WO1997048647A1

WO1997048647A1 - Waste water treatment plant

Info

Publication number: WO1997048647A1
Application number: PCT/AU1997/000389
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darren Moy; Robert Chong
Original assignee: Amec Australia Pty. Ltd.; The Minister For Public Works & Services For And On Behalf Of The State Of New South Wales
Priority date: 1996-06-18
Filing date: 1997-06-18
Publication date: 1997-12-24
Also published as: AUPO052496A0; ID19630A; CN1229402A; NZ333807A

Abstract

A waste water treatment plant (10) particularly suited, when in an operating position, for use as a biological waste water treatment plant. The plant (10) includes a containment structure (11) having a first (storage) position and a second (operating) position; the plant (10) further including ancillary equipment (12) adapted for its securing and total containment within the volume of the containment structure (11) when the containment structure (11) is in its first (storage) position; the ancillary equipment (12) further adapted in conjunction with the containment structure (11) to be placed in an operating position substantially external to the containment structure (11) but associated with it whereby the containment structure (11) performs the function of a biological treatment tank (23) in its second (operating) position. A particular adaptation of the containment structure (11) and ancillary equipment (12) includes the provision of a first group of fixtures within containment structure (11) adapted to retain the ancillary equipment (12) in a storage position within the containment structure (11), the particular adaptation further including a second group of fixtures forming part of the containment structure (11) and adapted to retain the ancillary equipment (12) in an operating position relative to the containment structure (11).

Description

WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Introduction

The present invention relates to a waste water treatment plant and, more particularly, to a waste water treatment plant adapted for relatively quick and effective installation.

Discussion of Prior Art

Waste water treatment plants historically have been designed to treat waste water so as to remove some but not necessarily all impurities. The quality of the treated waste water which is acceptable will be influenced by where the treated waste water is to be placed after treatment.

In recent times increased awareness of environmental concerns has lead to a requirement that a number of specified chemical substances not be present in the treated waste water. Concomitant with this it has become desirable to use treatment processes which rely on natural organic processes for their operation.

Finally there is increasing pressure to treat all waste water to at least some extent, even waste water present only in relatively small amounts at scattered locations. Heretofore the provision of relatively small capacity waste water treatment plants, preferably having the desirable characteristics outlined above, and in addition being relatively cheap to install, particularly at remote locations have not been available. It is an object of the present invention to provide a waste water treatment plant and process for assembly thereof which addresses or substantially ameliorates the abovementioned problem.

Brief Description of Invention Accordingly, in one broad form of the invention, there is provided a waste water treatment plant having a first (storage) position and a second (operating) position; said waste water treatment plant comprising a containment structure and ancillary equipment; said ancillary equipment when in an operating position adapted to feed waste water into said containment structure and process said waste water in said containment structure; said first position comprising one in which substantially all of said ancillary equipment is located within said containment structure; said second position comprising a position in which substantially all of said ancillary equipment is located external to said containment structure and is in said operating position.

Preferably said ancillary equipment includes a subgroup of components adapted for installation within the volume of said containment structure when in an operating position; said subgroup including an aerator adapted to aerate effluent in said containment structure whereby said containment structure operates as a biological treatment tank.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method for construction of a waste water treatment plant comprising transporting said waste water treatment plant in a first position to a treatment site; at said treatment site moving said waste water treatment plant from said first position to a second position including the movement of said ancillary equipment to an operating position.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a transportable waste water treatment plant incorporating a containment structure adapted to perform a first function of a transport container and also adapted to perform a second function of a biological treatment tank.

Preferably said containment structure is so adapted by incorporation of a first group of fixtures adapted to retain ancillary equipment in a storage position within said containment structure and having a second group of fixtures adapted to retain said ancillary equipment in an operating position.

Preferably said containment structure conforms to ISO 668 and ISO 1161 or equivalent Standards, Preferably said fixtures co-operate with fastening means which, in turn, co-operate with co-operating locations on said ancillar y equipment.

Preferably said co-operating locations comprise apertures an d said fastening means comprise threaded elements adapted to pass through said apertures.

Preferably said co-operating locations are utilised on sai d ancillary equipment in both a storage position and an operating position for the purposes of securing said ancillary equipment respectively in a storage position and an operating position. In this Specification "fixtures" is to be given a broad and purposive interpretation. It can include for example indirect support arrangements whereby the first group of fixtures comprises a support structure (such as a grid) inserted or fixed within the containment structure to which the ancillary components can in turn be fixed whereby the ancillary components are fixed and/or supported relative to the containment structure so as to reduce the likelihood of damage to the ancillary components during transport of the containment structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein :- Fig. 1 is a plan view of a waste water treatment plant according to the invention in an operating position and

Fig. 2 is a side view of the plant of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3 is an end view of the plant of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the waste water treatment plant of Fig. 1 in a storage position,

Fig. 5 is a side view of the plant of Fig. 4 in its storage position,

Fig. 6 is an end view of the plant of Fig. 4 in its storage position,

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the waste water treatment plant of Fig. 1 in use, and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the plant of Fig. 1.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment

With reference to Fig. 1 there is shown a waste water treatment plant 10 in plan view in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention in an operating position. The Plant 10 includes a containment structure 11 associated with which is ancillary equipment 12 which allows the containment structure to function as a waste water treatment plant.

The ancillary equipment includes inlet pipework 21 , inlet flow meter 22, biological treatment tank 23, aerator 24, decant pipework 25, decant control vessel 26, service water pump 27, sludge removal pump

28, access platform 29, service water pipework 30, sludge pipework 31 , inductor 32, sewage pump 33, control panel 34, various flex hoses 35, davit 36, brake winch 37, ladder 38, overflow box 39, pump support brackets 40, inlet pipe support bars 41 and removable cross ties 42.

In use the containment structure 11 performs the primary function of a biological treatment tank 23 (refer Fig. 2 and Fig. 7) in that it holds sludge received via sewage pump 33 from an external location and contains the sludge so that it may be periodically aerated by aerator 24 in accordance with established organic treatment regimes.

One particular treatment regime is termed the Intermittent Decanted Extended Aeration process. This process has the ability to remove nitrogen, BOD, COD, suspended solids and, with appropriate modifications, phosphorus. A typical capacity for a plant 10 including a biological treatment tank 23 conforming to the dimensions of ISO 668 can be of the order of hundreds of equivalent persons (EP) and, in one particular example is approximately 250EP.

Typical output from the plant is irrigation quality water and fertiliser grade bio-solids. Incoming sewage is collected in a balance tank during a cycle and pumped into the treatment tank 23 as required. After aeration the bio-solids are allowed to settle in the bottom of the tank 23.

Clear effluent is then decanted for use in selected agricultural irrigation. Bio-solids are available for use for soil improvement or land fill.

Air is introduced into the treatment tank 23 by means of a submerssible pump deriving air from snorkel 20.

After aeration bio-solids which settle to th e bottom of the module are removed to an external location by sludge removal pump 28.

External ladder 38 permits access to platform 29. Davit 36 supports winch 37 which can be used for equipment installation and servicing.

With reference to Figs. 4, 5 and 6 the containment structure 1 1 is shown in an alternative role as a housing for the transportation of ancillary equipment 12. The construction of the containment structure 11 is such that it can entirely house the ancillary equipment 12 comprising components 21 to 38 previously described in accordance with the layout best seen in the plan view of Fig. 4. A waterproof ply cover 43 completely encloses the top of containment structure 1 1 in order to fully enclose the ancillary equipment 12 so that it is protected from the elements during transportation.

In use the containment structure 11 has the dimensions and fixings of a standard transportation container. Ideally it conforms to both ISO 668 (freight containers - classification, dimensions and ra ting) and ISO 1161 (freight containers - corner fittings) or equivalent. It can be transported by rail or truck from the factory to a location where it is desired to install the waste water treatment plant 10. At the desired location suitable footing structures are prepared to support the containment structure 11 and to provide disposal or sludge ponds (refer Fig. 7) for the sludge treated by the waste water treatment plant 10. The containment structure 11 is placed on the prepared footings and the ancillary equipment is deployed and installed in accordance with the layout described with reference to Figs. 1 , 2 and 3.

In this embodiment all ancillary equipment 12 can be installed utilising bolts and like hand-manipulable fasteners thus facilitating the conversion of the containment structure 1 1 from a storage position to an operating position by the use of relatively unskilled labour, if necessary.

The containment structure 11 in its storage position (refer Fig. 4 in particular) can include a first group of fixtures in the form of threaded apertures 13 adapted to receive screwed rods or bolts 14 by which ancillary equipment 12 such as control panel 34 can be secured in a storage position within the containment structure 11 so as to prevent movement or damage during transport. In a preferred arrangement the screwed rods or bolts 14 are passed through co-operating locations in the form of apertures 15 on the ancillary equipment which are also adapted to secure the ancillary equipment in the operating position. This preferred arrangement is exemplified with respect to control panel 34 but can also be applied to the balance of the ancillary equipment. With reference to Fig. 2, the control panel 34 can be seen in an operating position where the same apertures 15 are utilised to secure the control panel by means of bolts 14 to members of a second group of fixings on the containment structure which comprise, in this instance, threaded apertures 16.

With reference to Fig.7 the containment structure 11 is shown in its operating position functioning as a biological treatment tank 23. The completed plant shown in Fig. 7 additionally includes flow equalising tanks 44, lift pumps 45 and sludge beds 46 enclosed within a security fence 47.

Additional components include weir 48, power generation and plant control module 49, fuel storage tank 50 and clear effluent return line 51 .

The entire arrangement can be enclosed in an area of the order of 30m x 20m. It will be observed that the containment structure 11 possesses the additional advantage of imposing a modular structure in its function as a biological treatment tank 23 with the result that the capacity of the entire treatment plant can be stepwise increased by the subsequent addition of additional waste water treatment plants 10.

The above describes only one embodiment of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

Embodiments of the invention can be applied to the modular treatment of effluent.

Claims

1. A waste water treatment plant having a first (storage) position and a second (operating) position; said waste water treatment plant comprising a containment structure and ancillary equipment; said ancillary equipment when in an operating position adapted to feed waste water into said containment structure and process said waste water in said containment structure; said first position comprising one in which substantially all of said ancillary equipment is located within said containment structure; said second position comprising a position in which substantially all of said ancillary equipment is located external to said containment structure and is in said operating position.

2. The plant of Claim 1 wherein said ancillary equipment includes a subgroup of components adapted for installation within the volume of said containment structure when in an operating position; said subgroup including an aerator adapted to aerate effluent in said containment structure whereby said containment structure operates as a biological treatment tank.

3. A method for construction of a waste water treatment plant comprising transporting said waste water treatment plant in a first position to a treatment site; at said treatment site moving said waste water treatment plant from said first position to a second position including the movement of said ancillary equipment to an operating position.

4. A transportable waste water treatment plant incorporating a containment structure adapted to perform a first function of a transport container and also adapted to perform a second function of a biological treatment tank.

5. The containment structure of Claim 4 so adapted by incorporation of a first group of fixtures adapted to retain ancillary equipment in a storage position within said containment structure and having a second group of fixtures adapted to retain said ancillary equipment in an operating position.

6. The plant of Claim 4 or Claim 5 wherein said containment structure conforms to ISO 668 and ISO 1 161 or equivalent Standards.

7. The plant of Claim 5 wherein said fixtures co-operate wit h fastening means which, in turn, co-operate with co-operatin g locations on said ancillary equipment.

8. The plant of Claim 5 wherein said co-operating location s comprise apertures and said fastening means comprise threaded elements adapted to pass through said apertures.

9. The plant of Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein said co-operatin g locations are utilised on said ancillary equipment in both a storage position and an operating position for the purposes of securing said ancillary equipment respectively in a storage position and an operating position.

10. A waste water treatment plant as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in the accompanying drawings.

11 . A method of construction of a waste water treatment plant as hereinbefore particularly described with reference to what is shown in the accompanying drawings.