AU2020102709A4

AU2020102709A4 - OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems: AI- Based Programming for Operation and Maintenance of Waste Treatment Systems

Info

Publication number: AU2020102709A4
Application number: AU2020102709A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sanjoy Das; Anil Kumar Sagar; Parma Nand; Gulshan Shrivastava
Original assignee: Das Sanjoy Dr; Kumar Sagar Anil Dr; Nand Parma Dr; Shrivastava Gulshan Dr
Current assignee: Das Sanjoy Dr; Kumar Sagar Anil Dr; Nand Parma Dr; Shrivastava Gulshan Dr
Priority date: 2020-10-14
Filing date: 2020-10-14
Publication date: 2020-12-03
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-14

Abstract

Our Invention "OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems" is an advanced level Al- based programming through wastewater treatment system provides multiple techniques for decontaminating wastewater contained within a single system and frequent time, thus optimizing the decontamination of the wastewater. The OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems includes a steel-reinforced plastic tank having first and second partition walls dividing the tank into first, second and third chambers and tank partition control by Al- Based Programming. The OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems first chamber includes at least one first effluent filter and further contains anaerobic bacteria for removal of organic waste material (checked and test by Al- Programming) from the wastewater received therein and the first chamber is configured for at least partial removal of particulate and organic matter from the wastewater. The OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems second chamber includes an air diffuser and further contains aerobic bacteria for further removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. The OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems third chamber includes a sludge pump assembly and at least one second effluent filter. Resultant purified water is selectively discharged from the third chamber through an outlet port. 20 10 24j 2211 46 1 42 en r28 350 .551 L S FIG. 1: IsA DIAGRAMMATIC TOP VIEW OF AWASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM, SHOWN WITH THE UPPER COVER REMOVED.

Description

24j

2211 46 1

350 r28 42en

.551

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FIG. 1: IsA DIAGRAMMATIC TOP VIEW OF AWASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM, SHOWN WITH THE UPPER COVER REMOVED.

OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems: Al- Based Programming for Operation and Maintenance of Waste Treatment Systems

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Our invention "OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems" is related to Al- Based Programming for Operation and Maintenance of Waste Treatment Systems and also wastewater treatment system and method that removes biodegradable fats, oil, grease, solids, organic contaminants, nutrients, pathogens and the like from wastewater generated in residential homes, commercial businesses, industrial facilities, municipal facilities, agricultural facilities and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The wastewater treatment system is a portable, pre-assembled system that collects and treats wastewater. The system includes either small, vertically disposed tankage or larger, horizontally disposed cylindrical tankage connected to an inlet and outlet pipe. Preferably, the tankage, or housings, is formed from steel-reinforced plastic. The horizontal configuration systems are expandable in the field by butt-welding tanks end to-end, preferably utilizing known thermoplastic fuse welding techniques.

The wastewater treatment system provides multiple techniques for decontaminating wastewater contained within a single system, thus optimizing the decontamination of the wastewater. The system may be sized to serve a single home, a cluster of homes and businesses, a municipality, or single or multiple industrial or agricultural facilities. The wastewater treatment system includes a tank, which is preferably cylindrical and may be manufactured from steel-reinforced plastic or the like, having at least one chamber defined therein. The system includes the tank, which defines at least one internal chamber therein, the tank preferably being formed from steel-reinforced plastic. An inlet port forms a conduit for inlet of wastewater into the at least one chamber, and an outlet port forms a conduit for discharge of treated wastewater from the tank. Preferably, the at least one chamber defines a gravity clarifier chamber for precipitating solid waste from the wastewater for collection thereof.

The housing includes first and second partition walls dividing the tank into first, second and third chambers. The first chamber includes at least one first effluent filter and further contains anaerobic bacteria for removal of organic waste and nutrients, such as nitrogen, from the wastewater received therein. The first chamber is configured for at least partial removal of particulate and organic matter from the wastewater. An inlet port forming a conduit for inlet of the wastewater into the first chamber is provided through an outer housing of the system. Similarly, an outlet port forming a conduit for discharge of treated wastewater from the third chamber is further provided. A first port is formed through the first partition wall for selective transfer of the wastewater from the first chamber to the second chamber. The second chamber includes an air diffuser and further contains aerobic bacteria for further removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. A stationary fixed film or floating media assembly is provided for fostering growth of the aerobic bacteria within the second chamber. The microorganisms contained within the second chamber are commonly referred to as "activated sludge" or "biomass", and are more specifically referred to as "suspended growth" and "attached growth" bacteria.

A second port is formed through the first partition wall for selective transfer of the wastewater from the second chamber to the third chamber. The third chamber includes a return activated sludge pump assembly and at least one second effluent filter. A third port is formed through the second partition wall for selective transfer of settled waste solids from the third chamber to the first chamber. Resultant purified water is selectively discharged from the outlet port, after passing through the second effluent filter. Preferably, the tank is equipped with a bottom plate, which serves as an ant floatation collar, thereby preventing inadvertent floatation of an empty tank that may occur during or after construction.

The environment and promote public health, communities typically require wastewater treatment. The discharge of untreated wastewater is not suitable, since it gives rise to numerous environmental concerns, such as the pollution of surface and groundwater resources. Untreated wastewater contains organic matter and nutrients that, if left untreated and not removed from the waste stream, can result in environmental pollution. Thus, when untreated wastewater is released into either aboveground bodies of water or subsurface drain fields, the level of dissolved oxygen in the receiving waters begins to deplete, which endangers the water bodies themselves, along with the resident plant and aquatic life. Additionally, in developing nations, where potable water is scarce, it is often desirable to recover as much reclaimable water as possible from wastewater, rather than disposing of both the wastewater and the contaminants.

To treat wastewater, communities in highly populated areas commonly collect wastewater and transport it through a series of underground pipes to a large, centralized wastewater treatment plant. However, there are several problems associated with large, centralized treatment plants. Centralized wastewater treatment plants are designed and rated for processing a specific flow rate of wastewater per day, typically expressed as the rated capacity of the plant, and all treatment plants have a maximum flow rate capacity. Thus, if a centralized treatment plant receives more wastewater on a particular day than what the plant was designed to handle, problems are encountered. For example, when a treatment plant receives larger-than-normal amounts of untreated raw wastewater, treatment performance decreases and partially treated or untreated wastewater is released into a body of water, such as a river, in order not to exceed the amount of wastewater the plant was designed to handle.

As noted above, discharge of this untreated wastewater into bodies of water will endanger and kill resident plant and aquatic life in the water. Untreated wastewater also contains a number of disease pathogens that are extremely harmful to humans. For example, untreated wastewater is one of the leading causes of dysentery, which can be life threatening. Thus, if a significant amount of untreated wastewater is discharged into a body of water, that body of water will become unavailable for human consumption. On the other hand, if the treatment plant processes the larger-than-normal amounts of untreated wastewater, instead of diverting a portion into a body of water, the influx of untreated wastewater would wash away the bacteria populations or biomass used by the plant to treat the untreated wastewater, which would disrupt the entire biological treatment process of the plant. Further, as noted above, wastewater treatment is particularly needed in developing nations, and such large-scale treatment plants may not be available.

In rural areas and in developing nations, construction of centralized wastewater treatment plants may be too expensive to build and maintain. In addition, the cost of connecting residences and businesses in rural areas to a centralized treatment plant via sewage lines may be impracticable due to the greater distance between those residences and businesses. In such areas, septic systems are usually utilized to treat wastewater. A septic tank is typically a large tank located underground on an owner's property. Septic tanks are categorized as continuous flow systems because wastewater flows into the septic tank at one end, and the same amount of wastewater that entered will exit the tank at the other end. The purpose of a septic tank is to provide a minimal amount of anaerobic treatment and to retain any solids in the wastewater to allow only the liquid wastewater effluent to pass through to prevent drain field disposal lines from becoming clogged.

However, since the wastewater leaving the septic tank has only been minimally treated, the wastewater will be a detriment to the environment due to its organic and nutrient contaminants, as noted above, and may not be recovered as reclaimed water. Furthermore, as solids build up inside the septic tank, a phenomenon known as periodic upset may occur, causing solids to flow out of the septic tank and into the field lines connected to the tank. Eventually, these field lines will clog due to the buildup and carryover of solids. When this occurs, the field lines have to be cleaned or replaced, if possible, which means destruction to a portion of the owner's property as well as increased expense to the owner. A more extreme condition would be the failure of the drain field without an adequate replacement area on the property.

Further, it has been found that certain soils are only capable of receiving and dispersing a limited amount of wastewater, given the particular soil structure, geology, and groundwater conditions. In this instance, practice has shown that a highly treated wastewater can be discharged to drain fields possessing limited hydraulic and/or soil treatment capacity. Furthermore, a high quality effluent can be reclaimed and used for secondary purposes, such as irrigation, industrial rinse and cooling, and grey water uses, for example. Centralized wastewater treatment systems that treat over 1,500 gallons per day typically utilize either concrete, steel or fiberglass tanks to house the systems. These materials have been utilized for decades, due to the unavailability of other options. Concrete and steel, due to their particular material properties, are highly subject to corrosion and are not suited to withstand the corrosive gases and fluctuations in pH common in wastewater and wastewater treatment. Further, both concrete and steel tanks are difficult and expensive to fabricate, transport and install. The average life expectancy of a concrete or steel wastewater tank is only between twenty and thirty years. Furthermore, to date, the only tank material option for large wastewater treatment systems over 100,000 gallons per day is concrete. Fiberglass, although a more tolerant material with a longer life expectancy, is limited in its detailing capabilities and delaminates when subjected to a sharp pressure point or conditions of constant friction.

Fiberglass tanks are typically constructed utilizing pre-developed molds and are relatively inflexible in adjustment to specific project requirements. This inflexibility results in additional required tankage, yard piping and mechanical equipment, thus resulting in increased maintenance and operational issues and expenses. Additionally, steel, concrete and fiberglass tanks are all relatively difficult to repair when damaged. An additional option for wastewater treatment systems under 1,500 gallons per day is the utilization of rotationally or injection molded plastic tankage as the housing. Such tanks are commonly used for septic tanks, grease traps and small treatment systems, however, the overall majority of these tanks are prone to crushing when emptied and are limited in size due to the pre-developed molds. It would be desirable to form such tankage from a material that would alleviate these problems.

Commercialization of swine farming has led to issues involving treatment of the swine waste. Specifically, swine are typically enclosed at a farm site in a relatively dense population. Waste is removed from the site by washing waste that has accumulated within channels cut into the farm site floor. The waste and water mixture is then collected at a downstream site and is deposited into a lagoon or sprayed onto a field as fertilizer. The lagoon acts as a bio-reactive system that treats the waste through the reaction of bio reactive material and enzymes. Nitrogen and other material levels must be carefully monitored in the lagoon and in any waste that is sprayed on a field as a fertilizer. Swine waste is inherently high in nitrogen content and some plants are unable to properly process the high-nitrogen level, so further processing may be required of waste before it can be applied as a fertilizer. The use and placement of waste lagoons has been problematic in recent years. As residential and commercial establishments have begun to encroach on lagoons, residents and consumers have complained about the odors associated with lagoons. Furthermore, in situations of extreme and significant rainfall, lagoons have overfilled and overrun into the surrounding landscape. This has resulted in damage to existing crop structures, soil, water, and sewer systems of the surrounding landscape. These problems have been further exacerbated by legislation restricting the building of new swine lagoons. This has caused swine farmers to determine new manners of maximizing the capacity of already-built swine lagoons.

