GB2321024A - Apparatus and method for compacting and dewatering waste. - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for compacting and dewatering waste. Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2321024A
GB2321024A GB9727514A GB9727514A GB2321024A GB 2321024 A GB2321024 A GB 2321024A GB 9727514 A GB9727514 A GB 9727514A GB 9727514 A GB9727514 A GB 9727514A GB 2321024 A GB2321024 A GB 2321024A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
chamber
waste
compactor
compacting
connection
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB9727514A
Other versions
GB9727514D0 (en
Inventor
David Alan Andrews
Alan Frederic Downham
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.)
AW Creative Technologies Ltd
Original Assignee
AW Creative Technologies Ltd
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 AW Creative Technologies Ltd filed Critical AW Creative Technologies Ltd
Publication of GB9727514D0 publication Critical patent/GB9727514D0/en
Publication of GB2321024A publication Critical patent/GB2321024A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B30—PRESSES
    • B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
    • B30B9/00—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes
    • B30B9/02—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material, e.g. juice from fruits, oil from oil-containing material
    • B30B9/04—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material, e.g. juice from fruits, oil from oil-containing material using press rams
    • B30B9/06—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material, e.g. juice from fruits, oil from oil-containing material using press rams co-operating with permeable casings or strainers
    • B30B9/067—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material, e.g. juice from fruits, oil from oil-containing material using press rams co-operating with permeable casings or strainers with a retractable abutment member closing one end of the press chamber
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
    • B01D29/11—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements
    • B01D29/31—Self-supporting filtering elements
    • B01D29/35—Self-supporting filtering elements arranged for outward flow filtration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
    • B01D29/62—Regenerating the filter material in the filter
    • B01D29/64—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by scrapers, brushes, nozzles, or the like, acting on the cake side of the filtering element
    • B01D29/6469—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by scrapers, brushes, nozzles, or the like, acting on the cake side of the filtering element scrapers
    • B01D29/6484—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by scrapers, brushes, nozzles, or the like, acting on the cake side of the filtering element scrapers with a translatory movement with respect to the filtering element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
    • B01D29/76—Handling the filter cake in the filter for purposes other than for regenerating
    • B01D29/80—Handling the filter cake in the filter for purposes other than for regenerating for drying
    • B01D29/82—Handling the filter cake in the filter for purposes other than for regenerating for drying by compression
    • B01D29/824—Handling the filter cake in the filter for purposes other than for regenerating for drying by compression using pistons

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Refuse Collection And Transfer (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus for compacting and dewatering waste, e.g. sewage screenings, comprises a vacuum pump 15, a first chamber 3 having a waste inlet 1 and an outlet 12 for compacted, dewatered waste, a compactor 7 reciprocable within the first chamber and a second chamber 4 having a water outlet 14. The first and second chambers have a fluid only connection, and also a connection to the pump. Valves (A, B, E, F) are provided for opening and closing the inlet, the outlets and the pump connection. In one embodiment the first chamber lies within the second chamber, the fluid only connection comprising a screen in a wall common to the chambers. Alternatively the fluid only connection is formed by making the compactor head perforate (21, Fig. 2) with a water conduit (20, Fig. 2) connecting it to the second chamber. In use for compacting sewage screenings, a suction head 1 may be provided which is movable to scour a screen 2. A method for using the apparatus comprises the steps of: - reducing the pressure within first chamber, thereby drawing waste into it; - compacting the waste within the first chamber; - reducing the pressure within the second chamber, thereby drawing water into it; - discharging compacted, dewatered waste from the first chamber; and - discharging water from the second chamber.

