WO2020095144A1

WO2020095144A1 - A device for producing shock waves in liquids agitating and handling semi-liquid waste

Info

Publication number: WO2020095144A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/059221
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rakesh Kasba
Original assignee: Rakesh Kasba
Priority date: 2018-11-05
Filing date: 2019-10-28
Publication date: 2020-05-14

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device for handling of semi-liquid waste. The device includes a hollow cylinder provided with an inlet and outlet to allow inflow and outflow of fluid into and out of the cylinder. The device incorporates a first pipe to allow flow of fluid from a first location such as manholes, septic tank, drainage system, clogged drain, lake, water body bed, storage sump and sewage filling area into the cylinder. The device includes a diverter to allow dredging from the first location to a second location by a second pipe. The diverter further diverts the received fluid to the first location, transmitting shockwaves to enable agitation of fluid in the first location. These shock waves also enable unclogging of blockades inside closed conduit. The second pipe incorporates a nozzle to discharge water at high pressure to clear blockades of clogged drain. The device includes an arrangement of electric motor or motors, electronic and electromechanical control systems, means for data collection and transmission, gear-transmission assembly, crank-shaft, and piston to enable pumping and discharge of fluid semi-liquids, slurry, sludge or fluids with solid particles in suspension.

Description

A DEVICE FOR PRODUCING SHOCK WAVES IN LIQUIDS AGITATING AND

HANDLING SEMI-LIQUID WASTE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a field of agitating and mechanized handling of liquid, semi-liquid, slurry, sludge or removal of bed materials. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for handling of liquid, semi-liquid, slurry, sludge or removal of bed materials using shock wave agitation arrangements for agitation the semi liquid material to keep sediment or other solids in suspension during the process of removal.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Semi-liquid waste generation, its handling and disposal today, is a significant outcome of residential culture and industrial culture of human society. Manifestation of the diversity and complexity of constituents of the semi-liquid or liquid waste, its properties and a measure of its congruence with the natural forces enhances the importance of its proper handling and disposal. The complexities in its management and handling, which can be outcome of widely varied technical, environmental and social aspects around the semi-liquid waste, enhance the importance and there by the attention towards need for serious approach to the problem of semi-liquid waste handling.

[0004] With the rise in the diversity, quantity, toxicity and social concerns of the semi- liquid waste on the one hand along with the rise in the risk involved in handling and recognition of human dignity and life values for its handlers has laid emphasis on the technological intervention. Although technology and robotics have far advanced but we can see humans putting in physical labor and exposing their bodies to the unhealthy environments and toxic waste. Simple machines which can work and provide solutions to this basic need of the society are missing. There is also a need to simplify the machines for Indian context so that the costs are reduced, maintenance is easy, jobs are retained and ownership does not necessarily go to the rich and moneyed hence the overall quality of life, safety and social dignity of the worker is improved. [0005] Hence, rather than complex automation and elimination of human intervention our country with such a large population and scarcity of Hydro-carbon energy has to look towards utilization of Human resource and also save the energy. Simple machines which can utilize the human capabilities of complex control operations will be best suited to meet the demand of inexpensive and easy to operate machines for the vast problem of semi-liquid waste and sludge handling. Many times the solutions and equipment employed by the western world is used as a guide and beacon in the direction. It is not always advisable to‘copy-paste’ the foreign solutions to an Indian context, rather indigenously developed low-cost and easy to maintain solutions will be more aligned to the local needs and possibilities of Indian and such other geographies.

[0006] The liquid and semi-liquid waste handling has been traditionally the dirtiest, most dangerous and least paying of the jobs in a society. Safai-karamchari being the general term for sanitation staff gets more acute with the nomenclature of Manual Scavengers. The problem of handling of sludge and slurry from non-sanitary sources are also equally dangerous, strenuous and dehumanizing.

[0007] Lack of easily available, portable and cost efficient equipment in semi-liquid waste handling or cost-efficient equipment may often bring problems to the sanitation worker, the society and surrounding area thus affecting the natural environment, health and quality of life. These issues are often raised as problems of uncontrolled development of human habitation yet they have still to be managed at sometime or the other during the life cycle of a society. Many have been reported to lack consideration on social, environment and the well being of people involved either directly or indirectly. Health and safety of workers, occupants and neighbours can be affected by delay in sanitation emanating from the lack of machines or the heavy expense involved during the sanitation process. The semi-liquid waste, sludge and slurry needing handling such as found in septic tanks, clogged drains, chocked manholes and other waste producing and conveyance locations.

[0008] There is, therefore, a need to provide a a low-cost, portable, safe, environment friendly as well as fairly advanced semi-liquid waste handling technology based equipment which shall replace the human sanitation workers in the risk, drudgery and indignity of the physical work but retain their need as an intelligent control system to the equipment and the process. OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device for handling semi liquid waste.

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device for handling semi liquid waste handling and sludge removal from manholes, septic tanks, clogged drains, filling sewage inflow areas, collection sumps, lake and water body beds before the incoming suspended sludge hardens and becomes permanent bed of that water body.

