Trickle filtration apparatus

Abstract: A trickle filtration apparatus, designed to be sunk into the ground leaving only an upper portion of the apparatus above ground level (GL), comprises a primary settlement, tank (1a) side-by-side with a secondary settlement tank (6). Contained within the primary settlement, tank (1a) is a pump chamber (2), at the bottom of which is at least one pump (3) for pumping supernatent continuously to the top of filter media (5) in a filter tank (4) above the first-mentioned two tanks (1a,6). Supernatent trickles down the filter media (5) and is collected at the bottom to flow through a conduit (14) back to the pump chamber (2). The primary and secondary settlement tanks (1a,6) are separated by a pressure bulkhead (7), through which the conduit (14) extends. Inflow of sewage into the primary tank (1a) results in supernatent spilling out of the conduit (14) at a break point (16) into the secondary settlement tank (6), and in treated liquor spilling out of the latter (6) through an outlet (17). Oxygenation of the biomass on the filter media (5) is by natural air convection.

Description: This invention relates to a trickle filtration apparatus for treating raw sewage. CH-A-668 252, on which the preamble of claim 1 is based, discloses a trickle filtration apparatus comprising: - a sump, a primary settlement tank, a pump chamber, a filter tank and a secondary settlement tank; said primary settlement tank and secondary settlement tank being contained within said sump; said pump chamber being at least partly contained within said sump; said pump chamber containing pump means in the form of at least one pump; said filter tank containing filter media; said secondary settlement tank being arranged side-by-side with the primary settlement tank and separated therefrom by a liquid-proof pressure bulkhead ; the apparatus having an inlet for raw sewage into the primary settlement tank, and a pump chamber-inlet for supernatent from the primary settlement tank into the pump chamber; the pump chamber being sealed from the primary settlement tank except for said pump chamber-inlet; the primary settlement tank having a region at the base of the primary settlement tank for collection of gross solids which settle therein out of the raw sewage; said pump chamber-inlet being at a relatively high level above said region; said primary settlement tank-inlet being at a higher level than said pump chamber-inlet; said pump means being arranged at the bottom of the pump chamber; the pump chamber being positioned adjacent a wall of the sump; said pump chamber inlet being at a far side of the pump chamber from the primary settlement tank-inlet, so that flow from said primary settlement tank-inlet towards the pump chamber inlet is indirect and traverses the primary settlement tank, to allow the settlement of gross solids from the raw sewage to said region at the base of the primary settlement tank; the filter tank being positioned at a higher level than the sump, primary settlement tank and secondary settlement tank; said pump means being adapted to pump supernatent from the bottom of the pump chamber through first conduit means to supernatent-distributing means at the top of the filter tank, for the supernatent to trickle down the filter media; collecting means being provided for collecting the supernatent at the bottom of the filter tank, after the supernatent has trickled down the filter media; and second conduit means to convey the collected supernatent; the secondary settlement tank being adapted and arranged for settlement of flocculents, which are shed from the filter media, in the bottom of the secondary settlement tank; the apparatus having an outlet for treated effluent from the secondary settlement tank; means being provided for removal of settled solids from said region of the primary settlement tank and of settled flocculents from the bottom of the secondary settlement tank; and air circulating means being provided for circulating air through the filter media. However, the trickle filtration apparatus disclosed in CH-A-668 252 only effects a single treatment of the supernatent, and does not continuously recycle the supernatent. It is an object of the invention to provide a trickle filtration apparatus for treating raw sewage for a relatively few number of people in a community. The invention provides a trickle filtration apparatus for treating raw sewage as claimed in independent claim 1. The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the drawings, wherein:- Fig. 1 is a partly cut-away perspective illustration of a trickle filtration apparatus for treating raw sewage in accordance with the invention, shown sunk into the ground; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic vertical section through the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic sectional plan view of a sump and pump chamber of the apparatus with a filter media tank removed; Fig. 4 is another illustration similar to Fig. 2, but the section being on IV-IV of Fig. 5 and showing other features of the apparatus; Fig. 5 is another illustration similar to Fig. 3, but the section being on V-V of Fig. 4; and Fig. 6 is a section on VI-VI of Fig. 5. Referring to the drawings, the illustrated apparatus is designed to be sunk into the ground so that only a top portion of the apparatus is above ground level GL, as shown. The apparatus comprises a sump 1 within which is arranged :- a) a primary settlement tank 1a, b) a bottom end portion of a pump chamber 2 containing one or two pumps 3 at the bottom of the pump chamber 2, and c) a secondary settlement tank or "humus" tank 6 which is side-by-side with the primary settlement tank 1a and which is separated from the primary settlement tank 1a by a liquid-proof pressure bulkhead 7. A filter tank 4 