WO2013009231A1

WO2013009231A1 - Water treatment system

Info

Publication number: WO2013009231A1
Application number: PCT/SE2012/000107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Göran NORDIN
Original assignee: Järven Plast & Smide AB
Priority date: 2011-07-12
Filing date: 2012-07-09
Publication date: 2013-01-17
Also published as: SE536438C2; SE1100528A1

Abstract

System (1) for the treatment of water including at least one first subsystem (2) for coarse separation of impurities from the water, at least one second subsystems (3) for the addition of precipitation chemicals to the water and at least one third subsystem (4) for biological treatment of the water and sedimentation (4) from the water. Unique to the present system is that the input of precipitation chemicals in the second subsystem takes place in a multitubular reactor (6) with at least one tubular coil (12) with at least one curved leg that is U-shaped, and that the first subsystem (2) and the second subsystem (3) fully or partially are enclosed or essentially enclosed in transportable units or modules.

Description

Water Treatment System

Field of the Invention

The present patent application relates to a system for the treatment (purifying) of water in accordance with the claims.

Background of the Invention and Prior Art

In the industrially developed countries, as in most countries in Europe, measures such as laws and regulations have resulted in that the proportion of contaminated water, relative to the amount of treated water, released into lakes, oceans and other watercourses has decreased to a substantial degree. In spite of the mentioned measures, polluted water is discharged untreated, or inadequately treated, into watercourses such as rivers, lakes, oceans and the like in all too great an extent. Especially in developing countries and newly industrialized nations there is still today a great need to reduce the amount (volume) of polluted water discharged into watercourses.

One problem with current water treatment facilities is that they usually consist of large permanent water treatment plants that are expensive to construct. The cost of constructing known types of treatment plants has resulted in that treatment of polluted water was previously only on a limited scale carried out in developing countries, which in turn resulted in significant environmental degradation. With increasing population growth and

industrialization, the problems of pollution in watercourses will increase further. It is therefore clear that there is a need to create water treatment facilities that in a cost effective manner may be constructed and used to treat (purify) contaminated water.

Existing treatment plants are also problematic because they usually require a relatively large geographical area. The fact that known types of water treatment plants take up large areas means in turn that it can be difficult and expensive to construct them in densely populated parts of the world. Available geographical surfaces may also for example be divided into smaller sub-areas which prevent the construction of existing types of water treatment plants.

A further problem with existing systems for treating water is that they may only with difficulty be moved from one location to another. During a temporary need for water treatment, there arises a problem with relocation to the place where water treatment is needed. If a treatment plant needs to be moved from one first place to second place, this is often not possible to perform. Current available transportable water treatment systems are either limited to essentially small volumes of water or represent only a sub-process in the overall water treatment process.

A further problem exists in transporting components from a manufacturer to the place where they are to be used. Poor roads and other inadequate infrastructure in many developing countries make it necessary for treatment plants that can fit into standard transportation systems to more easily be moved to where the plant is to be built. It is also important that the system be as assembled as possible in order to minimize the risk of incorrect construction.

A further problem with existing systems is that they are energy intensive. Especially in developing countries, access to energy, or the cost of energy, may be a problem. An example of an energy consuming step in existing types of treatment plants is that they usually require some form of agitator or mixing equipment for mixing the chemical additives as required with the water that is to be treated. A more cost effective (more energy efficient and more reliable) way to mix and dissolve these chemicals in water is preferred. There is therefore a need for a water treatment device and procedure (method) that requires relatively little input of energy to treat water.

A method and a device for screening off a limited area of water in oceans, lakes, small rivers, major rivers and dams is known through patent SE504911. The technique described in SE504911 represents only one component of treatment and does not constitute a transportable system for the treatment of water in accordance with the present patent application.

Brief Description of the Concept of the Invention

The main purpose of the present invention is to create a system for treating water which is cost effective to build and use. Another purpose of the present system is to create a system for treatment of water that can be transported to the user in standardized enclosed units such as containers. A further purpose of the present invention is to create a system that can be easily moved from one location to another location. A still further purpose of the present patent application is to create a system for treating water that uses geographic area in an effective manner, that is to say that it does not require much space. A yet still further purpose of the present invention is to create a system in which the mixture of precipitation chemicals and the polluted water can be done effectively without extra mixing equipment. It is a further purpose of the present water treatment system to create a system which requires as little energy as possible to achieve a proper function. Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will occur. These are briefly described in the following figure list. The exemplifying embodiments shown in the figures are not limiting for the scope of protection of the present patent application. Note that the figures are schematic and details may thus be omitted in these.

