DE102007030938A1 - Apparatus and method for cleaning greywater - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a device for recycling gray water. The device comprises at least two gray water storage tanks (20, 40), each of which has a sludge discharge in the floor area. The first gray water tank (20) is divided into two and has a bioreactor (24) in a first chamber.

Description

The The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the purification of greywater with the characteristics of the generic term of claims 1 and 10, respectively.

State of the art

in the Every household has a small amount dirty service water, the so-called gray water. In front especially in areas of water shortage, this should be marginal Dirty water is cleaned and reused instead to be forwarded to the sewage system.

Methods and devices for the use of gray water are already known several times. For example, describes EP 07 32 457 B1 a method and apparatus for cleaning greywater. The device consists of three greywater tanks, through which the gray water is led successively. The cleaning of the gray water takes place here by successive settling of the dirt particles.

EP 08 55 473 B1 describes a method and a device for the use of gray water, in which a control device monitors the operating state and possibly trigger certain functions and additionally checks the quality of the purified process water.

EP 08 94 904 B1 shows a device for the reuse of gray water in applications where the water quality is of less importance. This device can be installed directly in the home, so that the gray water from the bath and / or shower is used directly for toilet flushing.

EP 10 36 888 A2 describes a system in which slightly polluted gray water from the rinse cycle of the washing machine should be used and should be reused in the first washes in the washing machine, for example.

DE 197 40 642 B4 describes a device in which the gray water is forcibly guided via a degermination device. The sterilization device contains an annular channel in which the gray water is irradiated by an irradiation source over the entire length of the annular channel and thus sterilized.

DE 101 56 253 A1 shows a plant for the reuse of process water, the service water is not only used by itself, but also the heat stored in it is exploited by means of a heat exchanger. For this purpose, a heat exchanger is arranged in the hot water tank, which has a smooth flat exchange surface. The warm service water is placed in a circulation that circulates past this heat exchanger surface.

at The gray water is passed through the process described above certain levels of purification and is stored at the end in a storage container. The residence time of the water in this last storage tank depends on how much purified gray water is taken becomes. If the demand is very low, it may happen that the purified Water is relatively long in the storage tank to be parked must, which in turn leads to a deterioration of the water quality can lead.

description

The The aim of the invention is to provide a compact device for Cleaning gray water for recycling as a drinking water or to provide useful water, in which the water continuously a multiple biological purification is subjected to one as possible to obtain a high degree of purification. Another aspect of the invention relates refers to a process for the continuous purification of greywater.

This The aim of the invention is with the subject of the independent Achieved. Features of advantageous developments of the invention result from the dependent claims.

The Device according to the invention serves to gray water, preferably from the bath, the shower or other lightly soiled To clean water.

The Inventive device for recycling greywater consists of at least two storage tanks for gray water, each one arranged in the bottom area Have sludge discharge.

The Greywater is sent directly to the first storage tank. According to another embodiment The greywater can first of all via an upstream Prefilter are routed. This pre-filter is for removal coarse dirt particles and can automatically via the operating water pump be backwashed with appropriate pressure.

The bottom region of the storage containers is preferably funnel-shaped, so that the sedimenting dirt particles migrate downwards and due to the low turbulence and the low flow velocities in this Collect the area at the lowest point. At this point, a sludge discharge can be provided.

Of the first gray water tank is in at least two chambers divided. In a first chamber, it has a bioreactor and in a second chamber may optionally be a diagonal clarifier. This two-chamber distribution is analogous to the two process steps for cleaning in the first greywater storage tank.

Of the first storage tank is relative large. For example, it comprises a volume of 400 liters. When inflow of polluted gray water into the system therefore takes place First, a mixing process takes place, through which the water quality directly is improved.

In In a first process step, the gray water is passed through first passed the bioreactor and in this biologically cleaned before in a second process step, the oblique clearer can flow through in the Aufströmverfahren. Thereby the sedimentation behavior of the solid dirt particles continues optimized and these are in the funnel-shaped depression directed. Furthermore, additional process steps For example, a mixing process, be provided According to a preferred Variant variant, the bioreactor consists of a trickle body or trickle filter in which a biological purification of gray water takes place. This is a biochemical wastewater treatment, because in addition to biodegradation processes in parallel also chemical Reactions of impurities take place. Those contained in gray water Organic compounds are used in biological wastewater treatment subjected to a degradation process. The reduction takes place essentially by microorganisms in combination with dissolved oxygen. In this case, inorganic compounds are formed by conversion processes and biomass.

in the Trickle filters are the aerobic, dirt-degrading microorganisms settled on solid matter (growth). The settlement The microorganisms are also called biological turf. The growth body can be made of different materials, preferably a large surface for colonization through the microorganisms. For example, you can Natural stones (eg lava paints) or plastic fillers used become.

Above The bioreactor can become a perforated plate or a function appropriate construction are located. The greywater is over this Perforated plate passed into the bioreactor. Through the perforated plate or the corresponding construction is carried out a distribution of gray water over the entire upper receiving surface of the bioreactor. simultaneously an automatic aeration of the gray water takes place, without that additional ventilation devices necessary are.

According to one another embodiment is located above the bioreactor a rotary sprinkler, over which the gray water evenly flows and is distributed.

At least one of the storage containers, but preferably both have a siphon for sludge removal. The siphon is attached to the sludge drain and serves mainly the removal of the sedimented contaminants. The mud will while sucked into the overflow.

Of the Suction lifter pulls the accumulated on the ground at certain intervals Dirt and mud from the first storage tank. Limited is the suction through a drain restriction over air throttle. This is connected to the siphon and the first container.

The Inserting the siphon can have a special large inflow. Alternatively, a scheme the drinking water make-up at defined intervals, For example, every x days, increase the inflow to siphon to activate. Furthermore, alternatively every x days for a certain time, z. B. for 6 hours, the feed pump switched off for clear water tank filling, until the siphon has re-inserted.

The Process is characterized in that the greywater bioreactor runs through several times. The pre-cleaned, for example cleaned by trickle filter and inclined clarifier Greywater, is via a circulation or charge pump, for example, above the Schrägklärers or elsewhere may be located back to the bioreactor transports and goes through it again. Thereby will be a continuous improvement in water quality achieved by multiple biological purification and sedimentation.

According to one preferred embodiment passes through the gray water the biological cleaning cycle in the first storage tank several times within a defined time.

To Expiration of the preset / defined time becomes the multiple cleaned Water transported in the second storage tank.

The set cleaning cycle can be for example 5 hours, then the water is in the clear water tank, the preferential way above the first storage tank is promoted. The cycle of filling the clear water tank can be for example one hour.

in this connection can be provided that the water is a disinfecting device passes through, which is between the first and the second storage tank located. According to a preferred embodiment if the disinfecting device is a UV lamp. UV radiation may cause microorganisms in the water killed.

Of the Advantage of the time-defined transport of the multiple cleaned gray water from the first to the second storage tank is that a UV lamp is turned on only a few hours a day must become. This controlled operating time increases the Life of such a UV lamp.

One Another advantage of this system is that only one valve in the supply line to the first chamber (= bioreactor) of the first storage tank needed becomes. When the valve is opened, the pump delivers the water back into the bioreactor because the water column to clear water inflow into this container automatically prevented.

Becomes according to a preferred embodiment too little water supplied to the first storage tank, the pump feeds the water when it reaches it a minimum water level in this first storage tank just back in this container and nothing more in the clear water tank. This means that the transportation cycle is automatic is turned off when there is little gray water in the first storage tank located. This guarantees that the water is biological Nevertheless, cleaning passes through several times and the necessary Has purity and the siphon when reaching the maximum Water level begins.

Of the second storage tank is also called clear water tank referred to, as in this only several times purified greywater located. This container can also be a funnel-shaped Have sink with sludge discharge, in the outlet, if necessary can deposit any remaining sediments. The outlet is in turn equipped with a siphon, which in turn an air throttle contains, which connected to the clear water tank is.

exceeds the water level in the second storage tank a certain Water level, a part of the water volume is drained via the siphon. The excess water gets out of the second Storage tank over the bioreactor in the first Storage tank passed. This will be another improvement the water quality in the first storage tank reached.

Consequently can already disinfected with full clear water tank already Water back to the first storage tank resulting in further improvement of water quality leads.

One special advantage is that even with longer Downtime a constant water circulation, especially the clear water, takes place, which is a germination and prevents deterioration of the water quality.

The Plant works on the principle of constant change. This also corresponds to the principle of natural cleaning of water, for example in a stream. The water to be purified is constantly in motion in the plant, d. H. it will be constantly ventilated and further cleaned. A minimum cycle time and a minimum container volume represents a minimum water quality for sure.

ever less water is removed during operation later, the more the water quality gets better. If a lot of water is taken, Such is the water quality of the fresh water after the minimum cleaning phase still sufficient for the consumers connected to the cleaning circuit.

ever according to the requirements of the water quality, the amount of accumulating Gray water and the domestic water demand can the time intervals be set and adjusted differently.

about the free inflow of water on the trickle filter is this constantly supplied with oxygen. Another advantage of the system is thus that no ventilation with appropriate accessories and problems is needed.

A further execution of the plant refers to that another cleaning step between the clear water tank and the first storage container is set. This level may look exactly like the first storage container and one Trickle filter, inclined clarifier, siphon and pump and valve included.

These Stage can then be additionally installed if one further improvement of water quality can be achieved should.

The removal of the service water can be done by means of an underwater pump, which is positioned in the clear water tank. This has the advantage that no additional space is needed and the noise of the pump through the container installation be minimized. The water can also be sucked out of the container with a standard suction pump. In a further variant, the water can also be fed directly via the gravity process in the line system of the consumer. This can be the case, for example, if the system is set up in the attic.

The Make-up can be done via a mechanical float valve done, which drinking water directly through a free Inlet feeds to the standard in the clear water tank. The Valve has an extended Lifting arm, which is immersed in the water, so when falling below a minimal amount of water fed a small amount of drinking water becomes.

alternative The make-up can also be controlled by an electronic magnetic switch take place, an electric valve in response to Water level opens and closes.

The Operation of the device according to the invention Method will now be illustrated by means of a numerical example become.

According to one Variant can be a batch gray water supply be provided from 40 to 160 liters. The inflow to the first chamber of the first storage container takes place for example with a Flow rate of 20 liters of gray water per minute.

This Greywater will be with the already in the container Water mixed and integrated into the continuous cleaning process.

If the constant water volume 350 liters is +/- one Buffer volume of 150 liters, for example, must be maximum 500 liters are circulated. When using an aquarium pump with a circulation rate of 5 liters per minute, that's the whole Water volume circulated once after 100 minutes.

at a pre-set cleaning time within the first storage tank of 5 hours, the water became (depending on the volume) So at least three times circulated and thus has the biological Run through cleaning and sedimentation at least three times.

To During the five hours the aquarium pump will fill up the clear water tank changed over. In this case, for example transferred about 200 liters of multi-purified water in the clear water tank. The filling process lasts approximately 40 min.

there the water passes through a disinfecting device, for example past a UV lamp. This UV lamp only has to be turned on for 40 minutes be when the filling process of the clear water tank made becomes.

Has been in the meantime no clear water from the second storage tank taken, runs over the excess clear water a skimmer tube back into the first storage tank.

According to one preferred embodiment comprises the process for recycling of greywater at least three different process steps. The combinable process steps include (a) the Aeration of the greywater, (b) the mixture of greywater with already pre-cleaned greywater, (c) a biological purification, (d) the sedimentation of existing dirt particles and / or activated sludge, (e) removing the sedimented dirt particles and / or the sedimented activated sludge by means of a siphon and (f) the Disinfecting the gray water by means of a disinfecting device.

According to one particularly preferred embodiment, the method comprises all of the above process steps in the order given. The disinfecting device may be, for example a UV lamp act to residual germs present in the gray water kill.

According to one Another embodiment, the gray water after passing through be re-aerated the trickle filter. This will the biologically pre-cleaned gray water additional oxygen fed. This is especially important if this is biological pre-cleaned gray water again passed over the trickle filter shall be. The existing in the trickle filter microorganisms need the Oxygen to allow effective biological purification.

According to one Another preferred embodiment may be in the trickle filter a deposition step may be provided. The two-chamber constructed first storage container contains in the first chamber the bioreactor. Between the two chambers is a partition, wherein the first chamber at the bottom of an opening whereby it communicates fluidically with the second chamber stands. This means that the greywater is the bioreactor first must flow through before it enters the second container arrives.

at the deposition step is provided that contaminants, in particular Fats and oils that have a lower density than the greywater and thus float on the gray water, in the trickle filter remain and not transferred to the second chamber become.

Around To achieve this is provided that the minimum water level should not sink under the partition. This will leave the fats and oils in the trickle filter and are caused by the microorganisms dismantled accordingly.

figure description

Further Features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent The following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as a non-limiting example serves and refers to the accompanying drawings. Identical components basically have the same reference numerals on and are sometimes not explained several times.

1 shows a schematic frontal view of a device for the purification of gray water and

2 and 3 show side views of this device.

A possible embodiment of a gray water purification device 10 with inventively constructed first storage container is based on 1 illustrated.

The gray water, preferably from the bath or shower or other slightly polluted water, is on the greywater inlet 22 in the bioreactor 24 that is in the first storage tank 20 is headed.

An execution of the plant 10 may look like that the unpurified water is first passed through a pre-filter. This pre-filter can be automatically backwashed via the operating water pump with the appropriate pressure.

The first storage tank 20 has a two-chambered structure. In the first chamber is the bioreactor 24 , Between the first and the second chamber 24 . 25 there is a partition wall 23 , The partition is such that there is an opening between the first and second chambers 24 . 25 in the lower part of the first storage tank 20 so the two chambers 24 . 25 to be in fluid communication.

This results in that the water level in the two chambers 24 . 25 of the first storage container 20 always the same level.

In the first storage tank 20 there is a bioreactor 24 which works as a trickle filter partly submerged in the water. It consists of a bed of growth bodies with as large a surface as possible, on which bacteria settle, which undertake a biological purification of the contaminated gray water.

Above the bioreactor 24 There may be a perforated plate or other construction that ensures that the water flows evenly across the bioreactor 24 distributed flows and coarse contaminants holds back. In addition, oxygen is introduced into the bioreactor via the inflow 24 entered.

The first storage tank 20 is relatively large, so that when inflow of dirty gray water in the system first takes place a mixing process that improves the water quality directly.

The first storage tank 20 has a funnel-shaped lower area 21 , Solid contaminants accumulate on the ground due to the low turbulence and low flow velocities in the system, especially in the hopper 21 from. In order to further optimize the sedimentation behavior can in the first storage tank 20 a diagonal clearer 26 be integrated. This oblique clearer 26 flows through the water in the upflow, which means that more solid dirt particles sediment and slide into the funnel-shaped depression.

At the foot of the funnel-shaped depression 21 is a siphon 28 connected. This siphon 28 pulls dirt and mud collected from the bottom of the container at specified intervals 20 in the overflow. The suction is limited by an outlet limitation via air restrictor. This is with the siphon and the container 20 connected. Is the siphon 28 inside the container 20 misplaced, the air restrictor may have a small opening in the siphon 28 be. The insertion of the siphon 28 takes place at a certain water level in the container 20 , If this water level is not reached due to a high greywater removal, the cyclic pumping into the second storage tank / clear water tank can take place via a controller 40 is suspended until this certain water level is reached safely, so that the siphon 28 goes into operation.

In the container 20 there is a circulation pump / charge pump 30 First, the pre-purified water into the bioreactor 24 promotes back. Here the water runs again, as described on the trickle filter and so on. The water is thus constantly circulated and thus continuously improves the quality of the water through biological purification and sedimentation. To minimize the power consumption, this feedback can be switched periodically via a circuit.

After a certain cleaning cycle, z. B. 5 h cycle, the water in the clear water tank 40 preferably located above the first storage tank 20 be promoted. The cycle of filling the clear water tank 40 can z. B. be an h. While the pre-purified water over the water supply 34 flows into the clear water tank, the water can be a disinfecting device 42 run through. At the disinfecting device 42 For example, it can be a UV lamp. The advantage is that a UV lamp 42 It only has to be switched on for a few hours a day and only operates a few hours a day. This leads to a very long life of the UV lamp 42 ,

An advantage is that only one valve 32 in the return to the bioreactor 24 from the container 20 is needed. Will the valve 32 closed, promotes the circulation pump / charge pump 30 the water in the clear water tank 40 , With the valve open 32 the geodetic pressure difference prevents an inflow into the clear water tank 40 ,

The clear water tank 40 also has a funnel-shaped bottom 41 , in whose outlet any remaining sediments may be deposited. The outlet is in turn with a siphon 44 , in turn, with an air restrictor, with the clear water tank 40 connected, equipped.

If the water level rises in the clear water tank 40 above a certain mark, part of the water volume is transferred via the siphon 44 emptied. The water is then transferred through the bioreactor 24 in the container 20 headed back.

Thus, with full clear water tank 40 also already disinfected water back to the first storage tank 20 which further improves the water quality. A particular advantage is also that even with longer downtime constant water circulation of the clear water takes place, which prevents sprouting and deterioration of water quality.

Furthermore, the device still contains at least two emergency overflow devices 36 and 46 , wherein in each case a Notüberlaugeinrichtung 36 . 46 each a storage container 20 . 40 assigned. The emergency overflow facilities 36 . 46 should prevent overfilling of storage tanks.

If a small amount of clear water is withdrawn, part of the tank will flow 20 in clear water tank 40 pumped, repeatedly purified water over the bioreactor 24 back into the container 20 , This reduces the volume of water in the tank 20 less than the amount of water pumped up. But now flows through the gray water inflow 22 more greywater after, could be the capacity of the first storage tank 20 be exhausted quickly, possibly to burst the container 20 could lead. For this reason, the container contains 20 an emergency overflow 36 over the gray water from the first storage tank 20 can drain when the water level in this container 20 exceeds a certain level.

The same applies to the emergency overflow 46 of the upper clear water tank 40 ,

Furthermore, the upper clear water tank 40 another drinking water dessert valve 50 assigned. Will clear water from the upper storage tank 40 taken while only a little gray water on the greywater inlet 24 can enter the clear water tank 40 via the drinking water feed valve 50 Drinking water are supplied to keep the continuous cycle going.

The The invention is not limited to the above embodiments limited. Rather, a variety of variants and Modifications conceivable that of the invention Use your thoughts and therefore also in the protection area fall.

10

Gray water treatment plant

20

first storage container

21

funnel-shaped lower area

22

Gray water supply

23

partition wall

24

bioreactor (first chamber in the first storage tank)

25

second Chamber in the first storage tank

26

lamella

28

Saugheber

30

Circulation pump / Charge Pump

32

Valve

34

water supply of the first storage container

36

emergency overflow of the first storage container

40

second Storage tank / clean water tank

41

funnel-shaped ground

42

disinfection device

43

Saugheber

46

emergency overflow the second storage container

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - EP 0732457 B1 [0003]
• EP 0855473 B1 [0004]
• - EP 0894904 B1 [0005]
• - EP 1036888 A2 [0006]
• DE 19740642 B4 [0007]
• - DE 10156253 A1 [0008]

Claims (34)

Device for recycling greywater ( 10 ) with at least two storage tanks for gray water ( 20 ; 40 ), each having a bottom outlet disposed sludge outlet, characterized in that the first gray water tank ( 20 ) is divided into two parts and in a first chamber a bioreactor ( 24 ) having. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second chamber of the first greywater container has a sloping clarifier ( 26 ) having. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bioreactor ( 24 ) is a trickle filter. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that above the bioreactor ( 24 ) or trickle filter is a perforated plate for distributing the water. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bioreactor ( 24 ) consists of a bed of growth bodies. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one storage container ( 20 ; 40 ) a siphon ( 28 ; 44 ) for sludge removal. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the first ( 20 ) and the second storage container ( 40 ) a disinfecting device ( 42 ), in particular a UV lamp is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second storage container ( 40 ) above the first storage tank ( 20 ) is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first ( 24 ) and second chamber of the first Speicherbehäl age ( 20 ) are separated by a partition wall, wherein a fluidic connection between the two chambers in the lower region of the first storage container ( 20 ) consists. Process for the recycling of gray water by means of a passage through at least two storage tanks ( 20 ; 40 ) for gray water, each having a sludge outlet arranged in the bottom area, characterized in that the treatment of the gray water in the first gray water tank ( 20 ) comprises two separate process steps, the first process step involving biological purification in a bioreactor ( 24 ). A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the second process step, the treatment of gray water in the oblique clarifier ( 26 ). Process according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the gray water in the bioreactor ( 24 ) is passed through a trickle filter. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the gray water above the bioreactor ( 24 ) is passed through a perforated plate. Method according to one of the claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the gray water automatically is ventilated. Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the sedimented dirt particles in the funnel-shaped depression ( 21 ) of the first storage container ( 20 accumulate). Method according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the in the funnel-shaped depression ( 21 ) of the first storage container ( 20 ) accumulated sludge and dirt by means of a siphon ( 28 ) is sucked into the overflow. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the prepurified water via a circulating or charging pump ( 30 ) to the bioreactor ( 24 ) and goes through it again. Method according to one of the claims 10 to 17, characterized in that this cycle multiple times, is traversed within a preset time. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that after expiration of the preset time, the multiple purified water in the second storage container ( 40 ). A method according to any one of claims 10 to 19, characterized in that the water which has been purified several times during the transport into the second storage tank ( 40 ) a disinfecting device ( 42 ) goes through. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 20, characterized in that the water which has been purified several times is transported in the two storage tanks ( 40 ) is irradiated by UV. Process according to one of claims 10 to 21, characterized in that residual sediments in the funnel-shaped depression ( 41 ) of the second storage container ( 40 ) and by means of a siphon ( 44 ) are sucked into the overflow. Method according to one of claims 10 to 22, characterized in that water from the second storage container ( 40 ) over the bioreactor ( 24 ) in the first storage tank ( 20 ), when the water level in the second storage tank ( 40 ) exceeds a certain mark. Process for the recycling of gray water by means of a passage through at least two storage tanks ( 20 ; 40 ) for gray water, each having a sludge outlet arranged in the bottom region, characterized in that the treatment of the gray water comprises at least three different process steps. A method according to claim 24, characterized characterized in that the gray water vented in one process step becomes. A method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the gray water in a process step is mixed with already purified gray water. Method according to one of the claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the gray water in a Process step of a continuous biological purification is subjected. Method according to one of the claims 24 to 27, characterized in that existing in gray water Sediment dirt particles in one process step. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the sedimented sludge gray water in a further process step via a siphon ( 28 ) Will get removed. Method according to one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the multiple pre-cleaned gray water in a further process step by means of a disinfection device ( 42 ) is sterilized. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 30, characterized in that the gray water after passing through the trickle filter ( 24 ) is ventilated again. Method according to one of claims 10 to 31, characterized in that the minimum water level in the first storage tank ( 20 ) not under the partition ( 23 ) between the first ( 24 ) and the second ( 25 ) Chamber sinks. Method according to one of the claims 10 to 32, characterized in that the contaminants with a lower density than gray water in the trickle filter remain and completely degraded. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 33, characterized in that contaminants with a lower density than gray water not in the second chamber ( 25 ) of the first storage container ( 20 ) reach.