APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF A NEW OR EXISTING FILTER FOR FILTERING WATER OR WASTEWATER

Abstract

Devices and methods associated with these devices for significantly improving the efficiency of an existing or new filter having a granular media filter bed. The methods and devices are designed to increase the height and hence overall volume of the filter bed to allow for longer filtration runs between washing or cleaning cycles of the granular media filter bed. One embodiment includes a multi-wash trough adapter that upon removal of an existing deep wash trough connects two shallow wash troughs or two shallow wash trough channels to an existing wash trough opening formed in a wall of a filter compartment. The shallow members have a height significantly less than the height of the existing deep wash trough, e.g., one third to one half of the height of the existing deep wash trough allowing the volume of the granular media filter bed to be significantly increased.

Claims

1. A treatment unit for removing impurities from liquid, said treatment unit comprising: (a) a granular media bed for removing impurities from a liquid including at least one layer of granular media; (b) an underdrain disposed below said granular media bed for directing a fluid to be treated through said granular media bed and collecting a washing fluid passing through said granular media bed; (c) at least two closely spaced wash troughs wherein a spacing between each wash trough is equal to or less than eighteen inches; and, (d) a flow control member configured to reduce a rate of fluid flow between and into the at least two closely spaced wash troughs caused by spacing of the at least two closely spaced wash troughs.

2. The treatment unit as recited in claim 1, wherein: (a) said flow control member is one of the following: (i) a plate having a plurality of notches formed in an upper portion of the plate, wherein the plate is connected to at least one of the at least two closely spaced wash troughs and (ii) a plurality of notches formed in an upper portion of at least one of the at least two closely spaced wash troughs.

3. The treatment unit as recited in claim 1, wherein: (a) said flow control member includes a first plate having a plurality of notches formed in an upper portion of the first plate wherein the first plate is connected to an inner wall of a first of the two closely spaced wash troughs.

4. The treatment unit as recited in claim 3, wherein: (a) said flow control member includes a second plate having a plurality of notches formed in an upper portion of the second plate wherein the second plate is connected to an inner wall of a second of the two closely spaced wash troughs.

5. The treatment unit as recited in claim 4, wherein: (a) said first plate and said second plate are configured to be adjustable relative to the inner wall of a corresponding wash trough.

6. A treatment unit comprising: (a) a granular media bed for removing impurities from a liquid, said granular media bed including at least one layer of granular media; (b) an underdrain disposed below said granular media bed for directing a fluid to be treated through said granular media bed and collecting a washing fluid passing through said granular media bed; (c) a single wash trough having at least two closely spaced wash trough channels wherein a spacing between each wash trough channel is equal to or less than eighteen inches; and, (d) each of said two wash trough channels having an inner wall and an outer wall, said inner wall including a plurality of openings spaced along a length of said inner wall to allow a fluid flowing between the two wash trough channels to enter or exit a corresponding wash trough channel through the plurality of openings.

7. The treatment unit as recited in claim 6, wherein: (a) said two closely spaced wash trough channels are formed from a single piece of material and each of said two closely spaced wash trough channels have a height of approximately twelve inches.

8. A method of constructing a new water or wastewater treatment unit employing a granular media bed for removing impurities from a liquid with a plurality of wash troughs configured and disposed in a manner that allows the new treatment unit to employ a greater volume of granular media to improve filter efficiency of the new treatment unit, said method comprising the step of: (a) providing at least two trough channels wherein the at least two wash troughs channels are configured to collect a washing fluid passing through the granular media bed during a washing cycle; and, (b) said at least two wash trough channels include a first wash trough channel and a second wash trough channel and forming or orienting each of said first wash trough channel and said second wash trough channel to satisfy at least one of the following: (i) a wash trough depth of no greater than twelve inches; and, (ii) a spacing between said first wash trough channel and said second wash channel is eighteen inches or less measured from a side wall of said first wash trough channel closest to said second wash channel and a side wall of said second wash trough closest to said first wash trough channel.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein: (a) said first wash trough channel and said second wash trough channel are formed by a single wash trough.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein: (a) said first wash trough channel and said second wash trough channel are each formed by a separate wash trough.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein: (a) the spacing between said first wash trough channel and said second wash channel is eighteen inches or less measured from a side wall of said first wash trough channel closest to said second wash channel and a side wall of said second wash trough closest to said first wash trough channel.

12. The method of claim 11, including the further step of: (a) providing a flow control member configured to reduce a rate of fluid flow between and into the first wash trough channel and the second wash trough channel.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein: (a) said flow control member is one of the following: (i) a plate having a plurality of notches formed in an upper portion of the plate, wherein the plate is connected to at least one of the first wash trough channel and the second wash trough channel and (ii) a plurality of notches formed in an upper portion of at least one of the first wash trough channel and the second wash trough channel.

14. The treatment unit as recited in claim 13, wherein: (a) said flow control member includes a first plate having a plurality of notches formed in an upper portion of the first plate wherein the first plate is connected to an inner wall of one of the first wash trough channel and the second wash trough channel.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: (a) said flow control member includes a second plate having a plurality of notches formed in an upper portion of the second plate wherein the second plate is connected to an inner wall of the other of the first wash trough channel and the second wash trough channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of one of many types of conventional filters having three conventional wash troughs.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the filter depicted in FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the filter depicted in FIG. 2 with a preferred multi-wash trough adapter operably connecting two closely spaced shallow wash troughs to a wash trough opening in a wall of a filter compartment of an existing filter.

[0030] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred multi-wash trough adapter depicted in FIG. 3.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a conventional filter illustrating the spacing between the uppermost portion of the filter bed and a lowermost portion of a conventional wash trough.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a filter utilizing a preferred form of the present invention illustrating the greater height of the filter bed achieved by utilizing the two closely spaced wash troughs in place of a single deep conventional wash trough.

[0033] FIG. 7 is an end view as seen from inside of a filter compartment of a preferred multi-wash trough adapter operably connected to three (3) existing wash trough openings formed in a wall of an existing filter compartment.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a shallow wash trough with adjustable flow control plates adjustably connected to opposing vertically extending walls of the shallow wash trough.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of two closely spaced shallow wash trough with an adjustable flow control plate adjustably connected to the inner vertically extending wall of each of the shallow wash troughs.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of a single shallow wash trough with dual shallow wash trough channels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The preferred forms of the invention are described below with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 to 10. The appended claims are not limited to the preferred forms and no term and/or phrase used herein is to be given a meaning other than its ordinary meaning unless it is expressly stated otherwise. Treatment unit as used herein does not include circular tanks and/or pressure vessels. FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 will be discussed to highlight the significant contributions/advancements provided by the present invention over the prior art.

[0038] The preferred forms of the present invention are directed to treatment units employing granular media above an underdrain to remove impurities from liquids processed by the treatment unit and/or one or more components of a treatment unit. The treatment unit can take many forms including a treatment unit in which liquid to be processed (e.g., impurities removed from) travels in the same direction or the opposite direction as the washing fluid be it a gas, liquid or a combination of a gas or liquid as the washing fluids. The treatment unit can be a pretreatment unit proceeding one or more subsequent processing stages. For example, the pretreatment unit can be an upflow clarifier or a downflow clarifier preceding one or more subsequent treatment units. In an upflow clarifier, liquid to be processed (i.e., to have impurities removed therefrom) flows upwardly through the granular media. Conversely, in a downflow clarifier, the liquid to be processed is directed downwardly through the granular media.

[0039] The treatment unit can be a final stage of a liquid treatment system including but not limited to an upflow polishing filter and a downflow polishing filter. In addition, the treatment unit can be an intermediary component between a clarifier or other initial treatment component and a final polishing filter or final treatment unit. The treatment unit can take the form of a water treatment unit, a wastewater treatment unit or any other treatment unit that employs granular media to remove impurities from a fluid or liquid to be processed.

[0040] The granular media can be a single layer of media that is designed to remove impurities from a liquid to be processed. The single layer of media can be supported directly on an underdrain or on a media retaining plate or structure connected to the underdrain. The granular media can include two or more layers of media designed to remove impurities from a liquid to be processed supported directly on the underdrain or on a media retaining plate or structure connected to the underdrain. The granular media including one or more layers of impurity removing media can be disposed on and supported by one or more layers of support gravel disposed on the underdrain.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 5

[0041] FIG. 1 depicts one of many types of conventional granular media filters. Filter A includes a filter compartment B housing a granular media filter bed C including three layers of filter media 2, 4, 6 supported by a gravel layer 8 above underdrain D. Above the filter bed C are three spaced deep wash troughs E each having a depth or height of 24 inches. The outer two deep wash troughs E are typically spaced 3 feet from a corresponding wall of compartment B that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding deep wash trough E. The middle deep wash trough E is typically spaced 6 feet from each of the outer two deep wash troughs E.

[0042] It is important to note that the present invention is not limited to the granular media filter bed depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 as the granular media filter bed could consist of a single layer of filter media, two layers of filter media or more than three layers of filter media. Further, the underdrain can be of any suitable form including a form that does not require one or more layers of support gravel. For example, the underdrain could include a plurality of underdrain blocks having a media support plate or slotted upper structure that obviates the need for one or more layers of support gravel. As opposed to underdrain blocks, the underdrain could include a plurality of underdrain laterals each running the length of the filter compartment. The underdrain could also be, for example, a wheeler bottom underdrain. Existing wash trough openings 10 formed in wall 12 of filter compartment B are best seen in FIG. 1.

[0043] During a washing cycle, phase, stage or mode, the washing liquid is collected by the deep wash troughs E and discharged through wash trough openings 10 into a collection channel or area F that is fluidly connected to a waste tank or other waste collecting device or means (not shown).

FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 to 10

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, a preferred form of the invention is illustrated in one of many possible configurations. Referring to FIG. 3, a preferred multi-wash trough adapter G is illustrated in one of many possible configurations. The preferred multi-wash trough adapter G is configured to connect two shallow wash troughs H to a single existing deep wash trough opening 10 formed in a wall 12 of an existing filter compartment B housing a granular media filter bed. Wall 12 preferably runs along the length of the collection area F.

[0045] An outer end 20 (i.e., end closet to wall 12) of the multi-wash trough adapter G is sealing connected to wall 12 around existing deep wash trough opening 10 so that a liquid cannot pass through opening 10 without first passing through one of the two shallow wash troughs H. A sealant can be applied around the corresponding portion of outer end 20 or a seal can be configured to conform to the shape of outer end 20 and be positioned between outer end 20 and wall 12. Any other sealing method can be utilized or employed.

[0046] The multi-wash trough adapter G has a box shaped upper section 22 having opposing sidewalls 24, a bottom wall 26 and an inner wall 28. The multi-wash trough adapter G has a lower section 30 having two opposing walls 32 (only one of which is shown) connected by a bottom wall 34. Lower section 30 seals the lower half or lower portion of the deep wash trough opening 10.

[0047] Upper section 22 forms an internal liquid collection chamber 38 to collect liquid from each of the shallow wash troughs H and direct the collected liquid through the opening 10. The portion of bottom wall 26 that extends across the width of opening 10 can be offset inwardly to form an inwardly extending notch in bottom wall 26 so that a liquid can flow downwardly and into lower section 30 and out the lower portion of deep wash trough opening 10.

[0048] Inner wall 28 includes a pair of notches or recesses 40 with each notch or recess 40 having a sufficient size to receive a shallow wash trough H. As seen in FIG. 3, the ends of each wash trough H extend into liquid collection chamber 38. Each notch or recess preferably has a shape complimentary to the shape of shallow wash troughs H. While shallow wash troughs H and notches 40 are shown as being generally U-shaped, the shallow wash troughs H and notches 40 can be formed in any other suitable shape.

[0049] Seals 42 preferably have a complimentary shape to the shape of notches 40. Each seal 42 includes an inner recess 44 that extends the length of seal 42. Recess 44 is sized to receive the portion of inner wall 28 defining each notch 40 so that seal 42 can seat on the corresponding portion of inner wall 28. Seals 42 seal the juncture of troughs H and inner wall 28 to prevent a liquid from passing between troughs H and the portion of inner wall 28 surrounding troughs H.

[0050] A detachable connector 50 is preferably detachably connected to inner wall 28 to detachably connect troughs H to the adapter G. Bolts, screws or any other suitable fasteners can be used to detachably connect member 50 to inner wall 28. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a pair of fasteners 52 can connect each end of member 50 using preformed openings 54 formed in outer portions of inner wall 28. A single fastener 56 can connect the middle portion of member 50 to a middle portion of inner wall 28 using preformed opening 58.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 6, a connecting portion 60 of lower section 30 can extend into opening 10. Fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) extending through connecting portion 60 and a surface of wall 12 defining opening 10 can be employed to securely and detachably connect adapter G to wall 12.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, it can be readily seen how adapter G and shallow wash troughs H allow the height and hence volume of an existing granular media bed to be significantly increased. In FIG. 5, a deep wash trough (24 inches deep or high) is shown. Specifically, an uppermost portion 64 of the granular media bed is significantly lower than the bottommost portion of opening 10. In FIG. 6, additional media can be added so that the height of granular media bed extends above the bottommost portion of opening 10 while maintaining the same distance between the bottom of the troughs H and the uppermost portion 62 of the bed as the distance between deep wash troughs E and the uppermost portion 64. Where the troughs H have a depth or height of 12 inches, the height of the granular media bed can be increased by as much as 12 inches where no bed expansion is required to be considered for the newly added media and a minimum of 8 inches where a 50% bed expansion is required for the newly added media, i.e., the bed height can be increased by the difference between the depth or height of trough E and trough H minus the height needed to allow for bed expansion of the newly added granular media. Increasing the height of the bed by 8 to 12 inches increases the volume of the bed by the product of the increased height and the area of the filter compartment or area of the existing bed. This significant increase in volume of the bed significantly prolongs filter runs and hence the efficiency of the filter or treatment unit. Further, the increased bed volume is achieved without altering the size of an existing filter compartment. In fact, the only change to an existing treatment unit is the removal of the deep wash troughs and replacement with shallow wash troughs and the corresponding adapter.

[0053] Preferably, the total collection volume of the two wash troughs H is the same or substantially the same as the collection volume of trough E.

[0054] While the troughs H preferably have a height of one half or approximately one half of the height of wash trough E, other height differentials can be employed. For example, troughs H could have a height of one third or approximately one third of the height of wash trough E. Further, it is to be noted that adapter G could be formed to connect more than two shallow wash troughs to an existing wash trough channel opening 10.

[0055] Further, any other suitable means can be used to sealing connect adapter G to wall 12. Similarly, any other suitable means can be used to connect and seal shallow wash troughs H to adapter G.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 7, an alternative form of adapter is shown. Adapter I includes three integral and connected sections 70, 72 and 74 formed similar or in the same manner as adapter G to connect adapter I to each of the three openings 10 shown in FIG. 1, i.e., each section is connected to a single existing wash trough opening. Inner wall 80 of adapter I can be formed from one or more pieces of material.

[0057] Adapters G and I can be configured to space two shallow wash troughs H connected to a single wash trough opening six to twelve inches from each other. However, the spacing can be less than six inches or more than twelve inches. This spacing refers to the distance from inner wall 82 of one of the two shallow wash troughs H to inner wall 82 of the other of the two shallow wash troughs as seen in, for example, FIG. 4.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, preferred forms of a flow control member will now be described. The close spacing of two adjacent shallow wash troughs H will result in an increase in the rate of fluid flow between inner walls 82 of the two shallow wash troughs H. The same is true of two closely spaced wash trough channels of a single shallow wash trough (See FIG. 10). Referring to FIG. 9, a height adjustable flow control plate 90 is detachably connected to each inner wall 82 of two adjacent shallow wash troughs H. Each plate 90 includes a plurality of vertically extending elongated slots 92 and a corresponding fastener 94 to allow the height of plate 90 to be adjusted relative to inner wall 82. Each plate 90 further includes a plurality of flow control notches 96 formed in the upper edge of plate 90. The flow control notches 96 act to reduce the rate of flow of fluid between inner walls 82 and into wash troughs H. The flow control notches 96 are shown as being of uniform size and uniformly spaced. However, the size and spacing of flow control notches 96 can be readily varied as desired to adjust fluid flow, as necessary. While flow control notches 96 are shown as being formed in a plate attached to the inner walls 82, the flow control notches 96 can be formed in the upper edge of each inner wall 82 of the two shallow and closely spaced wash troughs H. The outer walls of each of the shallow wash troughs H depicted in FIG. 9 will have an adjustable plate identical to plate 90 with the exception that no notches are formed in the adjustable plate connected to the outer walls of the shallow wash troughs H depicted in FIG. 9. The uppermost surface of the each of the notchless adjustable plates will be horizontally aligned with the base or bottom of notches 96 of the corresponding plate 90 so that the upper surface of the notchless adjustable plates will extend in the same horizontal plane as the bottom surface of notches 96 of the corresponding plate 90.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 8, an adjustable flow control plate 90 is attached to each opposing and vertically extending wall of wash trough H. FIG. 8 illustrates a form of shallow wash trough to be positioned between two other shallow wash troughs.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 10, a further alternative embodiment is shown in which the flow control means includes a plurality of openings explained below. Shallow wash trough J has two shallow wash trough channels 100 and 102. Each channel 100 and 102 includes an inner wall 104 having a flow control means which includes a plurality of openings 106 to allow liquid to enter and escape from the corresponding channel through openings 106 and control the rate of fluid flow between the two closely spaced channels 100 and 102. Hence, a liquid can enter and escape from each of the two sides of channels 100 and 102. While trough J is shown as having two shallow wash trough channels, three or more shallow wash trough channels can be employed. Preferably, trough J is formed from a single piece of material. Where trough J is used in place of wash troughs H the innermost wall of the adapter will be shaped to receive the wash trough of this embodiment.

[0061] It is to be noted that the two or more closely spaced wash troughs H or the single dual channel wash trough J can be used in new filter or treatment unit constructions. In this case, an adapter can be omitted as a wall of a new filter or treatment compartment can be formed with openings conforming to the corresponding type of shallow wash trough.

[0062] The adapters and wash troughs discussed above can be formed of any suitable material including but not limited to fiberglass, plastic, metal and stainless steel. The adapters and one or more corresponding wash can be formed as a single piece, for example, be molded as a single piece of fiberglass.

[0063] While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that the preferred design can be further modified or adapted following in general the principles of the invention and including but not limited to such departures from the present invention as come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains. The claims are not limited to the preferred embodiment and have been written to preclude such a narrow construction using the principles of claim differentiation.