[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device for handling semi liquid waste, which can create sufficiently high pressure to be useful in removing blocks in clogged drains.

[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device for handling semi liquid waste, which can extract harmful suspended and settled waste on the beds of lake inflow zones and other water bodies receiving suspended wastes from the surroundings areas along with the water inflow.

[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device for handling semi liquid waste, which is portable, low-cost, safe and environment friendly.

[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device for causing agitation within the semi-liquid waste which can break the limiting viscosity of the sludge.

[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device for causing agitation within the semi-liquid waste or sludge, for forcing the settled particles, into suspension with the liquid to form slurry.

[0017] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device for creating shockwaves, back pressure and water hammer causing agitation within the liquid so as to dislodge any clogging materials in the conduit.

SUMMARY

[0018] The present disclosure relates to a field of mechanized handling of liquid, semi-liquid, slurry, sludge or removal of bed materials. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for causing agitation in the liquid, semi-liquid, slurry, sludge or removal of bed materials using back pressure or shock wave or water hammer agitation arrangements for agitation the semi-liquid material so as to keep sediment and other solids in suspension during the process of removal. [0019] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a device for handling semi liquid waste, the device may comprising; a housing provided with an inlet to facilitate inflow of a fluid into the housing, and an outlet to facilitate outflow of the fluid from the housing, wherein the fluid may comprise any or a combination of a liquid, a semi-liquid waste, and gas; a first conduit irremovably coupled to the inlet and may configured to facilitate flow of the fluid from a first location to the housing; a second conduit fluidically coupled to the outlet of the housing and may configured to facilitate flow of the fluid from the housing to a second location; and a diverter valve operatively coupled to the housing and may be configured to divert the flow of the fluid from the housing to any or a combination of the first conduit and the second conduit, the diverter valve may comprising a handle adapted to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position of the diverter valve may correspond to a dredging position where the diverter valve may facilitate flow of the fluid from the housing to the second location through the second conduit; and wherein the second position of the diverter valve may correspond to a agitation position where the diverter valvemay facilitate flow of the fluid from the housing to the first location through the first conduit, to enable agitation of the fluid present at the first location.

[0020] In an aspect, the second conduit may comprise a hose pipe with a jetting nozzle, and wherein the device may be configured to draw water through the first conduit and discharge the drawn water at a predefined pressure into the second location through the jetting nozzle, when the handle of the diverter valve is positioned at the first position.

[0021] In an aspect, the first location may comprise any or a combination of manholes, septic tank, drainage system, clogged drain, lake, water body bed, storage sump and sewage filling area.

[0022] In an aspect, the device may comprise a first valve configured between the housing and the first conduit to restrict flow of the fluid from the housing to the first conduit when the fluid is flowing from the housing to the second conduit, and wherein the device may comprise a second valve configured between the housing and the second conduit to restrict flow of the fluid from the second conduit to the housing when the fluid is flowing from the first conduit to the housing.

[0023] In an aspect, the first valve, the second valve and the diverter valve may be configured at predetermined angle and predetermined positions to prevent leakage of the fluid

[0024] In an aspect, the device may comprise a piston rod positioned at least partially inside the housing, and a piston coupled to one end of the piston rod and may be configured inside the housing such that the piston may be configured to move linearly inside the housing, and wherein the housing may be a hollow cylinder

[0025] In an aspect, the device may comprise a crank-shaft assembly coupled to another end of the piston rod, and one or more electric motors rotatably coupled to the crank shaft assembly, and wherein the crank shaft assembly may be configured to transfer rotational motion of the one or more electrical motors to the piston rod such that rotational motion of the one or more electric motors may enable reciprocation of the piston inside the hollow cylinder.

[0026] In an aspect, reciprocation of the piston inside the hollow cylinder may enable periodic inflow of the fluid from the first conduit to the housing and periodic outflow of the fluid from the housing to the second conduit after a predetermined interval of time.

[0027] In an aspect, the one or more electrical motors may be a DC motor adapted to provide a desired torque vs speed characteristic based on the viscosity of the fluid and head of discharge, and wherein the one or more electrical motors may be configured to provide a desired speed of flow of the fluid through the device

[0028] In an aspect, the device may comprise a gear and transmission assembly operatively coupled to the one or more electrical motors and the crank-shaft assembly, and wherein the gear and transmission assembly may be configured and controlled mechanically, electronically or both to adjust any or a combination of the reciprocation speed, time interval and power of the piston inside the hollow cylinder to a predefined level based on the quality of fluid and work load.

[0029] In an aspect, the housing may be provided with a common conduit to fluidically couple the inlet and the outlet to the housing

[0030] In an aspect, the device may comprise a set of batteries to supply electrical power to the device, and wherein the device may be configured to receive electrical power from one or more external electrical power sources.

[0031] In an aspect, the device may comprise any or a combination of mechanical actuators, electronic actuators and electro-mechanical actuators operatively coupled to the diverter valve for autonomous and programmed operation of the diverter valve between the first position and the second position for desired agitation of the fluid having settled solids and for handling and transferring of the agitated fluid from the first location to the second location.