Fig. 1 shows a system in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows the chemical-adding second stage.

Fig. 3 shows the chemical-adding second stage in a second view as seen from above.

Fig. 4 shows the chemical -adding stage in a third view as seen from the short side. Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the figures is shown a system 1 for treatment of water in accordance with the present patent application. The system 1 includes at least three subsystems. In the first subsystem (stage) 2, a basic separation of large (coarse) contaminants and the like occurs. In the second subsystem (stage) 3, an addition of precipitation chemicals and similar to the water that is to be treated occurs. In the third subsystem (stage) 4, a sedimentation of the pollutants in the water that is to be treated occurs. A biological purification of the water may also occur in this stage 4.

The contaminated water is led to the first subsystem 2 in a, for the purpose, adequate manner. For example, the contaminated water may be led to the water treatment plant via at least one pipeline, hose (tubing) or similar. In the system's first stage 2, a basic screening of pollutants (not shown in the figures) from the water occurs.

The first stage 2 may be divided into two or more sub-steps. In the first stage 2, a physical separation (screening) of large (coarse) contaminants (not shown in the figures) and the like from the water occurs. This screening of contaminants (impurities, pollutants) occurs preferably by means of at least one grate, net (mesh), sieve or similar. With coarse (large) contaminants is meant pollutants which are physically separable with the aid of a grate, net (mesh), sieve or similar device. The separation of the coarse impurities from the contaminated water may occur in one or more stages. If several stages are used, separation may for example occur via two or more grates, nets (mesh), sieves or similar. When using several grates, or similar, the grates, or similar, have preferably different mesh sizes or the like. The water is first put through the coarsest mesh size after which the water is put through any finer mesh sizes. After the impurities are separated from the contaminated water with grates (sieves), or similar, the large contaminants are moved to one or more vessels (containers) or the like. In order to reduce the volume and weight of the coarse contaminants, a dewatering and compaction of the separated coarse impurities preferably occurs. The separated impurities after any dewatering and compaction are then for example moved via a screw conveyor or similar to at least one vessel (container), sack (bag) or any other suitable for the purpose similar collection space or place. The vessel (container), sack (bag) or the like may be suitably placed in the container or in a separate additional container or the like at the side of the first container. As the volume of the separated contaminants increases to a certain level, the separated impurities are then moved to another, for the purpose, suitable location.

In its simplest form the first subsystem 2, by which a basic separation of impurities from the water takes place, is enclosed or substantially enclosed, in at least one first transportable unit such as a first container. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that this stage is performed in a variety of transportable units, such as in a number of containers. The transportable unit in the shown embodiment consists of a standard container such as a 20 or 40 foot ISO container or the like. The use of a standard container as the unit of transport enables the system's included subsystems to be easily moved from one location to another.

The first subsystem 2 after the coarse contaminant separation then leads the partially treated water to the second subsystem 3 via at least one pipe, tube (hose), channel or similar. The transfer of water from the first subsystem to the second subsystem may preferably occur by gravity. Water pressure is achieved by the first subsystem 2 being positioned at a higher level than the second subsystem 3. Alternatively, the transfer of water (fluid) from the first subsystem to the second stage may be accomplished by pumping or by another for the purpose of suitable technology. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the movement of water (liquid) is accomplished by a combination of gravity and pumping.

The second stage 3 consists of a step for input of precipitation chemicals and similar to the water. Stage 3 may be divided into two or more sub-steps. The second subsystem 3 is preferably enclosed or essentially enclosed in at least one transportable unit such as a standard container or other container suitable for the purpose. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the transportable unit consists of another for the purpose suitable transport unit. In the second subsystem 3, the addition of a precipitation chemical, precipitation chemicals and similar to the water from at least one vessel (container) 5 occurs. In the exemplifying embodiment shown in the figures, the input of precipitation chemicals from at least one first vessel 5 and at least one second vessel 5 occurs. If only one vessel is used, load distribution in the container may become unfavorable and cause problems, for example during movement of the container. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the problem of weight distribution has been solved by using two vessels 5 for precipitation chemicals. The corresponding technical effect for even weight distribution may also be achieved if more than two vessels 5 are used, provided that these are positioned in the container so that an even weight distribution is obtained.