Description

COMPACTING AND DEWATERING APPARATUS AND METHOD Field of the Invention This invention relates to a method for compacting and dewatering waste, especially sewage, and to apparatus for use in such a method.
Backaround of the Invention One of the problems presented in sewage treatment involves the effective separation of screenings into liquid and solid components. Simple compaction does not disperse the solids adequately, and the apparatus that is used can quickly get blocked. It typically requires frequent washing and shut-down. Further, grit in the screenings can damage the compaction apparatus.
A vacuum dewaterer has recently been proposed by Hydropress, comprising a vacuum tank with integrated screw press, vacuum pump and sliding valve. The vacuum pump creates reduced pressure in the tank and, when the sliding valve opens, screenings are sucked from a hopper behind the screen to the vacuum tank via a closed pipe system. In the vacuum tank, the screenings are compacted and dewatered.
When the underpressure in the tank is equalised, the reject water is evacuated.
Summarv of the Invention The present invention is based at least in part on the realisation that compaction and dewatering can be carried out in a vacuum chamber, and that the vacuum can be used to ensure separation of the water into a second chamber within the same system.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, apparatus suitable for compacting and dewatering waste comprises: a vacuum pump; a first chamber having a waste inlet and an outlet for compacted, dewatered waste; a compactor reciprocable within the first chamber; a second chamber having a water outlet; wherein the chambers have a fluid-only connection, and are connected to the pump; and valves for independently opening and closing each of the inlet, the outlets and the pump connection.
In a preferred embodiment of such apparatus, the compactor includes means whereby water can be drawn therethrough. According to a further aspect of the invention, compaction and dewatering apparatus comprises a compaction chamber, a compactor reciprocable within that chamber, the compactor having a perforate head, and a water conduit connected to the interior of the compactor head.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for compacting and dewatering waste comprises the steps of: (i) reducing the pressure within at least the first of first and second chambers having a fluid-only connection, and thereby drawing the waste into the first chamber; (ii) compacting the waste within the first chamber; (iii) reducing the pressure within the second chamber, and thereby drawing water into the second chamber; (iv) discharging compacted, dewatered waste from the first chamber; and (v) discharging water from the second chamber.
These steps need not be conducted in the given order.
For example, the pressure reduction of steps (i) and (iii) may be conducted simultaneously; the arrangement of the chambers and their inter-connection will determine whether there is also displacement of water into the second chamber at the same time as waste is drawn into the first. Steps (iv) and (v) at least may be conducted in either order.
The present invention fully utilises the facts that organic matter tends to break up under negative pressure, that a screen (from which the screenings are taken) can be thoroughly cleaned under vacuum, and that the vacuum pump can be used for positive discharge. Further, in addition to its compaction function, the ability to reciprocate the compactor means that it can also be used, prior to compaction, to agitate the screenings. The solids are thus effectively washed and broken up, and faecal matter is released, so that the compacted product is largely homogeneous.
The method is easily automated, and the given steps can be repeated as desired. By means of the invention, efficient running and compaction are achieved. Since water is effectively removed from screenings, the compacted solids have reduced size and weight, thus simplifying disposal. An independent washing step may be unnecessary.
Description of the Invention The method and apparatus described herein are primarily intended for the treatment of sewage screenings.
The method and apparatus can however be used for separating any liquid/solids mixture, where it is desired to reduce the volume of the solids. The terms "waste", "dewatering and "compaction" are therefore each used in a broad sense, without limitation to the particular features described by way of example herein.
The present invention can be utilised in combination with various types of screen, e.g. perforate, wedgewise or straight or curved bar. It will not generally be necessary for a suction head, in connection with the waste inlet, to contact the screen. Movement of the head, e.g. cyclical or parabolic, over the screen can be controlled by any suitable means, e.g. rack and pinion, hydraulic, screw thread or eccentric cam. Similarly, any conventional compactor mechanism may be used, e.g. screw, hydraulic or pneumatic.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second chambers are connected by means of a flexible conduit connected to a passage within the compactor; the inlet to this conduit in the first chamber comprises one or more apertures in the compactor head. This arrangement provides effective water removal during or immediately after compaction, especially if the compactor acts downwardly within a first chamber whose walls define a tube within which the compactor head is a close or near fit.
The use of a compactor having a perforate head constitutes the further aspect of the invention, defined above.
The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views of alternative embodiments of the present invention. Motors and electrical connections are not shown.
Fig. 1 shows a suction head 1 connected via a flexible suction hose 2 via a valve A to a first chamber 3 that is a perforate cylindrical vessel mounted within an outer, second chamber 4. The vacuum head 1 is pivotably mounted, at a pivot point 5, on an arm with a hydraulic ram 6.
Operation of the ram allows the vacuum head to scour the screen 2.
A compactor 7, mounted on an arm 8, is reciprocable within the perforate inner vessel, and is under control of a hydraulic cylinder 9. A spray device 10 for wash water 11 is provided within the outer vessel, under the control of a solenoid valve D.
A chute 12 is provided for the discharge of dewatered solids from the chamber 3, via a valve F. Solids may be collected in a skip 13. Liquid is discharged through a drain 15, via valve E, from the chamber 5.
A vacuum pump 15 allows a vacuum to be drawn in the chamber, via a valve B. Vacuum may be released by opening a valve C. A safety valve G is also provided.
Use of the apparatus of Fig. 1 may comprise the following protocol: 1. Create vacuum by operating the pump 15 (B open).
2. Open valves A + D.
3. Rake screen.
4. Close valve A.
5. Compact screenings by operating the ram 7.
6. Close valve B.
7. Open valve C to release vacuum.
8. Open valve E.
9. Drain liquid through the drain 14.
10. Wash compacted screenings using the device 10.
11. Close valve D.
12. Release compaction pressure exerted by the cylinder 9.
13. Open valve F.
14. Push out plug of dewatered solids, down the chute 12, using the compactor.
15. Return the compactor 7 to its fully retracted position.
16. Close valves C, F & E.
17. Open valve A.
18. Open valve B.
Fig. 2 shows apparatus sharing many features (and common reference numerals, where appropriate) with that of Fig. 1, although no screen or skip (which are not parts of the apparatus) is shown. One distinctive feature of the apparatus of Fig. 2 is that the compactor 7 is vertically reciprocable. Another is that the connection between the first, upper chamber 3 and the second, lower chamber 4 is via a flexible tube 20 whose water inlet is in the compactor head 7, which is perforate, including apertures 21. The vacuum pump 15, e.g. of the vane type, is connected to both chambers, via valves B1 and B2.
In this embodiment, reciprocation of the compactor 7 can be used to agitate the screenings in the first chamber.
Further, water is taken from the first to the second chamber as a separate step, as desired, after compaction, when the compactor head is effectively at the bottom of the volume of water in the first chamber.
The apparatus shown in Fig. 2 has a practical advantage over that shown in Fig. 1, in that washing has proved to be unnecessary. It can be simply arranged that the compaction ram extends through valve F, to ensure clearance, directly into a skip positioned below it.
Use of the apparatus of Fig. 2 may comprise the protocol given in the following Table. The sequence of steps 1-11 can be repeated, as necessary or desired.
STEP OPERATION STATE RESULT 1. Start vacuum pump All valves closed Create vacuum and hydraulic power except valve A 2. Open valve A Vacuum in upper Draw sewage into chamber upper chamber 3. Close valve B1 Sewage in upper Release vacuum in chamber upper chamber 4. Reciprocate Wash/agitate compactor screening 5. Compactor at lowest Apply pressure Compact screenings point with water above compactor head 6. Open valve B2 Create vacuum in Draw surplus water Close valve A lower chamber from upper to lower chamber 7. Close valve 82 Release surplus Empty lower Open valve C water to channel or chamber inet works 8. Close valve C Release pressure Enable opening of Release compactor off valve F valve F pressure 9. Open valve F Permit ejection of screening slug 10. Fully extend Eject screenings compactor 11. Fully retract Cycle completed compactor

Claims (14)

  1. CLAIMS 1. Apparatus suitable for compacting and dewatering waste, comprising: a vacuum pump; a first chamber having a waste inlet and an outlet for compacted, dewatered waste; a compactor reciprocable within the first chamber; a second chamber having a water outlet; wherein the first and second chambers have a fluidonly connection, and are connected to the pump; and valves for independently opening and closing each of the inlet, the outlets and the pump connection.
  2. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber is wholly or partially within the second chamber.
  3. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the fluid-only connection comprises a screen in a wall common to the chambers.
  4. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the compactor is reciprocable vertically.
  5. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the compactor has a perforate head defining one end of the fluid-only connection.
  6. 6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein each chamber is connected independently to the pump, via separate valves.
  7. 7. A method for compacting and dewatering waste, comprising the steps of: (i) reducing the pressure within at least the first of first and second chambers having a fluid-only connection, and thereby drawing the waste into the first chamber; (ii) compacting the waste within the first chamber; (iii) reducing the pressure within the second chamber, and thereby drawing water into the second chamber; (iv) discharging compacted, dewatered waste from the first chamber; and (v) discharging water from the second chamber.
  8. 8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the waste comprises sewage screenings.
  9. 9. A method according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the fluid-only connection is in the form of a tube, and step (iv) comprises introducing the inlet end of the tube beneath the water level in the first chamber.
  10. 10. A method according to any of claims 7 to 9, which is conducted in apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5.
  11. 11. A method according to claim 10, which additionally comprises agitating the waste in the first chamber, by reciprocation of the compactor.
  12. 12. Apparatus suitable for compacting and dewatering waste, which comprises a compaction chamber, a compactor reciprocable within that chamber, the compactor having a perforate head, and a water conduit connected to the interior of the compactor head.
  13. 13. Apparatus suitable for compacting and dewatering waste, substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.
  14. 14. Apparatus suitable for compacting and dewatering waste, substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.
GB9727514A 1997-01-09 1997-12-31 Apparatus and method for compacting and dewatering waste. Withdrawn GB2321024A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9700335.4A GB9700335D0 (en) 1997-01-09 1997-01-09 Compacting and dewatering apparatus and method

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9727514D0 GB9727514D0 (en) 1998-02-25
GB2321024A true GB2321024A (en) 1998-07-15

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ID=10805713

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB9700335.4A Pending GB9700335D0 (en) 1997-01-09 1997-01-09 Compacting and dewatering apparatus and method
GB9727514A Withdrawn GB2321024A (en) 1997-01-09 1997-12-31 Apparatus and method for compacting and dewatering waste.

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB9700335.4A Pending GB9700335D0 (en) 1997-01-09 1997-01-09 Compacting and dewatering apparatus and method

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010144926A1 (en) * 2009-06-18 2010-12-23 Celtec Gmbh Device for separating coarse solids
US20150232271A1 (en) * 2012-09-04 2015-08-20 Maricap Oy Apparatus for processing material, and waste container/separating device
US10435239B2 (en) 2013-12-20 2019-10-08 Maricap Oy Apparatus for handling material, and waste container/separating device

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB695605A (en) * 1950-08-05 1953-08-12 Johann Hoffmann Pressure filtering process and apparatus
GB934769A (en) * 1961-03-03 1963-08-21 Deighton S Patent Flue & Tube Apparatus for collecting water-borne refuse
US4387633A (en) * 1981-02-06 1983-06-14 James Ballantyne Sludge processing system
US5236583A (en) * 1992-05-20 1993-08-17 Wang Yiu Te High-pressure/vacuum operated apparatus for sewage and mud disposal

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB695605A (en) * 1950-08-05 1953-08-12 Johann Hoffmann Pressure filtering process and apparatus
GB934769A (en) * 1961-03-03 1963-08-21 Deighton S Patent Flue & Tube Apparatus for collecting water-borne refuse
US4387633A (en) * 1981-02-06 1983-06-14 James Ballantyne Sludge processing system
US5236583A (en) * 1992-05-20 1993-08-17 Wang Yiu Te High-pressure/vacuum operated apparatus for sewage and mud disposal

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010144926A1 (en) * 2009-06-18 2010-12-23 Celtec Gmbh Device for separating coarse solids
US20150232271A1 (en) * 2012-09-04 2015-08-20 Maricap Oy Apparatus for processing material, and waste container/separating device
US10442620B2 (en) * 2012-09-04 2019-10-15 Maricap Oy Apparatus for processing material, and waste container/separating device
US11352206B2 (en) 2012-09-04 2022-06-07 Maricap Oy Apparatus for processing material, and waste container/separating device
US10435239B2 (en) 2013-12-20 2019-10-08 Maricap Oy Apparatus for handling material, and waste container/separating device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9700335D0 (en) 1997-02-26
GB9727514D0 (en) 1998-02-25

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)