Abstract:
A method to accumulate and pre-treat waste water prior to further processing. The method comprises accumulating waste water in a first and second tank and selectively adding further influent waste water to the first or second tank to such that the resultant pH from combining the influent waste water with the accumulated waste water results in a pH close to a target pH.
Abstract:
A system and method for static mixing in a waste water settling tank to increase recovery of first entrained solids and solvated materials, comprising a settling tank having a recirculation ring and a hopper bottom defining a sludge hopper having a flat bottom portion, a fluid containment assembly, and a fluid deflector assembly with an optional fluid dispersion assembly. The system further comprises an inlet pipe for introduction of waste water containing second entrained solids and solvated materials into the settling tank and a discharge outlet in proximity to the underside of the fluid deflector assembly with nozzle facing downward. Influent waste water is directed both downward into the fluid containment assembly and upward into the center of the fluid deflector assembly and an optional fluid dispersion assembly to distribute the influent into contact with previously introduced waste water to cause coalescence of the first and second entrained solids.
Abstract:
A system comprising method and apparatus for separating biologically-digestible materials from an influent sewage stream. The system may comprise a primary clarification tank to capture sixty percent or more of the total solids from an influent stream; a sludge classifying press (SCP) to isolate and concentrate biologically digestible materials from sludge formed in the primary clarification tank, releasing valuable organics, such as are found in corn kernels, by fracturing the protective casings; a grit capture mechanism in a chamber within the primary clarification tank and isolated from the bulk of the sludge containing biologically-degradable materials; a grit trap to remove grit from the sludge prior to classifying the sludge with the SCP; apparatus for adding thickener to the sludge after classification and prior to digestion; and automation of one or more elements of the process for separating and digesting the biologically digestible materials in an influent stream.
Abstract:
A screen decanter for decanting liquid from a reservoir, comprising at least one rack comprising screens and baffles forming the sides of a cavity; a frame attached to the screens and baffles and providing a barrier so that liquid cannot pass from outside into the cavity without passing through the screens; a patterned perforated drain pipe inside the cavity and leading to an opening through which liquids may drain out from the cavity. The pattern of the openings counteracts the hydrostatic head within the rack such that flow through the screens is uniform at all depths of immersion in the liquid reservoir. Preferably, the screens have a porosity of about 50 micrometers.
Abstract:
A screen decanter for decanting liquid from a reservoir, comprising at least one rack comprising screens and baffles forming the sides of a cavity; a frame attached to the screens and baffles and providing a barrier so that liquid cannot pass from outside into the cavity without passing through the screens; a patterned perforated drain pipe inside the cavity and leading to an opening through which liquids may drain out from the cavity. The pattern of the openings counteracts the hydrostatic head within the rack such that flow through the screens is uniform at all depths of immersion in the liquid reservoir. Preferably, the screens have a porosity of about 50 micrometers.
Abstract:
A settling tank for receiving an influent stream separated into first and second influent streams and recombined under pressure in the settling tank. The settling tank comprises first and second pipes for conveyance of the first and second influent streams to a turbulent mixing zone wherein the first and second pipes terminate in first and second longitudinally parallel manifolds, each having a plurality of longitudinally arrayed holes defining first and second hole arrays. Each of the first and second arrays is directed in opposition to the other of the first and second arrays such that influent flows from the respective holes thereof can collide to cause turbulent mixing in said turbulent mixing zone.
Abstract:
A system comprising method and apparatus for separating biologically-digestible materials from an influent sewage stream. The system may comprise a primary clarification tank to capture sixty percent or more of the total solids from an influent stream; a sludge classifying press (SCP) to isolate and concentrate biologically digestible materials from sludge formed in the primary clarification tank, releasing valuable organics, such as are found in corn kernels, by fracturing the protective casings; a grit capture mechanism in a chamber within the primary clarification tank and isolated from the bulk of the sludge containing biologically-degradable materials; a grit trap to remove grit from the sludge prior to classifying the sludge with the SCP; apparatus for adding thickener to the sludge after classification and prior to digestion; and automation of one or more elements of the process for separating and digesting the biologically digestible materials in an influent stream.
Abstract:
A method for treating sludge comprising the steps of a) separating the sludge into a BOD-rich portion and a BOD-poor portion; and b) adding flocculant to the BOD-rich portion after the separating step. A currently preferred method comprises the steps of a) first passing the sludge through a sludge classifying press to create a classified sludge; and b) adding at least one flocculent to the classified sludge after the passing step. The method may comprise the further steps of separating grit from the sludge by preliminarily passing the sludge through a grit separator prior to the first passing step; and/or thickening the classified sludge by second passing the classified sludge through a sludge thickener after the adding step.
Abstract:
An improved sludge classifying press for isolating biologically-digestible materials from sludge. The press comprises a tubular shell containing a cylindrical separation screen and a tapered auger driven within the separation screen by a motor and transmission. The SCP assists in fracturing the protective casings of resistant seeds and passing the resulting comminuted solid materials in a liquid stream of BOD materials. The separation screen may be repositioned with respect to the tubular shell by rotation to distribute wear by grit impingement that occurs during use preponderantly at the bottom of the screen, thereby extending the working life of the screen.
Abstract:
An influent feed system to classify and separate particulate matter and solvated materials from an influent stream includes one or more influent feed troughs in fluid communication with a clarification tank. One or more grit boxes are in fluid communication with the one or more influent feed troughs. The one or more grit boxes include a hopper for accumulation of materials to be deposited. The hopper has a drainage pipe and a valve that controls communication of materials between the influent feed system and the drainage pipe. A mechanism delivers the influent stream at a predetermined and a substantially constant flow rate. The influent stream is separated into two or more streams and recombined under pressure in the grit boxes. A grit box to classify and separate particulate matter and solvated materials from an influent stream is also described.