WO2007121509A1

WO2007121509A1 - Floating water treatment apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007121509A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/000505
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Geoffrey Cummins
Original assignee: Cumminscorp Limited
Priority date: 2006-04-20
Filing date: 2007-04-20
Publication date: 2007-11-01

Abstract

Water treatment apparatus (10) comprising a buoyant body (11) adapted to float on a body of water, water treatment chamber means defined by a tank (12) supported by the buoyant body (11), at least portion of the tank (12) extending in use into the body of water, the tank (12) containing media carrying bacteria for treatment of water in the body of water, means (18) for pumping water from the body of water to the upper end of the tank (12) for flow through the tank (12) whereby said water is exposed to bacteria in the tank (12) and the lower end of the tank (12) being open for directing treated water back into the body of water.

Description

FLOATING WATER TREATMENT APPARATUS Technical Field

This invention relates to water treatment apparatus and in particular to apparatus for treating water for the purposes of purifying, cleaning or otherwise removing impurities or contaminants in the water. The present invention is particularly but not exclusively suited to treating water in lakes, ponds or other water reservoir as well as water in streams for removing nutrients in the water. Background Art

The treating of water for the purposes of purifying the water or removing contaminants from water has become an increasing problem to growing communities where increasing volumes of effluent or contaminated water is generated. Ponds,, lakes and rivers are also commonly becoming polluted due to nutrient bujld up which results in fish kill and other damage to the environment. Summary of the Invention The present invention aims to provide water treatment apparatus which is particularly suited to use in removing nutrients in water in a water reservoir for example water in natural or artificial bodies of water such as lakes or dams or in flowing streams or rivers. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. The present invention thus provides in one preferred aspect, water treatment apparatus comprising a. buoyant body adapted to float, on a body of water, water treatment chamber means supported by said buoyant body, at least portion of said chamber means extending in use into said body of water, said chamber means containing media carrying bacteria for treatment of water in said body of water, means for directing water from said body of water to said chamber means for flow through said chamber means whereby said water is exposed to said bacteria in said chamber means, and said chamber means having an outlet tor directing treated water back into said body of water. The term "water" as used herein includes contaminated water or any other water or liquid carrying impurities or solids. The chamber means in one Form may be defined by one or more rigid or substantially rigid tanks. Alternatively the chamber means may be defined by a flexible or pliable material such as a fabric ibr example canvas or plastics sheeting and means may be provided for supporting the flexible material to define the chamber means. The supporting means may comprise an external supporting cage.

The means for supplying water to the apparatus may comprise means for obtaining water from a lower region of the body of water. In another form where for use in flowing water such as in a stream or river, the apparatus is configured and oriented such that water flows through the chamber means due to the natural flow of water in the river or stream.

The means for supplying water to the chamber means may comprise means for distributing the water over the upper end of the chamher means. The distributing means may comprise means ibr sprinkling water. The sprinkling means may comprise a perforated or apertured panel. Alternatively, the sprinkling means may comprise a plurality of apertured troughs or ducts. The troughs or ducts may extend from opposite sides of a central water supply manifold. The water supply manifold may be connected to a pump having an inlet which is positioned at a tower region of the body of water.

The buoyant body typically surrounds or at least partially surrounds the chamber means, in a particular preferred form the buoyant body comprises an annular body, The chamber means may be defined by a cylindrical tank or wall surrounded by the buoyant annular body. The buoyant body however may be of any configuration. The buoyant body may be formed of lightweight concrete, a foam plastics material, include air chambers or comprise any other buoyant material. An intermediate water pervious panel may be provided in the chamber means to support or separate the media in the chamber means. The panel may comprise a mesh or perforated panel. A further water pervious panel supporting farther media may be located a lower portion of the chamber and define the water outlet. The further panel may comprise a mesh or perforated panel. The media may comprise any suitable known material for supporting bacteria and typically comprises a plurality of separate elements such as a plurality of short lengths of plastics tube.