[0032] In an aspect, the device may be configured to generate shockwaves in the fluid to dislodge clogging in the blocked sewers and closed conduits present at the first location. [0033] In an aspect, the device may comprise one or more sensors to monitor one or more fluidic attributes of the fluid flowing through the device and generate a corresponding first signal, and wherein the one or more fluidic attributes may be any or a combination of type of fluid, viscosity of fluid, speed of the fluid, and amount of fluid.

[0034] In an aspect, the device may comprise a computing unit operatively coupled to the one or more sensors and may be configured to receive the first set of signals corresponding to the one or more fluid attributes of the fluid from the one or more sensors.

[0035] In an aspect, the device may comprise a communication unit operatively coupled to the computing unit to communicatively couple the device to one or more mobile computing devices, and wherein the device may be configured to transmit any or a combination of the first set of signals corresponding to the one or more fluid attributes of the fluid, and real-time location of the device to the one or more mobile computing devices.

[0036] In an aspect, the communication unit may comprise any or a combination of a

Bluetooth module, a WIFI module, and a transceiver, and wherein the mobile devices may comprise any or combination of a cloud-based server, a smart phone, and a computer.

[0037] In an aspect, the computing unit may be operatively coupled to the electrical motor, the first valve, the second valve, and the diverter valve, and wherein the computing unit is configured to transmit a set of control signals to any or a combination of the electrical motor, the first valve, the second valve, and the diverter valve to facilitate automatic operation of the device.

[0038] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

[0039] Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0041] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0042] FIG. 1A and 1B illustrate exemplary side angular views of the proposed device for handling semi-liquid waste in dredging position and agitation position, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary close up top view of the proposed device for handling semi-liquid waste, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary front angular view of the proposed device for handling semi-liquid waste, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram for fabrication of the proposed device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram to explain working and operation of the proposed device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0048] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. [0049] If the specification states a component or feature“may”,“can”,“could”, or

“might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0050] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of“a,”“an,” and“the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0051] The use of “including”, “comprising” or“having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms“a” and“an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the use of terms “first”,“second”, and“third”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0052] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0053] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

[0054] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0055] It is to be appreciated that, while various embodiments of the present invention disclose upon sanitary application of the device for handing semi-liquid sanitary waste present at location such as manholes, septic tank, drainage system, clogged drain, lake, water body bed, storage sump and sewage filling area, however, the present invention is also equally applicable for handling non-sanitary semi-liquid waste from industries, and are not limited to the likes.

[0056] The present disclosure relates to a field of mechanized handling of liquid, semi-liquid, slurry, sludge or removal of bed materials, more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device for handling of liquid, semi-liquid, slurry, sludge or removal of bed materials using shock wave arrangements for agitating the semi-liquid material to keep sediment or other solids in suspension during the process of removal.

[0057] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a device for handling semi liquid waste, the device including; a housing provided with an inlet to facilitate inflow of a fluid into the housing, and an outlet to facilitate outflow of the fluid from the housing, wherein the fluid can include any or a combination of a liquid, a semi-liquid waste, slurry, sludge, and gas; a first conduit removably coupled to the inlet and can be configured to facilitate flow of the fluid from a first location to the housing; a second conduit fluidically coupled to the outlet of the housing and can configured to facilitate flow of the fluid from the housing to a second location; and a diverter valve operatively coupled to the housing and can be configured to divert the flow of the fluid from the housing to any or a combination of the first conduit and the second conduit, the diverter valve can including a handle adapted to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position of the diverter valve can correspond to a dredging position where the diverter valve can facilitate flow of the fluid from the housing to the second location through the second conduit; and wherein the second position of the diverter valve can correspond to an agitation position where the diverter valve can facilitate flow of the fluid from the housing to the first location through the first conduit, to enable agitation of the fluid, slurry and sludge present at the first location.

[0058] In an embodiment, the second conduit can include a hose pipe with a jetting nozzle, and wherein the device can be configured to draw water through the first conduit and discharge the drawn water at a predefined pressure into the second location through the jetting nozzle, when the handle of the diverter valve is positioned at the first position. [0059] In an embodiment, the first location can include any or a combination of manholes, septic tank, drainage system, clogged drain, lake, water body bed, and sewage filling area.

[0060] In an embodiment, the device can include a first valve configured between the housing and the first conduit to restrict flow of the fluid from the housing to the first conduit when the fluid is flowing from the housing to the second conduit, and wherein the device can include a second valve configured between the housing and the second conduit to restrict flow of the fluid from the second conduit to the housing when the fluid is flowing from the first conduit to the housing.

[0061] In an embodiment, the first valve, the second valve and the diverter valve can be configured at predetermined angle and predetermined positions to prevent leakage of the fluid

[0062] In an embodiment, the device can include a piston rod positioned at least partially inside the housing, and a piston coupled to one end of the piston rod and can be configured inside the housing such that the piston can be configured to move linearly inside the housing, and wherein the housing can be a hollow cylinder

[0063] In an embodiment, the device can include a crank-shaft assembly coupled to another end of the piston rod, and one or more electric motors rotatably coupled to the crank shaft assembly, and wherein the crank shaft assembly can be configured to transfer rotational motion of the one or more electrical motors to the piston rod such that rotational motion of the one or more electric motors can enable reciprocation of the piston inside the hollow cylinder.