containing filter media 5, is arranged above sump 1 and above settlement tanks 1a, 6 as shown. The apparatus has an inlet 8 for raw sewage into the primary settlement tank 1a for the settlement of gross solids (not shown) out of the raw sewage. The pump chamber 2 has an inlet 9 (Fig. 3) for "supernatent" to flow from the septic tank 1 into the pump chamber 2 - "supernatent" being the raw sewage without the gross solids, which have settled as a sludge to the bottom of the primary settlement tank 1a. There is a scum baffle 9a around inlet 9, to stop scum from entering the pump chamber 2. The pump chamber 2 is positioned adjacent a wall 2a of the sump 1 an extends above sump 1 and almost the full height of the filter tank 4 as shown. The pump chamber 2 is sealed from the primary settlement tank 1a except for the pump chamber-inlet 9. As shown, the pump chamber-inlet 9 is at a far side of the pump chamber 2 from the primary settlement tank-inlet 8, so that flow from the primary settlement tank-inlet 8 towards the pump chamber-inlet 9 is indirect and traverses the primary settlement tank 1a, to allow the gross solids (not shown) from the raw sewage to settle to a region 10 at the base of the primary settlement tank 1a and form a sludge there. The gross solids are collected in the region 10 for periodic removal by means described hereinafter. The pump chamber-inlet 9 is at a relatively high level above the region 10, to minimise the chances of any gross solids passing through the pump chamber-inlet 9 into the pump chamber 2. The primary settlement tank-inlet 8 is at a higher level than the pump chamber-inlet 9 in order to provide an hydraulic gradient for forward fluid-flow. The filter tank 4, which has a "pitched roof" type of cover 4a at the top of the filter tank 4, is arranged above the primary settlement tank 1a and above the secondary settlement tank 6. The filter media 5 is of a known type for supporting a biomass for sewage treatment. If there is only one pump 3, it runs continuously. If there are two pumps 3, they are arranged and adapted to operate alternately continuously, in that one or other of the pumps is always running. Automatic control means (not shown) of known type shares the pumping duty between the two pumps 3 and monitors them so that if either one of the two pumps 3 fails, the other pump takes over. The control for each pump 3, which incorporates a low liquid-level protection switch, pumps supernatent from the base of the pump chamber 2, through a first conduit 11, which is in the form of a flexible hose, to a supernatent-distributing device 12 in the form of a spray device or splash plate distributor device near the top of the filter tank 4, below the cover 4a but above the top of the filter media 5. The conduit 11 extends from the pump/pumps 3 up the interior of the pump chamber 2, out of the top of the pump chamber 2 and up an enclosed space 20 (Fig. 2) outside of the filter tank 4 to the spray device 12. The device 12 ensures a substantially even spray of supernatent over the upper surface area of the filter media 5, for the supernatent to trickle down the filter media 5. Flow rate of supernatent to the distributing device 12 is controlled by a flow diversion valve 18 such that flow entering the distributing device 12 is balanced by that passing forward over the media 5. Diverted supernatent is returned through a second conduit 11a to the base of the pump chamber 2. The filter tank 4 has a downwardly-tapering, eccentric, frusto-conical base 4b, to collect the supernatent after it has trickled down the filter media 5. The narrow bottom of the frusto-conical base 4b of the filter tank 4 leads into a very short upper portion 14a of a second conduit 14. The second conduit 14 has a gap or break-point 16, located in the secondary settlement tank 6, between the bottom end of the upper conduit portion 14a and the downwardly spaced top end of a lower conduit portion 14b which extends through the bulkhead 7 and which conveys supernatent back into the bottom of the pump chamber 2. The break-point 16, being open to the interior of the secondary settlement tank 6, forms an "hydraulic break" and defines an hydraulic equilibrium level for supernatent in the pump chamber 2. That is to say, when in equilibrium, the level of the supernatent in the pump chamber 2 is the same as the level of the top of the lower conduit portion 14b, which is a little higher than the level of an outlet 17 (see below) from the secondary settlement tank 6. A "stilling baffle" 15 is arranged in the vicinity of the break-point 16 in the secondary settlement tank 6 for reducing local flow velocity and hence enhancing settlement of flocculents, not shown, which settle as another sludge in the bottom of the secondary settlement tank 6, the flocculents being shed in known manner from the filter media 5 during operation. The apparatus has an outlet 17 (see above) from the secondary settlement tank 6 for treated effluent (not shown), just below the level of the break-point 16. A scum baffle 17a is arranged adjacent the outlet 17 to prevent scum from passing out of the secondary settlement tank 6 with the treated effluent. An air flow conduit 19 is provided from the primary settlement tank 1 to the pump chamber 2. The apparatus has air-circulating means (21) for natural circulation (that is to say, without any air pump or fan) of air through the filter media 5, as described below, for oxygenating the biomass on the filter media 5. The air-circulating means (21) comprises louvred vents 21a, in the enclosed housing 2a and vents 21b in the filter shell 23. Vent 21a opens into the top of the space 20 and vent 21b opens into a space between the cover 4a and the filter media 5 respectively. These vents 21a, 21b are almost at the very top of the apparatus and must