The present invention relates to the field of water sanitation and it concerns more particularly a water treatment plant. The problem of wastewater treatment, wastewater and polluted surface waters, in particular, is certainly one of the concerns aimed at safeguarding of the environment. Water purification processes consist of water treatment in order to degrade or transform the waste that pollutes the waters into to improve biodegradation. These processes produce sludge that needs to be made re-circulate for recycling. This leads often heavy and costly maintenance as well than regular emptying of the treatment plant. Due to this heavy maintenance and cost resulting high wastewater treatment plants are difficult for the communities of medium and small, including communities in rural areas.

The invention is to avoid the drawbacks known treatment plants. In this Indeed, it is proposed a treatment plant in which the waters are brought into contact with a bacterial mass, the tank comprising a partition which delimits an aeration zone, a recirculation zone by vortex effect and a settling zone, and means for periodically injecting air into the aforementioned aeration zone in order to put the mass bacterial suspension, so as to promote development of bacterial flora. The role of bacteria is to degrade materials organic and hydrocarbons, which reduces significantly the number of oil changes sludge. Maintaining the mass in suspension bacterial by air injection promotes development microorganisms that use pollution biodegradable to multiply, which activates and intensifies the degradation process. The bacterial flora grows until the nutrient medium, i.e. wastewater and organic materials. The pollution retained is all the greater than the bacterial mass is high.

The choice of the bacterial mass makes it possible to degrade effectively different types of biodegradable materials contained in effluents of all kinds: micro-organisms, hydrocarbons, greases, detergents, etc. To implement this process, the invention proposes a treatment plant including a bioreactor in which the wastewater is brought into contact with a bacterial mass, said reactor comprising a activation zone surrounded by a settling zone from which it is separated by a partition, the area activation including air injection means consisting, for example, of a permeable membrane or semi-permeable arranged in the lower part of the activation area and connected to a pump controlled to periodically inject air into the activation area in order to put the mass bacterial suspension. Operating, aeration is carried out for a period predetermined by day, controlled by a processor control.

The advantages of a treatment plant according to the invention are reduced maintenance and yield physico-chemical and bacteriological from 80 to 90%. Of more, the production of activated sludge is reduced by more than 90% as a result of bacterial activity which digests sludge and limits emptying as much as possible from the treatment plant. For example, with a bacterial mass of 8 g / 1 and aeration of 9 hours 45 minutes per day, the efficiency of a treatment plant according to the invention reaches around 84%, including the case if necessary the elimination of total phosphorus. Thanks to the fact that the bioreactor hardly requires maintenance, a treatment plant according to the invention can be easily installed in homes individual or in small subdivisions. In addition, the tanks can be buried in the ground, which does not pose a problem of congestion important.

PRIOR ART SEARCH

US3713543A1968-09-231973-01-3ODravo Corp Activated sewage plant. US3907672A *1972-04-211975-09-23George A Milne Aerobic sewage digestion system. US4051039A1968-09-231977-09-27Dravo Corporation Activated sewage plant and process. GB2189002A*1986-04-121987-10-14Cambrian Plastics Ltd. Stiffening of hollow structures US5505329A *1993-05-031996-04-09International Fiberglass Products, Inc. Multi-walled panels. US6007712A*1997-02-281999-12-28Kuraray Co., Ltd. Waste water treatment apparatus. US6103109A *1998-06-092000-08-15Noyes; Dan G. Wastewater treatment system. US6139744A*1997-07-052000-10-31Microseptec, Inc. Waste treatment device and method employing the same.

US20010045390A12000-02-242001-11-29Sungtai Kim Wastewater treatment process. US20020040871A1 *2000-10-062002-04-11Premier Wastewater International, Lic. Apparatus and method for wastewater treatment with enhanced solids reduction (ESR.) US6413427B2 *2000-03-292002-07-02Ecokasa Incorporated Nitrogen reduction wastewater treatment system. KR200309491Y12002-10-262003-04-03sewage disposal tank US20030192827A1*2002-04-162003-10-16Brentwood Industries, Inc. Wastewater clarification methods and apparatus. US20040094222A12002-04-222004-05-2Bateman Ian Roger Composite strip windable to form a helical pipe and method therefor. US20050247623A12004-04-292005-11-lOPetrone Richard J Packaged wastewater treatment unit. US3713543A1968-09-231973-01-3ODravo Corp Activated sewage plant. US3907672A *1972-04-211975-09-23George A Milne Aerobic sewage digestion system. US4051039A1968-09-231977-09-27Dravo Corporation Activated sewage plant and process. GB2189002A*1986-04-121987-10-14Cambrian Plastics Ltd Stiffening of hollow structures. US5505329A *1993-05-031996-04-09International Fiberglass Products, Inc. Multi-walled panels. US6007712A *1997-02-281999-12-28Kuraray Co., Ltd. Waste water treatment apparatus US6103109A *1998-06-092000-08-15Noyes; Dan G. Wastewater treatment system. US6139744A*1997-07-052000-10-31Microseptec, Inc. Waste treatment device and method employing the same. US20010045390A12000-02-242001-11-29Sungtai Kim Wastewater treatment process. US20020040871A1 *2000-10-062002-04-11Premier Wastewater International, Llc. Apparatus and method for wastewater treatment with enhanced solids reduction (ESR). US6413427B2 *2000-03-292002-07-02Ecokasa Incorporated Nitrogen reduction wastewater treatment system. JPH0636917B2 *1985-03-091994-05-18. JPS61287500A *1985-06-121986-12-17Kubota Ltd Treatment of liquid containing organic substance. JPH0374156B2 *1986-02-141991-11-26. US4933076A *1988-09-091990-06-12Eiji Oshima Multi-unit flush system having carbon adsorbed column in calcium carbonate bed. US5580770A*1989-11-021996-12-03Alliedsignal Inc. Support containing particulate adsorbent and microorganisms for removal of pollutants.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

1) The objective of the invention is to an advanced level Al- based programming through wastewater treatment system provides multiple techniques for decontaminating wastewater contained within a single system and frequent time, thus optimizing the decontamination of the wastewater. 2) The other objective of the invention is to the OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems includes a steel-reinforced plastic tank having first and second partition walls dividing the tank into first, second and third chambers and tank partition control by Al- Based Programming. 3) The other objective of the invention is to the MAI- Waste Treatment Systems first chamber includes at least one first effluent filter and further contains anaerobic bacteria for removal of organic waste material (checked and test by Al Programming) from the wastewater received therein and the first chamber is configured for at least partial removal of particulate and organic matter from the wastewater. 4) The other objective of the invention is to the MAI- Waste Treatment Systems second chamber includes an air diffuser and further contains aerobic bacteria for further removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. 5) The other objective of the invention is to the MAI- Waste Treatment Systems second chamber includes an air diffuser and further contains aerobic bacteria for further removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. 6) The other objective of the invention is to the MAI- Waste Treatment Systems third chamber includes a sludge pump assembly and at least one second effluent filter. Resultant purified water is selectively discharged from the third chamber through an outlet port.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A wastewater treatment system, comprising a hollow, elongate, cylindrical body made from high-density polyethylene, the cylindrical body having reinforcement ribs formed by a helically wound steel band embedded in the high-density polyethylene and extending between opposite ends of the elongate cylindrical body; end members extending across and covering the opposite ends of the cylindrical body, the end members and the cylindrical body forming a watertight tank defining at least one chamber adapted for treatment of wastewater, the tank being oriented vertically; an inlet pipe extending into the tank adapted for admitting wastewater into the tank, the inlet pipe consisting of a single inlet pipe; an outlet pipe extending from the tank adapted for discharging treated wastewater from the tank, the outlet pipe consisting of a single outlet pipe.

The first and second partition walls dividing said tank into three chambers, including: an anoxic first chamber adapted for housing bacteria, said inlet pipe extending into the first chamber, wherein the bacteria is selected from the group consisting of anaerobic bacteria and facultative bacteria; a second chamber forming a bioreactor adapted for housing aerobic bacteria; a third chamber forming a clarifier, said outlet pipe extending from the third chamber; a first conduit extending between the first chamber and the second chamber for passing partially treated wastewater from the anoxic chamber to the bioreactor chamber; and a second conduit extending between the second chamber and the third chamber for passing partially treated wastewater from the bioreactor chamber to the clarifier chamber.

A first effluent filter disposed in the anoxic first chamber for filtering undigested organic matter in the partially treated wastewater before passing the partially treated wastewater to the bioreactor chamber; a source of pressurized air; an air conduit extending from the source of pressurized air into the bioreactor chamber; an air diffuser connected to the air conduit, the diffuser being disposed in the bioreactor chamber and producing a stream of air bubbles; a fixed film assembly disposed in the bioreactor chamber for supporting growth of the aerobic bacteria; a return activated sludge pump disposed in the clarifier chamber for feedback of activated sludge from the clarifier chamber to the anoxic first chamber for further wastewater treatment; andsiphon ejection air lift assembly disposed in the clarifier chamber for feedback of surface scum from the clarifier chamber to the bioreactor chamber, the siphon-ejection assembly including a air lift pump and needle valve block for air flow rate adjustment.

A wastewater treatment system, comprising a hollow, elongate, cylindrical body made from high-density polyethylene, the cylindrical body having reinforcement ribs formed by a helically wound steel band embedded in the high-density polyethylene and extending between opposite ends of the elongate cylindrical body; end members extending across and covering the opposite ends of the cylindrical body, the end members and the cylindrical body forming a watertight tank defining at least one chamber adapted for treatment of wastewater, the tank being oriented horizontally; an inlet pipe extending into the tank adapted for admitting wastewater into the tank, the inlet pipe consisting of a single inlet pipe; an outlet pipe extending from the tank adapted for discharging treated wastewater from the tank, the outlet pipe consisting of a single outlet pipe; a plurality of vertically extending baffles separating the cylindrical body into a plurality of adjacent compartments adapted for treating wastewater, including a flow equalization and influent pumping compartment, an anoxic compartment, a bioreactor compartment, a clarification compartment for effluent polishing, and a sludge digestion compartment; a pump and pump control system disposed in the flow equalization and influent pumping compartment for monitoring water levels and pumping wastewater to the anoxic compartment as needed; the inlet pipe extending into the anoxic compartment, the anoxic compartment being adapted for mixing incoming wastewater with anaerobic bacteria ;an air diffuser disposed in the bioreactor compartment for aerating wastewater in the bioreactor compartment, the bioreactor compartment being adapted for treating the wastewater with aerobic bacteria; a pump disposed in the bioreactor compartment for pumping mixed liquor suspended solids from the bioreactor compartment back to the anoxic compartment for further treatment; a fixed film media assembly disposed in the bioreactor compartment for fostering growth of aerobic bacteria and resulting formation of suspended growth and attached growth biomass; a stilling well assembly disposed in the bioreactor compartment;

