METHOD AND COVER SYSTEM FOR A LIQUID CONTAINMENT APPARATUS

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a plate settler cover that prevents algae growth, prevents contamination from organic material, and provides structural support for a user who is standing or walking on the plate settler system. The plate settler covers can either float directly on standing water present in the system or may be structurally supported such that the plate cover is positioned above the surface of the water.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A cover for a liquid containment apparatus that includes at least one settler plate assembly, the cover comprising: at least three cover panel portions, each configured to be positioned end-to-end over a top portion of the liquid containment apparatus; each of said at least three cover panel portions having at least two side edges that descend downward toward the at least one settler plate assembly; said at least three cover panel portions movable to abut with at least one of the at least two side edges of an adjacent one of said cover panel portions, wherein the at least three cover panel portions reduce the incidence of sunlight on the surface of a liquid contained in said liquid containment apparatus that would otherwise fall on the surface of the liquid, wherein the at least three cover panel portions are configured to distribute and support a weight of at least about 120 pounds to allow a human operator to stand or walk on the exterior surface of the at least three cover panel portions without damaging the at least three cover panel portions or the at least one settler plate assembly, and wherein the at least three cover panel portions permit liquid to flow through the cover.

22. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein said liquid containment apparatus includes a plurality of troughs adjacent to the at least one settler plate assembly and wherein the cover is configured to rest on said plurality of troughs.

23. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein each one of said at least three cover panel portions is removable by a person.

24. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein a gap between an edge of one of said at least three cover panel portions and an edge of an adjacent one of said at least three cover panel portions is about 0.25 inches.

25. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the cover comprises a material, laminate, or coating that is resistant to at least one of algae growth and rust.

26. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the cover freely permits water to flow or descend downwardly into the liquid containment apparatus below the cover.

27. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the cover comprises a stability aid to improve the stability of an operator when standing or walking on the cover, the stability aid comprising at least one of ribs, divots, mounds, a friction-increasing laminate, a friction-increasing coating, and a friction-increasing film, and wherein said cover comprises plastic.

28. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the cover encompasses an entire area of the liquid containment apparatus.

29. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the cover is constructed of material that does not facilitate the growth of algae.

30. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 28, wherein the cover comprises a mesh fabric-like material that permits water to pass therethrough.

31. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 30, wherein the mesh cover effectively reduces the amount of sunlight that impinges upon the surface of water overlying the at least one settler plate assembly, and thereby reduces the amount of algae accumulation that would otherwise occur without the cover.

32. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 30, wherein the mesh fabric material cover does not employ any side-tracks to guide the conveyance of the cover.

33. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein said cover comprises depending members that contact with the at least one settler plate assembly.

34. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein one of the at least three cover panel portions is transparent.

35. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the cover comprises plastic.

36. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the cover comprises an interconnection means for selectively interconnecting the at least one settler plate assembly to one of said at least three cover panel portions.

37. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the cover prevents a contaminant from comingling with the liquid, the contaminant comprising at least one of trash, bird feces, leaves, and organic matter.

38. The cover for a liquid containment apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the cover comprises a stability aid to improve the stability of an operator when standing or walking on the cover, the stability aid comprising at least one of ribs, divots, mounds, a friction-increasing laminate, a friction-increasing coating, and a friction-increasing film.

39. A cover for a liquid containment apparatus that includes at least one settler plate assembly, the cover comprising: at least three cover panel portions, each configured to be positioned end-to-end over a top portion of the liquid containment apparatus; each of said at least three cover panel portions having at least two side edges that descend downward toward the at least one settler plate assembly; said at least three cover panel portions movable together such that at least one side of each of said at least three cover panel portions at least partially abuts to a side of an adjacent one of said cover panel portions, wherein the at least three cover panel portions reduce the incidence of sunlight on the surface of a liquid contained in said liquid containment apparatus that would otherwise fall on the surface of the liquid, wherein the at least three cover panel portions are configured to distribute and support a weight of at least about 120 pounds to allow a human operator to stand or walk on the exterior surface of the at least three cover panel portions without damaging the at least three cover panel portions, wherein the at least three cover panel portions permit liquid to flow through the cover, wherein the cover comprises a top surface, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and two opposing sides that extend between the first and second ends, wherein the top surface comprises raised protrusions, wherein the cover is at least partially formed from a plastic material, wherein the apparatus for containing liquids comprises troughs configured to receive liquid, and wherein the cover is positioned along an entire length of said troughs.

40. A cover for a liquid containment apparatus that includes at least one settler plate assembly, the cover comprising: at least three cover panel portions, each configured to be positioned end-to-end over a top portion of the liquid containment apparatus; each of said at least three cover panel portions having at least two side edges that descend downward toward the at least one settler plate assembly; said at least three cover panel portions movable together such that at least one side of each of said at least three cover panel portions at least partially abuts to a side of an adjacent one of said cover panel portions, wherein the at least three cover panel portions reduce the incidence of sunlight on the surface of a liquid contained in said liquid containment apparatus that would otherwise fall on the surface of the liquid, wherein the at least three cover panel portions are configured to distribute and support a weight of at least about 120 pounds to allow a human operator to stand or walk on the exterior surface of the at least three cover panel portions without damaging the at least three cover panel portions, wherein the at least three cover panel portions permit liquid to flow through the cover, and wherein the at least three cover panel portions are configured to solely cover troughs adjacent to the at least one settler plate assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a plate settler system of the prior art;

[0048] FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing how individual plate covers are positioned on the top of a plate settler;

[0049] FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing plate covers resting flush against an upper rib of a plate settler;

[0050] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a floating plate cover;

[0051] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a fixed plate cover;

[0052] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a fixed trough cover and fixed plate cover;

[0053] FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a rollable plate cover;

[0054] FIG. 8 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a plurality of domed individual plate covers; and

[0055] FIG. 9 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a retractable domed plate cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] FIG. 1 shows a plate settler system 1 of the prior art without a cover. As shown, without a cover, the plate settler system 1 is open to the environment. As a result, algae grow on the surface of the plate settlers 3, leading to a slippery, thin film of algae on the surface of the plate settlers 3, causing myriad problems for water treatment facilities. For example, maintenance workers, who often need to walk on the plate settlers 3, are exposed to unsafe walking surfaces which increase the risk of injury. As a result, cleaners often must be hired to remove the algae, leading to additional costs. Due to the rate of growth of algae, it is often the case that by the time all of the algae are successfully removed, more algae has already begun to grow. Thus, cleaners are needed on at least a weekly basis, if not more often.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows a plate settler system 1 utilizing the plate settler covers 2 of the present invention. In one embodiment, the plate settler covers 2 are segmented such that four covers 2 are utilized for each plate settler 3, each plate settler 3 being positioned within a frame 8. However, one having skill in the art will recognize that the plate covers 2 could be a variety of sizes such that each plate settler 3 utilizes one, two, three, five, six, or any number of covers 2 based on the needs of the user and the design of the plate settler system 1 being utilized.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the plate settler covers 2 are made of T-304 stainless steel, 22 gauge with closed cell foam adhered to the underside. However, one having skill in the art will recognize the covers 2 may be made of any number of materials including, but not limited to, metal, aluminum, polymer, plastic, wood, glass, carbon fiber, and cement. In addition, the upper surface of the plate cover 2 may be smooth or may be designed to improve friction between the plate cover 2 and the user walking on the plate cover 2. For example, the plate cover 2 may include ribbing, divots, mounds, or other structures designed to improve the friction. Alternatively, the plate cover 2 may include a friction increasing laminate, coating, or paint which prevents slipping. Additionally, one skilled in the art will further recognize that the plate cover 2 may be provided without cell foam, or that the cell foam may be adhered to the cover 2 in a variety of ways, including being placed inside the plate. Lastly, while cell foam is utilized in a preferred embodiment, one having skill in the art will recognize that any suitable floatation material may be utilized including, but not limited to, the use of air bags or making the plate cover 2 itself from a floating material.

[0059] As further shown in FIG. 2, each plate cover 2 selectively interconnects with the system 1, such that the cover 2 rests in a cavity 4 between the top of the plate settlers 3 and an upper rim 5 associated with the frame 8. In a preferred embodiment, the covers 2 interconnect to the system 1 by resting in the cavity 4 such that the edges of the plate 2 are flush against the upper rim 5 and the bottom of the plate 2 is in contact with the plate settler 3. Further, in this preferred embodiment, the plate cover 2 floats on the surface of the water above the plate settlers 3. However, one skilled in the arts will recognize that a variety of interconnecting means can be utilized including snapping into place, sliding into a track, locking by a locking mechanism, and any other conventional or unconventional means of securing the plate covers 2. Once in place, the plate covers 2 cover the entirety of the plate settlers 3.

[0060] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the plate settler system 1 further has a trough 6, which allows the treated water to flow out of the basin. As influent flows through the basin and rises between the plate settlers 3, solids settle out onto the plate settler 3 surfaces. The clarified water is then evenly extracted through a flow control deck 7, and is distributed into the troughs 6 where it flows out of the basin.

[0061] FIGS. 4-6 show various embodiments of the present invention in which the trough 6 of the plate settler system 1 is elevated above the plate settlers 3. As shown in FIG. 4, plate covers 2 may be utilized which float on the surface of the water. In a preferred embodiment, the plate settler covers 2 are made of T-304 stainless steel, 22 gauge with closed cell foam adhered to the underside. However, one having skill in the art will recognize the covers 2 may be made of any number of materials including, but not limited to, metal, aluminum, polymer, plastic, wood, glass, carbon fiber, and cement. Additionally, one skilled in the art will further recognize that the plate cover 2 may be provided without cell foam, or that the cell foam may be adhered to the cover 2 in a variety of ways, including being placed inside the plate. Lastly, while cell foam is utilized in a preferred embodiment, one having skill in the art will recognize that any suitable floatation material may be utilized including, but not limited to, the use of air bags or making the plate cover 2 itself from a floating material.

[0062] Additionally, weir plates 7 are utilized which prevent the cover 2 from moving from side to side. While weir plates 7 are utilized in a preferred embodiment, one having skill in the art will recognize that any conventional or unconventional support structures may be utilized to minimize the side to side movement of the plate covers 2.

[0063] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the plate settler system 1 of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the plate cover 2 is fixed, rather than being free to float. In a preferred embodiment, the plate settler covers 2 are made of T-304 stainless steel, 22 gauge. However, one having skill in the art will recognize the covers 2 may be made of any number of materials including, but not limited to, metal, aluminum, polymer, plastic, wood, glass, carbon fiber, and cement. The plates are fixed through the use of weir plates 7. The cover 2 sits on top of the weir plates 7, preventing the cover 2 from floating. While weir plates 7 are used in a preferred embodiment, one having skill in the art will recognize that any conventional or unconventional support structures may be utilized for supporting the plate cover 2.

[0064] FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the plate settler system 1 of FIG. 4. As shown, the cover 2 of this embodiment covers both the plate settlers 3 and the trough 6. Further, the plate cover 2 of this embodiment is likewise fixed. The plates are fixed through the use of weir plates 7. The cover 2 sits on top of the weir plates 7, preventing the cover 2 from floating. While weir plates 7 are used in a preferred embodiment, one having skill in the art will recognize that any conventional or unconventional support structures may be utilized for supporting the plate cover 2.

[0065] FIG. 7 shows a plate settler system 1 utilizing another embodiment of the plate settler covers 2 of the present invention. As shown, the cover 2 may be configured to roll up, such that it can be stowed away at one end of the plate settler system 1. Accordingly, the plate cover 2 may be made of a material which is clastic or deformable, such as tarp, various polymers, vinyls, etc. Furthermore, the cover itself may be comprised of segments of rigid material such as metal, plastic, wood, various polymers, etc. These segments may then be interconnected via an elastic material which would allow the cover to roll up be stored.

[0066] FIG. 8 shows a plate settler system 1 utilizing another embodiment of the plate settler covers 2 of the present invention. As shown, the covers 2 may be semicylindrical in shape. However, one having skill in the art will recognize that a plurality of shapes may be utilized, including rectangular, triangular, cubical, etc. Further, the covers 2 may segmented along their width and be made of a material which is compressible, such that the segments of the cover 2 can collapse down into a storage area. Alternatively, the compressibility of the covers 2 may be achieved by utilizing segmented covers 2. The segments would then be allowed to fold in on themselves, reducing their size and allowing them to be stored. Alternatively, the segments could be attached in a telescopic manner, such that each segment slides underneath the next until the segments are in a stored position having the width of one segment.

[0067] FIG. 9 shows a plate settler system 1 utilizing another embodiment of the plate settler covers 2 of the present invention. As shown, the covers 2 may be semicylindrical in shape. However, one having skill in the art will recognize that a plurality of shapes may be utilized, including rectangular, triangular, cubical, etc. Further, the covers 2 may be segmented radially, such that the segments of the cover 2 can rotate into a storage area located on a longitudinal edge of the plate settler system 1. The segments may also be made of a compressible material, such that the segments are able to fold in on themselves, reducing their size and allowing them to be stored. Alternatively, the segments could be attached in a telescopic manner, such that each segment slides underneath the next until the segments are in a stored position.

[0068] The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variation and modification commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiment described hereinabove is further intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention as such, or in other embodiments, and with the various modifications required by their particular application or uses of the invention.