[0064] In an embodiment, reciprocation of the piston inside the hollow cylinder can enable periodic inflow of the fluid from the first conduit to the housing and periodic outflow of the fluid from the housing to the second conduit after a predetermined interval of time.

[0065] In an embodiment, the one or more electrical motors can be a DC motor adapted to provide a desired torque vs speed characteristic based on the viscosity of the fluid, and head of discharge, but not limited to the likes and wherein the one or more electrical motors can be configured to provide a desired speed of flow of the fluid through the device [0066] In an embodiment, the device can include a gear and transmission assembly operatively coupled to the one or more electrical motors and the crank-shaft assembly, and wherein the gear and transmission assembly can be configured and controlled mechanically, electronically or both to adjust any or a combination of the reciprocation speed, time interval and power of the piston inside the hollow cylinder to a predefined level based on the quality of fluid and work load.

[0067] In an embodiment, the housing can be provided with a common conduit to fluidically couple the inlet and the outlet to the housing

[0068] In an embodiment, the device can include a set of batteries to supply electrical power to the device, and wherein the device can be configured to receive electrical power from one or more external electrical power sources.

[0069] In an embodiment, the device can include any or a combination of mechanical actuators, electronic actuators and electro-mechanical actuators operatively coupled to the diverter valve for autonomous and programmed operation of the diverter valve between the first position and the second position for desired agitation of the fluid having settled solids and for handling and transferring of the agitated fluid from the first location to the second location.

[0070] In an embodiment, the device can be configured to generate shockwaves (also referred to as back pressure, water hammer, interchangeably) in the fluid to dislodge clogging in the blocked sewers and closed conduits present at the first location.

[0071] In an embodiment, the device can include one or more sensors to monitor one or more fluidic attributes of the fluid flowing through the device and generate a corresponding first signal, and wherein the one or more fluidic attributes can be any or a combination of type of fluid, viscosity of fluid, speed of the fluid, and amount of fluid.

[0072] In an embodiment, the device can include a computing unit operatively coupled to the one or more sensors and can be configured to receive the first set of signals corresponding to the one or more fluid attributes of the fluid from the one or more sensors.

[0073] In an embodiment, the device can include a communication unit operatively coupled to the computing unit to communicatively couple the device to one or more mobile computing devices, and wherein the device can be configured to transmit any or a combination of the first set of signals corresponding to the one or more fluid attributes of the fluid, and real-time location of the device to the one or more mobile computing devices.

[0074] In an embodiment, the communication unit can include any or a combination of a Bluetooth module, a WIFI module, and a transceiver, and wherein the mobile devices can include any or combination of a cloud-based server, a smart phone, and a computer.

[0075] In an embodiment, the computing unit can be operatively coupled to the electrical motor, the first valve, the second valve, and the diverter valve, and wherein the computing unit is configured to transmit a set of control signals to any or a combination of the electrical motor, the first valve, the second valve, and the diverter valve to facilitate automatic operation of the device.

[0076] FIG. 1A and 1B illustrate exemplary side angular views of the proposed device for handling semi-liquid waste in dredging position and agitation position, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] As illustrated, in an embodiment, the device 100 can include a housing l02provided with an inlet l06(also referred to as inlet junction 106, herein) to facilitate inflow of a fluid into the housing 102, and an outlet l04(also referred to as outlet junction 104, herein) to facilitate outflow of the fluid from the housing 102. The housing 102 can be a hollow cylinder made of stainless steel, but not limited to the likes. The fluid can be any or a combination of a liquid, a semi-liquid waste, slurry, sludge, and gas.

[0078] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a first conduit 110 (also referred to as first pipe 110, herein) removably coupled to the inlet 106. The first conduit l lOcan be configured to facilitate flow of the fluid from a first location to the housing 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the first location can be any or a combination of manholes, septic tank, drainage system, clogged drain, lake, water body bed, storage sump, and sewage filling area, but not limited to the likes.

[0079] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a second conduit 108 (also referred to as second pipe 108, herein) fluidically coupled to the outlet l04of the housing 102 and configured to facilitate flow of the fluid from the housingl02 to a second location. The second location can be a location away and/or outside the first location to dispose the fluid of the first location.

[0080] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a two-way diverter valve 112

(also referred to as a diverter valve 112, herein) operatively coupled to the housing 102 and can be configured to divert the flow of the fluid from the housing 102 to any or a combination of the first conduit l lOand the second conduit 108. The diverter valve 112 can include a handle 114 adapted to move between a first position (as shown in FIG. 1A) and a second position (as shown in FIG. 1B) (at 90degrees away from the first position). The first position of the handle 114 can correspond to a dredging position where the diverter valve 112 can facilitate flow of the fluid from the housing 102 to the second location through the second conduit 108. The second position of the handle 114 can correspond to a agitation position where the diverter valve 112 can facilitate flow of the fluid from the housing to the first location through the first conduit 110, to enable agitation of the fluid present at the first location using shock waves due to the flow of fluid back to the first location. [0081] In an embodiment, the first conduit l lOand the second conduit l08can be any or a combination of a metallic pipe, an accordion pipe, a collapsible pipe, a hose pipe, but not limited to the likes. The first conduit l lOand the second conduit l08can have a desired bore radius to enables smooth flow of the fluid along with the solid particles of the acceptable size through them.

[0082] In an embodiment, a hose pipe with a jetting nozzle can be coupled to the outlet l04of the device 100. The device 100 can be configured to draw water through the first conduit l lOand discharge the drawn water at a predefined pressure into the second location through the jetting nozzle. The pressurize water can facilitate opening or cleaning of blockades from clogged drain present at a location. The handle 114 of the divert or valve 112 can be at the first position as shown in the FIG 1 A.

[0083] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a first valve H8configured between the housing and the first conduit to restrict flow of the fluid from the housing 102to the first conduit 110 when the fluid is flowing from the housing 102 to the second conduit 108. The device can include a second valve 116configured between the housing 102 and the second conduit 108to restrict flow of the fluid from the second conduit 108 to the housing 102 when the fluid is flowing from the first conduit l lOto the housing 102. The first valve 118and the second valve 116can be a check valve, which act acts a non-retum valve. The check valves can operate due to gravity and/or movement of a plunger over an orifice of the valve due to a any or a combination of spring action by a spring, a mechanical or electromechanical force, but not limited to the likes.

[0084] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a piston rod positioned at least partially inside thehousingl02 (also referred to as a hollow cylinder 102, herein), and a piston coupled to one end of the piston rod. The piston can be configured to move linearly inside the hollow cylinder in a reciprocating motion. The device 100 can include a crank-shaft assembly 126 (also referred to as crank-shaft 126, herein) coupled to another end of the piston rod. The device 100 can further include one or more electric motors 120 (also referred to as electric motors 120, herein) rotatably coupled to the crank-shaft assemblyl26 by a gear and transmission assembly 122. The crank shaft assembly 126 and the gear and transmission assemblyl22 can be configured to transfer rotational motion of the electrical motor 120 to the piston rod such that rotational motion of the electric motors 120 can enable reciprocation of the piston inside the hollow cylinder 102.

[0085] In an embodiment, the reciprocation of the piston inside the hollow cylinder

102 can enable periodic inflow of the fluid from the first conduit 110 to the hollow cylinderl02 and periodic outflow of the fluid from the housing 102 to the second conduit l08after a predetermined interval of time.

[0086] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include an electronic control unit operatively coupled to the electrical motors 102, the first valve 118, the second valve 116, and the diverter valve 112 to enable automatic operation of the proposed device. The electronic control unit can include a computing unit having one or more processors configured to execute one or more instructions stored in a memory of the computing unit and configured to generate and transmit a set of control signals to the electrical motors, the first valve, the second valve, and the diverter valve to enable dredging, pressure flow through nozzle for declogging, agitation and shockwave blockade opening operation by the device, collecting information through sensors located within the equipment, suitably storing the data, transmitting the data to be analysed and read at a reading location.

[0087] In an embodiment, the first conduit 110 and the second conduit l08can be various configurations of placement to enable water seal or angle of placement of the valves for effective sealing against leakage of fluids, gas and air.

[0088] In an embodiment, the gear and transmission assembly l22can be configured and controlled mechanically, electronically or both to adjust any or a combination of the reciprocation speed, time interval and power of the piston inside the hollow cylinder 102 to a predefined level based on the quality of fluid and work load.

[0089] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include any or a combination of mechanical actuators, electronic actuators and electro-mechanical actuators operatively coupled to the diverter valve 112 for autonomous and programmed operation of the diverter valve 112 between the first position and the second position for desired agitation of the fluid having settled solids and for handling and transferring of the agitated fluid from the first location to the second location.

[0090] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include one or more sensors to monitor one or more fluidic attributes of the fluid flowing through the device and generate a corresponding first signal. The one or more fluidic attributes can be any or a combination of type of fluid, viscosity of fluid, speed of the fluid, and amount of fluid. The one or more sensors can be operatively coupled to the computing unit and configured to transfer the first set of signals corresponding to the one or more fluid attributes of the fluid to the computing unit.

[0091] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a communication unit operatively coupled to the computing unit to communicatively couple the device 100 to one or more mobile computing devices (also referred as mobile devices, herein). The device 100 can be configured to transmit any or a combination of the first set of signals corresponding to the one or more fluid attributes of the fluid, and real-time location of the device to the one or more mobile computing devices. The device can include a GPS module to provide real-time location of the device. The device can collect information on the type and quantity of semi liquid waste handled, the location of implementation of the device. This information can be useful in improvement of the facilities, locations of concern and also if any serious life hazard is involved at the location of use.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication unit can be any or a combination of a Bluetooth module, a WIFI module, and a transceiver. In another exemplary embodiment, the mobile devices can be any or combination of a cloud-based server, a smart phone, and a computer.

[0093] In an embodiment, the computing unit can be operatively coupled to the electrical motor, the first valve, the second valve, and the diverter valve. The computing unit can be configured to transmit a set of control signals to any or a combination of the electrical motor, the first valve, the second valve, and the diverter valve to facilitate automatic operation of the device.

[0094] In an embodiment, the device 100 can include a set of internal batteries to supply electrical power to the device. The device can be configured to receive electrical power directly from one or more external electrical power sources. The one or more external electrical power sources can be any or a combination of power supply, an AC power supply, and a set of external batteries. The device can further include a battery charging unit operatively coupled to the set of internal batteries. The battery charging unit can be configured to charge the set of internal batteries using the one or more external electrical power sources.

[0095] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary close up top view of the proposed device for handling semi-liquid waste, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] As illustrated, in an embodiment, the device 100 can include a common entrance in form of a bifurcating T shaped conduit 202 (also referred to a common conduit 202) to fluidically couple the inlet l06and the outlet l04of the device 100. The common conduit 202 can include three openings such that a first opening can be fluidically coupled to the cylinder 102, a second opening can be fluidically coupled to the inlet l06and the first valve 118, and the third opening can be fluidically coupled to the outlet l04and the second valve 116. [0097] In an embodiment, the reciprocation of the piston inside the cylinder 102 using the movement of the crank-shaft 126 can enable periodic inflow and outflow of fluid through the cylinder 102. The movement of the piston inside the cylinder 102 can enable discharge of the fluid from the cylinder 102 into the outlet 104 through the first opening and the third opening of the common conduit 202. The outward movement of the piston inside the cylinder 102 can enable inflow of fluid in the cylinder 102 through the inlet 106through the second opening and the first opening of the common conduit 202.

[0098] In an embodiment, the device can include a T shaped connector 204 to fluidically couple the diverter valve 112, the inlet 106 and the first valve 118 such that fluid can flow from the cylinder 102 to the second conduit 108 through the second valve 116, at the first position of the divert or valve 112 and allow flow of the fluid from the cylinder 102 through the second valve 116 at second position of diverter valve 112 to the first conduit 110.

[0099] In an embodiment, the speed of the fluid flowing through the device 100 can be kept to a predefined speed based on the viscosity of the fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, the speed of the fluid can be kept low if the fluid is having high viscosity so that the power loss due to viscosity and momentum of the fluid can be minimized.

[00100] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical motors 120 can be a permanent magnet DC motor to provide large increase in pressure with reduction in the speed of flow of the fluid through the device.

[00101] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary front angular view of the proposed device for handling semi-liquid waste, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00102] As illustrated, in an embodiment, the device can include a first coupler 304 to removably couple the first conduit l lOto the diverter valve 114 on the inlet side. The device 100 can include a second coupler 302 to removably couple the second conduit 108 to the T diverter valve 114.

[00103] In an embodiment, the second coupler 302 can be configured to couple the hose pipe and the jetting pump to the second conduit or the outlet.

[00104] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram for fabrication of the proposed device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00105] As illustrated, in an embodiment, the process for fabricating the proposed device can include a step 402 of fabricating a body to provide base for various components of the proposed device.

[00106] In an embodiment, the process can include a step 404 of positioning electric motors, and a cylinder and piston arrangement in the body fabricated at the step 402. [00107] In an embodiment, the process can include a step 406 of coupling a crank shaft to the piston and configuring a gear and transmission assembly between the electric motors and the crank- shaft. The electrical motors can be a DC motor, which can provide large torque to handle fluids of different viscosity. The DC motors 120 can be of suitable design characteristics so as to give a desired torque versus speed relation where high viscosity or load demanding high torque is responded instantaneously by compensatory reduction in speed and increase in torque. The gear can reduce the speed of the rotational motion provided by the electrical motors in order to increase the torque generated by the electrical motors and provide the desired speed of flow in consideration of streamlined flow of the fluids within the device 100.

[00108] In an embodiment, the process can include a step 408 of procuring an inlet and outlet junction, first and second valves, T junctions, and a diverter valve to the device of the step 408.

[00109] In an embodiment, the process can include a step 410 of providing an electronic control unit operatively coupled to the electrical motors, the first valve, the second valve, and the diverter valve to enable automatic operation of the proposed device. The electronic control unit can include a computing unit having one or more processors configured to execute one or more instructions stored in a memory of the computing unit and configured to generate and transmit a set of control signals to the electrical motor or motors, the first valve, the second valve, and the diverter valve to enable dredging, pressure flow through nozzle for declogging, agitation and shockwaves blockade opening operation by the device, collecting information through sensors located within the equipment, suitably storing the data, transmitting the data to be analysed and read at a reading location.

