FR2796933A1 - FIXED BED BODY BLOCK FOR WATER TREATMENT AND CORRESPONDING FIXED BED BODY - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stationary bed body block (20) for the biological treatment of waste water consisting of several elements (12), in particular of tubular shape, connected to each other, which can be crossed by the flow in all directions. of the coordinate system and made of a material with a specific weight less than that of water, characterized by at least one additional element (14) with a specific weight such as the specific weight of the whole block of fixed bodies is located above the specific gravity of water.

Description

The present invention relates to a fixed bed body block for the

  biological treatment of waste water consisting of several elements, in particular tubular in shape, interconnected, which can be crossed by the flow in all directions of the coordinate system and made of a material whose

  specific weight is less than that of water.

  Such a fixed bed body block, called a block in the following text, has been known for a long time. It serves as a development surface for microorganisms in a biological chamber, most often ventilated, of a purification installation. Several blocks are gathered

  to form a fixed bed body of the desired size.

  In this context, we also speak of a fixed bed entirely traversed by the flow. To guarantee this "complete passage of the flow" of waste water to be treated as well as air (oxygen) supplied if necessary, the block is generally made up of elements of tubular shape connected together and which have numerous openings on their side surface. Tubes with a cross-linked structure side surface

  are most often used in this case.

  To stimulate the desired development of microorganisms, the tubes are most often made of synthetic material, for example polyethylene. The neighboring tubes are connected together, for example by welding. Fixed body blocks or fixed bed bodies of the kind mentioned have generally proven themselves. The fact that the commercial blocks are made of a material, like the polyethylene mentioned, whose specific weight is less than that of water, so that the blocks, or even the whole of the fixed bed body, tend to float, is nevertheless a problem

linked to the process.

  In this context, various proposals have been

  made to hold the blocks at the bottom.

  Document DE 43 36 787 Cl describes a complex structure in the form of a frame for holding a bed body

fixed in place.

  The document DE 298 01 304 U1 indicates that it is known to place transverse, above the upper surface of the fixed bed body, beams which are connected on the outside by means of a frame, which is fixed to turn by holding devices in the low position in

  form of bars with support for the fixed bed body.

  The disadvantage lies in this case in the fact that the beams cover a large part of the side

frontal of the upper blocks.

  For this reason, the registered model mentioned proposes making the holding devices in the low position so that they rest on free front sides of blocks forming an upper part of the fixed bed body. A substantially identical proposal is disclosed in the document DE

298 12 564 U1.

  For this, bars which pass beyond the ends of the fixed bed body are passed through the fixed bed body. The bars are anchored to the support for the fixed bed body via the downward projecting part of the fixed bed body. On their part projecting upwards, above the fixed bed body, the bars are fitted with discs or the like which are supported on tubes adjacent to the corresponding block. Unlike the embodiment with supporting beams mentioned in the introduction, with which the fixed bed body is pushed down, the fixed bed body is therefore here pulled down and is

correspondingly fixed.

  The disadvantage of this embodiment is that the devices for holding in the low position pass through the fixed bed body, thus exerting an unfavorable influence on the free passage of the flow in the fixed bed body. If, as is proposed in the registered models mentioned, the holding device in the low position passes between neighboring tubes by means of "wedges", the effective section of these "wedges" is reduced in such a way by the holding device in low position that jams can occur in this part of the fixed bed due to the microorganisms that develop (what is known as organic grass). The making of such a fixed bed body is also difficult, and this in particular because of the absolutely necessary anchoring of the devices for holding in the low position below the bed body

fixed on a corresponding support.

  The object of the invention is to provide a fixed bed body block and a corresponding fixed bed body which, without complex anchoring, do not float in the waste water, even when using a material whose specific gravity is less than that

some water.

  The invention is based on the fact that this object can be achieved in a surprisingly simple manner by producing, alongside (conventional) elements having in particular a tubular shape and made of a material whose specific weight is less than that water, a fixed bed body block with at least one additional element, whose specific weight is such that the specific weight of the whole block is higher

than the specific weight of water.

  This means in other words that the effect which, in the case of the known embodiment mentioned in the introduction, is obtained by supporting beams, that is to say that which consists in pushing the block of fixed bodies downwards (towards the bottom of a purification installation) is obtained according to the invention by a specific configuration of the block of fixed bodies itself. This avoids not only the need to set up the beams mentioned, but also the use of any kind of device for holding in the low position which must be fixed on the support for the fixed bed body or on the bottom of the treatment plant. The fixed bed body blocks can then, without the need for additional measures, be assembled into a fixed bed body, and this without the risk of going up

to float on the surface.