The chamber means in a further form may be defined by first and second tanks defining respective chambers and supported one above the other. The tanks may be open at their lower ends. Preferably the bases of the tanks are water pervious to allow water to flow from the upper tank to the lower tank and from the lower tank back to the body of water. The bases of the tanks may be apertured or perforated.

Means may be provided to introduce air into the chamber means where the bacteria comprises aerobic bacteria. Preferably an aerator is provided in the lower end of the chamber means. The aerator may be provided in at least one of the tanks. The aerator may comprise a perforated tube or tubers. The aerator may be connected to an air pump or blower supported on the apparatus. The air pump may be located at an tipper end of the apparatus and may be electrically driven. The pump where electrically driven may be supplied with current directly or indirectly from one or more solar panels on the apparatus.

The water treatment means may include one or more screen filters for pre- treatrnent of water prior to passing into the chamber means for bacteriological treatment. The means for supplying water to the apparatus may initially supply water to the one or more screen filters. The screen filter suitably comprises a drum filter. The drum filter suitably comprises a rotatable drum filter having a drum and a screen or mesh material about the periphery of the drum and means are provided for conveying water from the body of water to the drum.

The apparatus whilst preferably being floating apparatus may be a land based apparatus with water from treatment being pumped to the apparatus from the body of water for flow through the chamber means with treated water being returned to the body of water.

Where designed for use in flowing streams, the chamber means may be defined by a trough-like tank which is preferably open at its upper side. The forward and rearward end of the tank may be open and the tank is suitably provided with forward and rearward perforated or aperrured screens or mesh panels between which the bacteria supporting media is located. The forward end may be directed upstream of the flow so that water flows through the trough like tank. A large particle screen may be provided at the forward end of the tank forwardiy of the forward screen or mesh panel. Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and -put into practical effect reference will now be may to the company drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein:

Figs. 1 to 3 illustrate in isometric, plan and side view, floating water treatment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the apparatus along line A-A of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an exploded view showing the components of the apparatus of Figs. 1 to

3; Figs. 6 to 8 illustrate in isometric, plan and side view, floating water treatment apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig, 9 is a sectional view of the apparatus along line B-B of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is an exploded view showing the components of the apparatus of Figs, 7 to 9;

Figs. 11 to 13 illustrate in isometric, side and plan views, floating water treatment apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the apparatus along line C-C of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is an exploded view showing the components of the apparatus of Figs. 1 1 to 13;

Figs. 16 and 17 illustrate in opposite isometric views, floating water treatment apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 18 and 19 illustrate the apparatus of Figs. 16 and 17 in plan and side views; Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the apparatus along line D-D of Fig. 19; Fig. 21 is an exploded view of the apparatus of Figs. 19 and 20;

Figs. 22, 23 and 24 illustrate in isometric, side and plan views, land based water treatment apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figs. 25 is a sectional view along line E-E of Fig. 24; Fig. 26 is an exploded view of the apparatus of Figs. 22 to 24; Figs. 27 to 30 illustrate in isometric, plan, side and end views, floating water treatment apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 31 is a sectional view of the apparatus along line F-F of Fig. 28; and Fig. 32 is an exploded view showing the components of the apparatus of Figs. 28 to 31. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to the drawings and firstly to Figs. 1 to 5, there is illustrated water treatment apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the invention for treating water in a body of contaminated water such as water in a pond, lake or stream which contains excessive levels of nutrient. The apparatus 10 comprises a buoyant body or float 11 which may be formed of lightweight buoyant concrete, a buoyant foam plastics material or any other buoyant material. Alternatively, the buoyant body or float 11 may be formed of or include one or more hollow chambers for containing air. The body or float 11 is of annular ring-like form and .surrounds and supports a cylindrical tank 12 which contains media on which water treating bacteria may grow and which extends above and below the float 11. The tank 12 may be formed integrally with the float ϊ l or may be connected to the float in any other manner and is normally oriented such that when floating on a body of water as in Fig. 3, the central axis of the tank 12 is substantially vertical and the float 1 1 extends above the water level 13. The media within the tank 12 may comprise a plurality of separate elements such as small lengths of plastics tubes or may comprise any other material upon which bacteria tor treatment of water may grow.

The upper end 14 of the' tank 12 is open and a water distribution assembly comprising a sprinkler assembly 15 is supported at the tank upper end 14 and includes a central manifold 16 and a plurality of troughs or ducts 17 extending outwardly from the manifold 15, the troughs or ducts 17 being perforated or having a plurality of apertures therein. The manifold 16 is connected to a pump 18 mounted on the float 11 , the pump IS having a downwardly directed inlet pipe 19 extending a substantial distance below the float 1 1. The pump 18 may be an electrical pump powered by a battery supply or by an external power source

An intermediate mesh or aperrured panel 20 of circular configuration is provided in the tank 12 and extends diametrically of the tank 12 to separate the tank 12 into upper and lower tank portions or chambers 21 and 22. A further mesh or apertured panel 23 of circular configuration is provided at the lower end of the tank 12 which is also open and extends diametrically thereof. Media 24 for carrying bacteria is provided in the tank portions 21 and 22 and supported by the respective panels 20 and 23. The open lower end of the tank 12 also serves as an outlet for returning treated water back to the body of water in which the apparatus 10 is operating. The media 24 in the respective tank portions 21 and 22 typically carry different bacteria for treatment of water. In use and when floating in a body of water, operation of the pump 18 will draw in water from the lower depths of the body of water and distribute the water via the sprinkler assembly 15 over the media 24 where the water is subject to biological treatment from the de-nutrifying bacteria supported on the high surface area media 13 as it flows downwardly through the tank 12 as indicated buy the arrows 25 in Fig. 4 for removal of nutrients from the water. The treated water then flows back through the lower panel 23 into the body of water which also seeds the body of water with the de- nutrifying bacteria. As the water is pumped from a depth where there is less suspended matter, generally no pre-fϊkering of the particles in the water is required. To enhance bacterial treatment, a rotatable stirrer 26 (shown in dotted outline) may be provided in the tank 12, the stirrer 26 being connected to a motor 27 and having arms 28 which extend into each tank portion 21 and 22. When the motor 27 is operated, the stirrer 26 will be rotated to agitate the media 24 in both tank portions 21 and 22. A second embodiment of water treatment apparatus 29 according to the invention is shown in Figs, 6 to 10 which operates in the same manner as the embodiment of Figs.

1 to 5. Like components to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 6 have been give like numerals.

In this case, upper and lower media tanks 30 and 31 are provided, each having an apertured or perforated base 32 and 33 respectively. The lower tank 31 has an annular rim 34 and the tank 31 extends through the central opening in the annular float 11 such that the rim 34 seats on the float 11 around the periphery in the opening therein. The upper tank 30 seats on a supporting grid 36 which seats on the rim 34. The sprinkler assembly 15 is supported on a rim 37 at the upper end of the tank 30 and the tank 30 is covered by a removable cover 38 which is also supported on the rim 37. The cover 38 carries a plurality of solar panels 39 for supplying current directly or indirectly to an air pump or blower 40 located beneath the cover 26, the air pump or blower 40 being connected by a connecting duct 41 to an aerator 42 disposed in the lower portion of the tank 23. Air supplied by the blower 40 to the aerator 42 passes upwardly through the media 24 in the tank 31 , the media 24 in this case carrying aerobic bacteria. The bacteria carried by the media 24 in the upper tank 30 may be the same or different bacteria such as anaerobic bacteria.

The embodiment of water treatment apparatus 43 of Figs. 1 1 to 15 is similar to that of Figs. 6 to 10 in that it includes an upper tank 44 supported on a lower tank 45 via a grid 46 which seats on a rim at the upper end of the lower tank 45. The lower tank 45 seats on the float 47 in a similar manner to that described with reference to Figs. 6 to 10. In this case the tanks 44 and 45 and float 47 are of rectangular configuration and have as above perforated or apertured bases, in this case however, the sprinkler assembly 15 of the previous embodiments is replaced by a perforated panel 48 which seats on a rim 49 at. the upper end of the tank 44. A rotatable drum filter 50 is supported on external rollers 51 for pre-fϊltering of the water. The drum filter 50 may be of similar configuration to the drum filler disclosed in our international patent application No. PCT/AU02/01245. In this case the pump 18 supplies water to the interior of the drum filter 50 to cause its rotation with water passing through the filter screen or mesh material 52 on the outer periphery of the drum filer 50 and flowing onto the panel 48 to be distributed over the media in the tanks 44 and 45 to flow downwardly through the tanks 44 and 45 to be exposed to bεicteria carried by the media. Waste from the drum filter 50 flushed or displaced from the screen or mesh material 52 into the interior of the drum filter 50 is captured and returned to the body of water through waste line 53 or stored for disposal.

The embodiment of water treatment apparatus 54 of Figs. 16 to 21 is similar to that of Figs. 1 to 5 and thus like components have been given like numerals. In this case however, the tank 12 is defined by a flexible tubular sock 55 of fabric or plastics which is supported by and within an external cage 56. The cage 56 is of an external stepped configuration having a lower portion 57 and an upper, portion 58 of a larger diameter and the step 59 between the upper and lower portions 58 and 57 and seats on the float 11 so that the upper potion 58 extends above the float 1 1 and the lower portion 57 extends through the central opening in the float 11 below the float 11. The bottom of the sock 55 is provided with a mesh netting 59 formed with the sock 55 or comprising a separate perforated or mesh like panel. The sock 55 supported by the cage 56 defines a chamber for containing media 24 which supports bacteria for treatment of water passing through the chamber which is supplied from the body of water through the sprinkler assembly 15 and then exits through the mesh material 60 back into the body of water. An additional mesh or perforated panel may be supported on the step 49 to define the sock 56 into tipper and lower chambers for containing different bacteria on media therein.

The water treatment apparatus described above may also be adapted for land- based vise as in the apparatus 61 of Figs. 22 to 26, the apparatus 61 including a tank 62 in which media 63 for carrying bacteria is provided. A sprinkler head 64 is provided to distribute water pumped by the pump 65 from an inlet 66 connected to the body of water over the media 63. A mesh or perforated panel 67 is provided at the lower end of the tank 62 to support the media 63 above it. The base 68 of tank 62 is inclined and leads to an outlet 69 for return of water under the influence of gravity to the body of water. The tank 62 also may be provided with an aerator 70 above the panel 67, the aerator 70 being connected to an air blower 7) for supply of air to the lower end of the tank 63 to pass upwardly through the media 63 in. the tank 62. The tank 62 is surrounded by an elevated work platform 72. The embodiment of water treatment apparatus 73 of Figs. 27 to 32 is designed for use in a flowing stream or river and includes a trough-like tank 74 which is open at its upper end 75 and which has an outwardly stepped rim 76. A float 77 having a central opening 78 similar to the cross section of the tank 74 is provided to enable the tank 74 to be received therein and be supposed by the rim 16 seating on the float 77 around the periphery of the opening 78. The tank 74 is part cylindrical on its lower side 79 and flares outwardly at its leading end 80 to an open entrance mouth 81 at which a large particle screen or grid 52 is provided, the screen or grid 82 comprising in this case a plurality of spaced parallel bais or rods. A transverse mesh or perforated panel 83 is provided rearwardly of the screen 52 at the position where the tank 74 flares outwardly and a further transverse racsh or perforated panel 84 is provided at the trailing end of the tank 74. The panels 83 and 84 may be formed of a relatively rigid mesh material and be received in opposite grooves or slots provided on the inner side of the tank 74, Media 85 for carrying bacteria is provided in the tank 74 between the panels 83 and 85 and is constrained within the tank 74 between the panels 83 and 85.

An aerator 86 is optionally provided at the leading end of the tank 74 rearwardly of but adjacent to the panel 83, the aerator 86 comprising a tube 87 having a plurality of spaced apertures therein, the tube 87 which extending around the inner periphery of the tank 74. The aerator 86 is connected to an air pump 88 supported on the float 77. In use, the apparatus 73 is anchored in a flowing stream or river with the mouth

81 upstream so that water flowing in the .stream or rivers passes through the screen 82 as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 31 into the tank 74 and past the panel 83 for bacteriological treatment in the tank 74 by being exposed to bacteria carried by media 85 in the tank 51. Optionally air may be supplied to the aerator 86 from the air blower 88 to increase the bacteriological action where aerobic bacteria are used. Treated water then exits through the trailing mesh panel 84 back into the river or stream.

The water treatment apparatus of Figs. 1 to 23 is arranged to float in a body of water to be treated and may be self-powered to move around the body of water or moved by other means around the body of liquid. Alternatively the apparatus may be anchored or moored in a fixed position. Water will be continuously treated by the apparatus and treated water flows back to the body of water through the outlets.

The water treatment apparatus and components thereof may be in many different configurations other than in the configuration described and illustrated. Each apparatus may be provided with or without aerators and components from one embodiment may be interchanged with components or another embodiment.

It should be noted that reference to the prior art herein is .not to be taken as an acknowledgement that such prior art constitutes common general knowledge in the art. The terms "comprising"' or "comprise" or derivatives thereof as used throughout the specification and claims are taken to specify the presence of the stated features, integers and components referred to but not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature/s, integer/s, component/s or group thereof.

Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative embodiment of the invention, all such variations and modifications theτeto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Water treatment apparatus comprising a buoyant body adapted to float on a body of water, water treatment chamber means supported by said buoyant body, at least portion of said chamber means extending in use into said body of water, said chamber means containing media carrying bacteria for treatment of water in said body of water, means for directing water from said body of water to said chamber means for flow through said chamber means whereby said water is exposed to said bacteria in said chamber means, and said chamber means having an outlet for directing treated water back into said body of water.

2. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said chamber means is defined by one or more rigid or substantially rigid tanks.

3. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in claim I wherein said chamber means is defined by a flexible or pliable material and wherein means are provided for supporting the flexible or pliable material to define the chamber means.

4. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said supporting means comprises an external supporting cage,

5. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said means for supplying water to said apparatus comprises means for obtaining water from a lower region of the body of water.

6. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said means for supplying water to the chamber means comprise means for distributing the water over an upper end of the chamber means.

7. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said distributing means comprise means for sprinkling water.

8. Water treatment means as claimed in claim 7 wherein said sprinkling means comprise a perforated or apertured panel.

9. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said sprinkling means comprises a plurality of apertured troughs or ducts.

10. Water treatment apparatus as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein an intermediate water pervious panel is provided in the chamber means to define separate chambers adapted to contain media for carrying bacteria.

11. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 10 and including a -further water pervious panel spaced from said intermediate panel and defining said water outlet.

12. Water treatment apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said chamber means is defined by first and second tanks supported one above the other and defining respective chambers wherein the bases of respective tanks are water pervious to allow water to flow from the upper tank to the lower tank and from the lower tank back to the body of water.

13. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and including one or more screen filters for pre-treatmertt of water prior to passing into the chamber means for bacteriological treatment.

14. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said body of water comprises water flowing in a stream or river, and wherein said apparatus is arranged in use such that water in said stream or river flows through the chamber means,

15. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein said chamber means is defined by a trough-like tank which is open at its upper side.

1.6, Water treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein said tank is open at its forward and rear ends and provided with spaced apart forward and rear perforated or apertured screens or mesh panels between which said bacteria carrying media is located.

17. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein said tank includes a large particle screen forwavdly of said forward screen or mesh panel.

18. Water treatment apparatus as defined in any one of the preceding claims and including an aerator for introducing air into the chamber means,

19. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said buoyant body surrounds or at least partially surrounds said chamber means.

20. Water treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein said buoyant body comprises an annular body having a central opening surrounding said chamber means.