CA2837311A1 - Septic waste-to-energy method and apparatus - Google Patents

Septic waste-to-energy method and apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2837311A1
CA2837311A1 CA2837311A CA2837311A CA2837311A1 CA 2837311 A1 CA2837311 A1 CA 2837311A1 CA 2837311 A CA2837311 A CA 2837311A CA 2837311 A CA2837311 A CA 2837311A CA 2837311 A1 CA2837311 A1 CA 2837311A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
septic tank
biogas
septic
tank
electricity
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
Application number
CA2837311A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Matthew J. Neilson
Rocco Vaillancourt
Maria Klimento
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA2837311A priority Critical patent/CA2837311A1/en
Publication of CA2837311A1 publication Critical patent/CA2837311A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F3/00Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F3/006Regulation methods for biological treatment
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F3/00Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F3/28Anaerobic digestion processes
    • C02F3/2866Particular arrangements for anaerobic reactors
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F3/00Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F3/28Anaerobic digestion processes
    • C02F3/2866Particular arrangements for anaerobic reactors
    • C02F3/2893Particular arrangements for anaerobic reactors with biogas recycling
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F3/00Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F3/34Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage characterised by the microorganisms used
    • C02F3/348Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage characterised by the microorganisms used characterised by the way or the form in which the microorganisms are added or dosed
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/02Temperature
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/03Pressure
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/10Energy recovery
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2305/00Use of specific compounds during water treatment
    • C02F2305/06Nutrients for stimulating the growth of microorganisms
    • YGENERAL 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
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E50/00Technologies for the production of fuel of non-fossil origin
    • Y02E50/30Fuel from waste, e.g. synthetic alcohol or diesel
    • YGENERAL 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
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02WCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W10/00Technologies for wastewater treatment
    • Y02W10/10Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • YGENERAL 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
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02WCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W10/00Technologies for wastewater treatment
    • Y02W10/30Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Sludge (AREA)

Abstract

A method and apparatus for the production of a methane rich biogas from a septic tank for the purposes of electricity production involves the modification of conventional septic tank designs and the supplementation of genetically modified methanogenic bacteria. Biogas produced from modified or newly installed septic systems is collected and stored for electricity generation in external gas powered generators. To optimize the energy potential of this septic tank gas apparatus, a method of supplementing domestic waste within the septic tank with methanogenic microbes is implemented. Genetically enhanced methanogenic bacteria are supplemented to the septic system to improve gas production and overall power efficiency of the apparatus.

Description

Title Septic Waste-to-Energy Method and Apparatus Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the improvement of conventional septic tanks used for the treatment and storage of domestic wastes. The field of this invention pertains to the Background of the Invention The purpose of septic tanks is small-scale sewage treatment: to collect waste generated by the occupants of a dwelling, and to disperse water such that it will not cause damage to the environment. It is common in areas without connection to government or corporation's main sewage pipes.
Septic tanks are widely used, including suburbs, small communities, rural areas, and corporations.
Septic tanks consists of an inlet wastewater pipe connecting the dwelling's plumbing to one or several tanks, which connect on their opposite ends to an outlet wastewater pipe that enters a drain field. The tank itself is divided into two chambers, which are separated by a vertical dividing wall with openings. The tank relies on indigenous anaerobic bacteria present to break down the wastewater entering it. Wastewater discharged from the household plumbing (toilet, sinks, laundry, etc.) travels through the inlet wastewater pipe and enters the first fluid-filled chamber, solids settling at the bottom and scum floating at the top.
The sunken solids are anaerobically decomposed, reducing their volume. The liquid component flows through the dividing wall into the second chamber, where further scum-solid separation occurs. The solid is again broken down and the liquid drains through the outlet into a leach field (i.e. drain field or seepage field). The drain field receives the effluent via a network of perforated pipes laid in gravel-filled trenches or beds. Wastewater trickles out of the pipes, through the gravel layer, and into the soil. The soil below the drain field provides the final treatment and disposal of the effluent, purified via biological and chemical processes of the soil.
Current septic tanks that are used to generate electricity do not take full advantage of the natural gas released by bacteria. The invention described uses genetically modified bacteria to target an increase of methane gas for electricity generation. It is a process by which we can generate a sustainable cycle of renewable energy production from waste excretion.
The anaerobic environment promotes fermentation, leading to the generation of carbon dioxide and methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and stores a considerable amount of potential energy.
Manure, feces, and other organic materials are all carbon sources that anaerobic bacteria can ferment into methane (CI-14). This natural gas can be collected, stored, and converted to electricity. Furthermore, the amount of gas generated by a septic tank can be increased, for increased electricity production and storage. Generators convert natural gas to electricity by the motion of turbines, converting mechanical energy to electrical energy. Septic tanks rely on indigenous anaerobic bacteria already present in the tank to break down. Current septic tanks that are used to generate electricity do not take full advantage of the natural gas released by bacteria.

Summary of the Invention The invention described will use genetically modified bacteria to target an increase of methane gas for electricity generation. It can thus be seen that the present invention provides a novel method of energy generation from septic tank, which successfully integrates genetically modified bacteria to increase the methane production to convert to electricity via a series of piping, tanks, and a commercial generator. The electricity stored in the generator can be used for energy, including powering the dwelling and consequently decreasing the electricity bill.
The invention pertains to existing or new septic tank systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a process by which dwelling wastewater is expelled, with additional genetically modified bacteria, via the plumbing system, through the inlet pipe into the septic tank. Through the addition of the gene responsible for the bacteria's capacity to produce methane from the wastewater, the new bacteria contributes to septic tank's existing bacteria mass in its ability to yield natural (sewer) gas. The gas rises to the top of the tank and is gathered by a gas trap. The gas trap collects the methane and the gas travels through piping to storage tanks. The storage tanks keep in reserve the natural gas, which is then fed through a commercial generator to generate electricity.
The invention possesses numerous benefits and advantages over known methods of septic energy harnessing. While the references described in the prior art section may be adequate for their intended purposes, they do not encompass all the elements covered by our method for the purpose of energy production. For instance, it was believed that a methane-digester was impractical, as typical septic tanks do not foster the conditions that existing anaerobic organisms need to produce a significant amount of gas. This problem is solved by genetically modifying additional bacteria to amplify the amount of methane produced to a significant level, such that it can be stored and converted into a useable amount of electricity.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description that follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a side view of the septic tank component of the system, showing a cross-section of the tank.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the overall apparatus, featuring the septic tank system transitioning from the home to the leaching field underground. The gas collection apparatus is aboveground from the septic tank and includes the connections of the gas trap pump, storage tanks and generator.
FIG. 3 is an overview of the gas enhancement procedure in septic tank system.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment With reference to the drawings and, in particular, with reference to FIGS 1 and 2, the waste-to-energy apparatus consists of a septic tank and a series of gas collection devices including a gas pump, storage tanks and a commercial generator. FIG 1 illustrates a cutaway view of the septic tank portion of the apparatus. Noted in the figure is the inlet pipe (4), which supplies the tank with domestic waste from the residential toilet and sinks pipelines. It is from this inlet source in which waste and supplemental bacteria are able to enter the tank for anaerobic digestion and biogas production. Also shown in FIG 1 are gas outlet (3) and liquid outlet (5). The gas outlet carries the accumulating biogas out of the tank and into the aboveground gas processing equipment (not shown in this figure). The liquid outlet drains clarified water into the leaching field (also not shown in FIG 1) similar to that of conventional septic systems.
FIG 1 shows the extra insulating layer (6) composed of either concrete and/or other conventional encasing material. Much of the septic tank in FIG 1 resembles that of typical septic tanks, with the emphasis being on the crucial addition of the gas outtake pipe. Features like a baffle (1) and access ports (2) are common in most septic tanks on the market today.
FIG 2 is a comprehensive overview of the apparatus, and similarly, the method for generating electricity from enhanced bacteria in septic tanks. The figure shows the components of the apparatus that are aboveground and underground and a simplified case of the equipment's arrangement. As examined in FIG 1, the septic tank is shown in FIG 2 as well, labelled as (11). The leaching field (12) drains water underground and downslope from the septic tank, a feature that is common in virtually all septic systems today. Notable features in FIG 2 include the gas processing equipment of the apparatus, consisting of the gas pump (17), storage tanks (16) and gas generator (15). Each of these components is electrically activated and controlled from a controller inside of the house (13). The electricity from the generator is fed into the house's power supply (14). Access ports (20) are sealed shut as to eliminate the penetration of the oxygen inside the tank, or the release of biogas outside of the tank.
Genetically modified bacteria are delivered through the inlet port from the house's plumbing (12).
FIG 3 is an overview of the gas enhancing method involving a genetically modified methanogenic microorganism that has been optimized to produce methane gas from domestic wastes. As a general procedure, bacteria cultures with the optimized anaerobic bacteria can be flushed down the toilet or dumped down the sink to encourage an increased gas production rate from the bacteria already existing in the septic tank system.
Description of Prior Art It is known in the prior act to provide a process by which wastewater entering a septic tank is converted into energy. The following prior arts cover select claims in our process, but not all and for different objectives.
Prior Art #1: CAN Patent CA 2609005 C describes a method and apparatus for remediating a failing wastewater treatment system comprising a positive air, oxygen, ozone, or combination thereof, generating pressure pump directing the air, oxygen ozone, or combination through a tube to an air stone, suspended in the effluent. Attached growth bacteria grow on a plurality or random directional brushes in an effluent tank, e.g. septic tank. As shown in Table 1, this patent covers solely wastewater treatment and septic tank application in relation to our invention, but does not use genetically modified bacteria, collection of natural gas, or use of septic waste for electricity production.
Prior Art #2: US Patent 20100314311 Al outlines a method for removing the contamination of C,N
utilizing heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria ¨ more specifically, heterotrophic ammonia oxidation bacteria to remove carbon and nitrogen pollutants in wastewater. Table 1 depicts this method's coverage of the use of modified bacteria in wastewater treatment, but does not associate to septic tanks, collection of natural gas, or electricity generation from the waste.
Prior Art #3: CAN Patent CA1234229 Al discloses a process and apparatus for anaerobic biological purification of wastewater containing organic pollutants, purified through a two-reactor series. This 1980's patent is outdated and basically describes a septic tank, which covers septic tank, wastewater treatment, and natural gas collection from our process, but does not utilize the use of genetically modified bacteria or the production of electricity from septic waste.
Prior Art #4: European Patent EP 1232123 Al depicts a biofuel cell using wastewater and active sludge for wastewater treatment. The biofilel cell uses wastewater as a fuel, as electrochemically active microorganisms oxidize the organic substances. Electrons are discharged and transferred to the electrode, allowing electric current to be generated while wastewater is purified. This patent covers wastewater treatment in septic tanks and generation of energy from this purification, but does not use genetically modified bacteria or the collection of natural gas.
It is apparent from the foregoing that the prior art fails to mention all the aspects of this novel process for the appropriate use of energy production.

Claims (13)

Claims What is claimed is:
1. A septic tank apparatus designed for the production of electricity from biogas with enhanced methane content, such system being comprised of at least one septic tank, the septic tank being completely anoxic and separated from the atmosphere; the tank having an outlet to a conventional drainage and leaching field; the septic tank modified to connect with a biogas collection and power generating component, which comprises:
a. At least one pressure generating gas pump b. A tube having two ends, with the first end being attachable to the septic tank c. Multiple external biogas storage tanks that are each attachable to the second tube end d. A conventional gas generator attachable to a gas storage tank
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the septic tank comprises at least one sludge layer and an upper effluent layer
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pump is electrically activated
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein pressure and temperature sensors are used to monitor the system
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the septic tank is well insulated
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the insulating layer comprises concrete, sand and waterproof membrane materials
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a means for the introduction of genetically modified anaerobic bacteria cultures
8. A method for the enhancement of methane content in biogas produced by a septic tank system, comprising the steps of:
a. The addition of genetically modified anaerobic, methanogenic bacteria through influent plumbing system b. The capture of biogas with at least one pressure generating pump c. The transfer of biogas through a tube to a connected storage tank d. The combustion of the methane rich biogas in a conventional gas generator to produce electricity
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the addition of genetically modified bacteria is completed through the indoor plumbing
10. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of introducing additional nutrients, buffers and enzymes.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein the capture of biogas is automated by an external controller with pre-set temperature and pressure settings
12. The method of claim 8 wherein the production of electricity via biogas combustion is accomplished with a compatible gas generator
13. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of electricity storage in batteries for later use
CA2837311A 2013-12-19 2013-12-19 Septic waste-to-energy method and apparatus Abandoned CA2837311A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2837311A CA2837311A1 (en) 2013-12-19 2013-12-19 Septic waste-to-energy method and apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2837311A CA2837311A1 (en) 2013-12-19 2013-12-19 Septic waste-to-energy method and apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2837311A1 true CA2837311A1 (en) 2015-06-19

Family

ID=53477167

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2837311A Abandoned CA2837311A1 (en) 2013-12-19 2013-12-19 Septic waste-to-energy method and apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2837311A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107021601A (en) * 2017-06-09 2017-08-08 重庆城池通环保科技有限公司 Septic tank exhaust apparatus

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107021601A (en) * 2017-06-09 2017-08-08 重庆城池通环保科技有限公司 Septic tank exhaust apparatus

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN104289503B (en) A kind of refuse disposal system and method
CN204107978U (en) A kind of refuse disposal system
CN101928097A (en) Domestic sewage treatment system for ecological residential quarter
US20120009668A1 (en) Biogas Capture and/or Collection System
CN203668180U (en) Sewage treatment system for temporary biotope
US20120085690A1 (en) Primary Treatment Unit and System for Maximising the Amount of Methane-Containing Biogas Collected from Sewage
CN205635292U (en) Sewage treatment ware is used at rural family
CN104064794A (en) Microbial fuel cell capable of repairing nitrate polluted underground water in situ
CN201864641U (en) Housing estate domestic sewage ecological treatment system
CN108069569A (en) Combined removable bed clarifier
CN110683715A (en) Rural domestic sewage recycling classification high-efficiency treatment system
CN108193898A (en) City green energy saving building
CN105645694B (en) A kind of community's debirs treatment in situ system and method
CN112142258A (en) Resource and standard treatment method for domestic sewage of villages and towns
CN101786092A (en) Comprehensive treatment system for organic garbage and domestic sewage and comprehensive treatment method therefor
CN101254990B (en) Passive highly effective dispersant type domestic wastewater treatment complete plant
CA2837311A1 (en) Septic waste-to-energy method and apparatus
CN102515438B (en) Landfill leachate treatment process
CN205773920U (en) The biological treatment system of heat-engine plant desulfurized waste water
CN205528274U (en) Rural sewage treatment system
CN101597121B (en) Distributed domestic sewage treatment reactor and treatment method thereof
CN104727400A (en) Water-saving, energy-saving and environment-friendly toilet
CN105130120A (en) Novel process for treating domestic sewage by means of biological and ecological combination
CN201092551Y (en) Underground integral device for treating life sewage water and generating marsh gas
CN203950876U (en) A kind of original position is repaired the microbiological fuel cell of groundwater azotate pollution

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Dead

Effective date: 20161221