Self-leveling weir
US6238577A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86252
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention provides a barrier over which waste water must flow in order to reach the outlet of a wastewater treatment plant. The barrier provided by the weir allows wastewater to exit the plant, while keeping solids that are in suspension to remain. The weir has a scum baffle mounted on its front that acts as a shield against solids that are floating on the surface of the wastewater. The self-leveling ability of the weir is provided by the use of two floats and a coupling to the outlet pipe that has rotational freedom. The floats are mounted on either side of the weir in such a way so that they are partially submerged in the wastewater. The buoyant forces that result cause the weir to align itself parallel to the surface of the water at all times. One advantage of the present invention is that it is self-adjusting, thus eliminating the need for calibration or adjustments after installation. This weir also provides consistent performance even if the wastewater treatment plant is installed or settles to an out of level state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.