Unique to the present system is that the mixing of precipitation chemicals occurs in at least one multitubular reactor 6 in which chemicals are added to the water in the multitubular reactor 6 using at least one dosage pump 7 (or added by other means) which is controlled by at least one control system 8. The inflow of the contaminated water (liquid) to the

multitubular reactor 6 occurs via at least one inlet 9 which is connected to the first subsystem 2 via at least one pipe, tube (hose), channel or similar. The outflow of fluid (water) from the multitubular reactor occurs via at least one outlet 10 which connects to the third stage 4.

The system 1 further includes at least one flow meter 11 with which the flow in the multitubular reactor may be measured. The amount of precipitation chemicals is controlled by the measured flow. The precipitation chemicals may consist of aluminum sulfate (ALG), ferric aluminum sulfate (AVR), polyaluminum chloride (PAX) or other suitable for the purpose precipitation chemical or precipitation chemicals. The amount of added precipitation chemical or precipitation chemicals in the water may vary within the scope of protection of the present patent application. For example, the content of ferrous aluminum sulfate may amount to about 250 grams per cubic meter. Even other parameters may be measured and used as input information for the control system and regulation of the amount of precipitation chemicals added. The control system's design may vary within the scope of the present patent application.

The multitubular reactor 6 consists of at least one first tube (pipe), which is drawn in one or more coils (loops) 12. In the exemplifying embodiment shown in the figures the multitubular reactor 6 includes several coils 12 of tube. Even if the number of coils in the shown figure is four, the number of coils may vary greatly within the scope of the present patent application. Each tubular coil (coil of piping) 12, has preferably at least one leg, preferably several legs, with at least one form, preferably several forms that are suitable for the purpose of mixing water (liquid) and precipitation chemicals. Each tubular coil 12, has for example, at least one leg, preferably several legs, which are essentially bent or have another suitable curved shape such as a U-shape, which has been shown to have unexpected and favorable technical effects. One effect of the tubular coils 12 with curved legs consist for example in that the added chemicals are mixed adequately with the water without the need for additional mixing equipment. This streamlines the entire system 1, thanks to the fact that energy is saved when no extra energy consuming mixing equipment is required, and at the same time reliability is improved because fewer moving mechanical parts are needed to provide a proper mixing of the chemicals with the water. The multitubular reactor's 6 design results in an effective mixing of water and various precipitation chemical in the multitubular reactor in an energy- saving and reliable manner. In alternative embodiments, however, the coils (loops) may have a different for the purpose suitable form.

In the exemplifying embodiment, the multitubular reactor 6 is located in the bottom section of the container, such as on the container's bottom. The multitubular reactor's coils are in the shown embodiment essentially horizontal (parallel in relation to the bottom of the container). In alternative embodiments, however, the tubular coils may be placed in other for the purpose suitable positions in the container. Furthermore, the tubular coils direction may deviate from the essentially horizontal direction.

After the second stage 3 a transfer of water from the second stage 3 to the third stage 4 via at least one pipe, tube (hose), channel or similar occurs. The transfer of water from the second stage 3 to the third stage 4 may be accomplished by gravity by the second stage 3 being positioned at a higher level than the third stage 4. Alternatively, the movement of fluid from the second stage to the third stage may be accomplished by pumping or by another for the purpose suitable technology. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the movement of water (liquid) is accomplished by a combination of gravity and pumping. In further alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable that another for the purpose suitable technology is used.

The third stage 4 is comprised of a phase for biological treatment (purification) and sedimentation of the water. This step of biological treatment is preferably accomplished in a screened-off (partitioned) water area in oceans, lakes, small rivers, major rivers or the like. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the phase of biological treatment and sedimentation occurs in a dam built on land adjacent to a stream. It is conceivable that a system in accordance with patent SE504911 is used for a partitioning of the limited water area. It is also conceivable that the system has a different for the purpose suitable design of partitioning (screening-off) a limited area of water. In the exemplifying, embodiment partitioning of the limited water area is accomplished with at least one or more partitions that are arranged and designed so that they can be placed upright in water with the walls upper edges above water and with the walls lower edges anchored to the lakebed, riverbed, seabed, bottom of the watercourse etc.

