WO2016028719A1

WO2016028719A1 - Method and apparatus for treating water in a watercourse

Info

Publication number: WO2016028719A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/045589
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henry Obermeyer; Grant Quinn Baker
Original assignee: Henry Obermeyer
Priority date: 2014-08-17
Filing date: 2015-08-17
Publication date: 2016-02-25

Abstract

Means of treating wastewater within a watercourse are disclosed. Adjustable weirs are used to aid aeration and solids separation. Activated sludge recirculation as well as artificial wetlands may also be incorporated.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING WATER IN A WATERCOURSE

Technical Field

This invention relates to the treatment of waste water as it enters a watercourse and to the treatment of polluted water already in a watercourse.

Background Art

Conventional waste water treatment plants are generally located outside of the river channel in order to prevent flood damage to the plant and to minimize unplanned releases of untreated wastewater. Land adjacent to rivers in urban areas is generally expensive. Much of the world lacks modern wastewater treatment, and in many regions, lacks any wastewater treatment whatsoever. Reduction of cost, including the cost of land, could bring wastewater treatment to a larger fraction of the world's population. Conventional wastewater treatment plants consume considerable energy for pumping, air compression, and solids conveyance.

Summary of the invention

This invention relates to the coordinated use of bottom hinged water control gates in a watercourse to effect the improvement in water quality. Bottom hinged gates are preferred because they aerate the passing water, retain sludge except during flood events, and may be installed inexpensively over unlimited spans. The improvement in water quality may be accomplished with successive stages of skimming, flocculation, settling, aeration, and exposure to biological media, for example. Depending on climatic conditions, a (separate from the watercourse) activated sludge digester may also be provided adjacent the open watercourse.

The advantages of the invention are several fold and include:

1 ) The system may be readily constructed with minimal or even zero use of non- flood plain real estate. 2) The system is inherently located below the surrounding terrain thus minimizing the capital expense and energy use of lift stations.

3) The associated stored water provides a desirable appearance and covers

portions of the water treatment structures.

4) The covering deck may be used as a roadway or as a pedestrian walkway. 5) The overall capital cost is less than that for conventional wastewater facilities.

This may allow earlier and more widespread treatment of polluted waterways.

6) The associated impoundments may provide habitat for fish and waterfowl.

7) The use of adjustable weirs to proportion and evenly distribute air, flocculants, microorganisms and the like is inherently efficient from both a capital cost standpoint and from an energy consumption standpoint. Specifically, uniform distribution may be accomplished without any special mixing process or equipment. Aeration may be enhanced by causing the water to fall over successive gates, preferably into water deep enough to maximize air contact time. Water depth may be enhanced by close spacing of relatively high gates or by the incorporation of plunge pools downstream of each gate system. It should be noted that the aeration effects are substantially better with pneumatically operated steel gates than with inflatable dams.

Aeration may be enhanced by shaping of the gate crest with serrations, for example, in order to better distribute low flows across the full span of a gate system even in the presence of manufacturing and construction tolerances that would otherwise result in unevenly distributed flows.

Removal of both naturally occurring sediments and sludge may be by a combination of naturally occurring flood events, artificially controlled flood events, dredging, or periodic dewatering and excavation, for example. This application incorporates by reference all issued patents and published patent application of H. Obermeyer. It also incorporates by reference general descriptions of wastewater treatment and any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed in the Information Disclosure Statement by Applicant filed herewith or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant. The methods and apparatus described herein are generally applicable to the treatment of raw water for subsequent distribution and use, as well as to the treatment of wastewater for discharge into downstream waterways. In many instances these two purposes are indistinguishable because wastewater discharge may immediately become raw water at an intake immediately downstream. The term "wastewater" as used herein should be broadly construed to include raw water required for use.

It is an object of this invention to provide lost cost wastewater treatment in combination with riverfront improvement. Such improvement includes the provision of large water surfaces that fill the river channel even during drier seasons. Maintaining the water surface elevation near street and pedestrian level provides maximum aesthetic value. Clean water is more desirable than polluted water. There is a synergy, being one object of this invention, between controlling the water flow rate and elevation in accordance with aesthetic objectives, and maintaining clean water. The water storage provided by control of the river helps assure that the minimum required dilution flows are available when needed. The temporary sediment storage provided by the river control structures allows sediment to be seasonally transported downstream by flood water. Flocculants such as alum (aluminum sulfate) may be added to the river as a whole or to wastewater streams entering the river. The use of a water control structure such as pneumatically operated bottom hinged water control gates, air filled rubber dams or water filled rubber dams, for example, provides a uniform flow rate over the width of the control structure. This may be combined with uniform dispersal (through a series of metering nozzles, for example) to provide uniform and economical dosing of the water stream to be treated. Metering nozzles may be protected from flood borne debris damage by placing them within the foundation of the water control structure, preferably within the clamping system for the water control gates or rubber dam.

In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, a river control structure

downstream of the sediment storage zone may be provided and operated so as to cause the river to leave its banks under high flow conditions and thus cause the erstwhile stored sediment to be usefully deposited on farmland or forested areas, for example.

In accordance with one aspect of this invention, aeration is provided in conjunction with a pneumatic spillway gate. In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, aeration pipes are located under the gate system clamps.

It is an object of this invention to use less energy than a conventional wastewater treatment plant. This is accomplished in part by placement at river level to reduce or eliminate the need for lift stations. The use of natural drops to accomplish aeration and settling also reduces energy requirements.

In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, a treatment plant is located parallel to and adjacent to a watercourse. In accordance with a further aspect of this invention a water siphon air compressor is used to generate compressed air for water treatment.

In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, a series of process chambers are provided within a continuous conduit structure, at least two of which are separated by pneumatically operated bottom hinged gates. The continuous conduit structure may be partially or completely covered. The treatment conduit may be straight or it may follow the natural curvature of the watercourse. The treatment conduit may be comprised of a single channel or of several, depending on the process configuration and volume of wastewater to be processed. The cover for the conduit structure, if provided, may serve as a pedestrian walkway, public riverfront area, or roadway, for example.

In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, the head difference provided by a water control gate may be used to propel water through a series of treatment chambers while allowing it to exit at a lower elevation beneath such a water control gate.

In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, a pumping system may be provided so as to return micro-organisms to upper stages of a treatment scheme constructed in accordance with the present invention.

In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, a wastewater treatment system is provided consisting of a collection conduit for untreated wastewater, a pipe chase for recirculating flows, chemical delivery, compressed air conveyance, etc., and at least one treatment conduit for processes such as flocculation, settling, aeration, nitrification, denitrification, H2S removal, chlorination, etc.

The uniform water depth and velocity across the tops of the gates (inherently provided by bottom hinged gates with inflatable actuators) provides efficient and uniform introduction of air, chemicals and microorganisms. Recirculation of microorganisms from further downstream in the process mimics a conventional (aerobic) activated sludge wastewater treatment facility. In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, said wastewater treatment system is located immediately adjacent to a river or other open channel watercourse. In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, said wastewater treatment system is covered by a deck suitable for use as a pedestrian walkway, park area, street, or other high value public use. Portions of the wastewater treatment process, such as an anaerobic digester, if used, should be covered in order to contain and capture offensive odors such as from hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans. Captured gases may be directed to filters, regenerative thermal oxidizers, or cogeneration equipment.

In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, provision may be made to divert river flows through the treatment process conduit, thus allowing solids to be flushed out of the treatment process conduit(s).

In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, bottom hinged gates, rubber dams, or the like, may be used to flood high surface area features on which microbes and or aquatic plants adhere. Such high surface are features may be suspended into the water from above, supported from beneath, suspended from shore, or attached to floating structures, for example.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, high surface are media for attachment of biologic organisms may be attached to the gate panels of the subject invention.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, serrated gate panels may be provided in conjunction with one or more water control gates.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, gate position sensors, such as tilt sensors may be used to determine the crest elevation and discharge of a serrated overtopped water control gate. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the serrations may have a nonlinear relationship between notch width and notch depth such that even very small flows may be accurately controlled by measurement of gate angle and headwater elevation.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, provision may be made for removal of sludge from the bottom of settling basins provided in conjunction with the present invention. Such removal may be by conveyor belt, hydraulic transport, or dredging, for example.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, one or more skimmers may be provided to remove floating grease, for example, from the surface of the water. Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 a (plan view) and Fig. 1 b (sectional elevation view) show a series of bottom hinged gates arranged as elements of a water treatment system. Figure 2 shows a water course in conjunction with waste water treatment features.

Figure 3 shows a water control gate with a pipe for distribution of air for example and a plunge pool for augmented aeration. Figure 4a and 4b show a wastewater treatment facility aligned parallel to a watercourse and covered by a street-level deck.

Figure 5 shows buoyant media controlled with bottom hinged siphon gate. Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c show the differences between bottom hinged gates with straight and serrated discharge edges. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Referring to Figures 1 a and 1 b, an exemplary water treatment system in accordance with the present invention is shown. At gate systems 1 , 2, 3, and 4 air and any desired chemicals or biologic organisms may be introduced uniformly across the width of the gate. Plunge pools 12, 13, and 14 are preferably provided downstream of each gate that is normally overtopped in order to maximize air and oxygen contact time. Nozzles for the introduction of air, chemicals, or biological organisms may be introduced through pipes located under the gate clamping systems 15 16, 17, and 18, for example.

Wetlands, or other biological media, 19 may be arranged such that normal flows 20 may be diverted through them while flood flows, which might damage them, may be directed instead through gate system 3. Island 22 directs flow to far reaches of biological treatment loop 23 which incorporates biological treatment media 19. It should be noted that the effectiveness of biological treatment media in open channels is subject to climate and season of the year. Cold climate installations may require greenhouse type coverings, the use of thermal plant waste heat, or alternative subsystems for

denitrification. Incoming raw sewage pipes 5 preferably discharge into collection channels 6 and 7 which in turn discharge into pre-treatment channels 8 and 9. The pretreatment channels may be used, for example, to settle a portion of the solids, to screen large debris, to skim grease and oils, and to introduce flocculants. The pre-treated sewage may be mixed with aerated water at points 10 and 1 1 , for example. Pumps 31 and 34 return microorganisms to the upstream end of the system.

Referring now to Figure 2, a system for treatment of water in a watercourse is shown wherein upstream reservoir 24 is used to store water for low flow periods and also for the purpose of flushing sludge from the intermediate impoundments 25, 26, and 27. Gate 28 in conjunction with dam 29 create an upstream floodplain 30 for dispersion of sludge onto adjoining farmland. Note that the sludge could also be washed up onto vacant land for the purpose of drying it for use or disposal elsewhere. Referring to Figure 3, a cross section of a pneumatically operated gate is shown. Gate panel 38 is actuated by (air or water) inflated bladder 39. Inflation is through hose 45. Bladder 39 rests on spillway 40 and is held in place by clamps 41 which also protect pipe 43 from debris or bedload damage. Pipe 43 may be used to introduce air, concentrated oxygen, ozone, microorganisms, flocculants or other process reactants. Plunge pool 46 serves to maximize contact time of air bubbles 50 with tailwater 47.

Referring to Figure 4, a wastewater treatment plant is shown that is advantageously located below street level where one side is hidden from view by ground or

subterranean infrastructure, while the other side is hidden from view by water retained behind one or more gate systems. The plant may consist, for example, of a raw sewage collection channel, a pipe chase, and a series of process chambers. The adjacent stored water serves to meet peak dilution water demand, while the associated gate system serves to oxygenate the treated water and also serve to settle any naturally occurring solids or residual solids introduced in conjunction with the wastewater treatment process.

In conjunction with Figure 5, buoyant, semisubmersible media may be used to allow handling of the media by pumping or pneumatic transport, for example, in the confines of the elongated sequence of relatively inaccessible process chambers.

Referring to Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, gate panel discharge edges are shown. Figure 6c illustrates a conventional straight edge. Figure 6b illustrates a serrated edge in accordance with the present invention. Figure 6a illustrates the difference in behavior between the 2 different types of gate panels. The serrated panel 35 provides a higher value of dH/dQ than does the conventional gate panel 36 with a straight discharge edge. This application incorporates by reference all issued patents and published patent applications and other non-patent literature documents listed below. It also incorporates by reference general descriptions of wastewater treatment and any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed below are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant.

US Patents

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As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the invention and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims which are included in this patent application.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is.

1 . A combination of gate systems utilized for the treatment of water in a

watercourse, wherein at least one gate system aerates the water by means of overtopping flows and wherein at least one gate system provides sufficiently low velocities to allow sludge to settle and become immobile.

2. A bottom hinged gate panel with a serrated edge actuated in conjunction with means for measuring upstream level and gate panel angular position.

3. An open channel activated sludge water treatment system including at least on adjustable bottom hinged water control gate.

4. A waste water treatment system configured as an abutment to an open water course and also configured to serve as a public walkway or roadway.

5. A wastewater treatment system wherein at least one open channel water control gate is closed to divert wastewater through an effective wetland while allowing flood flows to pass directly through.

6. A system for oxygenating water including a bottom hinged water control gate in conjunction with a plunge pool with a depth in excess of 20% of the gate height.

7. A water treatment system including at least one adjustable weir along which microorganism may be uniformly reintroduced.

8. A water treatment system including at least one adjustable weir along which air may be uniformly introduced.

9. A water treatment system including at least one adjustable weir along which one or more water treatment chemicals may be introduced.