WO2024100003A1 - Emission-free water circulation system for an utility unit - Google Patents

Emission-free water circulation system for an utility unit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024100003A1
WO2024100003A1 PCT/EP2023/080923 EP2023080923W WO2024100003A1 WO 2024100003 A1 WO2024100003 A1 WO 2024100003A1 EP 2023080923 W EP2023080923 W EP 2023080923W WO 2024100003 A1 WO2024100003 A1 WO 2024100003A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
circulation system
tank
recirculation
filter
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2023/080923
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Willy Kronborg
Roger Kronborg
Original Assignee
Kronborg Solutions As
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of WO2024100003A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024100003A1/en

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F9/00—Multistage treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/28—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption
    • C02F1/283—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption using coal, charred products, or inorganic mixtures containing them
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/28—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption
    • C02F1/286—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption using natural organic sorbents or derivatives thereof
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/30—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by irradiation
    • C02F1/32—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by irradiation with ultraviolet light
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/40—Devices for separating or removing fatty or oily substances or similar floating material
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/48—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with magnetic or electric fields
    • C02F1/481—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with magnetic or electric fields using permanent magnets
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/52—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities
    • C02F1/5236—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities using inorganic agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/72—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation
    • C02F1/76—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation with halogens or compounds of halogens
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/72—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation
    • C02F1/78—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation with ozone
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/002—Grey water, e.g. from clothes washers, showers or dishwashers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
    • C02F2103/005—Black water originating from toilets
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/42—Liquid level
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2301/00—General aspects of water treatment
    • C02F2301/04—Flow arrangements
    • C02F2301/046—Recirculation with an external loop
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/04—Disinfection
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F3/00—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F3/02—Aerobic processes
    • C02F3/06—Aerobic processes using submerged filters
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F3/00—Biological treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F3/02—Aerobic processes
    • C02F3/12—Activated sludge processes
    • C02F3/1236—Particular type of activated sludge installations
    • C02F3/1242—Small compact installations for use in homes, apartment blocks, hotels or the like
    • C02F3/1247—Small compact installations for use in homes, apartment blocks, hotels or the like comprising circular tanks with elements, e.g. decanters, aeration basins, in the form of segments, crowns or sectors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an emission-free utility unit, more specifically it relates to an emission -free water circulation system for reusing water in a utility unit.
  • Discharge of gray water and black water is a major problem for cabins and temporary housing such as work barracks at construction sites that are not close to an existing water and sewage system.
  • the costs of connecting to a sewage system are relatively large, but the increased comfort associated with easy access to a shower, washing machine, dishwasher and flush toilet still means that cabin owners and contractors spend large amounts of money on connecting to a sewage system.
  • a utility unit as any unit intended for human activity where water is used. It can be, for example, a living unit, a work barrack, a barrack with a shower and/or toilet, an office unit, a cabin, a boat, a shelter or other rooms where water is used.
  • a common solution for utility units that are not connected to a sewer system has been to let the gray water drain into a sand filter or sand trench.
  • Such a solution is time-consuming and costly to make and can be combined with e.g. outhouses that tend to have odor problems or a combustion house that requires a lot of energy in the form of electricity or gas for combustion.
  • the purpose of the invention is to provide an emission-free water circulation system that can be used anywhere where water resources are scarce and/or where emissions are not permitted.
  • the invention describes an emission-free water circulation system for an off- grid utility unit.
  • the water circulation system comprises a recirculation system comprising a return water tank where the return water tank receives wastewater from at least one drain. Furthermore, the recirculation system includes pumping means to circulate the water.
  • the recirculation system also includes a gravity-based main water filter that receives water without solids from the return water tank.
  • the main water filter comprises a biomass layer comprising microbes and a carbon layer with activated carbon positioned after the biomass layer.
  • the recirculation system further comprises a water recirculation tank which receives filtered water from the main water filter, and a recirculation water pipe from the recirculation water tank with at least one water outlet with runoff to a drain.
  • the recirculation system is topped up with water when needed.
  • the water circulation system includes a water tank to replenish the recirculation system with water when needed.
