CA2534799A1 - Apparatus for treating contaminated water - Google Patents
Apparatus for treating contaminated water Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2534799A1 CA2534799A1 CA 2534799 CA2534799A CA2534799A1 CA 2534799 A1 CA2534799 A1 CA 2534799A1 CA 2534799 CA2534799 CA 2534799 CA 2534799 A CA2534799 A CA 2534799A CA 2534799 A1 CA2534799 A1 CA 2534799A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bioreactor
- container
- divider
- water
- module
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 60
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000005276 aerator Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005273 aeration Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000746 purification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 240000001973 Ficus microcarpa Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005352 clarification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010413 gardening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005498 polishing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- C02F3/06—Aerobic processes using submerged filters
-
- 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
- C02F3/10—Packings; Fillings; Grids
- C02F3/101—Arranged-type packing, e.g. stacks, arrays
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2203/00—Apparatus and plants for the biological treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2203/006—Apparatus and plants for the biological treatment of water, waste water or sewage details of construction, e.g. specially adapted seals, modules, connections
-
- 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
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Microbiology (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Biological Treatment Of Waste Water (AREA)
Abstract
A modular apparatus for treating contaminated water uses a standard container.
Depending upon the type of module which is placed inside the container, different types of water treatment can be provided. If a divider module is inserted, the container is turned into a water treatment apparatus to clarify liquids. If a bioreactor support module together with a bioreactor housing module are placed inside the container, the container is turned into a water treatment apparatus to biologically treat liquids.
Depending upon the type of module which is placed inside the container, different types of water treatment can be provided. If a divider module is inserted, the container is turned into a water treatment apparatus to clarify liquids. If a bioreactor support module together with a bioreactor housing module are placed inside the container, the container is turned into a water treatment apparatus to biologically treat liquids.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Apparatus for treating contaminated water FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for treatment of contaminated water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of U.S. Patents which disclose apparatus for treating contaminated water, including: 4,650,577 (Hansel 1987) "Apparatus for treating and purifying waste water"; 5,032,276 (Mackrie et al 1991) "Method of biological activating water cleaning with fluid filtration"; 5,389,248 (Pare et al 1995 "Bioreactor for biological treatment of contaminated water"; 5,507,950 (Senda et al 1996) "Floating water purification device and water purification method"; and 6,100,081 (Buelna 2000) "Biofilter for purification of waste waters and method therefor".
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for treating contaminated water. The apparatus uses a modular concept. A container is provided.
Depending upon the type of module which is placed inside the container, different types of water treatment can be provided. If a divider module is inserted, the container is turned into a water treatment apparatus to clarify liquids. If a bioreactor support module together with a bioreactor housing module are placed inside the container, the container is turned into a water treatment apparatus to biologically treat liquids.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bioreactor support module and clarifier and a bioreactor housing module constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
Apparatus for treating contaminated water FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for treatment of contaminated water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of U.S. Patents which disclose apparatus for treating contaminated water, including: 4,650,577 (Hansel 1987) "Apparatus for treating and purifying waste water"; 5,032,276 (Mackrie et al 1991) "Method of biological activating water cleaning with fluid filtration"; 5,389,248 (Pare et al 1995 "Bioreactor for biological treatment of contaminated water"; 5,507,950 (Senda et al 1996) "Floating water purification device and water purification method"; and 6,100,081 (Buelna 2000) "Biofilter for purification of waste waters and method therefor".
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for treating contaminated water. The apparatus uses a modular concept. A container is provided.
Depending upon the type of module which is placed inside the container, different types of water treatment can be provided. If a divider module is inserted, the container is turned into a water treatment apparatus to clarify liquids. If a bioreactor support module together with a bioreactor housing module are placed inside the container, the container is turned into a water treatment apparatus to biologically treat liquids.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bioreactor support module and clarifier and a bioreactor housing module constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view, in section, of an apparatus for treating contaminated water that uses the bioreactor support module and clarifier and the bioreactor housing module illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bioreactor support module and clarifier illustrated in FIG.1.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bioreactor support module and clarifier illustrated in FIG. 1, with added aeration conduit.
FIG. 5 is a cut away perspective view of the bioreactor housing module illustrated in FIG. l.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aeration module and diffuser from the bioreactor housing module illustrated in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a cut away front elevation view of the aeration module and diffuser illustrated in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of corrugated tubular organism supporting substrate from the bioreactor housing module illustrated in FIG. 5.
FIG. 9 is a front elevation view, in section, of an apparatus for treating contaminated water that uses a divider module.
FIG. 10 is a top plan view, in section, of the apparatus illustrated in FIG.
9.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 is a front elevation view, in section, of an in ground septic system using the a combination of the water treatment apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 and the water treatment apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention relates to a modular apparatus for treating contaminated water, that uses a standard container. Depending upon the type of module which is placed inside the container, different types of water treatment can be provided. As will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG. 1 through 8, if a bioreactor support module together with a bioreactor housing module are placed inside the container, the container is turned into a water treatment apparatus to biologically treat liquids. As will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG.
9 through 11, if a divider module is inserted, the container is turned into a water treatment apparatus to clarify liquids. As will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG. 12, water treatment systems can be developed to suit the needs of diverse applications by using different combinations of modules.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated an apparatus for treating contaminated water, generally identified by reference numeral 10. Apparatus 10 uses a container 12, which is adapted to hold liquids. Container 12 has a bottom 14, an upper peripheral edge 16 and side walls 18 defining an interior cavity 20. It is preferred, but not essential, that a top closure 22, also be provided. It is preferred, but not essential, that side walls 18 of container 12 be corrugated, with a plurality of corrugations 24.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a bioreactor support module and clarifier, generally identified by reference numeral 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2, bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 is adapted for insertion into interior cavity 20 of container 12. Interior cavity 20 acts as a suspended growth area. Referring to FIG. 3, bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 has an upper support surface 32, inner lower support legs 34 and outer support legs 36. Bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 also has side walls 38 which converge downwardly and inwardly from upper support surface 32. Referring to FIG. 2, side walls 38 define an open underlying water entry channe140. It is essential that water entry channel 40 of bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 be elevated to permit the entry of water from below. Referring to FIG. 3, it does not matter whether bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 is elevated by inner lower support legs 34, outer lower support legs 36 or some other means. Referring to FIG. 2, bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 also serves as a divider to define a lower liquid reservoir 42 between side walls 18 of container 12 and side walls 38 of bioreactor support module and clarifier 30. This allows for suspended growth activity to occur. Referring to FIG. 4, bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 can be equipped with an aerator conduit 44. Referring to FIG. 2, aerator conduit 44 provides a supply of oxygen to lower liquid reservoir 42 to enhance suspended growth activity.
Referring to FIG. 1, a bioreactor housing module, generally identified by reference numeral 50, is provided which is adapted to seat on upper support surface 32 of bioreactor support module and clarifier 30. Referring to FIG. 5, bioreactor housing module 50 has a bottom 52, an upper peripheral edge 54 and peripheral side walls 56. Referring to FIG. 2, an inlet tube 58 extends from upper peripheral edge 54 through bottom 52. Inlet tube 58 provides a means whereby contaminated waste water from an exterior supply source is discharged into lower liquid reservoir 42 where suspended growth activity occurs. Referring to FIG. 5, bioreactor housing module 50 contains an organism supporting substrate, generally identified by reference numera160. It is preferred, but not essential, that organism supporting substrate be in the form of a plurality of corrugated tubes 62, arranged in a substantially vertical orientation. Referring to FIG. 8, corrugated tubes 62 are shown in detail with inner and outer corrugations 64 within which micro-organisms can adhere without being washed away by water flow. Referring to FIG. 3, upper support surface 32 of bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 has a surface profile with a number of spaced upstanding ribs 66.
Referring to FIG. 1 and 5, bottom 52 has a mating surface profile with indentations 68 adapted to receive upstanding ribs 66 to provide a more stable engagement between bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 and bioreactor housing module 50.
Referring to FIG. 3, bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 has a plurality of flow passages 70 extending through upper support surface 32. Referring to FIG. 2 and 5, bioreactor housing module 50 has flow channels 72 through bottom 52, to permit contaminated water to pass from water entry channel 40 of bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 into bioreactor housing module 50. An outlet pipe 74 extends from bioreactor housing module 50 through side wall 18 of container 12 at upper peripheral edge 16. Referring to FIG. 5, for aerobic applications aerator modules 80 can be incorporated into bioreactor housing module 50.
Referring to FIG. 6 and 7, aerator module 80 has discharge pipes 82 and a bundle 84 of corrugated tubes 62, with discharge pipes extending down into some of corrugated tubes 62 of bundle 84.
Referring to FIG. 2, in operation contaminated waste water enters through inlet tube 58 and is directed into lower liquid reservoir 42. As lower liquid reservoir begins to fill, liquid rises up lower liquid reservoir 42 to enter water entry channel 40 of bioreactor support module and clarifier 30. The clarifying function is provided by converging side walls 38. The inflow through inlet tube 58 is to the outside of side walls 38. The only inlet leading to bioreactor housing module 50 is water entry channel 40. Particulate matter will, therefore, tend to fall to bottom 14 of container 12, rather than rise up through water entry channel 40.
Particulate matter which does enter through water entry channel 40, as it settles will tend to slide down the interior of side walls 38 and be directed to bottom 14. Water which passes up through bioreactor housing module 50, is exposed to micro-organisms residing within organism supporting substrate 60. The biologically treated water then exits bioreactor housing 5 module 50 via outlet pipe 74.
Referring to FIG. 9, there is illustrated an apparatus for treating contaminated water, generally identified by reference numeral 100. Apparatus 100 uses an identical container to container 12. The various features of container 12 will, therefore, be identified using the same reference numerals as above. A divider module 102 (shown in FIG. 11), consisting of an endless central divider, is positioned within interior cavity 20 of container 12. When divider module 102 is inserted, it serves to define a central reservoir and clarifier 104 and also serves to defined a perimeter flow channel 106 between divider module 102 and side walls 18 of container 12. An inlet 108 is provided which is adapted to receive contaminated waste water from an exterior source. Inlet 108 discharges the waste water into perimeter flow channel 106. A waste water transfer port 110 extends through divider module 102 to provide waste water in perimeter flow channel 106 access to central reservoir 104. Transfer port 110 is positioned intermediate bottom 14 and upper peripheral edge 16 of container 12. When inserting divider module 102 into interior cavity 20 of container 12, care should be taken to ensure that transfer port 110 is positioned so that it is shielded from inlet 108, by divider module 102. An outlet pipe 112 extends from central reservoir 104 through side wall 18 of container 12 at upper peripheral edge 16. It is important that divider module 102 maintain a central position within interior cavity 20 of container 12. Referring to FIG. 10, for this purpose divider module 102 is equipped with outwardly projecting centralizing members 114. There are, of course, various other means that can be used to maintain divider module 102 in a central position. It is preferred, but not essential, that divider module have a wave form side wall 116. This wave form side wall 116 promotes a non-linear, which assists in getting particles to settle. Referring to FIG. 9, for aerobic applications aerator modules 80 are provided. Aerator modules 80 are as previously described with reference to FIG. 6 and 7.
Referring to FIG. 9, aerator modules 80 are positioned in an upper portion 118 of perimeter flow channel 106 and serve to provide oxygen to perimeter flow channel 106. It is preferred, but not essential, that a filter 120 be positioned in a flow path 122 between central reservoir 104 and outlet pipe 112, such that all water exiting central reservoir 104 must pass through filter to 120 reach outlet pipe 112.
In operation, contaminated waste water enters through inlet 108 and is directed into perimeter flow channel 106 where it circles divider module 102 before passing through transfer port 110 into central reservoir 104. As water travels along perimeter flow channel 106, it is aerated by aerator modules 80. As water continues to enter container 12, water rises up in central reservoir 104, passes through filter 120 and exits outlet pipe 112. Particulate contaminants have an opportunity to settle during the course of flow from inlet 108 to outlet pipe 112.
Referring to FIG. 12, there is illustrated how the above described modular approach can be adapted to suit the needs of various installations. The installation chosen for illustration is an in ground septic system. Septic water from a building 124 enters a primary dropout tank 126 through inlet pipe 128. Primary dropout tank has an internal divider 130 that creates two areas 132 and 134, and has an opening 136 between the two, such that the majority of solids tend to settle in first area 132 with water passing to second area 134 through opening 136.
More solids settle out in second area 134, and the septic passes through a coarse filter 138 and into a first apparatus 100 as described with reference to FIG. 8 through 10, that acts as a secondary dropout stage. The water then passes to a bioreactor support module and clarifier as described with reference to FIG. 1 through 7. Bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 plays three roles: to allow clarification, allow a bioreation through suspended growth in the liquid, and allow a bioreation through fixed growth existing on corrugated sides. A blower 25 140 provides air to aerate both first apparatus 100 and bioreactor support module and clarifier 30. The water then passes to a second apparatus 100 that acts as a polishing module. The treated septic then exists the system through exit pipe 142. As can be seen, there are also pipes 144 for venting excess air and off gases to atmosphere. It is not envisaged that the treated water exiting pipe 142 will be used for drinking purposes, primarily because the 30 concept would be repugnant to most users. However, the water would be acceptable for a variety of purposes that do not required fully treated water, such as toilets, gardening, cleaning of equipment, washing cars, etc. The overall specifications of the setup will depend upon the volume of flow, and the constituents in the flow.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bioreactor support module and clarifier illustrated in FIG.1.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bioreactor support module and clarifier illustrated in FIG. 1, with added aeration conduit.
FIG. 5 is a cut away perspective view of the bioreactor housing module illustrated in FIG. l.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aeration module and diffuser from the bioreactor housing module illustrated in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a cut away front elevation view of the aeration module and diffuser illustrated in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of corrugated tubular organism supporting substrate from the bioreactor housing module illustrated in FIG. 5.
FIG. 9 is a front elevation view, in section, of an apparatus for treating contaminated water that uses a divider module.
FIG. 10 is a top plan view, in section, of the apparatus illustrated in FIG.
9.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 is a front elevation view, in section, of an in ground septic system using the a combination of the water treatment apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 and the water treatment apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention relates to a modular apparatus for treating contaminated water, that uses a standard container. Depending upon the type of module which is placed inside the container, different types of water treatment can be provided. As will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG. 1 through 8, if a bioreactor support module together with a bioreactor housing module are placed inside the container, the container is turned into a water treatment apparatus to biologically treat liquids. As will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG.
9 through 11, if a divider module is inserted, the container is turned into a water treatment apparatus to clarify liquids. As will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG. 12, water treatment systems can be developed to suit the needs of diverse applications by using different combinations of modules.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated an apparatus for treating contaminated water, generally identified by reference numeral 10. Apparatus 10 uses a container 12, which is adapted to hold liquids. Container 12 has a bottom 14, an upper peripheral edge 16 and side walls 18 defining an interior cavity 20. It is preferred, but not essential, that a top closure 22, also be provided. It is preferred, but not essential, that side walls 18 of container 12 be corrugated, with a plurality of corrugations 24.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a bioreactor support module and clarifier, generally identified by reference numeral 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2, bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 is adapted for insertion into interior cavity 20 of container 12. Interior cavity 20 acts as a suspended growth area. Referring to FIG. 3, bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 has an upper support surface 32, inner lower support legs 34 and outer support legs 36. Bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 also has side walls 38 which converge downwardly and inwardly from upper support surface 32. Referring to FIG. 2, side walls 38 define an open underlying water entry channe140. It is essential that water entry channel 40 of bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 be elevated to permit the entry of water from below. Referring to FIG. 3, it does not matter whether bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 is elevated by inner lower support legs 34, outer lower support legs 36 or some other means. Referring to FIG. 2, bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 also serves as a divider to define a lower liquid reservoir 42 between side walls 18 of container 12 and side walls 38 of bioreactor support module and clarifier 30. This allows for suspended growth activity to occur. Referring to FIG. 4, bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 can be equipped with an aerator conduit 44. Referring to FIG. 2, aerator conduit 44 provides a supply of oxygen to lower liquid reservoir 42 to enhance suspended growth activity.
Referring to FIG. 1, a bioreactor housing module, generally identified by reference numeral 50, is provided which is adapted to seat on upper support surface 32 of bioreactor support module and clarifier 30. Referring to FIG. 5, bioreactor housing module 50 has a bottom 52, an upper peripheral edge 54 and peripheral side walls 56. Referring to FIG. 2, an inlet tube 58 extends from upper peripheral edge 54 through bottom 52. Inlet tube 58 provides a means whereby contaminated waste water from an exterior supply source is discharged into lower liquid reservoir 42 where suspended growth activity occurs. Referring to FIG. 5, bioreactor housing module 50 contains an organism supporting substrate, generally identified by reference numera160. It is preferred, but not essential, that organism supporting substrate be in the form of a plurality of corrugated tubes 62, arranged in a substantially vertical orientation. Referring to FIG. 8, corrugated tubes 62 are shown in detail with inner and outer corrugations 64 within which micro-organisms can adhere without being washed away by water flow. Referring to FIG. 3, upper support surface 32 of bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 has a surface profile with a number of spaced upstanding ribs 66.
Referring to FIG. 1 and 5, bottom 52 has a mating surface profile with indentations 68 adapted to receive upstanding ribs 66 to provide a more stable engagement between bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 and bioreactor housing module 50.
Referring to FIG. 3, bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 has a plurality of flow passages 70 extending through upper support surface 32. Referring to FIG. 2 and 5, bioreactor housing module 50 has flow channels 72 through bottom 52, to permit contaminated water to pass from water entry channel 40 of bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 into bioreactor housing module 50. An outlet pipe 74 extends from bioreactor housing module 50 through side wall 18 of container 12 at upper peripheral edge 16. Referring to FIG. 5, for aerobic applications aerator modules 80 can be incorporated into bioreactor housing module 50.
Referring to FIG. 6 and 7, aerator module 80 has discharge pipes 82 and a bundle 84 of corrugated tubes 62, with discharge pipes extending down into some of corrugated tubes 62 of bundle 84.
Referring to FIG. 2, in operation contaminated waste water enters through inlet tube 58 and is directed into lower liquid reservoir 42. As lower liquid reservoir begins to fill, liquid rises up lower liquid reservoir 42 to enter water entry channel 40 of bioreactor support module and clarifier 30. The clarifying function is provided by converging side walls 38. The inflow through inlet tube 58 is to the outside of side walls 38. The only inlet leading to bioreactor housing module 50 is water entry channel 40. Particulate matter will, therefore, tend to fall to bottom 14 of container 12, rather than rise up through water entry channel 40.
Particulate matter which does enter through water entry channel 40, as it settles will tend to slide down the interior of side walls 38 and be directed to bottom 14. Water which passes up through bioreactor housing module 50, is exposed to micro-organisms residing within organism supporting substrate 60. The biologically treated water then exits bioreactor housing 5 module 50 via outlet pipe 74.
Referring to FIG. 9, there is illustrated an apparatus for treating contaminated water, generally identified by reference numeral 100. Apparatus 100 uses an identical container to container 12. The various features of container 12 will, therefore, be identified using the same reference numerals as above. A divider module 102 (shown in FIG. 11), consisting of an endless central divider, is positioned within interior cavity 20 of container 12. When divider module 102 is inserted, it serves to define a central reservoir and clarifier 104 and also serves to defined a perimeter flow channel 106 between divider module 102 and side walls 18 of container 12. An inlet 108 is provided which is adapted to receive contaminated waste water from an exterior source. Inlet 108 discharges the waste water into perimeter flow channel 106. A waste water transfer port 110 extends through divider module 102 to provide waste water in perimeter flow channel 106 access to central reservoir 104. Transfer port 110 is positioned intermediate bottom 14 and upper peripheral edge 16 of container 12. When inserting divider module 102 into interior cavity 20 of container 12, care should be taken to ensure that transfer port 110 is positioned so that it is shielded from inlet 108, by divider module 102. An outlet pipe 112 extends from central reservoir 104 through side wall 18 of container 12 at upper peripheral edge 16. It is important that divider module 102 maintain a central position within interior cavity 20 of container 12. Referring to FIG. 10, for this purpose divider module 102 is equipped with outwardly projecting centralizing members 114. There are, of course, various other means that can be used to maintain divider module 102 in a central position. It is preferred, but not essential, that divider module have a wave form side wall 116. This wave form side wall 116 promotes a non-linear, which assists in getting particles to settle. Referring to FIG. 9, for aerobic applications aerator modules 80 are provided. Aerator modules 80 are as previously described with reference to FIG. 6 and 7.
Referring to FIG. 9, aerator modules 80 are positioned in an upper portion 118 of perimeter flow channel 106 and serve to provide oxygen to perimeter flow channel 106. It is preferred, but not essential, that a filter 120 be positioned in a flow path 122 between central reservoir 104 and outlet pipe 112, such that all water exiting central reservoir 104 must pass through filter to 120 reach outlet pipe 112.
In operation, contaminated waste water enters through inlet 108 and is directed into perimeter flow channel 106 where it circles divider module 102 before passing through transfer port 110 into central reservoir 104. As water travels along perimeter flow channel 106, it is aerated by aerator modules 80. As water continues to enter container 12, water rises up in central reservoir 104, passes through filter 120 and exits outlet pipe 112. Particulate contaminants have an opportunity to settle during the course of flow from inlet 108 to outlet pipe 112.
Referring to FIG. 12, there is illustrated how the above described modular approach can be adapted to suit the needs of various installations. The installation chosen for illustration is an in ground septic system. Septic water from a building 124 enters a primary dropout tank 126 through inlet pipe 128. Primary dropout tank has an internal divider 130 that creates two areas 132 and 134, and has an opening 136 between the two, such that the majority of solids tend to settle in first area 132 with water passing to second area 134 through opening 136.
More solids settle out in second area 134, and the septic passes through a coarse filter 138 and into a first apparatus 100 as described with reference to FIG. 8 through 10, that acts as a secondary dropout stage. The water then passes to a bioreactor support module and clarifier as described with reference to FIG. 1 through 7. Bioreactor support module and clarifier 30 plays three roles: to allow clarification, allow a bioreation through suspended growth in the liquid, and allow a bioreation through fixed growth existing on corrugated sides. A blower 25 140 provides air to aerate both first apparatus 100 and bioreactor support module and clarifier 30. The water then passes to a second apparatus 100 that acts as a polishing module. The treated septic then exists the system through exit pipe 142. As can be seen, there are also pipes 144 for venting excess air and off gases to atmosphere. It is not envisaged that the treated water exiting pipe 142 will be used for drinking purposes, primarily because the 30 concept would be repugnant to most users. However, the water would be acceptable for a variety of purposes that do not required fully treated water, such as toilets, gardening, cleaning of equipment, washing cars, etc. The overall specifications of the setup will depend upon the volume of flow, and the constituents in the flow.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (13)
1. An apparatus for treating contaminated water, comprising:
a container adapted to hold liquids having a bottom, an upper peripheral edge and side walls defining an interior cavity;
a endless central divider positioned within the interior cavity, the divider defining a central reservoir, the divider also defining a perimeter flow channel between the divider and the side walls;
an inlet adapted to receive contaminated waste water from an exterior source, the inlet discharging into the perimeter flow channel of the container;
a waste water transfer port extending through the divider to provide waste water in the perimeter flow channel access to the central reservoir, the transfer port being positioned intermediate the bottom and the upper peripheral edge, the transfer port being shielded from the inlet by the divider;
an outlet pipe extending from the central reservoir through the side wall of the container at the upper peripheral edge, such that contaminated waste water entering through the inlet is directed into the perimeter flow channel where it circles the divider before passing through the transfer port into the central reservoir, rising up in the central reservoir to exit the outlet pipe, leaving behind particulate contaminants which have an opportunity to settle during the course of flow from the inlet to the outlet.
a container adapted to hold liquids having a bottom, an upper peripheral edge and side walls defining an interior cavity;
a endless central divider positioned within the interior cavity, the divider defining a central reservoir, the divider also defining a perimeter flow channel between the divider and the side walls;
an inlet adapted to receive contaminated waste water from an exterior source, the inlet discharging into the perimeter flow channel of the container;
a waste water transfer port extending through the divider to provide waste water in the perimeter flow channel access to the central reservoir, the transfer port being positioned intermediate the bottom and the upper peripheral edge, the transfer port being shielded from the inlet by the divider;
an outlet pipe extending from the central reservoir through the side wall of the container at the upper peripheral edge, such that contaminated waste water entering through the inlet is directed into the perimeter flow channel where it circles the divider before passing through the transfer port into the central reservoir, rising up in the central reservoir to exit the outlet pipe, leaving behind particulate contaminants which have an opportunity to settle during the course of flow from the inlet to the outlet.
2. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein at least one aerator is positioned in an upper portion of the perimeter flow channel, to provide oxygen to the perimeter flow channel.
3. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the divider has a wave form side wall.
4. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein a filter is positioned in a flow path between the central reservoir and the outlet pipe, such that all water exiting the central reservoir must pass through the filter to reach the outlet pipe.
5. The apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the divider has outwardly projecting centralising members.
6. An apparatus for treating contaminated water, comprising:
a container adapted to hold liquids having a bottom, an upper peripheral edge and side walls defining an interior cavity;
a bioreactor support structure adapted for insertion into the container, the bioreactor support structure having an upper support surface, lower support legs, and side walls which converge downwardly and inwardly from the upper support surface to define an open underlying water entry channel, the bioreactor support structure also serving as a divider to define a lower liquid reservoir between the side walls of the container and the side walls of the bioreactor support structure;
a bioreactor housing adapted to seat on the upper support surface of the bioreactor support structure, the bioreactor housing having a bottom, an upper peripheral edge and peripheral side walls, an inlet tube that extending from the upper peripheral edge of the housing through the bottom, whereby contaminated waste water from an exterior source entering the bioreactor housing is discharged into the lower liquid reservoir, the bioreactor housing containing an organism supporting substrate, flow channels being provided through the bottom of the bioreactor housing to permit contaminated water to pass from the water entry channel of the bioreactor support structure into the bioreactor housing;
an outlet pipe extending from the bioreactor housing central reservoir through the side wall of the container at the upper peripheral edge, such that contaminated waste water entering through the inlet tube is directed into the lower liquid reservoir, rises up the lower liquid reservoir to enter the water entry channel of the bioreactor support structure and passes through the bioreactor housing before exiting the bioreactor housing via the outlet pipe.
a container adapted to hold liquids having a bottom, an upper peripheral edge and side walls defining an interior cavity;
a bioreactor support structure adapted for insertion into the container, the bioreactor support structure having an upper support surface, lower support legs, and side walls which converge downwardly and inwardly from the upper support surface to define an open underlying water entry channel, the bioreactor support structure also serving as a divider to define a lower liquid reservoir between the side walls of the container and the side walls of the bioreactor support structure;
a bioreactor housing adapted to seat on the upper support surface of the bioreactor support structure, the bioreactor housing having a bottom, an upper peripheral edge and peripheral side walls, an inlet tube that extending from the upper peripheral edge of the housing through the bottom, whereby contaminated waste water from an exterior source entering the bioreactor housing is discharged into the lower liquid reservoir, the bioreactor housing containing an organism supporting substrate, flow channels being provided through the bottom of the bioreactor housing to permit contaminated water to pass from the water entry channel of the bioreactor support structure into the bioreactor housing;
an outlet pipe extending from the bioreactor housing central reservoir through the side wall of the container at the upper peripheral edge, such that contaminated waste water entering through the inlet tube is directed into the lower liquid reservoir, rises up the lower liquid reservoir to enter the water entry channel of the bioreactor support structure and passes through the bioreactor housing before exiting the bioreactor housing via the outlet pipe.
7. The apparatus as defined in Claim 6, wherein the organism supporting substrate is a plurality of corrugated tubes arranged in a substantially vertical orientation.
8. The apparatus as defined in Claim 7, wherein at least one aerator is provided in the bioreactor housing to provide oxygen to the bioreactor housing, the aerator having discharge pipes extending down into some of the corrugated tubes.
9. The apparatus as defined in Claim 6, wherein the aerator is modular.
10. The apparatus as defined in Claim 6, wherein the side walls of the container are corrugated.
11. The apparatus as defined in Claim 6, wherein at least one aerator is provided to supply oxygen to the lower liquid reservoir.
12. An apparatus for treating contaminated water, comprising:
a container; and one of a divider module adapted to turn the container into a water treatment apparatus to clarify liquids or a bioreactor support module with a bioreactor housing module adapted to turn the container into a water treatment apparatus to biologically treat liquids.
a container; and one of a divider module adapted to turn the container into a water treatment apparatus to clarify liquids or a bioreactor support module with a bioreactor housing module adapted to turn the container into a water treatment apparatus to biologically treat liquids.
13. The apparatus as defined in Claim 12, wherein an aerator module is provided which adapted to turn aerate the container.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2534799 CA2534799A1 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2006-01-20 | Apparatus for treating contaminated water |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2534799 CA2534799A1 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2006-01-20 | Apparatus for treating contaminated water |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2534799A1 true CA2534799A1 (en) | 2007-07-20 |
Family
ID=38283395
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2534799 Abandoned CA2534799A1 (en) | 2006-01-20 | 2006-01-20 | Apparatus for treating contaminated water |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2534799A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104150674A (en) * | 2014-01-10 | 2014-11-19 | 广东金明环保科技有限公司 | Integrated apparatus for treating livestock breeding water |
| CN108315226A (en) * | 2018-03-15 | 2018-07-24 | 郭敬承 | A kind of center air lift type high-efficient biological reactor |
-
2006
- 2006-01-20 CA CA 2534799 patent/CA2534799A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104150674A (en) * | 2014-01-10 | 2014-11-19 | 广东金明环保科技有限公司 | Integrated apparatus for treating livestock breeding water |
| CN108315226A (en) * | 2018-03-15 | 2018-07-24 | 郭敬承 | A kind of center air lift type high-efficient biological reactor |
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