AU2007272320A1

AU2007272320A1 - Modular wastewater treatment tanks with releasable connections

Info

Publication number: AU2007272320A1
Application number: AU2007272320A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Simon James Wallis
Original assignee: HI FLOW SYSTEMS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: HI-FLOW SYSTEMS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-07-13
Filing date: 2007-07-13
Publication date: 2008-01-17
Also published as: WO2008006175A1

Description

WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -1 Modular wastewater treatment tanks with releasable connections Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tank. More particularly, the tank of the present invention is intended to engage with a primary vessel. 5 Background Art Any system that requires the movement of a liquid or solution, for example water, with the use of a pump, must install a separate tank, also known as a collection well. The tank houses the pump and stores a reservoir of water for distribution. The tank is generally smaller than the primary vessel to which it is in fluid 10 communication with. When the primary vessel and the tank are installed on a site, they are required by Australian Standards to be separated by a minimum of 1 meter to allow for movement between the main primary vessels as a result of the earth subsiding and to thus protect any connecting pipe work. This requirement may also provide 15 better access to any pipe work and/or tanks when maintenance or replacement is required. However, the 1 meter requirement significantly increases the amount of space required by the tanks on site and can make installation difficult on smaller sites. Further, the separation of the main primary vessels can make locating the tank on site difficult after installation. 20 Presently, most tanks are constructed from concrete. They are consequently costly and difficult to handle and/or transport. Currently, the tanks are constructed as individual vessels with no importance placed on their ability to interconnect or align closely with the main primary vessels so as to maximise the efficient use of space. 25 Tanks moulded from plastics materials are known. However, these are designed to stand alone as separate tanks and thus the problems with space occupation and handling in a small space are still prevalent.

WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -2 Tanks are often incorporated into water treatment systems, generally as a storage device from which the water is directed to the treatment circuit. Water treatment systems having more than one tank in series, are known. However, in all of the "multiple tank" systems disclosed, all of the tanks are connected only via a fluid 5 conduit for the transfer of water between the two. Further, whilst modular water treatment systems have been developed previously, none of these systems readily allow adjustment of the system either by the integration of additional modules into the system, nor do they allow removal or rearrangement of existing modules from or within the system. 10 The tank of the present invention has one object thereof to overcome substantially the problems of the prior art or at least provide a useful alternative thereto. The discussion of the background art is included exclusively for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material 15 referred to was common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention in Australia or elsewhere before the priority date. Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of 20 any other integer or group of integers. Disclosure of the Invention In accordance with the present invention there is provided a tank comprising one or more walls defining a cavity, characterised in that at least one wall has provided thereon an engaging means so as to allow releasable engagement of 25 the tank with a separate primary vessel. Preferably, the engaging means is one that enables the tank to be engaged and/or disengaged from the primary vessel as required.

WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -3 The engaging means is preferably in the form of a connecting ridge. More preferably, the tank is engaged to the primary vessel by, for example, hooking or bolting the connecting ridge over a complementary ridge located on the side of the primary vessel. 5 Preferably, the shape of the or each wall of the tank that is adjacent to the primary vessel is complementary with the shape of an adjacent wall of the primary vessel, thereby providing a continuous line of connection not just a discrete point of connection. This then provides greater support and stability to the tank in addition to a more stable connection. For example, a square tank attached to a round 10 primary vessel would only really have one point of connection or at best, perhaps a small number of discrete points. A tank having a curved shape so as to be complimentary with a round primary vessel allows a continuous line of connection along the entire length of the tank. It is advantageous that the shape of a wall of the tank that opposes the wall 15 adjacent to the primary vessel is also complementary with the shape of the adjacent wall of the primary vessel. The tank is preferably tapered such that the tank is narrower at its base. This increases space availability on or near the ground, and between other primary vessels present on the site. Further, by tapering the tank, a plurality of tanks are 20 able to nest inside each other during transport and storage, thereby increasing the efficient use of space. The tank preferably has at least one inlet conduit and at least one outlet conduit to facilitate the transfer of fluid to and/or from the primary vessel or other fluid collection facility and/or other tanks and/or an alternative location remote from the 25 tank. Preferably, the alternative location is a site or a variety of processes used on a site.

WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -4 Preferably, the other fluid collection facility includes any one or more of mains water facility, rainwater tank andlor rainwater guttering or atmospheric water generator. Preferably, the level of the outlet conduit is lower than the level of the inlet 5 conduit, facilitating the transfer of fluid from the primary vessel to the tank (and to further tanks in the same manner) by gravity. This avoids the complication of the need for pumps and also provides energy benefits. More preferably, the level of the outlet conduit is at least about 50mm lower than the level of the inlet conduit. 10 Alternatively, a pump may be used to facilitate the transfer of fluid. Preferably, the tank is used as a treatment tank to facilitate the removal of impurities from the fluid. More preferably, the tank is used as part of a modular treatment system in which one or more tanks are attached to the primary vessel or to each other, and 15 whereby tanks can be added, substituted, removed or rearranged as required. The tank preferably comprises means to treat fluid by way of, for example, biological filtration, physical filtration, chemical treatment (for example chlorination), light treatment (for example Ultra Violet light), and treatment by electrochemical means. 20 Where two or more tanks are employed in modular form, more than one treatment method may be adopted so as to provide a complete water management system for a site. Preferably, one treatment method is adopted per tank. The tank preferably comprises a cover.

WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -5 Preferably, the cover comprises a releasably sealable access point to allow access to the tank cavity. More preferably, the access point is releasably sealable by way of a hinged lid. The tank is preferably constructed from lightweight durable material, for example 5 plastics materials. In accordance with the present invention there is further provided a modular wastewater treatment system comprising a primary vessel and a plurality of tanks, characterised in that one or more tanks are connected to the separate primary vessel, said tanks each having one or more walls defining a cavity, wherein at 10 least one wall has provided thereon an engaging means so as to allow releasable engagement of the tank with the primary vessel. Preferably, the tanks can be added, substituted, removed or rearranged as required. Preferably, the engaging means is one that enables the tank to be engaged 15 and/or disengaged from the primary vessel as required. The engaging means is preferably in the form of a connecting ridge. More preferably, the tank is engaged to the primary vessel by, for example, hooking or bolting the connecting ridge over a complementary ridge located on the side of the primary vessel. 20 Preferably, the shape of the or each wall of the tank that is adjacent to the primary vessel is complementary with the shape of an adjacent wall of the primary vessel, thereby providing a continuous line of connection not just a discrete point of connection. This then provides greater support and stability to the tank in addition to a more stable connection. For example, a square tank attached to a round 25 primary vessel would only really have one point of connection or at best, perhaps a small number of discrete points. A tank having a curved shape so as to be WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -6 complimentary with a round primary vessel allows a continuous line of connection along the entire length of the tank. It is advantageous that the shape of a wall of the tank that opposes the wall adjacent to the primary vessel is also complimentary with the shape of the 5 adjacent wall of the primary vessel. The tank is preferably tapered such that the tank is narrower at its base. This increases space availability on or near the ground, and between other primary vessels present on the site. Further, by tapering the tank a plurality of tanks are able to nest inside each other during transport and storage, thereby increasing the 10 efficient use of space. The tank preferably has at least one inlet conduit and at least one outlet conduit to facilitate the transfer of fluid to and/or from the primary vessel or other fluid collection facility and/or other tanks and/or an alternative location remote from the tank. 15 Preferably, the alternative location is a site or a variety of processes used on a site. Preferably, the other fluid collection facility includes any one or more of mains water facility, rainwater tank and/or rainwater guttering or atmospheric water generator. 20 Preferably, the level of the outlet conduit is lower than the level of the inlet conduit, facilitating the transfer of fluid from the primary vessel to the tank (and to further tanks in the same manner) by gravity. This avoids the complication of the need for pumps and also provides energy benefits. More preferably, the level of the outlet conduit is at least about 50mm below the 25 level of the inlet conduit. Alternatively, a pump may be used to facilitate the transfer of fluid.

WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -7 Preferably, the tank is used as a treatment tank to facilitate the removal of impurities from the fluid. The tank is preferably comprises means to treat fluid by way of, for example, biological filtration, physical filtration, chemical treatment (for example 5 chlorination), light treatment (for example Ultra Violet light), and treatment by electrochemical means. Where two or more tanks are employed in modular form, more than one treatment methods may be adopted so as to provide a complete water management system for a site. 10 Preferably, one treatment method is adopted per tank. Preferably, the tank comprises a cover. Preferably, the cover comprises a releasably sealable access point to allow access to the tank cavity. More preferably, the access point is releasably sealable by way of a hinged lid. 15 The tank is preferably constructed from lightweight durable material, for example plastics materials. In accordance with the present invention there is still further provided a method for wastewater treatment, the method characterised by the method steps of circulating wastewater from a primary collection vessel to one or more treatment 20 tanks, and directing the treated water to an alternative location via an outlet conduit, wherein the or each tank has one or more walls defining a cavity, and at least one wall has provided thereon an engaging means so as to allow releasable engagement of the tank with the primary vessel. Preferably, the engaging means is one that allows the tank to be engaged and/or 25 disengaged from the primary vessel as required.

WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -8 Preferably, the alternative location is a site or a variety of processes used on a site. The engaging means is preferably in the form of a connecting ridge. More preferably, the tank is engaged to the primary vessel by, for example, 5 hooking or bolting the connecting ridge over a complementary ridge located on the side of the primary vessel. Preferably, the shape of the or each wall of the tank that is adjacent to the primary vessel is complimentary with the shape of an adjacent wall of the primary vessel, thereby providing a continuous line of connection not just a discrete point of 10 connection. This then provides greater support and stability to the tank in addition to a more stable connection. For example, a square tank attached to a round primary vessel would only really have one point of connection or at best, perhaps a small number of discrete points. A tank having a curved shape so as to be complimentary with a round primary vessel allows a continuous line of connection 15 along the entire length of the tank. It is advantageous that the shape of a wall of the tank that opposes the wall adjacent to the primary vessel is also complimentary with the shape of the adjacent wall of the primary vessel. The tank is preferably tapered such that the tank is narrower at its base. This 20 increases space availability on or near the ground, and between other primary vessels present on the site. Further, by tapering the tank near the base, a plurality of tanks are able to nest inside each other during transport and storage, thereby increasing the efficient use of space. The tank preferably has at least one inlet conduit and at least one outlet conduit to 25 facilitate the transfer of fluid to and/or from the primary vessel or other fluid collection facility and/or other tanks and/or the alternative location remote from the tank. Preferably, the other fluid collection facility includes any one or more of WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -9 mains water facility, rainwater tank and/or rainwater guttering or atmospheric water generator. Preferably, the level of the outlet conduit is lower than the level of the inlet conduit, facilitating the transfer of water from the primary vessel to the tank (and 5 to further tanks in the same manner) by gravity. This avoids the complication of the need for pumps and also provides energy benefits. More preferably, the level of the outlet conduit is at least about 50mm below the level of the inlet conduit. Alternatively, a pump may be used to facilitate the transfer of fluid. 10 Preferably, the tank is used as a treatment tank to facilitate the removal of impurities from the fluid. More preferably, the tank is used as part of a modular treatment system in which one or more tanks are attached to the primary vessel or to each other, and whereby tanks can be added, substituted, removed or rearranged as required. 15 The tank is preferably comprises means to treat fluid by way of, for example, biological filtration, physical filtration, chemical treatment (for example chlorination), light treatment (for example Ultra Violet light), and treatment by electrochemical means. Where two or more tanks are employed in modular form, more than one treatment 20 methods may be adopted so as to provide a complete water management system for a site. Preferably, one treatment method is adopted per tank. Preferably, the tank comprises a cover. Preferably, the cover comprises a releasably sealable access point to allow 25 access to the tank cavity.

WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 - 10 More preferably, the access point is releasably sealable by way of a hinged lid. The tank is preferably constructed from lightweight durable material, for example plastics materials. Brief Description of the Drawings 5 The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to one embodiment thereof and the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a tank of the present invention in engagement with a primary vessel; Figure 2 is a side view of the tank; 10 Figure 3 is a rear view of the tank; Figure 4 is a top plan view of the tank without the cover in place, and Figure 5 is a top plan view of a water management system using a series of tanks of the present invention for water treatment. Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention 15 In Figures 1 to 5 there is shown a tank 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in which the tank 10 is intended for use underground. The tank 10 comprises a cavity 12, and one or more walls 14. One of the walls 14 is an adjacent wall 16 that aligns with a primary vessel 18, the adjacent wall 16 having provided thereon a connecting ridge 20. A tank cover 22 is provided to 20 facilitate closure of the cavity 12 of the tank 10 and an access point 24 is provided into the tank cover 22 to allow access to the tank cavity 12. The access point 24 can be closed to seal the cavity 12, for example, through the use of a hinged lid. The tank 10 is further provided with an inlet conduit 26 and an outlet conduit 28 to facilitate transfer of water from the primary vessel 18 to the tank 10. The inlet 25 conduit 26 is connected to the primary vessel 18, and the outlet conduit 28 WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 - 11 connects to another tank 10 or is directed back to a site as shown in Figure 5. The inlet conduit 26 is arranged such that it is positioned higher than the outlet conduit 28, for example at least about 50mm higher, best seen in Figures 2 and 3. This way, the flow of water in and out of the tank is effected by gravity and 5 obviates the need for the use of pumps. This also provides a significant energy benefit. It will be appreciated that pumps can be used if desired or required. The connecting ridge 20 is located on the adjacent wall 16 and is arranged such that it allows the tank 10 to be engaged with the primary vessel 18. The connecting ridge 20 engages with the primary vessel 18 by, for example bolting or 10 hooking onto a complementary ridge 30 located on the primary vessel 18. The shape of the adjacent wall 16 is complimentary with the shape of the wall of the primary vessel 18. Figure 4 depicts one embodiment of a tank 10 that has an adjacent wall 16 that is curved in order to be complimentary with the shape of a round primary vessel 18. The shape of an opposing wall 32 is also complimentary 15 with the shape of the primary vessel 18. The tank 10 tapers downwardly such that the tank 10 is narrower at its base 34, and is advantageously constructed from a lightweight, durable material, for example plastics materials. This feature of the tank 10 being tapered allows a plurality of tanks 10 to nest inside each other during transport and storage. 20 It is envisaged that one or more tanks 10 may be integrated with one primary vessel 18. The tank(s) 10 may also be used as a modular wastewater treatment system 40, whereby one or more tanks 10 are attached to the primary vessel 18, as shown in Figure 5, or "piggy backed" in series on each other. At least one of the tanks 10 contains a filter media to facilitate the removal of impurities. Where 25 more than one tank 10 is utilised in this manner, it is to be understood that each tank 10 may contain a different filter media to enable the removal of more than one type of impurity (biological or physical). It is further envisaged that the tank 10 may be used for chemical treatment (for example chlorination), electrochemical treatment, or light treatment (ultra violet). That is, in an arrangement of four tanks 30 10 connected in series in turn to a primary vessel 18, as shown in Figure 5, the use of differing treatment systems in each tank 10 will allow a plurality of WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -12 impurities to be removed from water passing therebetween. An arrangement such as this may provide a complete water management system for a site whereby different sources of water can be treated by a single system (for example storm water, bore water, process water). 5 With reference to Figure 5, the modular wastewater treatment system 40 incorporating a number of tanks 10 would operate as follows: a primary vessel 18 will generally form the source of water for the treatment system 40, wherein wastewater from the site is collected in the primary vessel 18. The water is transferred 42 via the inlet conduit 26 from the primary vessel 18 to a first 10 adjoining tank 44 having the purpose of, for example, physical filtration. The output of the first tank 44 is directed to the second tank 46 which may be acting as, for example, a biological filter. The output of the second tank 46 directed to the third tank 48 for electrochemical treatment, to remove metal ions for example, and finally the output of the third tank 48 is directed to the fourth tank 50 where 15 the water is, for example chlorinated, before being discharged from the system 52 and redirected to the site for use. It is still further envisaged that the- present invention will allow a number of tanks 10 to be transported or stored whilst occupying at least 60% less space than conventional tanks. Cost and space usage on site and during transport is 20 minimised, and the need for complicated connecting conduit work is reduced. It is understood that the 1 meter distance requirement between tanks is not necessary for the present invention in light of the fact that the tank 10 is securely engaged with the primary vessel 18 and thus, any movement of the primary vessel 18 will effect the same movement of the corresponding tank(s) 10 and vice 25 versa. That is, the primary vessel 18 and the tank 10 behave as one object with respect to overall movement. It is also understood that where a tank 10 is acting as a storage facility for water not requiring treatment, including rainwater, water from mains or water generated from an atmospheric water generator, the inlet conduit 26 may comprise a conduit WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -13 extending from guttering or a separate water collection facility, and the outlet conduit 28 may redirect the water straight to the site for use. The stability and strength of piping installations (including the inlet conduit 26 and the outlet conduit 28) between the primary vessel 18 and the tank(s) 10 is also 5 substantially improved as very little movement or flexibility of the piping is required to compensate for movement of the primary vessel 18 and/or tank(s) 10. This in turn results in maintenance costs and requirements being substantially reduced. Finally, the engagement of the tank with the primary vessel 18 substantially reduces the difficulty in locating the tank 10 on site at a later date. 10 Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tank comprising one or more walls defining a cavity, characterised in that at least one wall has provided thereon an engaging means so as to allow releasable engagement of the tank with a primary vessel. 5

2. A tank according to claim 1, wherein the engaging means enables the tank to be readily engaged and/or disengaged from the primary vessel as required.

3. A tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engaging means is provided in the form of a connecting ridge.

4. A tank according to claim 3, wherein the tank is engaged to the primary vessel 10 by bolting the connecting ridge to a complementary ridge located on the primary vessel.

5. A tank according to claim 4, wherein the primary vessel is engaged by the tank by hooking the connecting ridge over the complimentary ridge located on the primary vessel. 15

6. A tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of the or each wall of the tank adjacent to the primary vessel is complimentary with an adjacent wall of the primary vessel.

7. A tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement of the tank to the primary vessel is achieved along a continuous line of 20 connection.

8. A tank according to claim 6, wherein the shape of the wall of the tank that opposes the wall adjacent to the primary vessel is also complimentary with the shape of the adjacent wall of the primary vessel.

9. A tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank is 25 tapered such that the tank is narrower at its base. WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -15

10. A tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of tanks are capable of nesting inside each other during transport and storage.

11. A tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each tank has at least one inlet conduit and at least one outlet conduit, wherein the inlet 5 conduit and the outlet conduit facilitate the transfer of fluid to and/or from the primary vessel or other fluid collection facility and/or other tanks an/or an alternative location remote from the tank.

12. A tank according claim 11, wherein the level of the outlet conduit is lower than the level of the inlet conduit. 10

13. A tank according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the transfer of fluid between the tank and the primary vessel and/or other tanks is effected by gravity.

14. A tank according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the transfer of fluid between the tank and the primary vessel and/or other tanks is effected by a pump.

15. A tank according to claim 11, wherein the other fluid collection facility is a 15 mains water facility, rainwater tank and or rainwater guttering or atmospheric water generator.

16. A tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank is used as a treatment tank to facilitate the removal of impurities.

17. A tank according to claim 16, wherein the tank comprises means to treat fluid 20 by way of biological filtration, physical filtration, chemical treatment, light treatment and electrochemical treatment.

18. A tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank comprises a cover.

19. A tank according to claim 18, wherein the cover comprises a releasably 25 sealable access point. WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -16

20. A tank according to claim 19, wherein the access point is releasably sealable by way of a hinged lid.

21. A tank according any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the tank is formed from plastic materials. 5

22. A modular wastewater treatment system comprising a separate primary vessel and a plurality of tanks, characterised in that one or more tanks are connected to the separate primary vessel, said tanks each having one or more walls defining a cavity, wherein at least one wall has provided thereon an engaging means so as to allow releasable engagement of the tank with the primary 10 vessel.

23. A modular wastewater treatment system according claim 22, wherein tanks can be added or substituted for existing tanks, and/or existing tanks can be removed or rearranged as required.

24. A modular wastewater treatment system according to claim 22 or 23, wherein 15 the engagement means allows the or each tank to be engaged and/or disengaged from the primary vessel as required.

25. A tank according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the engaging means is provided in the form of a connecting ridge.

26. A modular wastewater treatment system according to claim 25, wherein the or 20 each tank is engaged to the primary vessel by bolting the connecting ridge over a complementary ridge located on the primary vessel.

27. A modular wastewater treatment system according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the shape of the or each wall of the or each tank adjacent to the primary vessel is complimentary with the shape of an adjacent wall of the 25 primary vessel WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -17

28. A modular wastewater treatment system according to claim 27, wherein the shape of a wall of the or each tank that opposes the wall adjacent to the primary vessel is also complimentary to the shape of the adjacent wall of the primary vessel. 5

29. A modular wastewater treatment system according to any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the engagement of the or each tank to the primary vessel is achieved along a continuous line of connection.

30. A modular wastewater treatment system according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the or each tank has at least one inlet conduit and at least one 10 outlet conduit and wherein the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit facilitate the transfer of fluid to and/or from the primary vessel or other fluid collection facility and/or other tanks and or an alternative location remote from the tank.

31. A modular wastewater treatment system according claim 30, wherein the level of the outlet conduit is positioned lower than the level of the inlet conduit. 15

32. A modular wastewater treatment system according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the transfer of fluid between the tank and the primary vessel and/or other tanks is effected by gravity.

33. A modular wastewater treatment system according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the transfer of fluid between the tank and the primary vessel and/or other 20 tanks is effected by a pump.

34. A tank according to claim 30, wherein the other fluid collection facility is a mains water facility, rainwater tank and/or rainwater guttering or atmospheric water generator.

35. A modular wastewater treatment system according to any one of claims 22 to 25 34 wherein the or each tank is used as a treatment tank to facilitate the removal of impurities from the fluid. WO 2008/006175 PCT/AU2007/000981 -18

36. A modular wastewater treatment system according to claim 35, wherein the or each tank comprises means to treat fluid by way of biological filtration, physical filtration, chemical treatment, light treatment or electrochemical treatment. 5

37. A modular wastewater treatment system according to claim 35 or 36, wherein more than one treatment method is employed.

38. A modular wastewater treatment system according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein one treatment method per tank is adopted.

39. A method for wastewater treatment, the method characterised by the method 10 steps of circulating wastewater from a primary collection vessel to one or more treatment tanks, and directing the treated water back to an alternative location remote from the tank via an outlet conduit, wherein the or each tank has one or more walls defining a cavity, and at least one wall has provided thereon an engaging means so as to allow releasable engagement with the primary 15 vessel.

40. A tank substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

41. A modular wastewater treatment system as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 5. 20