A sloped sump assembly disposed in the clarifier compartment; thermal insulation disposed beneath said sloped sump assembly, the thermal insulation including closed-cell urethane foam insulation; a return activated sludge pump disposed in the clarifier compartment for feeding activated sludge back to the bioreactor compartment for further treatment; a discharge weir disposed in the clarifier compartment; A scum removal assembly disposed in the clarifier compartment for feeding surface scum back to the bioreactor compartment for further treatment; a membrane filter assembly disposed in the membrane compartment; a membrane blower assembly aerating the membrane filter assembly; a plurality of control members disposed in the membrane compartment, wherein the control members are selected from the group consisting of pressure transducers and float switches; A recirculation pump disposed in the bioreactor compartment, the recirculation pump being connected to the control members and being configured to optionally pump mixed liquor to the membrane compartment or to the sludge digestion compartment in order to maintain water levels in the membrane compartment for proper operation of the membrane filter assembly;

A diffuser disposed in the sludge digester compartment for aerating and mixing waste sludge; a pump assembly disposed in the sludge digester compartment for pumping supernatant water from the sludge digester compartment back to the bioreactor compartment for further treatment; and a plurality of access hatches providing access to each of the compartments. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Disclosed herein is a waste separator apparatus. The apparatus includes a first screen assembly for screening fluids from a waste stream, the first screen assembly defining an enclosure and a second screen assembly for screening fluids from the waste stream and being disposed closely spaced-apart within the enclosure of the first screen assembly. A waste stream pathway is defined between the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly. A first separated fluids stream pathway is defined outwardly of the first screen assembly. A second separated fluids stream pathway is defined inwardly of the second screen assembly. One or more blades extend inwardly from the first screen assembly or outwardly from the second screen assembly for advancing the waste stream through the waste stream pathway.

According to one or more embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing for enclosing the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly. According to one or more embodiments, the apparatus includes a pump for pumping the waste stream to the waste separator apparatus. According to one or more embodiments, the pump is a progressive cavity pump. According to one or more embodiments, the first screen assembly is cylindrically shaped and having a diameter of about 11 inches and the second screen assembly is cylindrically shaped and having a diameter of about 8 inches. The first screen assembly and the second screen assembly are coaxially aligned. According to one or more embodiments, the apparatus further includes a vacuum source in communication with at least one of the first separated fluids stream pathway and the second separated fluids stream pathway.

According to one or more embodiments, the one or more blades comprises an auger blade that defines a helical plane extending from about a bottom portion of the second screen assembly to about a top portion of the second screen assembly. According to one or more embodiments, the auger blade further includes a sealing layer on a peripheral surface thereof for maintaining engagement with the first screen assembly. According to one or more embodiments, the apparatus includes at least one device configured for rotating at least one of the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly. According to one or more embodiments, the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly defines a wedge wire mesh having about a twenty-thousandths clearance. According to one or more embodiments, the apparatus includes a conveyor at a top portion in communication with the waste stream pathway for conveying separated waste away from the apparatus. According to one or more embodiments, a system for treating a waste fluid stream is provided. The system includes a waste site having the waste fluid stream output and a waste separator apparatus configured for separating the waste fluid stream into respective separated fluid streams. The waste separator apparatus includes a first screen assembly for screening fluids from a waste stream with the first screen assembly defining an enclosure.

A second screen assembly for screening fluids from the waste stream is disposed closely spaced-apart within the enclosure of the first screen assembly. A waste stream pathway is defined between the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly. A first separated fluids stream pathway is defined outwardly of the first screen assembly. A second separated fluids stream pathway is defined inwardly of the second screen assembly. One or more blades extend inwardly from the first screen assembly or outwardly from the second screen assembly for advancing the waste stream through the waste stream pathway. A downstream processing unit is configured for further processing of one of the separated fluid streams.

According to one or more embodiments, the system includes a homogenization tank between the waste site and the waste separator apparatus. According to one or more embodiments, the system includes one of a gentrification and a nitrification unit in communication with the system. According to one or more embodiments, the waste site is a livestock farm. According to one or more embodiments, the system includes a lagoon for storing separated liquids. According to one or more embodiments, the apparatus further includes a housing for enclosing the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly.

According to one or more embodiments, the system includes a pump for pumping the waste stream to the waste separator apparatus. According to one or more embodiments, the separator apparatus further includes a vacuum source in communication with at least one of the first separated fluids stream pathway and the second separated fluids stream pathway. According to one or more embodiments, the one or more blades comprises an auger blade that defines a helical plane extending from about a bottom portion of the second screen assembly to about a top portion of the second screen assembly.

According to one or more embodiments, the auger blade includes a guide surface on a peripheral surface thereof for maintaining engagement with the first screen assembly. According to one or more embodiments, the apparatus further includes at least one device configured for rotating at least one of the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly. According to one or more embodiments, the first screen assembly and the second screen assembly defines a wedge wire mesh having about a twenty thousandths clearance. Meeting the increasingly stringent nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) effluent standards has had a major impact on the design and operation of wastewater treatment facilities dealing with domestic sewage with their typical unfavorable characteristics. Since the first success in achieving biological P removal in a continuous full-scale biological N removal plant in the 1970's, incorporation of biological P removal in a biological N removal plant is considered to be a generally achievable objective. Design and operation of biological nutrient removal (BNR) plants are now required to optimize these two parallel but interactive processes to maximize both nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Design and operation also requires simultaneous control of the associated sludge bulking problems resulting from the proliferation of filamentous bacteria.

The available BNR processes can be divided into continuously and intermittently operated systems. Continuously operated systems comprise a number of separate tanks or ponds through which wastewater and sludge is passed in various ways. Intermittently operated systems use a single reactor or pond, sometimes separated into zones by baffling, with only one pass of the wastewater through the reactor pond. Intermittent processes can therefore be characterized by their unique repeated sequencing time oriented operation as compared to the space oriented operation of the continuous processes. Intermittently operated systems can be either fed continuously or intermittently. They can be also subdivided into variable and constant volume systems. The variable volume systems accomplish solid-liquid separation in the same tank with subsequent withdrawal of the treated effluent (intermittent decant) while the constant volume intermittently operated facilities carry that out by a separate in-series secondary clarifier or basin with or without an underflow recycle returning the activated sludge back to the process.

In the operation of intermittently fed sequencing batch reactors (SBR) or sequencing batch ponds (subsequently called reactors) a substantial proportion of the cycle time is used for the fill period. During this time, the part of the reactor volume that was discharged at the end of the previous cycle, is replaced by fresh sewage before aeration commences. In BNR operation of these reactors, the fill period is of major importance for the removal of both nitrogen and phosphorus based nutrients. There are strong indications that good nutrient removal performance is dependent on the structure and composition of the biomass flocs in the reactors. Flocs should ideally be of similar size, compact, spherical and without filamentous growth.

This encourages simultaneous nitrification-denitrification during aeration periods and ensures good sludge settling properties. Several advantages of simultaneous nitrification denitrification have been reported in the past including reduced requirements for biodegradable carbon (or COD) in the raw wastewater, reduced aeration requirements and part or complete elimination of anoxic reactors or sequences if net nitrate production can be kept at low levels. Achieving simultaneous nitrification-denitrification is therefore regarded as beneficial both in continuous and intermittent systems. Existing technology such as the cyclic activated sludge system (CASS) uses so called selectors or contactors which are small volumes in the inflow part of the reactor. In these zones the inflowing feed is mixed with the return activated sludge which is pumped from the reactor bottom or from specific clarifiers. This has two major drawbacks. Firstly, only part of the sludge mass is contacted with the inflowing feed and secondly, it requires mechanical pumping of the sludge. This second requirement is not only operationally difficult but is likely to have a negative effect on the structure of the sludge flocs due to the mechanical stress exerted during the pumping action.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAM

FIG. 1: is a diagrammatic top view of a wastewater treatment system, shown with the upper cover removed. FIG. 2: is a partial, diagrammatic section view of the wastewater treatment system, taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3: is a partial, diagrammatic section view of the wastewater treatment system, taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4: is a partial, diagrammatic section view of the wastewater treatment system, taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5: is a top view of the wastewater treatment system. FIG. 6: is a diagrammatic top view of an alternative embodiment of a wastewater treatment, shown with the upper cover removed. FIG. 7: is a partial side view of a housing for a wastewater treatment system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in a first embodiment, the wastewater treatment system 10 is preferably formed as a single enclosed unit contained within a housing 12. The housing 12 is substantially cylindrical, and is preferably formed from steel-reinforced plastic or the like. As will be described in detail below, the system 10 provides three separate techniques for decontaminating wastewater contained within the single system, thus optimizing the decontamination of the wastewater.

The wastewater treatment system 10 includes the housing 12 forming an outer tank, and first and second partition walls 18, 50, respectively, dividing the tank into first, second and third chambers 16, 22, 28, respectively. The first partition wall 18 generally bisects the cylindrical housing 12 diametrically, and the second partition wall 50 is orthogonal to the first partition wall 18, extending radially and generally bisecting one of the two semi cylindrical spaces formed by the first partition wall 18. The first chamber 16 preferably houses an anoxic environment and includes at least one first effluent filter 20, and further contains anaerobic and facultative bacteria for the removal of organic waste material and nitrogen from the wastewater received therein. The first chamber 16 is configured for at least partial removal of particulate and organic matter from the wastewater. The housing 12 may be formed from steel-reinforced plastic or any other suitable material.

An inlet port 14 (with a downpipe assembly) forming a conduit for inlet of the wastewater into the first chamber 16 extends through the outer housing 12 of the system10. Similarly, an outlet port 52 forming a conduit for discharge of treated wastewater from the third chamber 28 is further provided. Untreated, raw wastewater enters the first chamber 16 through the inlet port 14 from residential or small commercial facilities. For example, the system 10 may receive approximately 1,500 gallons per day from a residential or small commercial producer of wastewater. High quality, purified effluent is discharged through the outlet port 52 to be received by an alternative subsurface drain field (such as a gravel trench or drip irrigation system), or may be directly discharged into a stream or other body of water, or may further be re used for spray irrigation or the like.

The overall configuration, including the dimensions and configuration of the system 10, may vary. An exemplary system 10 capable of processing 500 gallons of wastewater per day may have a substantially cylindrical outer housing 12 having a diameter of approximately six feet and a height of approximately six feet. An exemplary system of similar configuration but capable of processing 750 gallons per day may have a diameter of approximately seven feet and a height of approximately six feet. Similarly, a system 10 capable of processing 1,000 gallons per day may have a diameter of approximately eight feet and a height of six feet, and a system 10 capable of processing 1,500 gallons per day may have a diameter of approximately ten feet and a height of six feet. Preferably, the housing 12 is configured for burial within the ground.

When wastewater is received within the first, anoxic chamber 16, untreatable materials that are indigestible to the anaerobic bacteria contained therein are filtered by the effluent filter 20, preventing their transfer to the second, bioreactor chamber 22. The first chamber 16 provides the first stage of wastewater treatment and organic digestion, and may be complemented by recycled wastewater from additional downstream tanks. Preferably, the anoxic chamber 16 has a very low dissolved oxygen content of approximately 0.5 mg/L or less, thus fostering microbial metabolism typically associated with nitrogen removal from a wastewater stream (i.e., anaerobic or facultative bacteria). Any suitable strain of anaerobic bacteria known for digesting organic materials in wastewater may be utilized, as is well known in the field of wastewater treatment. Similarly, any suitable type of effluent filter may be utilized. The effluent filter 20 is preferably removable, allowing for easy replacement or repair thereof.

Preferably, the bacteria in the system 10 are naturally occurring species of microorganisms, which are typically already found in abundance in wastewater streams. It should be noted that the system 10 primarily uses bacteria known for nutrient removal in the digestion and removal of the organic and nutrient wastewater components. Microorganisms that may be used for this purpose include nitrobacteria and nitrosomas, as well as other similar, numerous species possessing similar biologic and metabolic characteristics. These and similar microorganisms are facultative, and change their metabolism depending upon the amount of dissolved oxygen present in the wastewater treatment plant. By recycling from an anaerobic zone to an aerobic zone and then back to the anaerobic zone, as will be described below, these facultative microorganisms eventually metabolize nitrogen compounds so that gaseous nitrogen is released into the atmosphere.

A first port is formed through the first partition wall 18 for selective transfer of the partially treated wastewater from the first chamber 16 to the second chamber 22. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, treated wastewater passes through an inlet pipe 46 (with a downpipe assembly) into the main body of the second chamber 22. Preferably, the partially treated wastewater flows under the force of gravity from the first chamber 16 to the second chamber 22, with no additional pumping required. Any suitable type of valving may be utilized to regulate and control the flow of the wastewater through the first port and inlet pipe 46.

The second chamber 22 includes an air diffuser 26, and further contains aerobic bacteria for further removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. A fixed film assembly 30 is provided for receiving and fostering growth of the aerobic bacteria within the second chamber 22. A blower assembly 24, a linear air pump, or any other suitable source of compressed or pressurized air is provided for delivering air through the air diffuser 26 via conduit 32 (best shown in FIG. 3). The air diffuser 26 may be a membrane air diffuser producing a stream of fine air bubbles, a coarse air diffuser or any other suitable type of air diffuser for aerating and mixing the partially treated wastewater contained in the second chamber 22.

Preferably, the blower 24 includes a pressure release valve, allowing for user controllable air flow adjustment and waste air release. The blower assembly 24, or any other suitable source of pressurized air, may be located in any suitable location, and may provide air to the diffuser 26 through any suitable type of piping or the like. The air pump and diffuser assembly provide primary aeration so that the dissolved oxygen content in the second chamber 22 is a minimum of approximately 2.0 mg/L. The air pump further provides actuation of the scum removal system 34 and return activated sludge pumping system 42, as shown in FIG. 4.

The fixed film assembly 30 may be perforated plastic tubing, a plurality of floating individual plastic media objects, or the like, which serve as a surface for the aerobic bacteria to grow and bond onto. Any suitable type of aerobic bacteria used in the removal of organic wastes may be utilized. A second port is formed through the first partition wall 18 for selective transfer of the wastewater from the second chamber 22 to the third, or clarifying, chamber 28. Preferably, the partially treated wastewater (commonly referred to as a "mixed liquor") flows from the second, bioreactor chamber 22 into the stilling well 55 formed behind baffle wall 58, and then into the third, clarifying chamber 28 under the force of gravity, through pipe 36 with downpipe assemblies at port 54, with no additional pumping being required.

Preferably, the fixed film assembly 30 is permanently attached to the interior of the second chamber 22. As noted above, any suitable type of air diffuser 26 may be utilized, such as a membrane air diffuser or a coarse air diffuser. It should be understood that the orientation of the air diffuser 26, shown in FIG. 3, is shown for exemplary purposes only. The air diffuser 26 may have any suitable orientation, and is preferably removable, allowing for repair or replacement thereof. The return activated sludge pumping system 42 in the third chamber 28 utilizes a siphon-ejection air lift assembly, which pumps the gravity-settled suspended solids from the mixed liquor at a selectable pre determined rate of approximately four times the system flow back into the first anoxic chamber 16 through a conduit. A third port 51, formed through the second partition wall 50, allows for the selective transfer of the suspended waste solids from the third chamber 28 to the first chamber 16. Preferably, a second surface scum removal system 34, utilizing another siphon-ejection air lift assembly, is provided for collecting scum from the clarifier surface and pumping this material back to the stilling well 62 at a rate of approximately one-tenth of the system design flow. A pipe wasting air from the blower assembly may be provided to direct excess air to the clarifier surface, so that air flow forces floating scum and solids toward the scum removal pump system 34. The return activated sludge pump assembly 42 and the scum removal pump assembly 34 may be regulated by any suitable type of valving, such as an air needle valve block assembly. The needle valves control the flow of pressurized air through a flexible hose or rigid conduit to each siphon-ejection air lift assembly. The floating scum in chamber 28 is received and collected via inlet pipe 75, and the waste exits into the stilling well 55 behind the baffle wall 58 at port 60, via a siphon-ejection pump 76 mounted below, and connected to, forcemain 40. The return activated sludge is returned back into the first chamber 16 via a return activated sludge siphon-ejection pump 38, which is mounted below the return activated sludge forcemain 44.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, an additional stilling well assembly 56 is provided, the assembly 56 being mounted within the third chamber 28. Resultant purified wastewater is selectively discharged from the outlet port 52. Preferably, a removable effluent filter is provided for covering the outlet port 52, thus providing tertiary effluent filtration to remove any remaining clarifier floc and/or fine suspended solids prior to the effluent discharge.

The effluent filter may be formed from polyester/polyethylene/polystyrene fiber, or from a flexible foam material or the like, contained within or exterior to a perforated canister or the like connected to outlet port 52. The removable effluent filter may be contained within a separate filter sleeve assembly having a vertical, perforated plastic tube that is affixed to the clarifier floor. The effluent filter, as described above, may be any suitable type of effluent filter, and is preferably removable for easy repair or replacement thereof. Additionally, a packaged membrane effluent filter assembly may be utilized in lieu of the removable effluent filter and filter sleeve assembly.

Preferably, a relatively simple electronic control assembly is provided for user control and programming. The controls allow for the selective operation and control of the blower assembly 24, along with a timer for programmable actuation of aeration within the second chamber 22, thus allowing for energy savings and further promoting the inherent nitrogen removal biological process. A sensor and coupled alarm may further be provided for monitoring operation of the blower 24. An alarm signal is delivered to the user in the event of power or blower failure.