In this application the screening-off of a limited area of water is intended for use as a sedimentation dam and is therefore divided into sections by using a number of intermediate walls (partitions). Each partition includes at least one opening through which a flow of water may occur from one section to another section. Preferably the openings in the walls are so placed that they in every other wall are positioned at one end and in every other opening are located at the other end of the wall. This means that the flow of water for example occurs in a serpentine formed channel in the screened-off area of water. In alternative embodiments, the intermediate walls are shorter than the width, or alternatively the length of the sides of the screened-off area. By placing the intermediate walls in a zig - zag manner, a serpentine shaped channel is formed. At the one end of the serpentine shaped channel, an inflow of water via for example at least one tube (pipe) or the like occurs. At the other end of the serpentine shaped channel is found at least one outlet through which water flows out of the serpentine shaped channel to the surrounding water. During its passage through serpentine channel the water is treated from sludge, pollution and heavier particles that gradually settle.

The partitions (walls) are preferably made of some form of flexible and waterproof material. The material of the partitions may for example consist of synthetic rubber, plastics, coated fabric or the like. It is also conceivable that other for the purpose suitable materials are used in the partitions. The partitions include in their upper edges, or in the upper edges' vicinity, at least one and preferably several floats. Floats allow for the walls, at least to some extent, to stick up a little above the water. Furthermore, the partitions (walls) have anchoring bodies against the bottom of the watercourse. These anchoring bodies may consist of sinkers or the like. Sinkers may consist of masses of concrete or other materials suitable for the purpose. In alternative embodiments, the anchoring bodies may consist of another for the purpose suitable anchoring body. In alternative embodiments, the bottom of the watercourse may be completely or partially covered with at least one material layer.

In further alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that each container, or other enclosure, is equipped with solar panels, small wind turbines or the like that can help to ensure the availability of electrical power for operation of the unit (plant, facility).

In the detailed description of the present invention, design details that are obvious to a professional skilled in the field of the method and the device may have been omitted. Such obvious design components and sub-methods are included to the extent necessary so that a proper and full function is achieved for the present method and device.

Even if certain preferred embodiments have been shown in more detail, variations and modifications of the method and the device may become apparent to professionals in the field of the invention. All such modifications and variations must be considered as falling within the scope of the following claims.

Advantages of the Invention

Several advantages are achieved with the present invention. The most obvious is that a cost effective system for treatment of water is achieved. Another advantage of the present invention is that a transportable system for the treatment of contaminated water is obtained. A further advantage of the present invention is that the system for water treatment may be moved in transportable units, such as in standard containers. A still further advantage of the present invention is that the system for water treatment is energy efficient and thus useful in areas with little access to energy, no energy supply or unreliable energy supplies.

Furthermore, the present invention has another advantage thanks to the design of the tubular coils which eliminate the need for expensive mixing equipment for mixing chemicals with water.

Claims

1. System (1 ) for the treatment of contaminated water including at least one first

subsystem (2), in which a coarse separation of impurities in the water occurs, said first subsystem (2) being connected to at least one second subsystem (3), in which the addition of precipitation chemicals to the water occurs, said second subsystem (3) being connected to at least one third subsystem (4), in which biological purification and sedimentation of pollutants in the water occurs characterized by that the first subsystem (2) and the second subsystem (3) are completely or partially enclosed or essentially enclosed in transportable units (modules) which allows for the system to be moved from one location to another.

2. System (1) for the treatment of water in accordance with claim 1 characterized by that the addition of precipitation chemicals to the contaminated water in the second subsystem (3) occurs in at least one multitubular reactor (6), said multitubular reactor (6) including at least one first tubular coil (12), said tubular coil (12) having at least one leg, preferably several legs, with at least one form that is essentially curved or has another bent shape suitable for the purpose of mixing water and precipitation chemicals.

3. System (1) for the treatment of water in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the tubular coils (12) are U-shaped.

4. System (1) for the treatment of water in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the transportable units consist of containers.

5. System (1) for the treatment of water in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the tubular coil (12) has at least one leg with a curved shape that is U-shaped.

6. System (1) for the treatment of water in accordance with claim 5 characterized by that the tubular coil (12) has several legs with a curved shape that is U-shaped.

7. System (1) for the treatment of water in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the coarse separation of pollutants occurs via at least one grate, net, mesh, sieve or similar.

8. System (1) for the treatment of water in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that subsystem for sedimentation occurs in a screened-off water area of a lake, ocean, watercourse or the like whose screened-off area includes at least one intermediate wall.

9. System (1) for the treatment of water in accordance with claim 8 characterized by that the screened-off area of water is separated by at least one partition which in its lower end is connected to the bottom of the watercourse and its other end extends above the surface of the water.