  In a first embodiment, it is proposed to configure the additional element (this concept also comprising several additional elements) substantially in the same way as the other elements, each additional element replacing another element. If the elements are composed for example plastic tubes such as crosslinked polyethylene mentioned in the introduction, the additional element may for example consist of a metal tube having a surface with a crosslinked structure or a surface with numerous openings. Because of its specific weight, the metal tube is visibly heavier than the crosslinked tubes of synthetic material, thus making the corresponding block heavier, that is to say sufficiently heavy so that it can no longer float

in waste water.

  In this case, the selection of the material for the additional element or the number of additional elements required takes place in accordance with the previous indications, that is to say according to the material of the materials.

  other elements and the size of the block.

  In the simplest case, the additional element mentioned replaces a corresponding element (conventional). In this way, the design and geometry of the block does not change. Only one or more elements are replaced by one or more additional elements. While synthetic materials, such as polyethylene, are particularly suitable for the elements, the additional element can be made in one

  metallic material, such as alloy steel.

  It is obvious that the selection of the material for the additional element takes place in this case among the groups of materials which, in the waste water of a purification plant, are particularly resistant to corrosion, but which also favor also the desired development of microorganisms. Alternatively, the additional element may consist of a hollow body of synthetic material or metal which is filled, at least partially, with a material having a significant specific weight. Such a material of significant specific gravity can for example be concrete. In this case, the concrete is protected against corrosion by the material of the surrounding hollow body. In order to adapt to certain operating regimes of the purification reactor, the material of high specific weight can be modified. In order not to harm the complete passage of the flow in the fixed bed, the hollow body may for example have a tubular shape, only one or more parts having a closed wall (as well as a closed bottom and top) in which (which ) is the material of a significant specific weight, the other parts having also a surface

side cut out.

  On the whole block of fixed bodies, the effect described, and in particular a uniform distribution of the weight, is supported by the fact of having several additional elements symmetrically with respect to each other. Additional elements can for example

  in this case be arranged in the corner areas.

  In this embodiment, a block of fixed bodies can initially be produced substantially in a conventional manner, only the four elements located in the corners (for example crosslinked tubes) not being put in place. The additional elements mentioned can then be easily attached to the corresponding locations, for example by

gluing, stapling or the like.

  The additional elements can in this case be connected with the neighboring elements in a manner substantially similar to that used for the elements themselves. Another possibility is to hang the additional element in an element. For this purpose, the additional element is provided at its end for example with a (small) circular flange which rests on parts of the upper edges of the neighboring elements (in particular crosslinked tubes). It is obvious that, in this case too, the additional element must have an open surface, to guarantee a complete passage of the flow of waste water in all directions of the system of

contact information.

  As mentioned in the introduction, it is known to combine several blocks, which most of the time have the shape of a square, to form a fixed bed.

complete (fixed bed body).

  On the basis of the production of a fixed bed body block as described, it is in principle sufficient to place the blocks one next to the other or one on top of the other. It is nevertheless advantageous to also connect the blocks together, in particular the blocks which are placed one on top of the other, so as to avoid a horizontal displacement of a block relative to

to the next block.

  An embodiment, in which the additional element exceeds the other elements downwards, takes account of this object. In this way, the additional element of the corresponding block can penetrate into a block arranged below. For this, the protruding part of the additional element is for example made with a section which is smaller than the section of the element (or of the additional element) in

  which additional item should be placed.

  Another possibility is to arrange the corresponding element or additional element of the block located below, while providing a space with respect to the upper front surface of the block, a corresponding space serving to receive the end piece projecting beyond the element. additional mentioned being

thus available.

  In another embodiment, at least three additional elements, which protrude beyond the elements, are provided. In this case, the parts of the additional elements which protrude can fulfill the "support" function. In the mentioned use, this embodiment then relates to blocks located in the lower layer of a fixed bed body. The parts of the additional elements which protrude downwards can then be placed on the bottom or on a support of the purification installation, the protrusion of the additional elements being able to be chosen in such a way that corresponding ventilation installations can be

  installed in the corresponding free space.

  Stability can be increased, if the free parts protruding from the additional elements are

fitted with a support leg.

  It is in particular when the additional elements are hooked in an element that they can be equipped with a flange placed under the neighboring elements, thereby guaranteeing a

safe positioning in the block.

  The additional elements, in particular when they are made of a metallic material, can be provided with a transport hook at their free upper end. In this case, a corresponding block or a fixed bed body already made beforehand can be set up in a treatment plant or taken out

of it using a crane.

  Depending on the configuration of the blocks, it may be sufficient to form only the top layer of a fixed bed body with fixed bed body blocks of the kind mentioned. It is then necessary to ensure that the increase in weight due to the additional elements is such that it can also safely oppose the vertical thrust exerted by the blocks arranged below. The blocks of a fixed bed body can also be interconnected in a different way from that described above, for example using staples or the like, including to avoid horizontal displacement. The particular advantage of the invention lies in the fact that, for a secure positioning of a fixed bed body in a treatment plant, no specific assembly work is necessary and that in particular the installation of holding devices in the low position or support elements. This not only reduces assembly time but also decreases

also considerably costs.

  Below, the invention is explained in more detail on the basis of several exemplary embodiments. The figures show in schematic representation: FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a fixed bed body block, FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a fixed bed body block, FIG. 3 a partially cut away perspective view of a fixed bed body made up of two blocks

fixed bed body.

  Similar or similar-looking components are shown in the figures with the same reference numerals. Figure 1 shows a plan view of a fixed bed body block according to the invention which carries the number

10.

  The block 10 is made up of ten times ten elements of tubular form 12 or additional elements of tubular form 14 which complement each other in plan view to form an approximately square base surface giving the block 10 an overall shape

parallelepiped.

  The block 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises a total of four additional elements 14, which are arranged in the "angles" of the parallelepiped. These additional elements 14 are made of alloy steel and their lateral surfaces include numerous cutouts (openings). The other tubular elements 12, 96 in number, are made of polyethylene and have a cross-linked lateral surface (known per se) with

many cuts (openings).

  While the tubular elements 12 are, at least partially, welded along their points of contact, the points of contact of the additional elements 14 with the neighboring tubular elements 12 are

glued with these.

  Due to the integration of four additional (heavy) elements 14, the block 10 has a total specific weight which is greater than the specific weight of

water (waste water).

  It is also possible, within the framework of the invention, to have more or less four additional elements 14 inside the block 10 or to provide the additional elements 14 at other locations than at the corner areas of the block 10 represented. Similarly, the block can have a geometry other than the geometry

  of parallelepipedic assembly represented.

  Figure 2 shows an example. The block 10 according to FIG. 2 is made up of a large number of tubular elements 12 similar to those of FIG. 1 which, as in the case of FIG. 1, comprise a lateral surface with a cross-linked structure and which are welded between them so as to continue to guarantee a complete passage

flow in the block.

  In this case, the tubular elements 12 complement each other so that the block 10 forms a

cylindrical peripheral surface.

  In the tubular element 12, in the center of the block 10, which extends in a coaxial direction relative to the central longitudinal axis of the block 10, is hung an additional element 14 made of alloy steel which, like the additional element 14 according to FIG. 1, comprises a lateral surface provided with a large number of cutouts (openings), so that the additional element 14 has substantially an appearance similar to that of

crosslinked tubes 12.

  Analogously to what is shown in FIG. 3, the additional element 14 according to FIG. 2 comprises at its free upper end a flange 14f, which protrudes in the radial direction and which rests on upper parts of front surfaces of elements of neighboring tubular shape 12, thus being held in

  the corresponding tubular element 12.

  In this case also, the specific weight of block 10 is on the whole more important than the weight

specific for water.

  Insofar as the block 10 is used in a reactor, which is provided below the block 10 with aeration devices creating a particularly intense air flow, it may become necessary to have other additional elements 14 to d other places of block 10 (for example by also hanging them) to increase the weight of block 10 as a whole. As an alternative, provision may be made to provide the additional element 14 according to FIG. 2, along its longitudinal extension, with closed zones around their periphery as well as at the bottom and at the top and which are filled with a material d '' a particularly high specific weight, for example concrete. To guarantee nevertheless the complete passage of the flow in the block 10, it is necessary on the one hand that the corresponding zones are relatively small and on the other hand that the wall parts of the additional element 14 lying between the zones include a number unchanged from

  cutouts (openings) mentioned.

  It is obvious that the embodiments according to

  Figures 1 and 2 can also be combined with each other.

  FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a fixed bed body 20 consisting of two blocks of fixed bed body 10.1, 10.2, the fixed bed body 20 not comprising

  only two blocks 10.1 and 10.2 for reasons of clarity.

  In practice, the fixed bed body 20 is made up of many more blocks, for example three, four or five superimposed layers of respectively five to ten blocks 10. The right front tubular element 12 of FIG. 3 is shown with its cross-linked structure 12m. The other tubular elements 12 are configured in a corresponding manner and are also welded together, at least at their

extremities.

  In the embodiment of Figure 3, a tubular element 12, disposed approximately in the center, is replaced by an additional element 14 which also includes a cut side surface (not

shown).

  The additional element 14 is hung freely in the block 10, being provided for this, as in the case of FIG. 2, with an upper flange 14f which rests on the edges of the neighboring tubular form elements 12. A part 14o of the additional element 14, projecting upwards above the flange 14f, is provided with a horizontal hole 18, which serves to receive a lifting hook, in order to be able to place the additional element and / or the corresponding block 10.1 and / or the corresponding fixed bed body 20 in the desired position or for

  extract it from a specific position.

  The additional element 14 according to FIG. 3 protrudes from the fixed bed body 20 downwards (part 14u). The part 14u has a length such that its lower end 14u can be placed on the bottom of a treatment plant or on a support of a treatment plant, thus serving at the same time as a support point (foot ) for the fixed bed body 20. To fix the fixed bed body 20, the lower part 14u of the additional element 14 is provided with an external thread onto which a nut 22 can be screwed, and this until that the nut 22 is in contact with the lower part 20u of the fixed bed body 20, that is to say preferably in a manner analogous to the flange 14f, on

  parts of neighboring tubular elements 12.

  In this way, blocks 10.1, 10.2 are fixed

  one against the other to form the fixed bed body 20.

  In order to guarantee a secure construction of the fixed bed body 20, at least three, preferably more than three of the additional elements 14 mentioned are available in analogous manner, which makes it possible to obtain at least three "feet in total. support "for the

fixed bed body 20.

  Ventilators which supply air from the lower side of the fixed bed body can be placed in the gap between the lower end 14u of the lower part 14u of the additional element 14 and the side lower 20u from

fixed bed body 20.

  The air then flows like the waste water through the fixed bed body 20, the water and the air being able to pass through the fixed bed body 20 in all

  directions of the coordinate system.

Claims (20)

  1. Fixed bed body block for the biological treatment of waste water consisting of several elements (12), in particular of tubular shape, interconnected, which can be traversed by the flow in all directions of the coordinate system and produced of a material whose specific weight is less than that of water, characterized by at least one additional element (14) with a specific weight such that the specific weight of the whole block of fixed bodies is   located above the specific gravity of the water.   2. Fixed bed body block according to claim 1, in which the additional element (14) is made of   identical to the other elements (12).   3. Fixed bed body block according to claim 1, in which each additional element (14) replaces a element (12).   4. Fixed bed body block according to claim 1, in which the elements (12) are produced   mainly in synthetic material.   5. Fixed bed body block according to claim 1, in which the elements (12) are made of polyethylene. 6. Fixed bed body block according to claim 1, in which the additional element (14) consists of a metallic material.   7. fixed bed body block according to claim 1, in which the additional element (14) is made of alloy steel.   8. Fixed bed body block according to claim 1, wherein the additional element (14) consists of a hollow body of synthetic material or metal which is filled, at least partially, with a material having a significant specific weight.   9. Fixed bed body block according to claim 1, in which several additional elements (14) are   arranged symmetrically with respect to each other.   10. Fixed bed body block according to claim 9, in which the additional elements (14) are arranged. in corner areas.   11. Fixed bed body block according to claim 1, in which the additional element (14) is hooked in an element (12).   12. Fixed bed body block according to claim 1, in which the additional element (14) exceeds the elements (12) down.   13. Fixed bed body block according to claim 12, in which at least three additional elements (14),   which extend downwards from the elements (12) are provided.   14. Fixed bed body block according to claim 13, in which the additional elements (14) respectively comprise a support leg at their free end which   protrudes above the elements (12).   15. Fixed bed body block according to claim 12, in which the additional element (14) is provided with a   flange (22) passing below the neighboring elements (12).   16. Fixed bed body block according to claim 1, in which the additional element (14) comprises a transport device (14o / 18) at its upper free end. 17. Fixed bed body block according to claim 1, in which the elements (12) and / or the additional elements (14) comprise a lateral surface with reticulated structure (12m).   18. Fixed bed body comprising several blocks of fixed bed bodies placed one beside the other and on top of each other (10.1, 10.2), the upper layer being at least made up of blocks of fixed bed body (10.1)   according to one of claims 1 to 17.   19. Fixed bed body according to claim 18, in which at least one additional element (14) of each fixed bed body block (10.1) of the upper layer extends in or through the block (s) of body of   fixed bed (10.2) arranged below.   20. Fixed bed body according to claim 18, in which superimposed fixed bed body blocks (10.1, 10.2) are protected against horizontal displacement by at least one connecting element.