WO2010128476A1

WO2010128476A1 - Fluid treatment plant

Info

Publication number: WO2010128476A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/052000
Authority: WO
Inventors: Davide Fioralli; Roberto Amadori
Original assignee: Davide Fioralli; Roberto Amadori
Priority date: 2009-05-07
Filing date: 2010-05-06
Publication date: 2010-11-11
Also published as: IT1397315B1; MA33345B1; DE212010000051U1; ITBO20090280A1

Abstract

A fluid treatment plant, in particular for fluids (1, 2) or wastewater from household drains (3, 4) comprises a single element or container (5), which can be buried, divided into a first chamber (6) comprising a first compartment (6a) for receiving first fluids (1) or blackwater, comprising a bottom opening (7) allowing heavy components to fall into a second, treatment compartment (6b) formed by the bottom zone of the container (5); a second chamber (8) for receiving and treating second fluids (2) or greywater, the second chamber being separated from the two compartments (6a, 6b) of the first chamber (6), and being positioned above the second compartment (6b), the second chamber (8) comprising walls (8a, 8b) which give onto the second compartment (6b), so that it is partly immersed in the first fluids (1), and a third chamber (9) for mixing and outfeed of the treated fluids (Ia, 2a), positioned between the first chamber (6) and the second chamber (8) and connected to them by respective openings (9a, 9b) leading into the third chamber (9) at different points; the third chamber (9) having a single opening (9c) for drainage to the outside of the container (5) connected to a single fluid drainage pipe (10).

Description

Fluid treatment plant

Technical Field

This invention relates to a fluid treatment plant, in particular a plant for the primary treatment of domestic wastewater.

Background Art

At present, the above-mentioned fluids from household drains or wastewater are mainly divided into two categories, "blackwater" and "greywater".

Blackwater is from toilets, whilst greywater comes from domestic equipment other than toilets (washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, showers, etc.) and the two have different chemical properties (that is to say, also composed of greasy and/or soapy scum).

These two types of fluids, having different chemical properties, must first be treated in different ways before being finally released into the main public drains having been more purified in terms of removing organic components and chemical agents which could damage the drains.

For this reason, the drains coming out of households are separated and convey the respective fluids into two different and separate elements: an "Imhoff" type septic tank for the blackwater, and a grease trap for the greywater.

At a structural level, the Imhoff tank (usually made of PVC) comprises a cylindrical container which can be buried and which is fitted with a closing lid (usually of the type that can be walked on) with one or more inspection and maintenance manholes (usually at least two manholes).

The container comprises:

- a first, inlet channel for the blackwater (connected to the respective household pipe) which falls into

- a pre-chamber with openings in the bottom of it which allow the heaviest organic material (sediments or sludges) to fall into the bottom of the container where "digestion" occurs, that is to say, anaerobic fermentation allowing the organic substances to be transformed into water, carbon dioxide and methane or biogas;

- a second, outlet channel, usually on the opposite side of the container to the first channel, connected to an external pipe leading to the main drains.

The grease trap, in turn, is a trap, that is to say, a container (also usually made of PVC) which can be buried and which comprises a first, inlet channel, connected to the respective household pipe, allowing the greywater into the container which is a single chamber acting as a decanting chamber, since the heavy substances go straight to the bottom, whilst the lighter and oily substances remain on the surface.

There is a second channel, for draining the decanted water, with its fluid drawing inlet positioned towards the bottom of the container, and connected to a respective external pipe which is usually joined to the Imhoff tank outfeed pipe, subsequently leading into the main drains.

The grease trap also has lids or manholes for inspection and cleaning or for extracting the greasy substances from the container.

Based on this brief description it is obvious that obtaining a complete biological tank for the purification of blackwater and greywater requires a complex installation (two excavations and two fitting operations) with significant dimensions close to the houses and high overall costs.

Added to that is the moderate quantity of special elements needed for all the connections between outlets from the household and the tanks and traps and, respectively between the latter and the main drains.

Another disadvantage is the presence of many inspection manholes in the two containers present, with relatively lengthy and expensive regular cleaning work on the containers.

Disclosure of the Invention

The aim of this invention is therefore to overcome these disadvantages by providing a fluid treatment plant, in particular for the treatment of fluids from household drains, blackwater and greywater, which has a compact structure that can guarantee both types of treatments in a single element to be installed.

Accordingly, this invention achieves that aim with a fluid treatment plant, in particular a plant for the treatment of fluids from household drains or wastewater comprising the technical features described in one or more of the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The technical features of the invention, with reference to the above aims, are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are more apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention provided merely by way of example without restricting the scope of the inventive concept, and in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan diagram of a fluid treatment plant for the treatment of fluids from household drains or wastewater;

Figure 2 is a schematic top plan view of the plant of Figure 1 with some parts cut away to better illustrate others;

Figure 3 is a cross-section according to the line m - HI of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a cross-section according to the line IV - IV of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of a cover element for the container which forms the treatment plant;

Figure 6 is a cross-section according to the line VI - VI of Figure 5.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, and in particular with reference to Figure 1, the plant according to this invention is used for treating fluids, in particular fluids 1 and 2 or wastewater arriving from household drains 3 and 4.

More precisely, said fluids 1 and 2 or wastewater from household drains are mainly divided into two categories, "blackwater" and "greywater".

Blackwater, labelled 1 and conveyed in the drain 3, is from toilets, whilst greywater, labelled 2 and conveyed in the drain 4, comes from domestic equipment other than toilets (washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, showers, etc.) and has different chemical properties (that is to say, it includes greasy and/or soapy scum).

These two types of fluids 1 and 2, having different chemical properties, must first be treated in different ways before being released into the main public drains 11, that is to say, after they have been further purified in terms of removing organic - chemical agents which could damage the drains.

As is also shown in Figures 2 to 4, the plant according to the invention mainly comprises a single element or container 5, which can be buried, substantially divided into three main chambers 6, 8 and 9.

The first chamber 6 is divided into a first compartment 6a for receiving first fluids 1 or blackwater arriving from the drain 3, and has a bottom opening 7 allowing heavy components to fall into a second, compartment 6b for treatment or "digestion" of the components, formed by the bottom zone of the container 5.

The second chamber 8 is designed for receiving and treating second fluids 2 or greywater arriving from the respective drain 4. This second chamber 8 is separated from the two compartments 6a, 6b formed by the first chamber 6 and is positioned above the second compartment 6b.

As Figures 3 and 4 show, the second chamber 8 comprises walls 8a, 8b which give onto the second compartment 6b so that it is partly immersed in the first fluids 1 (the reason for this is explained in detail below).

The third chamber 9 allows the mixing and outfeed of the treated fluids Ia, 2a, that is to say, the fluids which have been purified of the heavy components as regards the blackwater, and of the greasy and oily components as regards the greywater.

This third chamber 9 is positioned, centrally in the container 5, between the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 8 and is connected to them by respective openings 9a, 9b leading into the third chamber 9 at different points.

The third chamber 9 also has a single opening 9c for drainage to the outside of the container 5, connected to a single pipe 10 for connection to the main drain 11 for fluids or wastewater.

In more detail, the first chamber 6 comprises a first filtering pipe 13 for outfeed of the treated first fluids 1 towards the third chamber 9, located in the second compartment 6b and fixed to a wall of the third chamber 9.

The first pipe 13 comprises an inlet 13a at a height H13, relative to the bottom 5a of the container 5, which is above the height H7 of the opening 7 of the first compartment 6a.

That arrangement prevents contact between the first pipe 13 and the downflow from the first compartment 6a, allowing only treated fluid to enter the first pipe.

As Figure 3 clearly shows, the bottom wall 6f of the first compartment 6a is angled towards the bottom 5a of the container 5, forming a hopper for drainage of the first fluids 1, that is to say, the heaviest components, towards the opening 7 (see arrow F7 in Figure 3).

Figures 3 and 4 show how the second chamber 8 may have first holes 12 for the passage of vapours in at least one of its walls 8a and at least at a height H12 above the maximum level Hl which can be reached by the two fluids present in the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 8: the heights again being relative to the bottom 5a of the container 5.

Similarly, there may also be a set of second holes 12a in an inner wall 6g of the first compartment 6a located opposite the second chamber 8. Again, the second holes 12a must be at least at the above-mentioned the height H12.

As indicated, the presence of the first and second holes 12 and 12a allows the passage of hot vapours emitted by the greywater, which usually reaches the second chamber 8 at temperatures above ambient temperature (the fluids arrive from the drains of household electrical appliances, sinks or showers). That measure, together with the passage of heat by radiation or conduction through the walls 8a and 8b of the second chamber 8 in the presence of the hot fluids 2, also allows an increase in the temperature in the first chamber 6, obviously more particularly in the second compartment 6b, but combined with the vapours also directed into the first compartment 6a, the temperature in the first chamber 6 tends to increase more rapidly and evenly.

The second compartment 6b receives the heaviest organic components of the blackwater which accumulate on the bottom 5a and are subjected to an anaerobic fermentation process (which is possible thanks to the action of bacteria present in the waste).

This fermentation allows the organic components to be transformed into products such as water, carbon dioxide and methane or biogas.

Therefore, the heat from the second chamber 8 and its vapours allow the temperature in the two compartments 6a and 6b to be increased, thus speeding up the process for fermentation of the organic components. This is because the increase in temperature promotes the growth of the bacteria present on the bottom 5a.

In addition, the second chamber 8 comprises a second filtering pipe 14 for outfeed of the second fluids 2 towards the third chamber 9, the second pipe 14 being integral with a wall of the second chamber 8 adjacent to the third chamber 9.

In particular, the second pipe 14 has its inlet 14a for the second fluids 2 located close to the bottom of the second chamber 8. This allows treated liquid fluids to be sent on, whilst the greasy, oily substances and scum accumulate on the upper part of the chamber 8, floating until they are diluted to the extent that they can gradually flow out without damaging the drains.

The third chamber 9 is substantially positioned at the centre of the container 5 and its opening 9c for outfeed of the treated and mixed fluids Ia, 2a is in one of its sides and at a height H9c, relative to the bottom 5a of the container 5, such that it maintains the maximum level L9 which can be reached by the treated and mixed fluids Ia, 2a in the third chamber 9 below the maximum level Hl which can be reached by the two fluids 1, 2 in the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 8.

Obviously, the level L9 of the treated and mixed fluids Ia, 2a is defined by the position of the drainage opening 9c in the third chamber 9. This construction feature allows any possibility of contact between the greywater and the blackwater to be avoided during their treatment processes in the respective chambers. Therefore, the third chamber 9 is another decanting tank for the incoming treated fluids 1 and 2 and comprises a third pipe 21 with its inlet 21a located close to the bottom of the third chamber 9 so as to separate and/or stop any floating substances still present in the incoming fluids before releasing the mixed fluids Ia, 2a into the opening 9c.

The depth S9 of the third chamber 9, relative to the upper end 5b or top of the container 5, is the same as the depth S8 of the second chamber 8. In this way, the zone of the second compartment 9b is maintained with an ample and constant volume for digestion of the organic components.

Figure 4 shows how in one surface of the container 5 there is an opening 15 or outlet to the outside for biogas, located at the second compartment 6b and at a height Hl 5 above the maximum level Ll which can be reached by the first fluids 1 and relative to the bottom 5 a of the container 5.

Finally, the plant 1, as seen in Figures 5 and 6, comprises a single lid 16 for closing the container 5, with at least two inspection holes 17, 18 in it, for the first chamber 6 and the second chamber 8.

These holes 17 and 18 are fitted with respective closing plugs 19 and 20.

These inspection holes 17 and 18 may be delimited (see also Figure 6) by open collars or forms 30 projecting above the level of the lid 16.

The collars 30, which have a quadrangular shape in the drawing (by way of example only) allow the inspection holes to be protected while casting the concrete which will cover the plant and allow it to be walked on. The presence of these collars 30 avoids the usually temporary erection of walls for separating the inspection holes, by the installers, using a set of metal, wood or PVC plates which can subsequently be removed, but which if they remain in place may yield as time passes, making it more difficult to inspect the area where the holes are located.

Therefore, the plant 1 described operates as follows.

The first fluids 1 or blackwater are released from the respective household drain into the first chamber 6 (arrow Fl); the heaviest component pass through the first compartment 6a and, due to gravity, fall into the second compartment 6b for the "digestion" treatment (arrow F7), whilst the fluids partly separated or treated begin flowing into the first pipe and enter the third chamber 9 for mixing - decanting (see arrow FIa).

The second fluids 2 or greywater are in turn released from the respective household drain into the second chamber 8 (see arrow F2) where the oily, greasy and scummy substances are separated out, the latter remaining floating in the upper part of the second chamber 8, whilst the treated fluid begins, from the bottom, to flow into the second pipe and enter the third chamber 9 (see arrow F2a) where it mixes with the fluids arriving from the first chamber 6.

At this point, the mixed fluids Ia and 2a begin to flow into the third pipe and go out through the opening 9c, flowing into the main drain (arrow FlO).

Therefore, a fluid treatment plant structured in this way fulfils the preset aims thanks to the presence of a single container which, thanks to the presence of the three chambers, allows the treatment of two types of fluids without any hazardous mixing.

The presence of a single container for both fluids allows a reduction of installation times and costs (partly thanks to the fact that fewer accessory components are needed), and also of the overall dimensions of the purification tank close to homes.

The possibility of using the heat from the greywater entering the second chamber also allows the fermentation of the organic components of the blackwater to be improved and speeded up, thus reducing treatment times.

Joining together the treatment chambers also significantly facilitates the methods and times for inspection and cleaning of the chambers.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application and may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. A fluid treatment plant, in particular for fluids (1, 2) from household drains (3, 4), characterised in that it comprises a single element or container (5), which can be buried, divided into at least:

- a first chamber (6) divided into a first compartment (6a) for receiving first fluids (1) or blackwater, having a bottom opening (7) allowing heavy components to fall into a second, treatment compartment (6b) formed by the bottom zone of the container (5);

- a second chamber (8) for receiving and treating second fluids (2) or greywater, the second chamber being separated from the two compartments (6a, 6b) of the first chamber (6), and being positioned above the second compartment (6b), the second chamber (8) comprising walls (8a, 8b) which give onto the second compartment (6b) so that it is partly immersed in the first fluids (1);

- a third chamber (9) for mixing and outfeed of the treated fluids (Ia, 2a), positioned between the first chamber (6) and the second chamber (8) and connected to them by respective openings (9a, 9b) leading into the third chamber (9) at different points; the third chamber (9) having a single opening (9c) for drainage to the outside of the container (5) connected to a single fluid drainage pipe (10).

2. The plant according to claim 1, characterised in that at least the second chamber (8) has a plurality of first holes (12) for the passage of vapours in at least one of its walls (8a) and at a height (H12) above the maximum level (Hl) which can be reached by the two fluids present in the first chamber (6) and the second chamber (8), the height being relative to the bottom (5a) of the container (5).

3. The plant according to claim 1, characterised in that the first compartment (6a) in one of its inner walls (6g) opposite the second chamber (8), has a plurality of second through holes (12a) made at a height (H12) above the maximum level (Hl) which can be reached by the two fluids present in the first chamber (6) and the second chamber (8), the height being relative to the bottom (5a) of the container (5), thereby allowing vapours leaving the second chamber (8) to flow together towards the first chamber (6).

4. The plant according to claim 1, characterised in that the third chamber (9) has the opening (9c) for outfeed of the treated and mixed fluids (Ia, 2a) in one of its sides and at a height (H9c), relative to the bottom (5a) of the container (5), such that it maintains the maximum level (L9) which can be reached by the treated and mixed fluids (Ia, 2a) in the third chamber (9) below the maximum level (Hl) which can be reached by the two fluids (1, 2) in the first chamber (6) and the second chamber (8); the level (L9) of the treated and mixed fluids (Ia, 2a) being defined by the position of the drainage opening (9c) in the third chamber (9).

5. The plant according to claim 1, characterised in that the first chamber (6) comprises a first filtering pipe (13) for outfeed of the first fluids (1) towards the third chamber (9) located in the second compartment (6b) and fixed to a wall of the third chamber (9); the first pipe (13) comprising an inlet (13a) at a height (H13), relative to the bottom (5a) of the container (5), above the height (H7) of the opening (7) of the first compartment (6a).

6. The plant according to claim 1, characterised in that the second chamber (8) comprises a second filtering pipe (14) for outfeed of the second fluids (2) towards the third chamber (9) and integral with a wall of the second chamber (8) adjacent to the third chamber (9); the second pipe (14) having its inlet (14a) for the second fluids (2) located close to the bottom of the second chamber (8).

7. The plant according to claim 1, characterised in that the first compartment (6a) has its bottom wall (6f) angled towards the bottom (5a) of the container (5), forming a hopper for drainage of the first fluids (1), that is to say, the heaviest components, towards the opening (7).

8. The plant according to claim 1, characterised in that depth (S9) of the third chamber (9), relative to the upper end (5b) or top of the container (5), is the same as the depth (S 8) of the second chamber (8).

9. The plant according to claim 1, characterised in that the third chamber (9) comprises a third pipe (21) with its inlet (21a) located close to the bottom of the third chamber (9), for separating and/or stopping floating substances still present in the fluids in arrival.

10. The plant according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a single lid (16) for closing the container (5), with at least two inspection holes (17, 18) in it for the first chamber (6) and the second chamber (8); the holes (17, 18) being fitted with respective closing plugs (19, 20) and each being delimited at the outer perimeter by open collars or forms (30) projecting vertically from the level of the lid (16).