Rapid sludge removal clarifier
US9861912B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W10/10
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Rapid removal of settled solids in secondary clarifiers is critical in sewage treatment plants having nutrient removal permits, especially phosphorus, to prevent solids from surfacing after going aerobic and releasing phosphorus. Release of phosphorus could impact the plant's permit limit. This is addressed by the described design of rake blade flights and squeegees that quickly move solids on the clarifier floor to the sludge pickup tubes, usually in one revolution. In a preferred form the blade flights are curved and may be spiral in shape, causing gathered sludge to advance outwardly toward the pickup tube at each flight, usually in one revolution. Previous blade flights included angled linear sections that progressively move the sludge in incremental movements with each revolution of the clarifier mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.