[00110] In an embodiment, the process can include a step 412 of coupling a first conduit and a second conduit to the inlet and the outlet junction, respectively. The T junction, the first conduit, the second conduit, and the common conduit can be made from a material selected from any or a combination of metal, plastic, fibre, rubber, but not limited to the likes.

[00111] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram to explain working and operation of the proposed device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00112] As illustrated, in an embodiment, the process for operating the proposed device can include a step 502 of supplying electrical power to the electric motors and the other electrical components of the device by a set of batteries. The electrical motor can be a permanent magnet DC motor of desired power and speed. The device can be configured to receive electrical power of desired voltage and frequency form an electrical power source.

[00113] In an embodiment, the working of the proposed device can include a step 504 of transfer of rotational motion of the electrical motors generated at the step 502 to the crank shaft by the gear and transmission assembly. The gear and transmission assembly can include a gear system and a transmission system. The gear system can configure the rotational speed of the electric motors to a desired speed. The transmission system can be a chain and sprocket to transfer mechanical power from the electrical motor to the crank-shaft.

[00114] In an embodiment, the working can include a step 506 of enabling reciprocation of the piston inside the cylinder using the movement of the crank-shaft at the step 504 to enable periodic inflow and outflow of fluid through the cylinder. The movement of the piston inside the cylinder can enable discharge of the fluid from the cylinder into the second conduit through the outlet, and the outward movement of the piston inside the cylinder can enable inflow of fluid in the cylinder through the inlet.

[00115] In an embodiment, the process of operating the device can include a step 508 of moving the handle of the diverter valve to a first position to enable dredging of fluid from a first location to a second location.

[00116] In an embodiment, the process can include a step 510 of attaching a hose pipe and jetting nozzle to the outlet to supply pressurized water to clear blockades from a clogged drain. The device can drain clean water through a first conduit and discharge the pressurized water through the jetting nozzle connected to the outlet.

[00117] In an embodiment, the process can include a step 512 of moving the handle of the diverter valve to a second position to enable agitation of the fluid present at the first location. The movement of the handle to the second position can enable flow of the fluid back to the first location through the first conduit. This can provide shock waves to the fluid in the first location to enable agitation of the fluid, break the limiting viscosity of the semi liquid waste, slurry, sludge at the first location and ensure the particle heavier than the water in the fluid can remain in suspension for easy removal by the device.

[00118] In an embodiment, the step 510 can be performed after the step 512 to enable dredging of the agitated fluid from the first location to the second location. This can enable extraction of settled dirt, sludge, and waste particle in the fluid to be dredged out of the first location.

[00119] In an implementation, an open end of the first conduit 110 can be dropped in the fluid (liquid or semi-liquid to be removed) present at the first location. The electrical motors 120 can be switched ON and the handle 114 of the diverter valve 112 can be moved to the first position. This can enable the device 100 to draw the fluid from the first location and discharge the drawn fluid to the second location by the second conduit 108. The device 100 can be kept switched ON until the fluid from the first location is emptied.

[00120] In another implementation, the hose pipe and the nozzle can be connected to the outlet 104 by the second coupler 302, and the open end of the first conduit l lOcan be dipped in a water reservoir. The device 100 can draw water from the water reservoir and discharge the drawn water at high pressure through the jetting nozzle into clogged drain to open any blockades.

[00121] In yet another implementation, the open end of the first conduit l lOcan be dropped in the fluid (liquid or semi-liquid to be agitated) present at the first location. The electrical motors 120 can be switched ON and the handle 114 of the diverter valve 112 can be moved to the second position. This can enable the device 100 to provide shock waves to the fluid at the first location, thereby enabling agitation of the fluid and ensuring that the particle heavier than the water in the fluid can remain in suspension for easy removal by the device

[00122] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term“coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other or in contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms“coupled to” and“coupled with” are also used euphemistically to mean“communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.

[00123] Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms“comprises” and“comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

[00124] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[00125] The present invention provides a device for handling semi-liquid waste.

[00126] The present invention provides a device for handling semi-liquid waste handling and sludge removal from manholes, septic tanks, clogged drains, filling sewage inflow areas, collection sumps and lake and water body beds before the incoming suspended sludge hardens and becomes permanent bed of that water body.

[00127] The present invention provides a device for handling semi-liquid waste, slurry, sludge and settled sediment removal from manholes, septic tanks, clogged drains, filling sewage inflow areas and lake and water body beds before the incoming suspended sludge hardens and becomes permanent bed of that water body by agitating the solids and turning the semi-liquid waste into a suspension by creating backpressure, shockwaves, water hammer.

[00128] The present invention provides a device which can create sufficiently high pressure liquid flow to be useful in removing blocks in clogged drains.

[00129] The present invention provides a device for handling semi-liquid waste, which can extract harmful suspended and settled waste on the beds of lake inflow zones and other water bodies receiving suspended wastes from the surroundings areas along with the water inflow.

[00130] The present invention provides a device for handling semi-liquid waste, which is portable, low-cost, safe and environment friendly.

[00131] The present invention provides a device for collecting information on the type and quantity of semi-liquid waste handled, the location of implementation, this information can be useful in improvement of the facilities, locations of concern and also if any serious life hazard is involved at the location of use.