As shown in FIG. 5, the upper cover 66 of the tank 12 preferably includes at least two hatches, the access hatch 68 being pivotally secured by hinges 74, allowing selective access to the second bio-reactor chamber 22 for repair or replacement of the air diffuser and/or film assembly. Similarly, an access hatch 70 is provided (pivotally joined to cover 66 by hinges 72) for accessing the interiors of the first chamber 16 and the third chamber 28. It should be understood that the access hatches are shown for exemplary purposes only, and that any suitable type, or number, of hatches may be utilized.

For example, three such hatches (one for each chamber) 168, 169 and 170 are provided. Each hatch 168, 169, and 170 is configured as a manhole-type cover, rather than the hinged rectangular covers shown in FIG. 5. With such a configuration, the manhole-type hatches are preferably formed on risers, allowing at least six inches of clearance. Thus, when the housing 12 is buried in the ground, the hatches are easily accessible at ground level. A vent 48 may be incorporated into one of these risers, as a further alternative.

Returning to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the outer tank or housing 12 may be formed from any suitable material, preferably a steel-reinforced plastic or the like, allowing for a suitably strong housing 12 capable of withstanding an exterior earth load (when the system10 is buried in the ground), and which is resistant to corrosion and biological degradation. Contech Construction Products, Inc.@ of West Chester, Ohio manufactures a steel-reinforced polyethylene (SRPE) material possessing a steel exterior spiral-ribbed banding that is encapsulated with a high-density polyethylene plastic, sold under the name DuroMaxx ".T Such a material, or similar materials, may be used in the manufacture of the housing 12 to provide increased earth and dynamic load support. It should be understood that the DuroMaxx T" housing is the preferred housing for all embodiments of the wastewater treatment system described herein.

Referring to the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 6, the wastewater treatment system100 includes the housing 112 forming an outer tank, and first and second partition walls 118, 150, respectively, dividing the tank into first, second and third chambers 116, 122, 128, respectively. The first chamber 116 preferably houses an anoxic environment and includes at least one first effluent filter 120, and further contains anaerobic and facultative bacteria for the removal of organic waste material and nitrogen from the wastewater received therein. The first chamber 116 is configured for at least partial removal of particulate and organic matter from the wastewater.

As noted above, Contech Construction Products, Inc.@ of West Chester, Ohio manufactures a steel-reinforced polyethylene (SRPE) piping possessing a steel exterior spiral-ribbed banding that is encapsulated with a high-density polyethylene plastic, sold under the name DuroMaxx T". FIG. 7 illustrates a partial view of the housing 502, showing the spiral or helically-wound ribs 511 that are encapsulated within the high-density polyethylene plastic shell 513.

Claims

WE CLAIM

1) Our Invention "OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems" is an advanced level Al- based programming through wastewater treatment system provides multiple techniques for decontaminating wastewater contained within a single system and frequent time, thus optimizing the decontamination of the wastewater. The OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems includes a steel-reinforced plastic tank having first and second partition walls dividing the tank into first, second and third chambers and tank partition control by Al- Based Programming. The OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems first chamber includes at least one first effluent filter and further contains anaerobic bacteria for removal of organic waste material (checked and test by Al Programming) from the wastewater received therein and the first chamber is configured for at least partial removal of particulate and organic matter from the wastewater. The OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems second chamber includes an air diffuser and further contains aerobic bacteria for further removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. The OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems third chamber includes a sludge pump assembly and at least one second effluent filter. Resultant purified water is selectively discharged from the third chamber through an outlet port.

2) According to claims# the invention is to an advanced level Al- based programming through wastewater treatment system provides multiple techniques for decontaminating wastewater contained within a single system and frequent time, thus optimizing the decontamination of the wastewater.

3) According to claiml,2# the invention is to the OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems includes a steel-reinforced plastic tank having first and second partition walls dividing the tank into first, second and third chambers and tank partition control by Al- Based Programming.

4) According to claiml,2,3# the invention is to the OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems first chamber includes at least one first effluent filter and further contains anaerobic bacteria for removal of organic waste material (checked and test by Al Programming) from the wastewater received therein and the first chamber is configured for at least partial removal of particulate and organic matter from the wastewater. ) According to claiml,2,4# the invention is to the OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems second chamber includes an air diffuser and further contains aerobic bacteria for further removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. 6) According to claiml,2,5# the invention is to the OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems second chamber includes an air diffuser and further contains aerobic bacteria for further removal of organic waste material from the wastewater received therein. 7) According to claiml,2,5,6# the invention is to the OMAI- Waste Treatment Systems third chamber includes a sludge pump assembly and at least one second effluent filter. Resultant purified water is selectively discharged from the third chamber through an outlet port.

FIG. 1: IS A DIAGRAMMATIC TOP VIEW OF A WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM, SHOWN WITH THE UPPER COVER REMOVED.

FIG. 2: IS A PARTIAL, DIAGRAMMATIC SECTION VIEW OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM, TAKEN ALONG LINES 2-2 OF FIG. 1.

FIG. 3: IS A PARTIAL, DIAGRAMMATIC SECTION VIEW OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM, TAKEN ALONG LINES 3-3 OF FIG. 1.

FIG. 4: IS A PARTIAL, DIAGRAMMATIC SECTION VIEW OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM, TAKEN ALONG LINES 4-4 OF FIG. 1.

FIG. 5: IS A TOP VIEW OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM.

FIG. 6: IS A DIAGRAMMATIC TOP VIEW OF AN ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT OF A WASTEWATER TREATMENT, SHOWN WITH THE UPPER COVER REMOVED.

FIG. 7: IS A PARTIAL SIDE VIEW OF A HOUSING FOR A WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM.