CA1327244C - Mobile vortex shield - Google Patents
Mobile vortex shieldInfo
- Publication number
- CA1327244C CA1327244C CA 551515 CA551515A CA1327244C CA 1327244 C CA1327244 C CA 1327244C CA 551515 CA551515 CA 551515 CA 551515 A CA551515 A CA 551515A CA 1327244 C CA1327244 C CA 1327244C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- support
- shield
- aerator
- accordance
- vortex
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F3/00—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F3/02—Aerobic processes
- C02F3/12—Activated sludge processes
- C02F3/20—Activated sludge processes using diffusers
- C02F3/205—Moving, e.g. rotary, diffusers; Stationary diffusers with moving, e.g. rotary, distributors
- C02F3/207—Moving, e.g. rotary, diffusers; Stationary diffusers with moving, e.g. rotary, distributors with axial thrust propellers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/231—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids by bubbling
- B01F23/23105—Arrangement or manipulation of the gas bubbling devices
- B01F23/2311—Mounting the bubbling devices or the diffusers
- B01F23/23112—Mounting the bubbling devices or the diffusers comprising the use of flow guiding elements adjacent or above the gas stream
- B01F23/231121—Mounting the bubbling devices or the diffusers comprising the use of flow guiding elements adjacent or above the gas stream the flow guiding elements being baffles, tubes or walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/233—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using driven stirrers with completely immersed stirring elements
- B01F23/2331—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using driven stirrers with completely immersed stirring elements characterised by the introduction of the gas along the axis of the stirrer or along the stirrer elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/233—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using driven stirrers with completely immersed stirring elements
- B01F23/2331—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using driven stirrers with completely immersed stirring elements characterised by the introduction of the gas along the axis of the stirrer or along the stirrer elements
- B01F23/23311—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using driven stirrers with completely immersed stirring elements characterised by the introduction of the gas along the axis of the stirrer or along the stirrer elements through a hollow stirrer axis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/233—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using driven stirrers with completely immersed stirring elements
- B01F23/2333—Single stirrer-drive aerating units, e.g. with the stirrer-head pivoting around an horizontal axis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/233—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using driven stirrers with completely immersed stirring elements
- B01F23/2336—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using driven stirrers with completely immersed stirring elements characterised by the location of the place of introduction of the gas relative to the stirrer
- B01F23/23366—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using driven stirrers with completely immersed stirring elements characterised by the location of the place of introduction of the gas relative to the stirrer the gas being introduced in front of the stirrer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/2366—Parts; Accessories
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
- B01F33/50—Movable or transportable mixing devices or plants
- B01F33/503—Floating mixing devices
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F7/00—Aeration of stretches of water
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
- Y02W10/10—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Aeration Devices For Treatment Of Activated Polluted Sludge (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
- Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
- Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An apparatus for use with propeller type aspirating aerators for preventing the formation of vortices near an aerator propeller in a substance in which the propeller is driven. The device comprises a mobile floatable shield which floats on the aerated substance and elim-inates a vortex by being drawn into one by the vortex's own swirling motion and contacting the vortex. The shield may be flexibly attached to a frame which also houses the aerator. Because the shield is not connected to the aerator, floats on the surface and is mobile, many of the problems faced with the prior art devices have been eliminated:
the shield is easier and cheaper to manufacture; material does not wedge between the aerator and the shield; any problems with the shield are visible; the shield stops virtually all vortices; and vibration problems are eliminated.
An apparatus for use with propeller type aspirating aerators for preventing the formation of vortices near an aerator propeller in a substance in which the propeller is driven. The device comprises a mobile floatable shield which floats on the aerated substance and elim-inates a vortex by being drawn into one by the vortex's own swirling motion and contacting the vortex. The shield may be flexibly attached to a frame which also houses the aerator. Because the shield is not connected to the aerator, floats on the surface and is mobile, many of the problems faced with the prior art devices have been eliminated:
the shield is easier and cheaper to manufacture; material does not wedge between the aerator and the shield; any problems with the shield are visible; the shield stops virtually all vortices; and vibration problems are eliminated.
Description
~32~44 MOBILE VORTEX SHIELD
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an apparatus used during an aeration process. More particularity, the present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing vortices in an aerated substance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In biological purification of waste waters which contain organic solids, sediments are formed which are so firm thflt anaerobic zones occur within them. This leads to the creation of offensive odors and sedimentation. Dissolved oxygen is required to prevent the formation of these offensi~e odors and to biologically break down the organic matter within the water. Moreover, a certain amount of dissolved oxygen is required to sustain various aquatic organisms. Increasing the dissolved oxygen content of other substances, such as sludge, is slso necessary.
Aeration apparatus are used to increase the dissolved oxygen content of the treated substance and thereby purify it. One type of aeration apparatus is a propeller aspirator aerator. These devices use an electric motor driven rotating propeller disposed below the surface of the substance being treated. The propeller draws in atmospheric air from an intake port through a draft tube and discharges it into the substance.
As is apt to happen with subsurface propeller-type devices, vortices are created. In the context of an aeration apparatus, vortices are undesirable as they decrease the speed and efficiency of operation.
To combat this problem vortex shields have been developed for aera-tors. These shields prevent the formation of vortices adjacent the ::- , ~ :
.:
, ` ` ~ 3272~
propeller in the substance in which the propeller is driven. In prior art embodiments of vortex shields, the shield is rigidly affixed to the aerator so as to reside, in part, above the aerator propeller when the aerator is in operation. These shields are either flat or curved around the aerator shaft.
These prior known devices have a number of disadvantages, all of which are alleviated and eliminated by the present invention. The rigidly affixed vortex shields catch material which floats in the water.
Since the shields are disposed under the surface of the water, it is difficult, if not impossible to locate any problems with the shield.
The shields also are not able to eliminate every vortex created.
Often a vortex forms in A non-vertical direction and evades the vortex shield. Also when a vortex escapes the shield it sometimes vibrates the shield and tears it off. The mobile vortex shield disclosed below solves these problems.
~UMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a mobile vortex shield which contacts and eliminates vortices created by an aerator. The shield floats on the surface of the aerated substance and is connected to a support structure by flexible, elongate members which allow the shield to float over a defined surface area of the aerated substance above the aerator's propeller. Thus, the shield may follow a vortex until it intercepts and eliminates it.
Propeller-type aerators can range in size, for example, from 1/2 hp to 100 hp. As the size of the aerator increases, the size of its support system likewise increases. The present invention preferably uses a common shield support and aerator support, so that the type of shield support is dependent on the aerator size. The type oî support system also depends on the type and size of the aerated substance container (e.g., bMsin, lagoon, or tank). In the preferred embodiment the support system for the vortex shield will comprise a slightly modified version of the basic aerator support system. For the smaller -. ,: ' ~ ~ : ` ':
.`:
-` 13272~
aerators, addi~ional su~port members ~ay be used to cen~erthe vorkex shield over the aerator propeller. For larger applica~ions the vortex ~h~eld attachmant ~embex~ can be attached directly to ~he vertical and/or hor~zontal eupport~ of the a~rator wlthout modi~Gatlon.
The shields mobility allow~ it to el~minate all vorticeæ - not ju~ tho~ forming imme.diately above the aerator propeller. As the shield floats on the sur~ace o~
the aera~ed substanee i~ will not catch any floating material and trap it near th8 propellerO Nor are any problems hidden fro~ observation. Finally, no vorti~es will be capable of vibrating the shield and t~arinq it from its mooring a the shield is ~lexibly attached to the frame. Also, any vibrating will have no adverse effect on the performance of the aerator a~ the shield is not connected to the aerator.
Other aspects of thia invention are as follows:
A mobile vortex shield apparatus, ~or use with a propellex t~pe aspirating aerator, for pr~venting the formation of vortices near the aerator propeller in a ~ubstance in which the propeller i~ driven comprising-a support system;
a floatable shield wh~ch floats on the surface of the aarated substance;
at lea~t one flexible elongated me~ber attaching said floatable shield to said support syst~m so a~ to enab~e said floatable shiald to ~loat freely on the ubstance within a dePined area o~r the propeller o~ the aerator uch that said ~loatable ~hiQld will contact and sliminate all vortices created by the aerator propeller by being drawn toward~ a vortex by th~ vortex'~ own ~wirling motion.
~n aeration apparatu comprising:
a ~upport system;
a propell~r aspirator aerator ~or inducing the flo~ o~
at~o~pheric air at high velocity bQlow th~ ~urfac~ o~ a Bl, ' ' " ' ' -;:
~ ~ .
-~ ~3272~
; . .
- 3a -substance ~o as to allo~ oxygen to ~r~ely and qui~kly tranEfer int~ the substance, said aerator bei~g attached t~
said support syctem;
a floatable ~hield which float~ on the sur~ace of the aerated ~ub6tance;
flexibl~ elongat~d ~embers attaching sa~d floatable hield to ~aid upport syet~m 80 as to enabl~ said ~loatable shi~ld to ~loat freely on the aerat~d sub~tance within a d~fined ar~a over the propeller o~ the aerator such that said floatabl~ shi~ld will contact and eli~inate : all vortices created by the aerator propeller by being drawn towards a vortex by the vort~x~3 oWn swirling motion.
Various advantages and ~eatures of novelty which characterize the invention are further pointed out in the claims that follow. How~ver, for a better und2rstanding of the invention and it~ advantag~s r~ference 6hould be had to the accompanying drawings and de~cr~ ptiVQ matter which i~lustxate and describe pre~erred embodiment~ o~ the invention.
BRIEF ~E$CRIPTION OF THE D~AWINGS
Figures 1 through 3 are per pec~ive vi~ws illustrating various siz~d float- upport~d vor~ex shi~ld3 and asrator~
in accordan~e with ths pre~ent invention;
Figure 4 i~ a simplified view of the vortex ~hiel~ and aerator of Figure 2;
Figure 5 i~ a ~i~plifi~d plan view og the vortex shield and aerator o~ Figure ~:
: Figure 6 i~ a side view of a wall-~ounted vortex ~hield and aerator; and ~ igure 7 i~ a per~pective view of an additional e~bodiment of a wall-~ounted vortex shi~ld and aerator.
n i ~L~272~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indi-cate like elements, Figure 1 shows an apparatus according to the present invention. A propeller-type aspirating aerator 10 is attached to a support system 12. Aerator 10 comprises a motor 14 attached to an outer housing 16. Motor 14 is drivingly coupled to tube 18 which extends through the interior of housing 16 and out of its lower end.
A propeller 20 is attached to the lower end of tube 18. When motor 14 rotates tube 18, propeller 20 drives the liquid surrounding it, thereby aspirating air down tube 18 and into the liquid. Aerstor 10, illustrated in Figure 1, is a relatively small aerator, for exarnple, a 2 to 7-1/2 horsepower aerator.
Support system 12 is a floatation type system wherein a pair of floats 22 float on the liquid being aerated. Floats 22 function as ver-tical supports~ i.e., providing support vertically above the surface of the liquid. A pair of horizontAl support bars 24 are connected to floats 22 by mounting bars 26 carried in bar rests 28 on the upper surface OI floats 22. Support bars 24 extend horizontally between floats 22- to function as a first horizontal support which positions aerator 10 at a desired horizontal location (preferably centrally) between floats 22. A.nother pair of support bars 26 extends perpendic-ularly from bars 24 to function as a second horizontal support which positions a vortex shield 30 at a desired horizontal location over propeller 20. Vortex shield 30 should be of lightweight construction so as to float on the aerated substance on which it rests. It should also be chemically inert, biologically nondegradeable and insoluble in the substance being aerated. A low-density polypropylene is recommended.
Vortex shield 30 is flexibly attached to support bars 26 by four flexible attachment members 32, such as chains attached at their ends by hooks to vortex shield 30 and support bars 26. Support bars 26 center vortex shield 30 over the propeller 20 of the aerator 10.
, ~
: .:
: ' ~ . ' :
~3272~4 Vortex shield 30 prevents the formation of a vortex ad)ncent the propeller 20 in the substance being aerated. Since shield 30 floats on the surface of the aerated substance, it is drawn to any vortices thst form because the vortex pulls shield 30, along with other material in the vicinity, towards itself. When shield 30 contacts the vortex it eliminates it. Vortex shield 30 is free to follow vortices as it is not rigidly attached to the aerator. Rather, it is flexibly attached to support system 12 by a sufficient length of flexible attachment members that permit it to float over an area large enough to encompass all propeller-created vortices. When contacting Q vortex, shield 30 will not vibrate and/or damage ~erator 10 because it is not rigidly affixed to aerator 10.
The remaining Figures illustrate vortex shields used with differ-ent types of support systems and/or different sized aerators. Common elements of the support system and aerators will identify with the same numerals and the vortex shield will be identified by a like numeral and a letter suffix.
Figures 2 and 4 show a medium sized aerator 10, e.g. lû to 30 horsepower, carried on a floatation type support system 12. As shown in Figure 4, three floats 22 are used. Because of the placement of aerator 10 relative to support system 12, it is not necessary to use the second horizontal support of support bars 26 to position vortex shield 30A over propeller 20. Shield 30 is supported by the flexible attachment members 32, two of which are fastened to one of the horizontfll support bars 24 and two of which flre fastened directly to one of the mounting bar rests 28 on floats 22 which comprise vertical supports for support system 12. The function and characteristics of vortex shield 30A remsins the same.
Figures 3 and 5 illustrate a large sized aerator 10, e.g., 40 to 100 horsepower carried on a floatation-type support system 12. In this embodiment the verticsl supports comprise floflts in order to sccommodate the lar~e aerator. As seen in Figure 5, five floats are .. " , . ... . ..
" ,.; ... :
. . , ,,.
: ~
". . , . . ..
132~2~
used to carry the large sized aerator 10. In this embodiment, nexible attachment members 32 which support vortex shield 30B, are all connected directly to mounting bar rests 28 on noats 22.
Figure & illustrates a medium sized aerator 10 carried on a wall mount support system 40 instead of a floatation system. In this con-figuration the vertical support comprises a vertically extending framework 42 mounted on a wall 44 of the aeration tank. The hori zontal support includes a pair of horizontally extending support bars 46 (one of which is shown in Figure 6) oriented parallel to the axis of the aerator instead of perpendicular to it. Vortex shield 30C and aerator 10 are both carried by support bars 46.
Figure 7 shows small sized aerator 10 supported on A wall mount 50. Vortex shield 30D is attached by flexible attachment members 32 to a pair of horizontal support bars 52 extending from the vertical wall. The horizontal support bars 52 are separate from wall mount S0 supporting aerator 10.
Numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set ~orth in the foregoing description together with det~ils of the structure and function of the invention, and the novel features thereof are pointed out in the appended claims. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts, within the principle of the invention, to the full extent extended by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
~:
;: :
.
:~`, ; ' ' .
, '
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an apparatus used during an aeration process. More particularity, the present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing vortices in an aerated substance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In biological purification of waste waters which contain organic solids, sediments are formed which are so firm thflt anaerobic zones occur within them. This leads to the creation of offensive odors and sedimentation. Dissolved oxygen is required to prevent the formation of these offensi~e odors and to biologically break down the organic matter within the water. Moreover, a certain amount of dissolved oxygen is required to sustain various aquatic organisms. Increasing the dissolved oxygen content of other substances, such as sludge, is slso necessary.
Aeration apparatus are used to increase the dissolved oxygen content of the treated substance and thereby purify it. One type of aeration apparatus is a propeller aspirator aerator. These devices use an electric motor driven rotating propeller disposed below the surface of the substance being treated. The propeller draws in atmospheric air from an intake port through a draft tube and discharges it into the substance.
As is apt to happen with subsurface propeller-type devices, vortices are created. In the context of an aeration apparatus, vortices are undesirable as they decrease the speed and efficiency of operation.
To combat this problem vortex shields have been developed for aera-tors. These shields prevent the formation of vortices adjacent the ::- , ~ :
.:
, ` ` ~ 3272~
propeller in the substance in which the propeller is driven. In prior art embodiments of vortex shields, the shield is rigidly affixed to the aerator so as to reside, in part, above the aerator propeller when the aerator is in operation. These shields are either flat or curved around the aerator shaft.
These prior known devices have a number of disadvantages, all of which are alleviated and eliminated by the present invention. The rigidly affixed vortex shields catch material which floats in the water.
Since the shields are disposed under the surface of the water, it is difficult, if not impossible to locate any problems with the shield.
The shields also are not able to eliminate every vortex created.
Often a vortex forms in A non-vertical direction and evades the vortex shield. Also when a vortex escapes the shield it sometimes vibrates the shield and tears it off. The mobile vortex shield disclosed below solves these problems.
~UMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a mobile vortex shield which contacts and eliminates vortices created by an aerator. The shield floats on the surface of the aerated substance and is connected to a support structure by flexible, elongate members which allow the shield to float over a defined surface area of the aerated substance above the aerator's propeller. Thus, the shield may follow a vortex until it intercepts and eliminates it.
Propeller-type aerators can range in size, for example, from 1/2 hp to 100 hp. As the size of the aerator increases, the size of its support system likewise increases. The present invention preferably uses a common shield support and aerator support, so that the type of shield support is dependent on the aerator size. The type oî support system also depends on the type and size of the aerated substance container (e.g., bMsin, lagoon, or tank). In the preferred embodiment the support system for the vortex shield will comprise a slightly modified version of the basic aerator support system. For the smaller -. ,: ' ~ ~ : ` ':
.`:
-` 13272~
aerators, addi~ional su~port members ~ay be used to cen~erthe vorkex shield over the aerator propeller. For larger applica~ions the vortex ~h~eld attachmant ~embex~ can be attached directly to ~he vertical and/or hor~zontal eupport~ of the a~rator wlthout modi~Gatlon.
The shields mobility allow~ it to el~minate all vorticeæ - not ju~ tho~ forming imme.diately above the aerator propeller. As the shield floats on the sur~ace o~
the aera~ed substanee i~ will not catch any floating material and trap it near th8 propellerO Nor are any problems hidden fro~ observation. Finally, no vorti~es will be capable of vibrating the shield and t~arinq it from its mooring a the shield is ~lexibly attached to the frame. Also, any vibrating will have no adverse effect on the performance of the aerator a~ the shield is not connected to the aerator.
Other aspects of thia invention are as follows:
A mobile vortex shield apparatus, ~or use with a propellex t~pe aspirating aerator, for pr~venting the formation of vortices near the aerator propeller in a ~ubstance in which the propeller i~ driven comprising-a support system;
a floatable shield wh~ch floats on the surface of the aarated substance;
at lea~t one flexible elongated me~ber attaching said floatable shield to said support syst~m so a~ to enab~e said floatable shiald to ~loat freely on the ubstance within a dePined area o~r the propeller o~ the aerator uch that said ~loatable ~hiQld will contact and sliminate all vortices created by the aerator propeller by being drawn toward~ a vortex by th~ vortex'~ own ~wirling motion.
~n aeration apparatu comprising:
a ~upport system;
a propell~r aspirator aerator ~or inducing the flo~ o~
at~o~pheric air at high velocity bQlow th~ ~urfac~ o~ a Bl, ' ' " ' ' -;:
~ ~ .
-~ ~3272~
; . .
- 3a -substance ~o as to allo~ oxygen to ~r~ely and qui~kly tranEfer int~ the substance, said aerator bei~g attached t~
said support syctem;
a floatable ~hield which float~ on the sur~ace of the aerated ~ub6tance;
flexibl~ elongat~d ~embers attaching sa~d floatable hield to ~aid upport syet~m 80 as to enabl~ said ~loatable shi~ld to ~loat freely on the aerat~d sub~tance within a d~fined ar~a over the propeller o~ the aerator such that said floatabl~ shi~ld will contact and eli~inate : all vortices created by the aerator propeller by being drawn towards a vortex by the vort~x~3 oWn swirling motion.
Various advantages and ~eatures of novelty which characterize the invention are further pointed out in the claims that follow. How~ver, for a better und2rstanding of the invention and it~ advantag~s r~ference 6hould be had to the accompanying drawings and de~cr~ ptiVQ matter which i~lustxate and describe pre~erred embodiment~ o~ the invention.
BRIEF ~E$CRIPTION OF THE D~AWINGS
Figures 1 through 3 are per pec~ive vi~ws illustrating various siz~d float- upport~d vor~ex shi~ld3 and asrator~
in accordan~e with ths pre~ent invention;
Figure 4 i~ a simplified view of the vortex ~hiel~ and aerator of Figure 2;
Figure 5 i~ a ~i~plifi~d plan view og the vortex shield and aerator o~ Figure ~:
: Figure 6 i~ a side view of a wall-~ounted vortex ~hield and aerator; and ~ igure 7 i~ a per~pective view of an additional e~bodiment of a wall-~ounted vortex shi~ld and aerator.
n i ~L~272~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indi-cate like elements, Figure 1 shows an apparatus according to the present invention. A propeller-type aspirating aerator 10 is attached to a support system 12. Aerator 10 comprises a motor 14 attached to an outer housing 16. Motor 14 is drivingly coupled to tube 18 which extends through the interior of housing 16 and out of its lower end.
A propeller 20 is attached to the lower end of tube 18. When motor 14 rotates tube 18, propeller 20 drives the liquid surrounding it, thereby aspirating air down tube 18 and into the liquid. Aerstor 10, illustrated in Figure 1, is a relatively small aerator, for exarnple, a 2 to 7-1/2 horsepower aerator.
Support system 12 is a floatation type system wherein a pair of floats 22 float on the liquid being aerated. Floats 22 function as ver-tical supports~ i.e., providing support vertically above the surface of the liquid. A pair of horizontAl support bars 24 are connected to floats 22 by mounting bars 26 carried in bar rests 28 on the upper surface OI floats 22. Support bars 24 extend horizontally between floats 22- to function as a first horizontal support which positions aerator 10 at a desired horizontal location (preferably centrally) between floats 22. A.nother pair of support bars 26 extends perpendic-ularly from bars 24 to function as a second horizontal support which positions a vortex shield 30 at a desired horizontal location over propeller 20. Vortex shield 30 should be of lightweight construction so as to float on the aerated substance on which it rests. It should also be chemically inert, biologically nondegradeable and insoluble in the substance being aerated. A low-density polypropylene is recommended.
Vortex shield 30 is flexibly attached to support bars 26 by four flexible attachment members 32, such as chains attached at their ends by hooks to vortex shield 30 and support bars 26. Support bars 26 center vortex shield 30 over the propeller 20 of the aerator 10.
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~3272~4 Vortex shield 30 prevents the formation of a vortex ad)ncent the propeller 20 in the substance being aerated. Since shield 30 floats on the surface of the aerated substance, it is drawn to any vortices thst form because the vortex pulls shield 30, along with other material in the vicinity, towards itself. When shield 30 contacts the vortex it eliminates it. Vortex shield 30 is free to follow vortices as it is not rigidly attached to the aerator. Rather, it is flexibly attached to support system 12 by a sufficient length of flexible attachment members that permit it to float over an area large enough to encompass all propeller-created vortices. When contacting Q vortex, shield 30 will not vibrate and/or damage ~erator 10 because it is not rigidly affixed to aerator 10.
The remaining Figures illustrate vortex shields used with differ-ent types of support systems and/or different sized aerators. Common elements of the support system and aerators will identify with the same numerals and the vortex shield will be identified by a like numeral and a letter suffix.
Figures 2 and 4 show a medium sized aerator 10, e.g. lû to 30 horsepower, carried on a floatation type support system 12. As shown in Figure 4, three floats 22 are used. Because of the placement of aerator 10 relative to support system 12, it is not necessary to use the second horizontal support of support bars 26 to position vortex shield 30A over propeller 20. Shield 30 is supported by the flexible attachment members 32, two of which are fastened to one of the horizontfll support bars 24 and two of which flre fastened directly to one of the mounting bar rests 28 on floats 22 which comprise vertical supports for support system 12. The function and characteristics of vortex shield 30A remsins the same.
Figures 3 and 5 illustrate a large sized aerator 10, e.g., 40 to 100 horsepower carried on a floatation-type support system 12. In this embodiment the verticsl supports comprise floflts in order to sccommodate the lar~e aerator. As seen in Figure 5, five floats are .. " , . ... . ..
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used to carry the large sized aerator 10. In this embodiment, nexible attachment members 32 which support vortex shield 30B, are all connected directly to mounting bar rests 28 on noats 22.
Figure & illustrates a medium sized aerator 10 carried on a wall mount support system 40 instead of a floatation system. In this con-figuration the vertical support comprises a vertically extending framework 42 mounted on a wall 44 of the aeration tank. The hori zontal support includes a pair of horizontally extending support bars 46 (one of which is shown in Figure 6) oriented parallel to the axis of the aerator instead of perpendicular to it. Vortex shield 30C and aerator 10 are both carried by support bars 46.
Figure 7 shows small sized aerator 10 supported on A wall mount 50. Vortex shield 30D is attached by flexible attachment members 32 to a pair of horizontal support bars 52 extending from the vertical wall. The horizontal support bars 52 are separate from wall mount S0 supporting aerator 10.
Numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set ~orth in the foregoing description together with det~ils of the structure and function of the invention, and the novel features thereof are pointed out in the appended claims. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts, within the principle of the invention, to the full extent extended by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
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Claims (16)
1. A mobile vortex shield apparatus, for use with a propeller type aspirating aerator, for preventing the formation of vortices near the aerator propeller in a substance in which the propeller is driven comprising:
a support system;
a floatable shield which floats on the surface of the aerated substance;
at least one flexible elongated member attaching said floatable shield to said support system so as to enable said floatable shield to float freely on the substance within a defined area over the propeller of the aerator such that said floatable shield will contact and eliminate all vortices created by the aerator propeller by being drawn towards a vortex by the vortex's own swirling motion.
a support system;
a floatable shield which floats on the surface of the aerated substance;
at least one flexible elongated member attaching said floatable shield to said support system so as to enable said floatable shield to float freely on the substance within a defined area over the propeller of the aerator such that said floatable shield will contact and eliminate all vortices created by the aerator propeller by being drawn towards a vortex by the vortex's own swirling motion.
2. An aeration apparatus comprising:
a support system;
a propeller aspirator aerator for inducing the flow of atmospheric air at high velocity below the surface of a substance so as to allow oxygen to freely and quickly transfer into the substance, said aerator being attached to said support system;
a floatable shield which floats on the surface of the aerated substance;
flexible elongated members attaching said floatable shield to said support system so as to enable said floatable shield to float freely on the aerated substance within a defined area over the pro-peller of the aerator such that said floatable shield will contact and eliminate all vortices created by the aerator propeller by being drawn towards a vortex by the vortex's own swirling motion.
a support system;
a propeller aspirator aerator for inducing the flow of atmospheric air at high velocity below the surface of a substance so as to allow oxygen to freely and quickly transfer into the substance, said aerator being attached to said support system;
a floatable shield which floats on the surface of the aerated substance;
flexible elongated members attaching said floatable shield to said support system so as to enable said floatable shield to float freely on the aerated substance within a defined area over the pro-peller of the aerator such that said floatable shield will contact and eliminate all vortices created by the aerator propeller by being drawn towards a vortex by the vortex's own swirling motion.
3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or 2 wherein said support system comprises at least one vertical support and at least one first hori-zontal support attached to said vertical support and extending from said vertical support in a first direction.
4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said support system further comprises at least one second horizontal support attached to said first horizontal support and extending transversely therefrom.
5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said flexible elongated member is flexibly attached to said first horizontal support.
6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said flexible elongated member is flexibly attached to said vertical support.
7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said flexible elongated member is flexibly attached to said second horizontal support.
8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said at least one flexible elongated member comprises a plurality of flexible elongated members at least one of which is flexibly attached to said first horizontal support and at least one of which is flexibly attached to said vertical support.
9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein said support system is a floatation system and said vertical support includes at least two floats spaced from one another, and said first horizontal support includes at least one support bar extending between said floats.
10. A mobile vortex shield in accordance with claim 4 wherein said at least one flexible elongated member comprises a plurality of flexible elongated members all of which are flexibly attached to said second horizontal support.
11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 10 wherein said support system is a floatation system and said vertical support includes at least two floats spaced from one another, said first horizontal support includes at least one support bar extending between said floats for supporting the aerator between said floats, and said second horizon-tal support includes at least one other support bar extending trans-versely from said first mentioned support bar in the area for supporting the aerator.
12. A mobile vortex shield in accordance with claim 3 wherein said at least one flexible elongated member comprises a plurality of flexible elongated members all of which are flexibly attached to said vertical support.
13. An apparatus in accordance with claim 11 wherein said support system is a floatation system and said vertical support includes at least two floats spaced from one another, and said first horizontal support includes at least one support bar extending between said floats.
14. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said support system is a wall mount system, said vertical support including the wall and said horizontal support including at least one support bar extending from said wall for supporting both the aerator and said shield.
15. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein said support system is a wall mount system, said vertical support including the wall, and said horizontal support including at least one first support bar extending from the wall for supporting the aerator and at least one other separate support bar, extending from the wall for supporting said shield.
16. A mobile vortex shield in accordance with claim 1 wherein said flexible elongated member comprises a chain and connecting hooks.
Priority Applications (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19863642232 DE3642232A1 (en) | 1985-12-18 | 1986-12-10 | Vortex protection device and use thereof in a gas-introduction apparatus |
| JP61302745A JPS62155995A (en) | 1985-12-18 | 1986-12-18 | Apparatus for shielding movable vortex |
| US07/070,143 US4741825A (en) | 1985-12-18 | 1987-07-02 | Mobile vortex shield |
| CA 551515 CA1327244C (en) | 1985-12-18 | 1987-11-10 | Mobile vortex shield |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US81017285A | 1985-12-18 | 1985-12-18 | |
| CA 551515 CA1327244C (en) | 1985-12-18 | 1987-11-10 | Mobile vortex shield |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1327244C true CA1327244C (en) | 1994-02-22 |
Family
ID=25671582
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 551515 Expired - Fee Related CA1327244C (en) | 1985-12-18 | 1987-11-10 | Mobile vortex shield |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS62155995A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1327244C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3642232A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4268398A (en) * | 1978-07-03 | 1981-05-19 | Shuck William D | Sludge agitating method |
| DE2916845A1 (en) * | 1979-04-26 | 1980-11-06 | Heinz Reck | Manure pit aerator - with several propellers on inclined shaft with cowl and eccentric foam funnel |
| JPS57200799A (en) * | 1981-05-30 | 1982-12-09 | Toho Gas Kk | Switch-over of city gas supply to natural gas supply according to simple satellite supply system |
| DE3316201A1 (en) * | 1983-05-04 | 1984-11-08 | Menzel Gmbh & Co | Assembly for circulating a liquid |
| JPH022415Y2 (en) * | 1985-09-20 | 1990-01-22 |
-
1986
- 1986-12-10 DE DE19863642232 patent/DE3642232A1/en active Granted
- 1986-12-18 JP JP61302745A patent/JPS62155995A/en active Granted
-
1987
- 1987-11-10 CA CA 551515 patent/CA1327244C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS62155995A (en) | 1987-07-10 |
| JPH0130558B2 (en) | 1989-06-20 |
| DE3642232A1 (en) | 1987-06-25 |
| DE3642232C2 (en) | 1990-06-13 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |