chamber 208, the partition wall 204, the delivery conduit 220, and the screen 230. As described below, the elements of the device 200 are shown in the examples of fig. 9-11D as being constructed of steel or other rigid material, but the various flexible hoses that connect the conduits of the device 200 to one another are not shown.

The apparatus 200 includes a housing 202, and an inner space of the housing 202 is partitioned into a suction chamber 206 and an extraction chamber 208 by a partition wall 204. In this embodiment, the partition wall 204 does not have an angled cross-section, but is curved in a similar manner to the opposite side of the suction chamber 206, such that the suction chamber 206 itself is in the form of a pressure box. In the example shown, the suction chamber 206 has a baffle assembly 207 (see fig. 11A) therein for reducing sloshing of matter within the tank 202 while the truck on which the device 200 is mounted is traveling.

The tank 202 is mounted on a deck assembly 250, the deck assembly 250 being configured to be mounted on a truck. A threshold assembly 252 is attached to the bottom of the tank 202 and the threshold assembly 252 is pivotally coupled to a hinge pin 254 at the rear of the deck assembly 250 so that the tank 202 can be tilted up at the front for dumping. As best shown in fig. 11A and 11B, the front of the sill assembly 252 may be higher than the rear, such that the case 202 is slightly inclined.

A pump (not shown) is connected to the suction chamber 206 to selectively generate positive and negative pressures in the suction chamber 206. In the example shown, the pump is configured to couple to a primary float trap 212 via a first connecting conduit 211A mounted on the side of the tank 202 and a second connecting conduit 211B mounted on the deck assembly 250. Flexible hoses (not shown) connect between the primary ball trap 212 and the first connecting conduit 211A, between the first connecting conduit 211A and the second connecting conduit 211B, and between the second connecting conduit 211B and the pump. The pump may also have one or more secondary filters (not shown) associated therewith. The pump, ball trap 212 and filter may be substantially the same as in a standard vacuum truck.

A suction line 216/216a/216B having a suction valve 217 is connected to the suction chamber 206 for drawing sludge or other material into the tank, as described below. In the example shown, a coarse suction filter 215, such as a canister filter, is connected between the first portion 216 of the suction line and the second portion 216A of the suction line by a flexible hose (not shown) to prevent larger (e.g., greater than about 1/2 inches in diameter) solids from entering the suction chamber. The second portion 216A of the suction conduit is connected to a third portion 216B of the suction conduit having a suction valve 217 by another flexible hose (not shown). A drain line 218 with a drain valve 219 is connected to the extraction chamber 208 for draining liquid from the tank, as described below.

Referring to fig. 10, 11A, 11C, 12A and 12B, the apparatus 200 includes a delivery conduit 220, the delivery conduit 220 being generally vertically oriented (with a bend near its top so that the top is generally horizontal) when the tank 202 is in a horizontal orientation. The delivery conduit 220 provides fluid communication between the suction chamber 206 and the extraction chamber 208. The delivery duct 220 has a first opening 222 near the bottom of the suction chamber 206 and a second opening 224 near the top of the extraction chamber 208. The partition wall 204 has an opening near its top to allow the delivery conduit 220 to pass through, but in addition to that, the extraction chamber 208 is sealed from the suction chamber 206. A screen 230 is located within the extraction chamber 208 between the second opening 224 of the delivery conduit 220 and the opening of the discharge conduit 218. In some embodiments, the screen 230 may substantially conform to the shape of the extraction chamber 208. The screen 230 has a hole for receiving the upper end of the conveying pipe 220 such that the second opening 224 is located inside the screen 230. As described below, in the example shown, the breather tube assembly 226 is attached to the second opening 224 of the delivery conduit 220.

The first opening 222 at the bottom of the conveying pipe 220 has a funnel-shaped structure 223 for guiding the fluid into the conveying pipe 220. As best shown in fig. 12A, the bottom of the funnel-type structure 223 is shaped to conform to the bottom of the box 202 and the bottom portion of the partition wall 204 where the partition wall 204 meets the box 202. A flange 225 is provided near the second opening 224 of the delivery duct 220. The flange 225 is configured to be bolted to a corresponding flange 227 of the breather tube assembly 226, and the breather tube assembly 226 is attached to the screen by a sealing gasket 228. Snorkel assembly 226 also includes a float valve 229, the float valve 229 allowing substance to enter extraction chamber 208 from delivery conduit 220 when positive pressure is applied to the inhalation chamber, and the float valve 229 preventing substance from exiting extraction chamber 208 through delivery conduit 220 when negative pressure is applied to inhalation chamber 206.

In the example shown, the end portion of the extraction chamber 208 of the tank 202 includes a door cover 240 that can be opened to allow access to the extraction chamber 208 for removal of solids. The screen 230 includes an open end having a generally circular rim 232, the rim 232 pressing upwardly against a rim 242 of the door 240 when the screen 230 is in place and the door 240 is closed. The screen 230 may have pins 231 on opposite sides thereof, the pins 231 being configured to be received in pin receivers 233 (see fig. 10) on the inside of the extraction chamber 208. One or more sealing rings (not shown) may be provided at the interface between the edge 242 of the door cover 240 and the edge 232 of the screen. The door cover 240 may be held closed by a plurality of latches 244 or any other suitable mechanism.

The tank 202 may also be provided with a relief valve (not shown) and a pressure gauge (not shown). In the illustrated example, the case 202 has an access hatch 256 (see fig. 11 and 11B) at one side of the suction chamber 206 for providing access to the suction chamber 206, and the door 240 has a discharge opening 258 in a lower portion thereof. In other embodiments, hatch 256 and/or discharge opening 258 may be located at different locations. The discharge 258 may be referred to as an access hatch, mud gate, scavenge port, etc.

In operation, to begin suctioning sludge, the suction line 216B is connected to a hose or the like (not shown) placed in the sludge source. With the suction valve 217 opened, negative pressure is applied to the suction chamber 206 by the pump, thereby sucking sludge into the suction chamber 206 through the suction pipe 216. Polymer is injected into the suction chamber 206, for example via a separate polymer injection valve (not shown). As is known in the art, injection of a suitable polymer into the suction chamber 206 causes the solids in the sludge to coagulate into lumps. After the sludge is in the suction chamber 206, the suction valve 217 is closed, and with the discharge valve 219 open, positive pressure is applied to the suction chamber 206 by the pump. This positive pressure causes sludge to be forced into the first opening 222, up the transfer pipe 220, and into the extraction chamber 208 through the second opening 224. After the sludge enters the extraction chamber 208 through the second opening 224, the screen 230 separates the solids and the liquid by blocking the solids and allowing the liquid to pass through the screen 230 and exit through the discharge conduit 218.

It should be understood that numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Moreover, this description is not to be taken as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various example embodiments described herein.

This description provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. While each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements A, B and C, while a second embodiment includes elements B and D, then even if not explicitly disclosed, the inventive subject matter is considered to include A, B, C or the other remaining combinations of D.

Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereto. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. It is to be understood that the examples described and illustrated above are intended to be exemplary only.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing disclosure that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the methods and systems described herein. While a number of example aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will appreciate certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred by those skilled in the art. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the foregoing disclosure.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.