  • the return water tank comprises a return level gauge.
  • the main water filter includes a filter level gauge.
  • the water recirculation tank comprises a recirculation level gauge.
  • the recirculation system comprises a disinfection unit which is placed after the main water filter.
  • the disinfection unit comprises at least one of: UV lighting of the water, ozone treatment of the water, chlorine treatment of the water.
  • the recirculation system comprises a fat separator which is placed before the main water filter.
  • the at least one drain receives wastewater from at least one of: a toilet a shower, a sink, a washing machine and a dishwasher.
  • the water tank comprises a rainwater cistern.
  • a clean water pipe is connected to the water tank.
  • the return water tank is a septic tank comprising a solids chamber for sedimentation of solids and a clear water chamber with water without solids.
  • the solids chamber of the return water tank comprises a solids outlet.
  • the main water filter further comprises a wooden layer placed before the biomass layer.
  • the main water filter comprises a lime layer placed after the biomass filter.
  • the main water filter includes oxygen supply for the biomass layer.
  • the main water filter comprises a magnet section positioned below the biomass filter, preferably at the end of the main water filter.
  • the pumping means comprise a pump that pumps water up to the top of the main water filter from the return water tank and a pressure pump connected to the recirculation water pipe and where the water circulation system comprises the following states: a. If the return level gauge is above a predetermined level in the return water tank, the pump is pumping. b. If the filter level gauge is above a predetermined level, the pressure pump is stopped.
  • the water circulation system comprises the following additional condition: c. If the recirculation level gauge is below a predetermined level, the water recirculation tank is filled up from the water tank.
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the water circulation system which contains both a gray water tank and a septic tank.
  • Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the water circulation system which contains a gray water tank.
  • Fig. 3 shows a simple design of the water circulation system.
  • Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the main water filter with a fat separator on top.
  • Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a septic tank with three chambers.
  • the invention describes an emission-free water circulation system 1 for an off-grid utility unit.
  • Off-grid means that the utility unit is not connected to a system for water and sewer.
  • the water circulation system preferably comprises a water tank 2, but in a simple system as shown in fig. 3, it is also possible to top up manually.
  • the water circulation system also comprises a recirculation system 3 which comprises a return water tank 4 which receives wastewater from the drains 7 in the recirculation system.
  • the return water tank 4 comprises one chamber.
  • the return water tank is a tank without sub chambers.
  • the return water tank 2 can be a gray water tank 24 in those cases where a drain from a toilet is not connected.
  • the return water tank 2 will be a septic tank 25.
  • the return water tank then comprises a solids chamber 5 for sedimentation of solids and a clear water chamber 6 with water without solids.
  • the return water tank 4 preferably also comprises a secondary sedimentation chamber 18 between the clear water chamber 6 and the solids chamber 5, particularly in cases where the return water tank 4 receives wastewater from a toilet 19.
  • the return water tank receives wastewater from at least one drain 7.
  • the return water tank can also be a septic tank 25 which advantageously may have 3 chambers: a solids chamber 5 where solids are separated by the solids either sinking to the bottom or being held back by means of a grate 34 that covers the opening to the sedimentation chamber 18 where further sedimentation takes place and a clear water chamber 6 that supplies water to the main water filter 9.
  • Figure 1 shows a water circulation system 1 with a shower 20, a toilet 19 and a wash basin 21.
  • the system in fig. 1 has two return water tanks 4: a gray water tank 36 and a septic tank 25.
  • all the drains can be directed to the septic tank 25 which receives both gray water and black water.
  • the recirculation system comprises pumping means 8 to circulate the water and a main water filter 9 which receives water without solids from the return water tank 4.
  • the pumping means 8 will comprise a pump 31 to pump the water from the return water tank 4 up to the top of the main water filter 9 as shown in fig. 1-3.
  • the recirculation system 3 further comprises a fat separator 10 placed before the main water filter 9, preferably on top of the main water filter 9.
  • the recirculation system 3 preferably comprises a disinfection unit 22 placed after the main water filter 9 as shown in fig. 1 and 2.
  • the disinfection unit 22 can include exposing water for UV light, ozone treatment, chlorine treatment or other disinfecting treatments.
  • the recirculation system 3 further comprises a water recirculation tank 11 which receives filtered water from the main water filter 9, and a recirculation water pipe 12 from the water recirculation tank 11 with at least one water outlet 13.
  • Each water outlet is preferably associated with a drain 7 so that water that is not consumed goes down the drain 7 and flows back to the return water tank 4.
  • an extra water filter 40 is positioned after the water recirculation tank 11 and before the at least one water outlet 13.
  • a Drink water filter 41 may be installed just upstream of a water outlet for drink water as seen in fig- 1.
  • the recirculation system 3 is supplemented by manual filling or with water from the water tank 2, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, as the water evaporates or is removed from the water circulation system. Evaporation occurs in all the water traps in the drains and in the water's path from the water outlet/drain point to the drain. Furthermore, some water is lost during cooking and washing of various kinds. If we assume that water is not thrown away, the emission -free water circulation system 1 will only emit water for evaporation and internal use by humans and animals. It will typically be 1-5 liters per day per person depending on use.
  • the at least one drain 7 receives wastewater from at least one of: a toilet 19, a shower 20, a sink 21, a washing machine and a dishwasher.
  • the main water filter 9 removes residues of solids and most of the particles and most of both chemical and biological contamination.
  • the quality of the main water filter 9 is decisive for how well the water circulation system works. If wastewater from the toilet is also to be included in the return water tank 4, the specifications of the main water filter must be different than if it is only gray water. In this application, we call water from the toilet drain ‘black water’ and water from other drains ‘gray water’.
  • the water tank 2 is a rainwater tank. This means that the water tank 2 is filled up when it rains.
  • the water tank can be placed higher than parts of the recirculation system 3 so that a pump is not required to refill the recirculation system 3.
  • the water circulation system comprises at least one drinking water pipe 14 which is connected to the water tank 2 as shown in fig. 1. Drinking water can then be drawn directly from the water tank 2.
  • the solids chamber 5 of the return water tank 4 comprises a solids outlet 15.
  • the solids outlet is used for manual or automatic removal of solids.
  • the recirculation system 2 can further comprise a drying room 16 where the solids that have been removed from the solids chamber 5 to the return water tank 4 are dried.
  • the circulation system may include, in one embodiment, an incinerator (not shown) where the dried solids are burned. When most of the moisture from the solids has been removed, very little energy is used to bum the solids.
  • FIG 4 shows an embodiment of a main water filter 9.
  • the water is filtered through the main water filter by means of gravity and comprises an outer waterproof wall with a significant vertical component.
  • the main water filter will be a cylindrical tube, with a diameter of half a meter to one meter, where a number of layers are laid on top of each other.
  • the main water filter comprises a biomass layer 25 which contains biomass and a porous substance such as ‘Leca’ pellets or porous wood.
  • the biomass can e.g. be moss or wood/chips.
  • the purpose of the biomass layer is to establish a bio culture with microbes that remove pollutants in the water of both a chemical and biological nature.
  • the main water filter further comprises a charcoal layer 26 with activated charcoal.
  • the purpose of the charcoal layer is to absorb residual particles and further pollutants.
  • Activated charcoal is charcoal with a large reactive surface. This means that it is charcoal with many cavities and cracks and an uneven surface.
  • a layer separator 27 can be provided between the different layers.
  • the layer separators 27 are a mechanical protection layer which ensures that the filter media do not mix. This can be physical plates, bags, shelves, cloths, grates or similar where the water can flow through.
  • the main water filter can comprise a replaceable wooden layer 28 positioned at the very top of the main water filter 9.
  • the wood is supplied in the form of pellets or chips. The purpose of the wood layer is to remove particles and start a denitrification process. If the water to be filtered contains many particles, this layer is important.
  • the wooden layer 28 is replaced if necessary.
  • the main water filter comprises a lime layer 29.
  • the purpose of the lime layer 29 is to remove phosphorus and is beneficial for black water purification.
  • the lime layer 29 will typically contain calcareous stone or gravel.
  • Oxygen is preferably supplied to the filter by means of an oxygen supply 39.
  • the biomass layer 38 that needs oxygen because there are many microorganisms in this layer. Since the filter is full of water, the oxygen must be supplied under the biomass layer 38. The inventor has good experience in supplying the oxygen below the layer which is below the biomass layer 25.
  • the filter comprises a magnet section 30.
  • the magnet section 30 can, for example, comprise a circular magnet through which the water flows. The purpose is to collect any magnetic particles.
  • a disinfection unit 22 is preferably placed.
  • the disinfection unit comprises an ozone generator 23 which pumps ozone into a hose which is led to a disinfection vessel where ozone is bubbled through the water.
  • the ozone can be added to the water in the disinfection tank.
  • the pumping means 8 contain at least one pump 31. Moving water from one unit to another takes place either by means of a pump 31 or by means of gravity.
  • a pump 31 is placed between the return water tank 4 and the main water filter 9.
  • a pressure pump 34 can be placed after the recirculation water tank which pumps the water out to at least one outlet by means of recirculation water pipe 12.
  • the filter level gauge 33 there is a filter level gauge 33 in the main water filter and a return level gauge 32 in the return water tank 4.
  • the level gauges are binary.
  • the pump 31 is activated if the return level gauge 32 in the return water tank 4 is above a predetermined level.
  • the pump 31 which is activated pumps water from the return water tank 4 up to the top of the main water filter 9 so that the water is purified.
  • the filter level gauge 33 is above a predetermined level in the main water filter 9
  • the pressure pump 34 is stopped and remains switched off as long as the filter level gauge 33 is above the predetermined level.
  • the water to the water outlets will then stop and the supply of water to the return water tank will then stop a little while later, and finally the water supply to the main water filter 9 will stop and thus prevent flooding of the main water filter.
  • a recirculation tank level gauge 37 in the water recirculation tank 11.
  • the recirculation tank gauge 37 is below a predetermined level, the recirculation water tank 4 is refilled from the water tank 2.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Oxidation Or Reduction (AREA)

Abstract

The invention describes an emission-free water circulation system (1) for an off-grid utility unit comprising a recirculation system (3) with a return water tank (4) where the return water tank receives waste water from at least one drain (7), and pumping means (8) to circulate the water. The invention is characterized by the recirculation system comprising a gravity-based main water filter (9) which receives water without solids from the return water tank (4). The main water filter (9) comprises at least one biomass layer (38) comprising microbes and a carbon layer 26 positioned after the biomass layer. The recirculation system further comprises a water recirculation tank (11) which receives filtered water from the water filter (9), and a recirculation water pipe (12) from the recirculation water tank (11) with at least one water outlet (13) with runoff to one of the drains (7).

Description

Title: Emission-free water circulation system for an utility unit
Description
The field of invention
The invention relates to an emission-free utility unit, more specifically it relates to an emission -free water circulation system for reusing water in a utility unit.
Background
Discharge of gray water and black water is a major problem for cabins and temporary housing such as work barracks at construction sites that are not close to an existing water and sewage system. The costs of connecting to a sewage system are relatively large, but the increased comfort associated with easy access to a shower, washing machine, dishwasher and flush toilet still means that cabin owners and contractors spend large amounts of money on connecting to a sewage system.
In this text, we define a utility unit as any unit intended for human activity where water is used. It can be, for example, a living unit, a work barrack, a barrack with a shower and/or toilet, an office unit, a cabin, a boat, a shelter or other rooms where water is used.
A common solution for utility units that are not connected to a sewer system has been to let the gray water drain into a sand filter or sand trench. Such a solution is time-consuming and costly to make and can be combined with e.g. outhouses that tend to have odor problems or a combustion house that requires a lot of energy in the form of electricity or gas for combustion.
In municipalities, the discharge of gray water and black water is strictly regulated. If the water is not carried into the utility unit, there must be a connection to a sewer system or drainage network.
It is therefore a need for an emission-free water circulation system for water in a utility unit.
The purpose of the invention is to provide an emission-free water circulation system that can be used anywhere where water resources are scarce and/or where emissions are not permitted.
Summary of the invention
In one aspect, the invention describes an emission-free water circulation system for an off- grid utility unit. The water circulation system comprises a recirculation system comprising a return water tank where the return water tank receives wastewater from at least one drain. Furthermore, the recirculation system includes pumping means to circulate the water. The recirculation system also includes a gravity-based main water filter that receives water without solids from the return water tank. The main water filter comprises a biomass layer comprising microbes and a carbon layer with activated carbon positioned after the biomass layer. The recirculation system further comprises a water recirculation tank which receives filtered water from the main water filter, and a recirculation water pipe from the recirculation water tank with at least one water outlet with runoff to a drain. The recirculation system is topped up with water when needed.
In one embodiment, the water circulation system includes a water tank to replenish the recirculation system with water when needed.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the return water tank comprises a return level gauge.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the main water filter includes a filter level gauge.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the water recirculation tank comprises a recirculation level gauge.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the recirculation system comprises a disinfection unit which is placed after the main water filter.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the disinfection unit comprises at least one of: UV lighting of the water, ozone treatment of the water, chlorine treatment of the water.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the recirculation system comprises a fat separator which is placed before the main water filter.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the at least one drain receives wastewater from at least one of: a toilet a shower, a sink, a washing machine and a dishwasher.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the water tank comprises a rainwater cistern.
In another embodiment of the water circulation system, a clean water pipe is connected to the water tank.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the return water tank is a septic tank comprising a solids chamber for sedimentation of solids and a clear water chamber with water without solids.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the solids chamber of the return water tank comprises a solids outlet.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the main water filter further comprises a wooden layer placed before the biomass layer.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the main water filter comprises a lime layer placed after the biomass filter.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the main water filter includes oxygen supply for the biomass layer. In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the main water filter comprises a magnet section positioned below the biomass filter, preferably at the end of the main water filter.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the pumping means comprise a pump that pumps water up to the top of the main water filter from the return water tank and a pressure pump connected to the recirculation water pipe and where the water circulation system comprises the following states: a. If the return level gauge is above a predetermined level in the return water tank, the pump is pumping. b. If the filter level gauge is above a predetermined level, the pressure pump is stopped.
In yet another embodiment of the water circulation system, the water circulation system comprises the following additional condition: c. If the recirculation level gauge is below a predetermined level, the water recirculation tank is filled up from the water tank.
Brief description of the figures
In order to improve the understanding of the invention, some figures have been attached where the same feature has the same reference in the different figures.
Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the water circulation system which contains both a gray water tank and a septic tank.
Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the water circulation system which contains a gray water tank.
Fig. 3 shows a simple design of the water circulation system.
Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the main water filter with a fat separator on top.
Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a septic tank with three chambers.
Detailed description
The invention describes an emission-free water circulation system 1 for an off-grid utility unit. Off-grid means that the utility unit is not connected to a system for water and sewer. The water circulation system preferably comprises a water tank 2, but in a simple system as shown in fig. 3, it is also possible to top up manually.
The water circulation system also comprises a recirculation system 3 which comprises a return water tank 4 which receives wastewater from the drains 7 in the recirculation system. In its simplest form, where wastewater coming from the drains does not contain solids to a significant extent, the return water tank 4 comprises one chamber. Such an embodiment of the return water tank 2 will be sufficient in a system shown in Figures 2 and 3. That is to say, the return water tank is a tank without sub chambers. The return water tank 2 can be a gray water tank 24 in those cases where a drain from a toilet is not connected. In a preferred embodiment of the water circulation system shown in fig. 1 where the return water tank 4 also accepts some solids, the return water tank 2 will be a septic tank 25. The return water tank then comprises a solids chamber 5 for sedimentation of solids and a clear water chamber 6 with water without solids. As shown in Figure 5, the return water tank 4 preferably also comprises a secondary sedimentation chamber 18 between the clear water chamber 6 and the solids chamber 5, particularly in cases where the return water tank 4 receives wastewater from a toilet 19. The return water tank receives wastewater from at least one drain 7. The return water tank can also be a septic tank 25 which advantageously may have 3 chambers: a solids chamber 5 where solids are separated by the solids either sinking to the bottom or being held back by means of a grate 34 that covers the opening to the sedimentation chamber 18 where further sedimentation takes place and a clear water chamber 6 that supplies water to the main water filter 9.
In a normal utility unit, there are usually several drains, e.g. 4 or 5. Figure 1 shows a water circulation system 1 with a shower 20, a toilet 19 and a wash basin 21. The system in fig. 1 has two return water tanks 4: a gray water tank 36 and a septic tank 25. In an alternative embodiment, all the drains can be directed to the septic tank 25 which receives both gray water and black water. In such a system there is only one return water tank 4 in the form of a septic tank 25.
The recirculation system comprises pumping means 8 to circulate the water and a main water filter 9 which receives water without solids from the return water tank 4. Typically, the pumping means 8 will comprise a pump 31 to pump the water from the return water tank 4 up to the top of the main water filter 9 as shown in fig. 1-3.
In a preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 4 the recirculation system 3 further comprises a fat separator 10 placed before the main water filter 9, preferably on top of the main water filter 9.
The recirculation system 3 preferably comprises a disinfection unit 22 placed after the main water filter 9 as shown in fig. 1 and 2. The disinfection unit 22 can include exposing water for UV light, ozone treatment, chlorine treatment or other disinfecting treatments.
The recirculation system 3 further comprises a water recirculation tank 11 which receives filtered water from the main water filter 9, and a recirculation water pipe 12 from the water recirculation tank 11 with at least one water outlet 13. Each water outlet is preferably associated with a drain 7 so that water that is not consumed goes down the drain 7 and flows back to the return water tank 4. Preferably, an extra water filter 40 is positioned after the water recirculation tank 11 and before the at least one water outlet 13. Also, a Drink water filter 41 may be installed just upstream of a water outlet for drink water as seen in fig- 1.
The recirculation system 3 is supplemented by manual filling or with water from the water tank 2, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, as the water evaporates or is removed from the water circulation system. Evaporation occurs in all the water traps in the drains and in the water's path from the water outlet/drain point to the drain. Furthermore, some water is lost during cooking and washing of various kinds. If we assume that water is not thrown away, the emission -free water circulation system 1 will only emit water for evaporation and internal use by humans and animals. It will typically be 1-5 liters per day per person depending on use.
In the recirculation system 3, the at least one drain 7 receives wastewater from at least one of: a toilet 19, a shower 20, a sink 21, a washing machine and a dishwasher.
The main water filter 9 removes residues of solids and most of the particles and most of both chemical and biological contamination. The quality of the main water filter 9 is decisive for how well the water circulation system works. If wastewater from the toilet is also to be included in the return water tank 4, the specifications of the main water filter must be different than if it is only gray water. In this application, we call water from the toilet drain ‘black water’ and water from other drains ‘gray water’.
In an embodiment shown in fig. 1 or 2, the water tank 2 is a rainwater tank. This means that the water tank 2 is filled up when it rains. Advantageously, the water tank can be placed higher than parts of the recirculation system 3 so that a pump is not required to refill the recirculation system 3.
In one embodiment, the water circulation system comprises at least one drinking water pipe 14 which is connected to the water tank 2 as shown in fig. 1. Drinking water can then be drawn directly from the water tank 2.
In one embodiment of the water circulation system, the solids chamber 5 of the return water tank 4 comprises a solids outlet 15. The solids outlet is used for manual or automatic removal of solids. In such an embodiment, the recirculation system 2 can further comprise a drying room 16 where the solids that have been removed from the solids chamber 5 to the return water tank 4 are dried.
The circulation system may include, in one embodiment, an incinerator (not shown) where the dried solids are burned. When most of the moisture from the solids has been removed, very little energy is used to bum the solids.
Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a main water filter 9. The water is filtered through the main water filter by means of gravity and comprises an outer waterproof wall with a significant vertical component. Typically, the main water filter will be a cylindrical tube, with a diameter of half a meter to one meter, where a number of layers are laid on top of each other. The main water filter comprises a biomass layer 25 which contains biomass and a porous substance such as ‘Leca’ pellets or porous wood. The biomass can e.g. be moss or wood/chips. The purpose of the biomass layer is to establish a bio culture with microbes that remove pollutants in the water of both a chemical and biological nature.
The main water filter further comprises a charcoal layer 26 with activated charcoal. The purpose of the charcoal layer is to absorb residual particles and further pollutants.
Activated charcoal is charcoal with a large reactive surface. This means that it is charcoal with many cavities and cracks and an uneven surface.
A layer separator 27 can be provided between the different layers. The layer separators 27 are a mechanical protection layer which ensures that the filter media do not mix. This can be physical plates, bags, shelves, cloths, grates or similar where the water can flow through. In a preferred embodiment, the main water filter can comprise a replaceable wooden layer 28 positioned at the very top of the main water filter 9. The wood is supplied in the form of pellets or chips. The purpose of the wood layer is to remove particles and start a denitrification process. If the water to be filtered contains many particles, this layer is important. The wooden layer 28 is replaced if necessary.
In a preferred embodiment, the main water filter comprises a lime layer 29. The purpose of the lime layer 29 is to remove phosphorus and is beneficial for black water purification. The lime layer 29 will typically contain calcareous stone or gravel.
Oxygen is preferably supplied to the filter by means of an oxygen supply 39. First and foremost, it is the biomass layer 38 that needs oxygen because there are many microorganisms in this layer. Since the filter is full of water, the oxygen must be supplied under the biomass layer 38. The inventor has good experience in supplying the oxygen below the layer which is below the biomass layer 25.
In a preferred embodiment, the filter comprises a magnet section 30. The magnet section 30 can, for example, comprise a circular magnet through which the water flows. The purpose is to collect any magnetic particles.
After the main water filter, as previously mentioned, a disinfection unit 22 is preferably placed. In a preferred embodiment, the disinfection unit comprises an ozone generator 23 which pumps ozone into a hose which is led to a disinfection vessel where ozone is bubbled through the water. Preferably, the ozone can be added to the water in the disinfection tank.
The pumping means 8 contain at least one pump 31. Moving water from one unit to another takes place either by means of a pump 31 or by means of gravity. In a preferred embodiment, a pump 31 is placed between the return water tank 4 and the main water filter 9. Furthermore, a pressure pump 34 can be placed after the recirculation water tank which pumps the water out to at least one outlet by means of recirculation water pipe 12.
In a preferred embodiment, there is a filter level gauge 33 in the main water filter and a return level gauge 32 in the return water tank 4. In their simplest form, the level gauges are binary. The pump 31 is activated if the return level gauge 32 in the return water tank 4 is above a predetermined level. The pump 31 which is activated pumps water from the return water tank 4 up to the top of the main water filter 9 so that the water is purified. If the filter level gauge 33 is above a predetermined level in the main water filter 9, the pressure pump 34 is stopped and remains switched off as long as the filter level gauge 33 is above the predetermined level. The water to the water outlets will then stop and the supply of water to the return water tank will then stop a little while later, and finally the water supply to the main water filter 9 will stop and thus prevent flooding of the main water filter.
Preferably, there is also a recirculation tank level gauge 37 in the water recirculation tank 11. When the recirculation tank gauge 37 is below a predetermined level, the recirculation water tank 4 is refilled from the water tank 2. Reference numbers
1 Water circulation system
2 Water tank
3 Recirculation system
4 Return water tank
5 Solids chamber
6 Clear water chamber
7 Drain
8 Pumping means
9 Main water filter
10 Fat extractor
11 Water recycling tank
12 Recirculation water pipe
13 Water outlet
14 Drinking water pipe
15 Solids outlet
16 Drying room
17 Incinerator
18 Sedimentation chamber
19 Toilet
20 Shower
21 Sink
22 Disinfection unit
23 Ozone generator
24 Disinfection tub
25 Septic tank
26 Charcoal layers
27 Layer separators
28 Wooden layer
29 Lime layer
30 Magnet section
31 Pump
32 Return level gauge
33 Filter level gauge
34 Pressure pump
35 Grid
36 Gray water tank
37 Recirculation level gauge
38 Biomass layers
39 Oxygen supply
40 Extra water filter
41 Drink water filter

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS
1. Emission-free water circulation system (1) for an off-grid utility unit comprising: a recirculation system (3) comprising: a return water tank (4) which receives wastewater from at least one drain (7), pumping means (8) to circulate the water, characterized by a gravity -based main water filter (9) which receives solids-free water from the return water tank (4) comprising: a biomass layer (38) comprising microbes, a coal layer (26) positioned after the biomass layer, a water recycling tank (11) which receives filtered water from the water filter (9), and a recirculation water pipe (12) from the recirculation water tank (11) with at least one water outlet (13) with drainage to one of the at least one drain (7).
2. Circulation system according to claim 1, where the water circulation system (1) comprises a water tank (2) to replenish the recirculation system (3) with water.
3. Circulation system according to claim 1 or 2, where the return water tank (4) comprises a return level gauge (32).
4. Circulation system according to any of the preceding claims, where the main water filter 9 comprises a filter level gauge (33).
5. Circulation system according to any of the preceding claims, where the water recirculation tank (11) comprises a recirculation tank level gauge (37).
6. Circulation system according to any of the preceding claims, where the recirculation system (3) comprises a disinfection unit (22) which is placed after the main water filter (9).
7. Circulation system according to claim 5, where the disinfection unit (22) comprises at least one of: UV lighting of the water, ozone treatment, chlorine treatment.
8. Circulation system according to any of the preceding claims where a fat separator (10) is placed before the main water filter (9),
9. Circulation system according to any of the preceding claims where the at least one drain (7) receives wastewater from at least one of: a toilet (19) a shower (20), a sink (21), a washing machine and a dishwasher.
10. Circulation system according to any of the preceding claims, where the water tank (2) comprises a rainwater cistern.
11. Circulation system according to any of the preceding claims where the return water tank 2 is a septic tank (25) comprising a solids chamber (5) for sedimentation of solids and a clear water chamber (6) with water without solids.
12. Circulation system according to claim 11 where the solids chamber (5) of the return water tank (4) comprises a solids outlet (15).
13. Circulation system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main water filter (9) further comprises one or more of: a wooden layer placed before the biomass layer (38). a lime layer (29) placed after the biomass filter. oxygen supply for the biomass layer. a magnetic section (30) positioned after the biomass layer, preferably last in the main water filter.
14. Circulation system according to claims 3 and 4 where the pumping means (8) comprise a pump (31) which pumps water up to the top of the main water filter (9) from the return water tank and a pressure pump (34) connected to the recirculation water pipe (12) where the water circulation system comprises the following conditions: a. if the return level gauge is above a predetermined level in the return water tank, the pump (31) is run. b. if the filter level gauge is above a predetermined level in the main water filter (9), the pressure pump (34) is stopped.
15. Circulation system according to claims 5 and 18, where the water circulation system comprises the following further condition: c. if the recirculation level gauge (37) is below a predetermined level, the water recirculation tank (11) is filled up from the water tank (2),
PCT/EP2023/080923 2022-11-07 2023-11-07 Emission-free water circulation system for an utility unit WO2024100003A1 (en)

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NO20221193 2022-11-07
NO20221193A NO20221193A1 (en) 2022-11-07 2022-11-07 Emission-free water circulation system for utility unit

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR200427278Y1 (en) * 2006-06-30 2006-09-22 이건기 Water recycling toilet sewage treatment system without water discharge
US20090032446A1 (en) * 2007-08-01 2009-02-05 Triwatech, L.L.C. Mobile station and methods for diagnosing and modeling site specific effluent treatment facility requirements
US9556038B2 (en) * 2011-08-09 2017-01-31 George Frigon Wastewater treatment system and methods

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR200427278Y1 (en) * 2006-06-30 2006-09-22 이건기 Water recycling toilet sewage treatment system without water discharge
US20090032446A1 (en) * 2007-08-01 2009-02-05 Triwatech, L.L.C. Mobile station and methods for diagnosing and modeling site specific effluent treatment facility requirements
US9556038B2 (en) * 2011-08-09 2017-01-31 George Frigon Wastewater treatment system and methods

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