Claims

Claim:

1. A device for handling semi-liquid waste, the device comprising:

a housing provided with an inlet to facilitate inflow of a fluid into the housing, and an outlet to facilitate outflow of the fluid from the housing, wherein the fluid comprises any or a combination of a liquid, a semi-liquid waste, slurry, sludge, and gas;

a first conduit removably coupled to the inlet and configured to facilitate flow of the fluid from a first location to the housing; and

a second conduit fluidically coupled to the outlet of the housing and configured to facilitate flow of the fluid from the housing to a second location; and a diverter valve operatively coupled to the housing and configured to divert the flow of the fluid from the housing to any or a combination of the first conduit and the second conduit, the diverter valve comprising a handle adapted to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position of the diverter valve corresponds to a dredging position where the diverter valve facilitates flow of the fluid from the housing to the second location through the second conduit, and wherein the second position of the diverter valve corresponds to an agitation position where the diverter valve facilitates flow of the fluid from the housing to the first location through the first conduit, to enable agitation of the fluid present at the first location.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second conduit comprises a hose pipe with a jetting nozzle, and wherein the device is configured to draw water through the first conduit and discharge the drawn water at a predefined pressure into the second location through the jetting nozzle, when the handle of the diverter valve is positioned at the first position.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first location comprises any or a combination of manholes, septic tank, drainage system, clogged drain, lake, water body bed, storage sump and sewage filling area.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a first valve configured between the housing and the first conduit to restrict flow of the fluid from the housing to the first conduit when the fluid is flowing from the housing to the second conduit, and wherein the device comprises a second valve configured between the housing and the second conduit to restrict flow of the fluid from the second conduit to the housing when the fluid is flowing from the first conduit to the housing.

5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first valve, the second valve and the diverter valve are configured at predetermined angle and predetermined positions to prevent leakage of the fluid.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a piston rod positioned at least partially inside the housing, and a piston coupled to one end of the piston rod and configured inside the housing such that the piston is configured to move linearly inside the housing, and wherein the housing is a hollow cylinder.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the device comprises a crank-shaft assembly coupled to another end of the piston rod, and one or more electric motors rotatably coupled to the crank-shaft assembly, and wherein the crank shaft assembly is configured to transfer rotational motion of the one or more electrical motors to the piston rod such that rotational motion of the one or more electric motors enables reciprocation of the piston inside the hollow cylinder.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein reciprocation of the piston inside the hollow cylinder enables periodic inflow of the fluid from the first conduit to the housing and periodic outflow of the fluid from the housing to the second conduit through the operation of the diverter valve after a predetermined interval of time.

9. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more electrical motors are a DC motor adapted to provide a desired torque vs speed characteristic based on the viscosity of the fluid, and head of discharge, and wherein the one or more electrical motor are configured to provide a desired speed of flow of the fluid through the device.

10. The device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the device comprises a gear and transmission assembly operatively coupled to the one or more electrical motors and the crank-shaft assembly, and wherein the gear and transmission assembly is configured and controlled mechanically, electronically or both to adjust any or a combination of the reciprocation speed, time interval and power of the piston inside the hollow cylinder to a predefined level based on the quality of fluid and work load.

11. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is provided with a common conduit to fluidically couple the inlet and the outlet to the housing.

12. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a set of batteries to supply electrical power to the device, and wherein the device is configured to receive electrical power from one or more external electrical power sources.

13. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device comprises any or a combination of mechanical actuators, electronic actuators and electro-mechanical actuators operatively coupled to the diverter valve for autonomous and programmed operation of the diverter valve between the first position and the second position for desired agitation of the fluid having settled solids and for handling and transferring of the agitated fluid from the first location to the second location.

14. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is configured to generate shockwaves in the fluid to dislodge clogging in the blocked sewers and closed conduits present at the first location.

15. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device comprises one or more sensors to monitor one or more fluidic attributes of the fluid flowing through the device and generate a corresponding first signal, and wherein the one or more fluidic attributes comprises any or a combination of type of fluid, viscosity of fluid, speed of the fluid, and amount of fluid,

16. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the device comprises a computing unit operatively coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to receive the first set of signals corresponding to the one or more fluid attributes of the fluid from the one or more sensors.

17. The device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the device comprises a communication unit operatively coupled to the computing unit to communicatively couple the device to one or more mobile computing devices, and wherein the device is configured to transmit any or a combination of the first set of signals corresponding to the one or more fluid attributes of the fluid, and real-time location of the device to the one or more mobile computing devices.

18. The device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the communication unit comprises any or a combination of a Bluetooth module, a WIFI module, and a transceiver, and wherein the one or more mobile computing devices comprises any or combination of a cloud- based server, a smart phone, and a computer.

19. The device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the computing unit is operatively coupled to the electrical motor, the first valve, the second valve, and the diverter valve, and wherein the computing unit is configured to transmit a set of control signals to any or a combination of the electrical motor, the first valve, the second valve, and the diverter valve to facilitate automatic operation of the device.