U.S. patent application number 15/261481 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-16 for methods and systems for dewatering solid particles in a contaminated liquid mixture.
The applicant listed for this patent is 19346124 ONTARIO INC.. Invention is credited to Brian E. Butters, Anthony L. Powell.
Application Number | 20170072344 15/261481 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58239136 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170072344 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Powell; Anthony L. ; et
al. |
March 16, 2017 |
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DEWATERING SOLID PARTICLES IN A
CONTAMINATED LIQUID MIXTURE
Abstract
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments,
to methods, systems, and apparatuses for dewatering solid particles
in a liquid mixture, such as those, for example, comprising
receiving a liquid mixture, the liquid mixture including solid
particles; suspending a filter in the liquid mixture;
agglomerating, at the filter, solid particles in the liquid
mixture, the agglomerating including potentiating passage of liquid
in the liquid mixture through the filter and potentiating
accumulation of solid particles in the liquid mixture to collect
and agglomerate at the filter; and applying a shockwave to the
filter, the applied shockwave operable to remove the agglomerated
solid particles from the filter.
Inventors: |
Powell; Anthony L.; (London,
CA) ; Butters; Brian E.; (London, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
19346124 ONTARIO INC. |
London |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
58239136 |
Appl. No.: |
15/261481 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62216972 |
Sep 10, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 29/96 20130101;
C02F 2209/40 20130101; B01D 29/603 20130101; B01D 29/52 20130101;
B08B 7/02 20130101; C02F 2209/10 20130101; B01D 29/114 20130101;
B01D 29/66 20130101; B01D 29/72 20130101; B01D 41/04 20130101; C02F
2303/16 20130101; C02F 1/001 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01D 29/72 20060101
B01D029/72; B08B 7/02 20060101 B08B007/02; B01D 29/60 20060101
B01D029/60; C02F 1/00 20060101 C02F001/00; B01D 41/04 20060101
B01D041/04 |
Claims
1. A method of dewatering solids, the method comprising: receiving
a liquid mixture, the liquid mixture including solid particles;
suspending a filter in the liquid mixture; agglomerating, at the
filter, solid particles in the liquid mixture, the agglomerating
including potentiating passage of liquid in the liquid mixture
through the filter and potentiating accumulation of solid particles
in the liquid mixture to collect and agglomerate at the filter; and
applying a shockwave to the filter, the applied shockwave operable
to remove the agglomerated solid particles from the filter.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the shockwave is selectively
applied when a flow rate of liquid passing through the filter is
below a minimum threshold value.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the shockwave is selectively
applied based on a thickness of solid particles agglomerated at the
filter.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the shockwave is selectively
applied based on consistency of a layer of solid particles
agglomerated at the filter.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the shockwave is applied when
liquid in the liquid mixture is not passing through the filter.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the filter
from the liquid mixture; wherein the shockwave is applied when the
filter is removed from the liquid mixture.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the filter is connected to an
outlet section; and wherein the agglomerating includes potentiating
passage of liquid passing through the filter to pass to the outlet
section.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein liquid passage through the filter
is potentiated by applying a liquid suction.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein liquid passage through the filter
is potentiated by applying a pressure differential.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the pressure differential is
selectively applied by introducing a negative pressure between the
filter and the outlet section.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the liquid mixture is housed in
a container and the pressure differential is selectively applied by
introducing positive pressure into the container.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the pressure differential is
selectively applied when a flow rate of liquid passing through the
filter exceeds a minimum threshold value.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the pressure differential is
selectively applied based on a thickness of solid particles
agglomerated at the filter.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the pressure differential is
selectively applied based on consistency of a layer of solid
particles agglomerated at the filter.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein liquid passage through the
filter is potentiated on a periodic basis.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the shockwave is applied on a
periodic basis.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the filter is selected based on
a size of the solid particles in the liquid mixture.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is continuous.
19. A method of dewatering solids, the method comprising: receiving
a liquid mixture, the liquid mixture including solid particles;
suspending a filter in the liquid mixture; agglomerating, at the
filter, solid particles in the liquid mixture, the agglomerating
including applying a pressure differential to potentiate passage of
liquid in the liquid mixture through the filter and potentiate
accumulation of solid particles in the liquid mixture to collect
and agglomerate at the filter; and removing the agglomerated solid
particles from the filter.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the filter is connected to an
outlet section.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the pressure differential is
applied by introducing a negative pressure between the filter and
the outlet section.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the pressure differential is
applied by introducing a liquid suction between the filter and the
outlet section.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein the liquid mixture is housed in
a container and the pressure differential is selectively applied by
introducing positive pressure into the container.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein the pressure differential is
selectively applied when a flow rate of liquid passing through the
filter exceeds a minimum threshold value.
25. The method of claim 19, wherein the pressure differential is
selectively applied based on a thickness of solid particles
agglomerated at the filter.
26. The method of claim 19, wherein the pressure differential is
selectively applied based on consistency of a layer of solid
particles agglomerated at the filter.
27. The method of claim 19, wherein the pressure differential is
applied when the agglomerated solid particles are not being removed
from the filter.
28. The method of claim 19, wherein the pressure differential is
applied on a periodic basis.
29. The method of claim 19, wherein the agglomerated solid
particles are removed from the filter on a periodic basis.
30. The method of claim 19, wherein the filter is selected based on
a size of the solid particles in the liquid mixture.
31. The method of claim 19, wherein the method is continuous.
32. A system for dewatering solids contained in a liquid mixture,
the system comprising: a filter assembly configured in a dead end
manner, the filter assembly having a filter with an outwardly
facing exterior surface and an inwardly facing opposing interior
surface, the filter having a plurality of pores operable to allow
liquid to pass through the filter and prevent one or more solid
particles from passing through the filter; a liquid removal
assembly configurable to create an inwardly-directed suction at the
pores of the filter; and a shockwave assembly in communication with
the filter, the shockwave assembly configurable to apply a
shockwave to the filter.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein, when the filter is suspended
in a liquid mixture having solid particles, the liquid removal
assembly is configurable create the inwardly-directed suction to
potentiate passage of liquid in the liquid mixture through the
pores of the filter and potentiate accumulation of solid particles
in the liquid mixture to collect and agglomerate at the exterior
surface of the filter.
34. The system of claim 32, wherein the shockwave assembly is
configurable to remove the agglomerated solid particles from the
exterior surface of the filter.
35. The system of claim 32, further comprising a liquid flow meter
operable to measure a flow rate of liquid passing through the
filter assembly.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein the shockwave assembly is
configurable to apply the shockwave to the filter when the liquid
flow rate is below a minimum threshold value.
37. The system of claim 32, further comprising a liquid outlet
section connected to the filter assembly, the liquid outlet section
operable to discharge the liquid passing through the filter
assembly.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein the liquid removal assembly
comprises a liquid suction introduced between the filter assembly
and the liquid outlet section.
39. The system of claim 32, further comprising a container for
housing the liquid mixture; wherein the inwardly-directed suction
is a pressure differential created by introducing positive pressure
into the container.
40. The system of claim 35, wherein the liquid removal assembly is
configurable to create the inwardly-directed suction when the
liquid flow rate exceeds a minimum threshold value.
41. The system of claim 32, wherein the liquid removal assembly
creates the inwardly-directed suction when the shockwave assembly
does not apply the shockwave to the filter.
42. The system of claim 32, wherein the filter is a ceramic
membrane.
43. The system of claim 32, further comprising a controller, the
controller operable to: configure the liquid removal assembly to
create the inwardly-directed suction; and configure the shockwave
assembly to apply the shockwave.
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the controller is in
communication with a liquid flow meter, the liquid flow meter
operable to measure a flow of liquid through the filter
assembly.
45. The system of claim 44, wherein the controller configures the
liquid removal assembly to create the inwardly-directed suction
when the measured liquid flow through the filter assembly exceeds a
minimum threshold value.
46. The system of claim 44, wherein the controller configures the
shockwave assembly to apply the shockwave when the measured liquid
flow through the filter assembly is below a minimum threshold
value.
47. The system of claim 43, wherein the controller configures the
shockwave assembly to apply the shockwave when the liquid removal
assembly is configured to not create the inwardly-directed
suction.
48. The system of claim 43, further comprising an anchor assembly;
wherein the controller is operable to configure the anchor assembly
to secure the filter of the filter assembly at a first location,
the first location being a location inside a container housing the
liquid mixture; and wherein the controller is operable to configure
the liquid removal assembly to create the inwardly-directed suction
when the anchor assembly is configured to secure the filter at the
first location.
49. The system of claim 48, wherein the controller is operable to
configure the anchor assembly to move the filter of the filter
assembly between the first location and a second location, the
second location being a location outside of the container; and
wherein the controller is operable to configure the shockwave
assembly to apply the shockwave when the anchor assembly is
configured to secure the filter at the second location.
50. A method of configuring a system for dewatering solids, the
method comprising: configuring a filter assembly in a dead end
manner, the filter assembly having an exposed filter and a body
attached to the filter, the filter having a plurality of pores;
providing a liquid outlet section operable to receive and discharge
liquid; connecting a liquid removal assembly between the body of
the filter assembly and the liquid outlet section; configuring the
liquid removal assembly to selectively apply an inwardly-directed
suction at the pores of the filter; and configuring a shockwave
assembly to selectively apply a shockwave to the filter.
51. The method of claim 50, further comprising configuring a flow
meter to measure a liquid flow through the filter assembly.
52. The method of claim 51, further comprising providing a
controller; wherein the controller is operable to configure the
liquid removal assembly to selectively apply the inwardly-directed
suction.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein the controller is operable to
communicate with the flow meter; and wherein the controller
configures the liquid removal assembly to selectively apply the
inwardly-directed suction when the measured liquid flow exceeds a
minimum threshold value.
54. The method of claim 51, wherein the controller is further
operable to configure the shockwave assembly to selectively apply
the shockwave.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein the controller configures the
shockwave assembly to selectively apply the shockwave when the
measured liquid flow is below a minimum threshold value.
56. The method of claim 50, wherein the method is continuous.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/216,972 filed on Sep. 10, 2015. The contents of
the above application is hereby incorporated in it's entirety by
reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to methods, system,
and apparatuses for treating and decontaminating contaminated
liquid mixtures, and more particularly, for dewatering solids
and/or solid particles contained and/or found in contaminated
liquid mixtures or sludges.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to
methods and systems for dewatering solid particles in a
contaminated liquid mixture. During a dewatering process, filter
clogging may occur through agglomeration, accumulation, and/or
flocculation of solid particles. Filter clogging may lead to a loss
in dewatering process efficiency and may lead to an increase in
system maintenance, energy costs, labor costs, filter disposal
costs, maintenance downtime, and filter media replacement costs.
Further, filter clogging may reduce the life of pump seals, valves,
and process equipment.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments to
methods, systems, and apparatuses for treating, dewatering, and/or
decontaminating contaminated liquid mixtures. For example, methods,
systems, apparatuses, and controllers may be used in treating
and/or decontaminating liquid mixtures, and more specifically, for
use in the dewatering of solids and/or solid particles contained in
contaminated liquid mixtures. In some embodiments, the method may
be directed to a chemical-free process.
[0005] The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to
methods for dewatering solid particles in a liquid mixture. Methods
may comprise, for example, receiving a liquid mixture (e.g., a
liquid mixture including solid particles). A method may comprise
contacting a filter with a liquid mixture. In some embodiments, a
method may comprise agglomerating (or flocculating), at a filter,
solid particles in a liquid mixture. Agglomerating (or
flocculating) may include potentiating passage of a liquid in a
liquid mixture through a filter to form a cake or wet cake (e.g.,
greater than 15%). Agglomerating (or flocculating) may include
potentiating accumulation of solid particles in the liquid mixture
to collect and agglomerate (or flocculate) at the filter. A method
may comprise applying a shockwave to a filter. An applied shockwave
may be operable to remove agglomerated (or flocculated) solid
particles from a filter. A method may comprise potentiating passage
of a liquid in a liquid mixture through a filter and potentiating
accumulation of solid particles in the liquid mixture to collect
and (optionally) agglomerate (or flocculate) at the filter by
applying a negative pressure. Agglomeration of solid particles
before accumulating at the filter may not be required and a method
may be automated to continuously perform dewatering of solids
and/or solid particles.
[0006] In some embodiments, a filter may be connected to an outlet
section. In some embodiments, a pressure differential may be
applied by introducing a negative pressure between a filter and an
outlet section. According to some embodiments, a pressure
differential may be applied by introducing a liquid suction between
a filter and the outlet section. In some embodiments, a liquid
mixture may be housed in a container and a pressure differential
may be selectively applied by introducing positive pressure into a
container. According to some embodiments, a pressure differential
may be selectively applied when a flow rate of liquid passing
through a filter exceeds a minimum threshold value. In some
embodiments, a pressure differential may be selectively applied
based on, for example, thickness, consistency, or other aspects of
a layer of solid particles agglomerated at a filter. According to
some embodiments, a pressure differential may be applied when
agglomerated solid particles may not be removed from a filter. In
some embodiments, a pressure differential may be applied on a
periodic basis. According to some embodiments, agglomerated solid
particles are removed from a filter on a periodic basis. In some
embodiments, a filter may be selected based on, for example, size
of the solid particles in the liquid mixture.
[0007] According to some embodiments, a method for dewatering solid
particles in a liquid mixture. A method may comprises receiving a
liquid mixture (e.g., a liquid mixture including solid particles).
A method may comprise suspending a filter in the liquid mixture. A
method may comprise agglomerating (or flocculating), at a filter,
solid particles in a liquid mixture. Agglomerating (or
flocculating) may include applying a pressure differential to
potentiate passage of liquid in the liquid mixture through a
filter. Agglomerating (or flocculating) may further include
applying a pressure differential to potentiate collection,
deposition, agglomeration, and/or flocculation of solid particles
in a liquid mixture at a filter. A method may comprise removing
agglomerated (or flocculated) solid particles from a filter.
[0008] According to some embodiments, a shockwave may be
selectively applied when a flow rate of liquid passing through a
filter may be below a minimum threshold value. In some embodiments,
a shockwave may be selectively applied based on, for example,
thickness, consistency, or other aspects of solid particles
agglomerated at a filter. According to some embodiments, a
shockwave may be applied when liquid in the liquid mixture may be
not passing through the filter. In some embodiments, a method may
comprise removing a filter from a liquid mixture, wherein a
shockwave may be applied when the filter may be removed from the
liquid mixture. According to some embodiments, a filter may be
connected to an outlet section; and wherein agglomerating includes
potentiating passage of liquid passing through a filter to pass to
an outlet section. In some embodiments, a liquid passage through
the filter may be potentiated by applying a liquid suction.
According to some embodiments, a liquid passage through a filter
may be potentiated by applying a pressure differential. In some
embodiments, a pressure differential may be selectively applied by
introducing a negative pressure between a filter and an outlet
section. According to some embodiments, a liquid mixture may be
housed in a container and a pressure differential may be
selectively applied by introducing positive pressure into a
container. In some embodiments, a pressure differential may be
selectively applied when a flow rate of liquid passing through a
filter exceeds a minimum threshold value. According to some
embodiments, a pressure differential may be selectively applied
based on, for example, thickness, consistency, or other aspects of
solid particles agglomerated at a filter. In some embodiments, a
liquid passage through a filter may be potentiated on a periodic
basis. According to some embodiments, a shockwave may be applied on
a periodic basis. A filter may be selected base on, for example,
size of solid particles in a liquid mixture, according to some
embodiments.
[0009] The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to
systems for dewatering solid particles in a liquid mixture. A
system may comprise a filter assembly configured in a dead end
manner. A filter assembly may include a filter. A filter may
include an outwardly facing exterior surface and an inwardly facing
opposing interior surface. A filter may also include a plurality of
pores. A plurality of pores may be operable to allow liquid to pass
through a filter. A plurality of pores may also be operable to
prevent one or more solid particles from passing through a filter.
A system may comprise a liquid removal assembly. A liquid removal
assembly may be configurable to create an inwardly-directed suction
at the pores of a filter. A system may comprise a shockwave
assembly. A shockwave assembly may be in communication with a
filter. A shockwave assembly may be configurable to apply a
shockwave to a filter.
[0010] According to some embodiments, a filter may be suspended in
a liquid mixture having solid particles, a liquid removal assembly
may be configurable create the inwardly-directed suction to
potentiate passage of liquid in the liquid mixture through the
pores of the filter and potentiate accumulation of solid particles
in the liquid mixture to collect and agglomerate at an exterior
surface of the filter. In some embodiments, a shockwave assembly
may be configurable to remove agglomerated solid particles from an
exterior surface of the filter. According to some embodiments, a
system may comprise a liquid flow meter operable to measure a flow
rate of liquid passing through the filter assembly. According to
some embodiments, a shockwave assembly may be configurable to apply
a shockwave to a filter when a liquid flow rate may be below a
minimum threshold value. According to some embodiments, a system
may comprise a liquid outlet section connected to a filter
assembly, a liquid outlet section operable to discharge a liquid
passing through a filter assembly. A liquid removal assembly may
comprise a liquid suction introduced between a filter assembly and
a liquid outlet section, in some embodiments. A system may
comprise, in some embodiments, a container for housing the liquid
mixture, wherein an inwardly-directed suction may be a pressure
differential created by introducing positive pressure into a
container. According to some embodiments, a liquid removal assembly
may be configurable to create an inwardly-directed suction when a
liquid flow rate exceeds a minimum threshold value.
[0011] According to some embodiments, a liquid removal assembly may
create an inwardly-directed suction when a shockwave assembly does
not apply a shockwave to the filter. In some embodiments, a filter
may be a ceramic membrane. According to some embodiments, a system
may comprise a controller, the controller operable to configure a
liquid removal assembly to create an inwardly-directed suction; and
configure a shockwave assembly to apply a shockwave. In some
embodiments, a controller may be in communication with a liquid
flow meter, the liquid flow meter operable to measure a flow of
liquid through the filter assembly. According to some embodiments,
a controller may configure a liquid removal assembly to create an
inwardly-directed suction when a measured liquid flow through a
filter assembly exceeds a minimum threshold value. In some
embodiments, a controller configures a shockwave assembly to apply
a shockwave when a measured liquid flows through a filter assembly
may be below a minimum threshold value. According to some
embodiments, a controller may configure a shockwave assembly to
apply a shockwave when a liquid removal assembly may be configured
to not create an inwardly-directed suction. In some embodiments, a
system may further comprise an anchor assembly, wherein a
controller may be operable to configure the anchor assembly to
secure a filter of a filter assembly at a first location, the first
location being a location inside a container housing a liquid
mixture; and wherein the controller may be operable to configure a
liquid removal assembly to create an inwardly-directed suction when
the anchor assembly may be configured to secure the filter at the
first location. According to some embodiments, a controller may be
operable to configure an anchor assembly to move a filter of the
filter assembly between a first location and a second location, the
second location being a location outside of a container. In some
embodiments, a controller may be operable to configure a shockwave
assembly to apply a shockwave when an anchor assembly may be
configured to secure a filter at the second location.
[0012] A method for dewatering liquid mixture containing solid
particles may comprise, according to some embodiments, configuring
a filter assembly in a dead end manner. A filter assembly may
include an exposed filter and a body attached to the filter. A
filter may have a plurality of pores. A method may comprise
providing a liquid outlet section. A liquid outlet section may be
operable to receive and discharge liquid. A method may comprise
connecting a liquid removal assembly between the body of a filter
assembly and a liquid outlet section. A method may further comprise
configuring a liquid removal assembly. A liquid removal assembly
may be configured to selectively apply an inwardly-directed suction
at pores of a filter. A method may further comprise configuring a
shockwave assembly. A shockwave assembly may be configured to
selectively apply a shockwave to a filter.
[0013] A system may comprise, in some embodiments, a flow meter to
measure a liquid flow through a filter assembly. A system may
comprise providing a controller, wherein the controller may be
operable to configure a liquid removal assembly to selectively
apply an inwardly-directed suction, according to some embodiments.
In some embodiments, a controller may be operable to communicate
with a flow meter, and a controller may be configure a liquid
removal assembly to selectively apply an inwardly-directed suction
when a measured liquid flow exceeds a minimum threshold value.
According to some embodiments, a controller may be further operable
to configure a shockwave assembly to selectively apply a shockwave.
In some embodiments, a controller may configure a shockwave
assembly to selectively apply a shockwave when a measured liquid
flow may be below a minimum threshold value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Some embodiments of the disclosure may be understood by
referring, in part, to the present disclosure and the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system for
use in dewatering solids and/or solid particles in a contaminated
liquid mixture, according to a specific example embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system for
dewatering solids and/or solid particles in a contaminated liquid
mixture having two or more filters, according to a specific example
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 1C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system for
dewatering solids and/or solid particles in a contaminated liquid
mixture, according to a specific example embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system for
dewatering solids and/or solid particles in a contaminated liquid
mixture, according to a specific example embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 1E illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system for
dewatering solids and/or solid particles in a contaminated liquid
mixture, according to a specific example embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 1F illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system for
dewatering solids and/or solid particles in a contaminated liquid
mixture, according to a specific example embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system for
dewatering solids and/or solid particles in a contaminated liquid
mixture having an anchoring assembly and a filter in a first
position, according to a specific example embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system for
dewatering solids and/or solid particles in a contaminated liquid
mixture having an anchoring assembly and a filter in a second
position, according to a specific example embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for dewatering solids and/or
solid particles in a contaminated liquid mixture, according to a
specific example embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for configuring a system for
dewatering solids and/or solid particles in a contaminated liquid
mixture, according to a specific example embodiment of the
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
System for Dewatering Solids and/or Solid Particles (e.g., Element
100)
[0025] FIGS. 1A-F illustrate example embodiments of a system 100
for use in, among other things, dewatering solids and/or solid
particles contained in a contaminated liquid mixture. The system
(e.g., element 100) may include one or more filter assemblies
(e.g., element 110), one or more liquid removal assemblies (e.g.,
element 120), and one or more shockwave assemblies (e.g., element
130). In some embodiments, the system 100 may perform the
dewatering of solids and/or solid particles using a chemical-free
process. It is to be understood in the present disclosure that
references to Figures and/or reference numerals in the Figures are
merely references to example embodiments to which the teachings
contained in the present disclosure may be practiced, and such
references should not be considered or construed as limiting the
teachings contained in the present disclosure to such references
and/or illustrations.
[0026] Filter Assembly (e.g., Element 110).
[0027] System 100 may comprise one or more filter assemblies 110.
One or more filter assemblies 110 may comprise one or more filters
112, such as a ceramic membrane 112, or the like. As illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-F, one or more filter assemblies 110 may be configurable
or configured in a "dead-end" manner and for use with or in a
liquid mixture housed (or received or contained) in a container
102, or the like. One or more filter assemblies 110 may be
configured in an outside-in arrangement such that one or more
filters 112 is/are directly exposed to liquid mixture 104 when one
or more filters 112 is/are submerged (or immersed or introduced or
suspended) in liquid mixture 104. In operation, one or more filters
112 may be submerged in such a way that one or more filters 112
is/are suspended in the liquid mixture, resting at a bottom surface
of container 102, positioned near a top portion of container 102,
and/or selectively or dynamically moved based on, among other
things, a quantity (such as depth) of liquid mixture 104, size or
shape of container 102, etc.
[0028] As illustrated in the cross-sectional illustration of FIG.
1F, one or more filters 112 of one or more filter assemblies 110
may include an outwardly facing exterior surface 112a and an
inwardly facing interior surface 112b opposite to the exterior
surface. The inwardly facing interior surface 112b may be
considered as facing outlet section 140 in example embodiments.
[0029] One or more filters 112 may include a plurality of pores
112c, or the like. Pores 112c may be operable to allow liquid to
pass through filter 112 (such as from an area 112a' near outwardly
facing exterior surface 112a to an area 112b' near inwardly facing
interior surface 112b). Pores 112c of one or more filters 112 may
be further operable to prevent one or more solid particles 106 from
passing through filter 112. In example embodiments, such solid
particles 106 may collect and agglomerate (or flocculate) to form
larger-sized solid particles (or macro particles) at outwardly
facing exterior surface 112a of one or more filters 112 when liquid
in liquid mixture 104 passes through filter 112. Such encouraging
will be further discussed in sections "Liquid removal assembly
(e.g., element 120)" and "Methods for dewatering solids and/or
solid particles (e.g., method 300)," and herein.
[0030] Pores 112c may be of any shape, size, dimension, quantity,
and/or separation spacing in example embodiments. The sizes (and/or
shapes and/or quantities and/or spacing) of pores 112c (i.e.,
filter 112) may be selected based on, among other things, a known
or expected size (which can be a minimum, average, mean, etc.
value), dimension, quantity, density, and/or shape of solid
particles 106 contained in liquid mixture 104. For example,
diameters of pores 112c may be about 0.05 to 1 microns.
[0031] Filter 112 may be formed in any shape and/or quantity. For
example, one or more filters 112 may be a substantially flat
rectangular shaped filter 112, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1C, and
1E. One or more filters 112 may also be a substantially
cylindrical, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. One or more filters 112 may
also be a substantially circular shaped, as illustrated in FIG. 1E.
One or more filters 112 may also be formed in other 2-dimensional
and/or 3-dimensional shapes, including, but not limited to, square
or cubical shapes, oval shapes, hexagonal shapes, combination of
shapes, other geometrical shapes, irregular shapes, etc. Two or
more filters 112 may be provided for filter assembly 110, as
illustrated in FIG. 1B.
[0032] Filter 112 may have any shape, dimension (e.g., porosity),
and/or size desired. Selection of the shape, dimension, and/or size
of filter 112 may be based on one or more considerations,
including, but not limited to, the amount (or depth, volume,
concentration, etc.) of liquid mixture 104 being treated, the
amount of solid particles 106 in liquid mixture 104, and/or size,
shape, and/or dimension of container 102 used to receive and house
liquid mixture 104. Example shapes of container 102 may include,
but are not limited to, cylindrical shaped containers 102, cubical
shaped containers 102, rectangular shaped containers 102, spherical
shaped containers 102, etc. Example dimensions of filter 112 may
include, but are not limited to, a length of about 14.3 cm, a width
of about 24 to 48 cm, and a depth of about 6 mm. According to some
embodiments, solid particles 106 in liquid mixture 104 may
agglomerate (or flocculate) to form larger sized solid particles
(or macro particles) at inwardly facing interior surface of
container 102. Solid particles 106 that have agglomerated to form
larger sized particles on an inwardly facing interior surface of
container 102 may be removed by various means. Means for removing
may comprise dumping, pouring, scraping, lifting, extracting,
prying, sloughing, and combinations thereof.
[0033] Filter 112 may be formed of any desired material. Example
material compositions include, but are not limited to, ceramic
(SiC, Alumina), titania, and polymeric. In some embodiments,
ceramic may be preferred for its ability to handle shockwaves
provided by a shockwave assembly (e.g., shockwave assembly
130).
[0034] One or more filter assemblies 110 may be in communication
with (i.e., connected or attached, directly or indirectly, to) one
or more outlet sections 140 via one or more pipes, tubes, channels,
or the like 114 (hereinafter "pipe"), as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-F.
Pipes (e.g., pipes 114) may have any desired size. For example,
size may be selected based on one or more of considerations,
including, but not limited to, an amount of liquid mixture 104
received in container 102, desired processing time, desired liquid
flow to the outlet section 140, characteristics of filter 112, etc.
Example diameters of the pipes 114 may be between about 0.25 to 1
cm. In example embodiments, one or more filter assemblies 110 may
be connected, directly or indirectly, to one or more outlet
sections 140 via one or more liquid removal assemblies 120, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-D. Liquid removal assembly 120 will be
further discussed in the sections "Liquid removal assembly (e.g.,
element 120)" and "Methods for dewatering solids and/or solid
particles (e.g., method 300)," and herein. In example embodiments,
one or more filter assemblies 110 may be connected, directly or
indirectly, to one or more outlet sections 140 via one or more
valves 162, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B-D. The valves 162 may be any
quantity or type of valve known in the art including, but not
limited to, a control valve, gate valve, ball valve, etc. In
example embodiments, one or more filter assemblies 110 may be
connected, directly or indirectly, to one or more outlet sections
140 via one or more liquid flow meters 150, as illustrated in FIGS.
1A-E.
[0035] One or more filter assemblies 110 may be configurable to
communicate with (i.e., connect or attach, directly or indirectly,
to) one or more shockwave assemblies 130 via one or more pipes,
tubes, channels, or the like 114 and/or 116, as illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-F. Specifically, one or more filters 112 may be connected,
directly or indirectly, to one or more shockwave assemblies 130,
and such connection may be via one or more valves 164. The valves
164 may be any quantity or type of valve known in the art
including, but not limited to, a control valve, gate valve, ball
valve, etc.
[0036] Liquid Removal Assembly (e.g., Element 120).
[0037] According to some embodiments, system 100 may comprise a
liquid removal assembly 120. Liquid removal assembly 120 may be
configurable to create (or introduce or apply), among other things,
a pressure differential (such as a negative pressure and/or suction
force), or the like. Such pressure differential may be created in
one or more of a plurality of ways, such as by creating a pressure
reduction (or negative pressure or suction force) between or in an
area between filter assembly 110 and the outlet section 140. Liquid
removal assembly 120 may be configurable to create an
inwardly-directed suction (or vacuum or suction force) at, in,
and/or around the pores 112c of one or more filters 112, as well as
in areas 112a' and 112b' and pipes 114 and 116, in example
embodiments. As used in the present disclosure, an
inwardly-directed suction at the pores 112c may be a suction force
directed towards outlet section 140, and more specifically, from
area 112a' towards area 112b' (and towards outlet section 140), as
illustrated in FIG. 1F.
[0038] In operation, when one or more filters 112 is/are suspended
in a liquid mixture 104, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-F, liquid
removal assembly 120 may be configurable to potentiate passage of
liquid in liquid mixture 104 through one or more filters 112 (i.e.,
via pores 112c). Liquid removal assembly 120 may also be
configurable to potentiate collection, deposition, agglomeration,
and/or flocculation of solid particles 106 in liquid mixture 104 at
one or more filters 112 (i.e., at outwardly facing exterior surface
112a of one or more filters 112). That is, liquid removal assembly
120 may be configurable to agglomerate (or flocculate), at one or
more filters 112, solid particles in liquid mixture 104, and such
agglomerating (or flocculating) may be performed by, among other
things, encouraging or potentiating passage of liquid in liquid
mixture 104 through one or more filters 112, applying the
differential pressure, and/or applying the inwardly-directed
suction. In example embodiments, liquid removal assembly 120 may be
a pump, vacuum, compressor, or the like.
[0039] According to some embodiments, a liquid removal assembly may
be configured to modify the vacuum strength. Modifying vacuum
strength may allow, in some embodiments, the thickness,
consistency, or another aspect of the cake to be pre-selected
and/or adjusted during operation. In some embodiments, a higher
vacuum strength may produce a thicker cake. A lower vacuum
strength, according to some embodiments, may produce a thinner
cake. According to some embodiments, a higher vacuum strength may
produce a dryer cake. A higher vacuum strength may also produce a
more compact cake, according to some embodiments. A lower vacuum
strength, in some embodiments, may produce a wetter cake. A lower
vacuum strength, may produce a more voluminous cake, according to
some embodiments.
[0040] Liquid removal assembly 120 may also create a pressure
differential between the interior of container 102 and an area
between one or more filter assemblies 110 and the outlet section
140 by configuring liquid removal assembly 120 to introduce a
positive pressure into container 102, as illustrated in FIG. 1E. In
example embodiments, container 102 may be substantially sealed,
such as in an airtight manner (or hermetically sealed), and the
positive pressure may be operable to potentiate passage of liquid
in liquid mixture 104 through one or more filters 112 (i.e, via
pores 112c) and solid particles 106 in liquid mixture 104 to
collect and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more filters 112
(i.e., at outwardly facing exterior surface 112a of one or more
filters 112).
[0041] In example embodiments, liquid removal assembly 120 may
create and/or maintain a pressure differential, inwardly-directed
suction, potentiate passage of liquid through one or more filters
112, and/or potentiate accumulation of solid particles 106 to
collect and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more filters 112
based on, among other things, a consideration of a measured flow
rate of liquid passing through one or more filters 112, one or more
filter assemblies 110, liquid removal section 120, and/or outlet
section 140. The measured flow rate may be a real-time measure,
average or mean value measure, minimum (or maximum) value measure,
etc., in example embodiments. For example, liquid removal assembly
120 may continue to perform the pressure differential,
inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or potentiating passage of
liquid, and agglomerating (or flocculating) of solid particles 106
when one or more flow meters 150 measures a real-time or minimum
liquid flow rate to at least exceed a minimum threshold value. In
some embodiments, the minimum threshold value may be about 0
gallons per minute. In some embodiments, liquid removal assembly
120 may create and/or maintain a pressure differential,
inwardly-directed suction, potentiate passage of liquid through one
or more filters 112, and potentiate accumulation of solid particles
106 to collect and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more
filters 112 based on, among other things, other metrics including
pressure, pressure drop, weight, mass, flow, time, etc.
[0042] It is recognized in the present disclosure that, as liquid
removal assembly 120 continues to perform the pressure
differential, inwardly-directed suction, and/or encouraging or
potentiating passage of liquid through one or more filters 112,
solid particles 106 in liquid mixture 104 may continue to collect
and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more filters 112. In this
regard, the flow rate of liquid passing through one or more filters
112, one or more filter assemblies 110, liquid removal section 120,
and/or outlet section 140 may reduce accordingly. In example
embodiments, liquid removal assembly 120 may be configurable to
continue performing the pressure differential, inwardly-directed
suction, encouraging or potentiating passage of liquid, and
agglomerating (or flocculating) of solid particles 106, and may
stop doing so when the liquid flow rate reaches or drops below the
minimum threshold value. In example embodiments, liquid removal
assembly 120 may be configurable to selectively or dynamically
adjust (e.g., increase) the pressure differential,
inwardly-directed suction, and/or encouraging or potentiating
passage of liquid as the flow rate of liquid reduces (or is
reduced) based on the measured liquid flow rate so as to attempt to
boost or maintain the liquid flow rate at a desired value or above
a minimum threshold value.
[0043] In example embodiments, liquid removal assembly 120 may
perform the pressure differential, inwardly-directed suction,
encouraging or potentiating passage of liquid through one or more
filters 112, and/or potentiating accumulation of solid particles
106 to collect and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more
filters 112 based on, among other things, a consideration of solid
particles 106 agglomerated (or flocculated) at one or more filters
112 (i.e., outwardly facing exterior surface 112a of one or more
filters 112). The consideration of solid particles 106 agglomerated
(or flocculated) at one or more filters 112 may be a real-time
consideration, average or mean consideration, minimum (or maximum)
consideration, etc., in example embodiments. For example, liquid
removal assembly 120 may continue to perform the pressure
differential, inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or
potentiating passage of liquid, and/or agglomerating (or
flocculating) of solid particles 106 until a thickness (average,
mean, maximum, etc.) of solid particles 106 agglomerated (or
flocculated) at one or more filters 112 reaches a certain maximum
threshold value. Examples of the maximum threshold value may be
about 0.5 to 10 mm. As another example, liquid removal assembly 120
may perform the pressure differential, inwardly-directed suction,
encouraging or potentiating passage of liquid, and/or agglomerating
(or flocculating) of solid particles 106 until a layer of solid
particles 106 agglomerated (or flocculated) at one or more filters
112 reaches a certain consistency. Considerations of solid
particles 106 agglomerated (or flocculated) at one or more filters
112 may be performed in any desired manner. For example, assessment
may include visual inspection, measured liquid flow rate, pressure,
pressure differential, weight, mass, flow, time, etc.
[0044] Liquid removal assembly 120 may perform the pressure
differential, inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or
potentiating passage of liquid through one or more filters 112,
and/or potentiating accumulation of solid particles 106 to collect
and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more filters 112 when
shockwave assembly 130 is configured to not remove the agglomerated
(or flocculated) solid particles 106 from one or more filters 112.
In example embodiments, liquid removal assembly 120 performs said
pressure differential, inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or
potentiating passage of liquid through one or more filters 112,
and/or potentiating accumulation of solid particles 106 to collect
and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more filters 112 on a
periodic, intermittent, scheduled, or random basis, or based on
visual inspections.
[0045] Shockwave Assembly (e.g., Element 130).
[0046] In some embodiments, system 100 may comprise a shockwave
assembly 130. Shockwave assembly 130 may be configurable to create
(and/or introduce, apply, etc.), among other things, a shockwave
(or dynamic shock), or the like, and such shockwave may be applied
to one or more filters 112 and/or one or more filter assemblies
110. Shockwave assembly 130 may create (and/or introduce, apply,
etc.) the shockwave in one or more of a plurality of ways known in
the art. In some embodiments, the shockwave may be applied to a
vertically-oriented or substantially vertically-oriented filter 112
and/or filter assembly 110. A vertical orientation may facilitate
or permit dewatered solids to separate from and/or fall off a
filter (e.g., filter 112).
[0047] In operation, when one or more filters 112 is/are suspended
in a liquid mixture 104 and solid particles 106 have collected and
agglomerated (or flocculated) at one or more filters 112 (i.e., at
outwardly facing exterior surface 112a of one or more filters 112),
as illustrated in FIG. 1F, shockwave assembly 130 may be
configurable to apply the shockwave to one or more filters 112 so
as to cause the collected and agglomerated (or flocculated) solid
particles 106 to be removed from one or more filters 112. In an
example embodiment, shockwave assembly 130 may be operable to
receive an applied pressure to generate the shockwave and control a
duration of the applied shockwave. Shockwave assembly 130 may be
operable to control a magnitude of the shockwave applied to one or
more filters 112 and/or one or more filter assemblies 110 in
example embodiments. For example, shockwave assembly 130 may be
configurable to apply a low energy shockwave, a high energy
shockwave, a variation of or between low and high energy
shockwaves, etc.
[0048] According to some embodiments, a shockwave assembly may be
configurable to modify frequency of shockwave pulses. In some
embodiments, a shockwave assembly may be configured to modify a
pressure applied by a shockwave pulse. Modifying shockwave
frequency and/or pressure may allow, in some embodiments, the
thickness, consistency, or another aspect of the cake to be
pre-selected and/or adjusted during operation. In some embodiments,
a higher frequency of shockwave pulses may produce a thinner cake.
A lower frequency shockwave pulses may produce a thicker cake,
according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, a
lower pressure shockwave may produce a thicker cake. A high
pressure shockwave may produce a thinner cake, in some embodiments.
In some embodiments, a greater frequency of shockwave pulses and/or
a greater shockwave pulse pressure may produce a thinner cake.
According to some embodiments, a lower frequency of shockwave
pulses and/or a lower shockwave pulse pressure may produce a
thicker cake. In some embodiments, a shockwave pulse pressure may
be selected to avoid overly stressing or damaging a plate filter
(e.g., a flat plate filter).
[0049] In example embodiments, shockwave assembly 130 may be
configurable to apply a shockwave to one or more filters 112 based
on, among other things, a consideration of a measured flow rate of
liquid passing through one or more filters 112, one or more filter
assemblies 110, liquid removal section 120, and/or outlet section
140. The measured flow rate may be a real-time measure, average or
mean value measure, minimum (or maximum) value measure, etc., in
example embodiments. For example, shockwave assembly 130 may apply
the shockwave to one or more filters 112 when one or more flow
meters 150 measures a real-time or minimum liquid flow rate to be
below a minimum threshold value. In an example embodiment, the
minimum threshold value may be about 0 gallons per minute.
[0050] It is recognized in the present disclosure that, as liquid
removal assembly 120 continues to perform the pressure
differential, inwardly-directed suction, and/or encouraging or
potentiating passage of liquid through one or more filters 112,
solid particles 106 in liquid mixture 104 may continue to collect
and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more filters 112 and the
flow rate of liquid passing through one or more filters 112, one or
more filter assemblies 110, liquid removal section 120, and/or
outlet section 140 may reduce accordingly. In example embodiments,
shockwave assembly 130 may be configurable to selectively or
dynamically apply the shockwave to one or more filters 112 to
remove solid particles 106 collected and agglomerated (or
flocculated) at one or more filters 112 and enable liquid removal
assembly 120 to continue performing the pressure differential,
inwardly-directed suction, and/or encouraging of liquid to pass
through one or more filters 112.
[0051] In example embodiments, shockwave assembly 130 may be
configurable to selectively or dynamically apply the shockwave to
one or more filters 112 based on, among other things, a
consideration of solid particles 106 agglomerated (or flocculated)
at one or more filters 112 (i.e., outwardly facing exterior surface
112a of one or more filters 112). The consideration of solid
particles 106 agglomerated (or flocculated) at one or more filters
112 may be a real-time consideration, average or mean
consideration, minimum (or maximum) consideration, etc., in example
embodiments. For example, shockwave assembly 130 may selectively
apply the shockwave to one or more filters 112 when a thickness
(average, mean, maximum, etc.) of solid particles 106 agglomerated
(or flocculated) at one or more filters 112 reaches a certain
maximum threshold value. Examples of the maximum threshold value
may be about 0.5 to 10 mm. As another example, shockwave assembly
130 may selectively apply the shockwave to one or more filters 112
when a layer of solid particles 106 agglomerated (or flocculated)
at one or more filters 112 reaches a certain consistency.
Considerations of solid particles 106 agglomerated (or flocculated)
at one or more filters 112 may be performed in one or more of a
plurality of other ways, including, but not limited to, visual
inspection, measured liquid flow rate, other metrics including
pressure, pressure drop, weight, mass, flow, time, etc.
[0052] Shockwave assembly 130 may also be configured to selectively
or dynamically apply a shockwave to one or more filters 112 when
liquid removal assembly 120 is configured to not perform the
pressure differential, inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or
potentiating passage of liquid through one or more filters 112,
and/or potentiating accumulation of solid particles 106 to collect
and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more filters 112. In
example embodiments, shockwave assembly 130 may also be configured
to selectively or dynamically apply the shockwave to one or more
filters 112 when one or more filters 112 is/are not suspended in
liquid mixture 104, such as when one or more filters 112 is/are
removed from liquid mixture 104 and/or container 102, liquid
mixture 104 in container 202 is substantially removed, etc.
[0053] In example embodiments, shockwave assembly 130 may be
configured to selectively or dynamically apply the shockwave to one
or more filters 112 on a periodic, intermittent, scheduled, or
random basis, or based on visual inspections.
[0054] Controller (e.g., Element 160).
[0055] System 100 may comprise, in some embodiments, controller
160. Controller 160 may be any device operable to communicate with
one or more elements of system 100, and may include a, including a
computing device, communication device, virtual machine, computer,
node, instance, host, or machine in a networked computing
environment.
[0056] Controller 160 may comprise logic stored in non-transitory
computer readable medium which, when executed by controller 160
and/or a processor of or associated with controller 160, is
operable to perform one or more operations, configuring actions,
and/or communications with one or more elements of system 200, as
described in the present disclosure. For example, controller 160
may be operable to communicate with and/or configure one or more of
filter assembly 110, liquid removal assembly 120, shockwave
assembly 130, outlet section 140, flow meter 150, valve 162, valve
164, valve 166, and/or anchor assembly 200.
[0057] In some embodiments, controller 160 may be operable to
control the passing of liquid through one or more filters 112, one
or more filter assemblies 110, one or more pipes 114 and 116, one
or more liquid removal assemblies 120, one or more flow meters 150,
and/or one or more outlet sections 140, as well as control the
collecting and agglomerating (or flocculating) of solid particles
106 on one or more filters 112. For example, controller 160 may be
operable to configure liquid removal assembly 120 to perform the
pressure differential, inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or
potentiating passage of liquid through one or more filters 112,
and/or potentiating accumulation of solid particles 106 to collect
and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more filters 112, as
described above and in the present disclosure. In this regard,
controller 160 may communicate with, among other things, flow meter
150 to obtain a measured flow rate of liquid passing through one or
more filters 112, one or more filter assemblies 110, liquid removal
section 120, and/or outlet section 140, and controller 160 may
start, stop, or adjust the performance of liquid removal assembly
120 accordingly. Controller 130 may also communicate with shockwave
assembly 130 to determine whether or not a shockwave is being
applied to one or more filters 112, and controller 160 may start,
stop, or adjust the performance of liquid removal assembly 120
accordingly. Controller 130 may also communicate with one or more
valves 162, 164, and/or 166 to ensure shockwave assembly 130 does
not apply a shockwave when liquid removal assembly 120 is in
operation (if needed). Controller 130 may also communicate with
anchor assembly 200 to determine whether one or more filters 112
is/are in the first location, second location, or other location,
or whether one or more filters 112 is/are being selectively or
dynamically moved and/or secured at other locations within
container 102, and controller 160 may start, stop, or adjust the
performance of liquid removal assembly 120 accordingly.
[0058] Controller 160 may be operable to control, according to some
embodiments, the removal of solid particles 106 collected and
agglomerated (or flocculated) on one or more filters 112. For
example, controller 160 may be operable to configure shockwave
assembly 130 to apply a shockwave to one or more filters 112, as
described above and in the present disclosure. In this regard,
controller 160 may communicate with, among other things, flow meter
150 to obtain a measured flow rate of liquid passing through one or
more filters 112, one or more filter assemblies 110, liquid removal
section 120, and/or outlet section 140, and controller 160 may
start, stop, or adjust (such as increase or decrease the magnitude
of the applied shockwave) the performance of shockwave assembly 130
accordingly. Controller 130 may also communicate with liquid
removal assembly 120 to determine whether or not liquid removal
assembly 120 is performing the pressure differential,
inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or potentiating passage of
liquid through one or more filters 112, and/or potentiating
accumulation of solid particles 106 to collect and agglomerate (or
flocculate) at one or more filters 112, and controller 160 may
start, stop, or adjust the performance of liquid removal assembly
120 accordingly. Controller 130 may also communicate with one or
more valves 162, 164, and/or 166 to ensure liquid removal assembly
120 is not performing the pressure differential, inwardly-directed
suction, and/or encouraging of liquid to pass through one or more
filters 112 and solid particles 106 to collect and agglomerate (or
flocculate) at one or more filters 112 when shockwave assembly 130
is in operation (if needed). Controller 130 may also communicate
with anchor assembly 200 to determine whether one or more filters
112 is/are in the first location, second location, or other
location, or whether one or more filters 112 is/are being
selectively or dynamically moved and/or secured at other locations
within container 102, and controller 160 may start, stop, or adjust
the performance of shockwave assembly 130 accordingly.
[0059] In some embodiments, controller 160 may be operable to
control the moving and/or securing of one or more filters 112 at or
between the first location, the second location, and/or other
locations, and/or the selective or dynamic moving and/or securing
of one or more filters 112 in other locations within container 102,
as described above and in the present disclosure. For example,
controller 160 may be operable to configure anchor assembly 200 to
secure one or more filters 112 at a first location. Controller 160
may also be operable to configure anchor assembly 200 to secure one
or more filters 112 at a second location. Controller 160 may also
be operable to configure anchor assembly 200 to move one or more
filters 112 between a first location and a second location.
Controller 160 may also be operable to configure anchor assembly
200 to secure one or more filters 112 at other locations. For
example, controller 160 may be operable to configure anchor
assembly 200 to selectively or dynamically move and/or secure one
or more filters 112 in other locations within container 102.
[0060] Controller 160 may be operable to control, according to some
embodiments, liquid removal assembly 120 to continue to perform the
pressure differential, inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or
potentiating passage of liquid through one or more filters 112,
and/or potentiating accumulation of solid particles 106 to collect
and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more filters 112 when one
or more filters 112 and/or one or more filter assemblies 110 is/are
at a location (such as the second location) outside of container
102 and/or other location in respect of which one or more filters
112 is/are not suspended in liquid mixture 104. In doing so, liquid
from the pores 112c of one or more filters 112 may be further
removed, the formed cake or wet cake (i.e., agglomerated or
flocculated solid particles at one or more filters 112) may be
further dried, and the shockwave applied by shockwave assembly 130
may be provided through air (or more air rather than through liquid
or more liquid). The controller 160 may be operable, according to
some embodiments, to reduce the distance that the shockwave applied
by the shockwave assembly 130 needs to travel from the shockwave
assembly 130 to one or more filters 112. For example, the
controller 160 may be operable, according to some embodiments, to
cause the shockwave assembly 130 to be closer to one or more
filters 112 and/or cause a pipe 114 and/or 116 to be shortened
between the shockwave assembly 130 and one or more filters 112.
[0061] Anchor Assembly (e.g., Element 200).
[0062] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example embodiment of a system
220 comprising an anchor assembly 200. In an example embodiment,
anchor assembly 200 may be operable to secure to one or more
filters 212, one or more filter assemblies 210, container 202,
and/or a secure base. In operation, anchor assembly 200 may be
configurable to secure one or more filters 212 to be fixedly
positioned at a first location (or position), as illustrated in
FIG. 2A. The first location may be a location inside container 202
and/or a location in respect of which one or more filters 212
is/are suspended in liquid mixture 204 when container 202 receives
and houses liquid mixture 204. Anchor assembly 200 may be further
configurable to secure one or more filters 212 to be fixedly
positioned at a second location (or position), as illustrated in
FIG. 2B. The second location may be a location outside of container
202 and/or a location in respect of which one or more filters 212
is/are not suspended in liquid mixture 204 when container 202
receives and houses liquid mixture 204. Anchor assembly 200 may be
further configurable to move one or more filters 212 between the
first location and the second location. Anchor assembly 200 may be
further configurable to selectively or dynamically move and/or
secure one or more filters 212 to be fixedly positioned at other
locations, such as locations within container 202. Such selective
or dynamic moving and/or securing may be based on, among other
things, a quantity (such as depth) of liquid mixture 204 in
container 202, shape or size of container 202, measured liquid flow
rate, amount of solid particles 206 collected and agglomerated (or
flocculated) on one or more filters 212, location on one or more
filters 212 where solid particles 206 have collected and
agglomerated (or flocculated), etc.
[0063] In operation, liquid removal assembly 220 may be configured
to perform the pressure differential, inwardly-directed suction,
encouraging or potentiating passage of liquid through one or more
filters 212, and/or encouraging or potentiating accumulation of
solid particles 206 to collect and agglomerate (or flocculate) at
one or more filters 212 when anchor assembly 200 secures one or
more filters 12 at the first location. Furthermore, shockwave
assembly (e.g, 120) may be configured to selectively apply the
shockwave to one or more filters (e.g., 112, 212) when anchor
assembly 200 secures one or more filters (e.g., 112, 212) at the
first location, such as in situations wherein the agglomerated (or
flocculated) solid particles (e.g., 106) are desired to be provided
at the bottom of container (e.g., 102, 202), as illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-E and FIGS. 2A-B. Shockwave assembly 120 may also be
selectively configured to not apply the shockwave to one or more
filters 212 when anchor assembly 200 secures one or more filters
212 at the first location, such as in situations wherein the
agglomerated (or flocculated) solid particles 206 are desired to be
removed and provided in a separate container 210 or location, as
illustrated in FIG. 2B.
[0064] In respect to the second position, liquid removal assembly
220 may be configured to briefly perform the pressure differential,
inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or potentiating passage of
liquid through filter 212, and/or potentiating accumulation of
solid particles 206 to collect and agglomerate (or flocculate) at
one or more filters 212 when anchor assembly 200 secures one or
more filters 212 at the second location, such as in situations
wherein a dampness of or water surrounding the agglomerated (or
flocculated) solid particles 206 collected at one or more filters
212 are desired to be reduced before shockwave assembly 230 applies
the shockwave to one or more filters 212. Liquid removal assembly
220 may also be selectively configured to not perform the pressure
differential, inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or
potentiating passage of liquid through filter 212, and/or
potentiating accumulation of solid particles 206 to collect and
agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more filters 212 when anchor
assembly 200 secures one or more filters 212 at the second
location, such as in situations wherein the agglomerated (or
flocculated) solid particles 206 collected at one or more filters
212 are desired to be removed and provided in a separate container
210 or location, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. Shockwave assembly 220
may also be selectively configured to apply the shockwave to filter
212 when anchor assembly 200 secures one or more filters 212 at the
second location.
[0065] In respect to the selective or dynamic moving of one or more
filters 212 within container 202, liquid removal assembly 220 may
be selectively configured to perform the pressure differential,
inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or potentiating passage of
liquid through one or more filters 212, and/or potentiating
accumulation of solid particles 206 to collect and agglomerate (or
flocculate) at one or more filters 212 when one or more filters 212
is/are selectively or dynamically moved within container 202, as
described above and in the present disclosure. Furthermore,
shockwave assembly 220 may be selectively configured to apply the
shockwave to one or more filters 212 when one or more filters 212
is/are selectively or dynamically moved within container 202, such
as in situations wherein the agglomerated (or flocculated) solid
particles 206 are desired to be provided at the bottom of container
202, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-E. Shockwave assembly 220 may also
be selectively configured to not apply the shockwave to one or more
filters 212 when one or more filters 212 is/are selectively or
dynamically moved within container 202, such as in situations
wherein the agglomerated (or flocculated) solid particles 206 are
desired to be removed and provided in a separate container 210 or
location, as illustrated in FIG. 2B.
[0066] Method for Dewatering Solids and/or Solid Particles (e.g.,
Method 300).
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 3, method 300 for dewatering solids
and/or solid particles may comprise receiving liquid mixture 104
(e.g., action 302), as described above and in the present
disclosure. Liquid mixture 104 may be received in a container 102,
or the like. Liquid mixture 104 may include solid particles 106. In
some embodiments, the method 300 may be directed to a chemical-free
process.
[0068] Method 300 may further comprise suspending one or more
filters 112 of one or more filter assemblies 110 in liquid mixture
104 (e.g., action 304), as described above and in the present
disclosure. One or more filters 112 may be suspended and secured in
place at a first location in one or more of a plurality of ways.
For example, one or more filters 112 may be secured to a portion of
container 102 and/or cover for container 102. One or more filters
112 may also be secured by anchoring assembly 200. One or more
filters 112 may also be moved and/or secured to other locations
within container 102, and such may also be performed by the
anchoring assembly 200 in example embodiments.
[0069] Method 300 may further comprise agglomerating (or
flocculating), at one or more filters 112, solid particles 106 in
liquid mixture 104 (e.g., action 306). Such agglomerating (or
flocculating) (e.g., action 306) may be performed by liquid removal
assembly 120, as described above and in the present disclosure.
Agglomerating (or flocculating) may include encouraging or
potentiating passage of liquid in liquid mixture 104 through filter
112 and potentiating accumulation of solid particles 106 in liquid
mixture 104 to collect and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or
more filters 112 (i.e., at outwardly facing exterior surface 112a
of one or more filters 112). Agglomerating (or flocculating) may
include applying a pressure differential to potentiate passage of
liquid in liquid mixture 104 through one or more filters 112 and
potentiating accumulation of solid particles 106 in liquid mixture
104 to collect and agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more
filters 112 (i.e., at outwardly facing exterior surface 112a of one
or more filters 112). Agglomerating (or flocculating) may include
applying an inwardly-directed suction (or vacuum or suction force)
at, in, and/or around the pores 112c of one or more filters 112, as
well as in areas 112a' and 112b' and pipes 114 and 116. The
pressure differential may be applied by liquid removal assembly
120, as described above and in the present disclosure. In example
embodiments, the pressure differential may be applied by
introducing a negative pressure between or at an area between one
or more filters 112 and the outlet section 140. The pressure
differential may also be applied by introducing a liquid suction
between one or more filters 112 and external liquid outlet section
140. In some example embodiments, the pressure differential may
also be applied by introducing a positive pressure into container
102, as illustrated in FIG. 1E. The pressure differential may be
selectively applied based on a consideration of liquid flow through
one or more filters 112, one or more filter assemblies 110, liquid
removal section 120, and/or outlet section 140. For example, the
pressure differential may be selectively applied when the flow rate
of liquid passing through one or more filters 112, one or more
filter assemblies 110, liquid removal section 120, and/or outlet
section 140 exceeds a minimum threshold value. In example
embodiments, the pressure differential may be selectively applied
based on a consideration of solid particles 106 agglomerated (or
flocculated) at one or more filters 112. For example, the
consideration may include a consideration of the thickness of solid
particles 106 agglomerated (or flocculated) at one or more filters
112. As another example, the consideration may include a
consideration of the consistency of the layer of solid particles
106 agglomerated (or flocculated) at one or more filters 112. In
some example embodiments, the pressure differential may also be
applied on a periodic, intermittent, scheduled, or random basis, or
based on visual inspections.
[0070] Method 300 may further comprise removing the agglomerated
(or flocculated) solid particles 106 from one or more filters 112
(e.g., action 308), as described above and in the present
disclosure. The removing of the agglomerated (or flocculated) solid
particles 106 from one or more filters 112 (e.g., action 308) may
be performed by applying a shockwave to one or more filters 112.
Such applying of the shockwave to one or more filters 112 may be
performed by shockwave assembly 130. The shockwave may be
selectively applied based on a consideration of liquid flow through
one or more filters 112, one or more filter assemblies 110, liquid
removal section 120, and/or outlet section 140. For example, the
shockwave may be selectively applied when the flow rate of liquid
passing through one or more filters 112, one or more filter
assemblies 110, liquid removal section 120, and/or outlet section
140 is below a minimum threshold value. In example embodiments, the
shockwave may be selectively applied based on a consideration of
solid particles 106 agglomerated (or flocculated) at one or more
filters 112. For example, the consideration may include a
consideration of the thickness of solid particles 106 agglomerated
(or flocculated) at one or more filters 112. As another example,
the consideration may include a consideration of the consistency of
the layer of solid particles 106 agglomerated (or flocculated) at
one or more filters 112. In some example embodiments, the shockwave
may also be applied on a periodic, intermittent, scheduled, or
random basis, or based on visual inspections. In example
embodiments, the shockwave may be applied when liquid in the liquid
mixture is not passing through one or more filters 112, one or more
filter assemblies 110, liquid removal section 120, and/or outlet
section 140. For example, a shockwave may be applied when one or
more filters 112 may be suspended in liquid mixture 104 and liquid
removal assembly 120 is configured to not perform the pressure
differential, inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or
potentiating passage of liquid through filter 112, and/or
potentiating accumulation of solid particles 106 to collect and
agglomerate (or flocculate) at one or more filters 112 when anchor
assembly 200 secures one or more filters 112 at the first location.
In other example embodiments, the shockwave may be applied when one
or more filters 112 is removed from liquid mixture 104. For
example, the shockwave may be applied when one or more filters 112
is moved from the first location to the second location, and such
moving may be performed by anchor assembly 200, as illustrated in
FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0071] In some embodiments, a method for dewatering a solid and/or
solid particles may continuously perform dewatering of solids
and/or solid particles. According to some embodiments, a method for
dewatering a solid and/or solid particles may be a continuous
process. Continuous and/or continuously performing may comprise a
duration of a method of dewatering a solid and/or solid particles,
a duration in which a system for dewatering solids and/or solid
particles is operating, a duration in which an assembly that may be
used for dewatering solids and/or solid particles is operating, a
duration in which a method is not dewatering a solid and/or solid
particles, a duration in which a system is not dewatering solids
and/or solid particles is operating, a duration in which an
assembly that may be used for dewatering solids and/or solid
particles is not operating, or combinations thereof. In some
embodiments, advantages of continuously performing dewatering of
solids and/or solid particles may comprise increasing productivity,
increasing process stability, reducing downtime, increase yield,
and lowering the cost of running.
[0072] According to some embodiments, a method for removing the
agglomerated (or flocculated) solid particles 106 from one or more
filters 112 (e.g., action 308), as described above, may be a
continuous process. In some embodiments, a continuous process may
comprise a duration of a method of dewatering a solid and/or solid
particles, a duration in which a system for dewatering solids
and/or solid particles is operating, a duration in which an
assembly that may be used for dewatering solids and/or solid
particles is operating, a duration in which a method is not
dewatering a solid and/or solid particles, a duration in which a
system is not dewatering solids and/or solid particles is
operating, a duration in which an assembly that may be used for
dewatering solids and/or solid particles is not operating, or
combinations thereof.
[0073] Method of Configuring a System for Dewatering Solids and/or
Solid Particles (e.g., Method 400).
[0074] FIG. 4 illustrates method 400 of configuring a system, such
as system 100, for dewatering solids and/or solid particles. Method
400 may comprise configuring one or more filter assemblies 110 in a
dead end manner (e.g., action 402), as described above and in the
present disclosure. One or more filter assemblies 110 may have one
or more exposed filters 112 and a body 113 attached to one or more
filters 112. One or more filters 112 may comprise a plurality of
pores 112c.
[0075] Method 400 may further comprise providing an outlet section
140 (e.g., action 404). The outlet section 140 may be operable to
receive liquid and discharge liquid. For example, the outlet
section 140 may be operable to receive liquid from one or more
filter assemblies 110 and discharge the received liquid to another
location or container (not shown).
[0076] In some embodiments, method 400 may further comprise
connecting a liquid removal assembly 120 to system 100 (e.g.,
action 406). Liquid removal assembly 120 may be connected between
one or more filter assemblies 110 and the outlet section 140 in
example embodiments.
[0077] Method 400 may further comprise configuring liquid removal
assembly 120 to selectively apply an inward suction or
inwardly-directed suction (e.g., action 406) at, in, and/or around
the pores 112c of one or more filters 112, as well as in areas
112a' and 112b' and pipes 114 and 116. Liquid removal assembly 120
may also be configured to create a pressure differential,
inwardly-directed suction, encouraging or potentiating passage of
liquid through one or more filters 112, and/or potentiating
accumulation of solid particles 106 to collect and agglomerate (or
flocculate) at one or more filters 112, as described above and in
the present disclosure.
[0078] Method 400 may further comprise configuring a shockwave
assembly 130 to selectively apply a shockwave (e.g., action 408) to
one or more filters 112 of one or more filter assemblies 110, as
described above and in the present disclosure.
[0079] In some embodiments, a method may further comprise
configuring a flow meter 150 to measure a liquid flow (e.g., action
410) through one or more filters 112, one or more filter assemblies
110, liquid removal section 120, and/or outlet section 140, as
described above and in the present disclosure.
[0080] Method 400 may further comprise configuring a controller 160
(e.g., action 412). Controller 160 may be operable to configure
liquid removal assembly 120 to selectively apply the inward suction
or inwardly-directed suction. Controller 160 may be further
operable to configure shockwave assembly 130 to selectively apply
the shockwave. Controller 160 may be further operable to
communicate with flow meter 140. Controller 160 may be further
operable to configure liquid removal assembly 120 to selectively
apply the inwardly-directed suction when the measured liquid flow
exceeds a minimum threshold value. Controller 160 may be further
operable to configure shockwave assembly 130 to selectively apply
the shockwave when the measured liquid flow is below a minimum
threshold value. Controller 160 may be any controller, computing
device, and/or communication device, and may include a virtual
machine, computer, node, instance, host, and/or machine in a
networked computing environment. In some embodiments, method 400
may comprise a continuous process.
[0081] As will be understood by those skilled in the art who have
the benefit of the instant disclosure, other equivalent or
alternative compositions, devices, methods, and systems for
dewatering solid particles in a contaminated liquid mixture can be
envisioned without departing from the description contained herein.
Accordingly, the manner of carrying out the disclosure as shown and
described is to be construed as illustrative only.
[0082] Persons skilled in the art may make various changes in the
shape, size, number, and/or arrangement of parts without departing
from the scope of the instant disclosure. For example, the position
and number of inlets, apertures, filters, gaskets, valves, pumps,
containers, sensors, controllers, and/or outlets may be varied. In
some embodiments, filters, seal gaskets, and/or filtration
assemblies may be interchangeable. Interchangeability may allow the
size and/or kind of contaminates to be custom adjusted (e.g., by
varying or selecting the pore size and/or kind of filter used). In
addition, the size of a device and/or system may be scaled up
(e.g., to be used for high throughput commercial or municipal fluid
filtration applications) or down (e.g., to be used for lower
throughput household or research applications) to suit the needs
and/or desires of a practitioner. Each disclosed method and method
step may be performed in association with any other disclosed
method or method step and in any order according to some
embodiments. Where the verb "may" appears, it is intended to convey
an optional and/or permissive condition, but its use is not
intended to suggest any lack of operability unless otherwise
indicated. Persons skilled in the art may make various changes in
methods of preparing and using a composition, device, and/or system
of the disclosure. For example, a composition, device, and/or
system may be prepared and or used as appropriate for animals
and/or humans (e.g., with regard to sanitary, infectivity, safety,
toxicity, biometric, and other considerations). Elements,
compositions, devices, systems, methods, and method steps not
recited may be included or excluded as desired or required.
[0083] Also, where ranges have been provided, the disclosed
endpoints may be treated as exact and/or approximations as desired
or demanded by the particular embodiment. Where the endpoints are
approximate, the degree of flexibility may vary in proportion to
the order of magnitude of the range. For example, on one hand, a
range endpoint of about 50 in the context of a range of about 5 to
about 50 may include 50.5, but not 52.5 or 55 and, on the other
hand, a range endpoint of about 50 in the context of a range of
about 0.5 to about 50 may include 55, but not 60 or 75. In
addition, it may be desirable, in some embodiments, to mix and
match range endpoints. Also, in some embodiments, each figure
disclosed (e.g., in one or more of the examples, tables, and/or
drawings) may form the basis of a range (e.g., depicted value+/-
about 10%, depicted value+/- about 50%, depicted value+/- about
100%) and/or a range endpoint. With respect to the former, a value
of 50 depicted in an example, table, and/or drawing may form the
basis of a range of, for example, about 45 to about 55, about 25 to
about 100, and/or about 0 to about 100. Disclosed percentages are
weight percentages except where indicated otherwise.
[0084] All or a portion of a device and/or system for dewatering
solid particles in a contaminated liquid mixture may be configured
and arranged to be disposable, serviceable, interchangeable, and/or
replaceable. These equivalents and alternatives along with obvious
changes and modifications are intended to be included within the
scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing
disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the
scope of the disclosure as illustrated by the appended claims.
[0085] The title, abstract, background, and headings are provided
in compliance with regulations and/or for the convenience of the
reader. They include no admissions as to the scope and content of
prior art and no limitations applicable to all disclosed
embodiments.
EXAMPLES
[0086] Some specific example embodiments of the disclosure may be
illustrated by one or more of the examples provided herein.
Example 1
Dewatering Solids on a Plate Filter
[0087] An example embodiment of a filtration system was constructed
with a flat sheet silicon carbide membrane. An air actuated
diaphragm pump was included to pull a vacuum. Suspended solids
consisted of coagulated tannins and lignins from groundwater. The
flat sheet membrane was placed into the bucket with the suspended
solid mixture and the vacuum pump was turned on. After 1-2 minutes,
the flat sheet membrane was removed from the bucket, and held in
the air. The vacuum pump continued to pump for nominally 10-12
seconds, at which point the cake on the membrane dewatered further
(slightly), and water from the permeate (inside membrane) was
exhausted out. After this was performed, the vacuum was stopped by
isolating a valve, and then a shockwave was applied. The shockwave
was nominally 0.5-1 second in duration with a pressure of 10
psi.
[0088] When the shockwave was applied, the solids fell off the
membrane from the top down. As it dropped, it accumulated together
on each side finally creating a large mass of solids as the total
solids fell off the membrane. The dewatered mass had a consistency
similar to cattle manure.
* * * * *