remain above ground level GL when the apparatus is sunk into the ground. The vent 21a communicates with the pump chamber 2, whilst the vent 21b communicates with the top of the filter media 5. The air-circulating means 21 further comprises the air flow conduit 19 between the primary settlement tank 1a and the pump chamber 2. The conduit 19 normally (that is, when not flooded) allows air flow between the pump chamber 2 and the underside of the filter tank 4. Finally, the air-circulating means 21 comprises a number (e.g. three) of vents 21c through the conical base 4b of the filter tank 4, for communication between the conduit 19 and the underside of the filter media 5. The vents 21c in the filter tank base 4a have respective covers 21d to protect them from supernatent dripping from the filter media 5. The direction of airflow is determined by natural convection and will depend upon temperature differences between different parts of the apparatus. The primary settlement tank 1a has an inbuilt vertical "de-sludging" pipe 22a for periodical removal (by a tanker, not shown, equipped with a pump) of the sludge formed by the collected gross solids. Likewise, the secondary settlement tank 6 has another inbuilt desludging pipe 22b for the periodical removal of the sludge formed by the settled flocculents either by tanker or by provision of a pump with outlet arranged to return sludge to the manway which immediately preceeds the primary settlement tank inlet 8. The latter de-sludging pipe 22b is bent at its bottom end and projects through the bulkhead 7 as shown. The tops of both de-sludging pipes 22a, 22b project above ground level GL as shown and are normally capped by caps (not shown). For de-sludging, the cap is removed, a hose (not shown) of the above-mentioned tanker (not shown) or secondary sludge removal pump is lowered through the respective pipes 22a, 22b and the sludge is pumped out. Because of the pressure bulkhead 7, either one of the primary and secondary settlement tanks 1 and 6 can be pumped out during de-sludging, without danger of collapse. In operation, the primary settlment tank 1a is initially filled with water until the pump chamber 2 is flooded and the pump(s) is/are started, to run continuously thereafter. Additional water is added until such time as forward flow from the secondary settlement tank outlet 17 is achieved. When sewage enters the apparatus at inlet 8, it displaces water at the outlet 17. Any gross solids in the sewage fall to the region 10 at the base of the primary settlement tank 1a, whilst the supernatent (initially diluted, but less and less diluted as more and more sewage enters the apparatus) enters the pump chamber 2, to be pumped to the top of the filter media 5, down which the supernatent trickles. The supernatent trickles at least once down the filter media 5. During a period when no further sewage enters the apparatus, the supernatent is pumped repeatedly by the continuously running pump(s) 3 to the top of the filter media 5, to trickle down the filter media 5 feeding biomass growth on the filter media 5. At the bottom of the filter tank 4, the supernatent enters the conduit 14, to return to the pump chamber 2. Additional sewage entering the apparatus at inlet 8 raises the levels in firstly the primary settlement tank 1a and secondly the pump chamber 2, so that liquid spills over from the top of the lower portion 14b of conduit 14, at the gap or break point 16, into the secondary settlement tank 6, from which treated liquor spills out through the outlet 17. Hence all of the supernatent makes at least one pass down the filter media, while the natural circulation of the air oxygenates the biomass, which grows on the filter media and feeds on nutrients in the supernatent.

Claims: A trickle filtration apparatus comprising:- a sump (1), a primary settlement tank (1a), a pump chamber (2), a filter tank (4) and a secondary settlement tank (6); said primary settlement tank (1a) and secondary settlement tank (6) being contained within said sump (1); said pump chamber (2) being at least partly contained within said sump (1); said pump chamber (2) containing pump means (3) in the form of at least one pump; said filter tank (4) containing filter media (5); said secondary settlement tank (6) being arranged side-by-side with the primary settlement tank (1a) and separated therefrom by a liquid-proof pressure bulkhead (7); the apparatus having an inlet (8) for raw sewage into the primary settlement tank (1a), and a pump chamber-inlet (9) for supernatent from the primary settlement tank (1a) into the pump chamber (2); the pump chamber (2) being sealed from the primary settlement tank (1a) except for said pump chamber-inlet (9); the primary settlement tank (1a) having a region (10) at the base of the primary settlement tank (1a) for collection of gross solids which settle therein out of the raw sewage; said pump chamber-inlet (9) being at a relatively high level above said region (10); said primary settlement tank-inlet (8) being at a higher level than said pump chamber-inlet (9); said pump means (3) being arranged at the bottom of the pump chamber (2); the pump chamber (2) being positioned adjacent a wall (2a) of the sump (1); said pump chamber inlet (9) being at a far side of the pump chamber (2) from the primary settlement tank-inlet (8), so that flow from said primary settlement tank-inlet (8) towards the pump chamber inlet (9) is indirect and traverses the primary settlement tank (1a), to allow the settlement of gross solids from the raw sewage to said region (10) at the base of the primary settlement tank (1a); the filter tank (4) being positioned at a higher level than the sump (1), primary settlement tank (1a) and secondary settlement tank (6); said pump means (3) being adapted to pump supernatent from the bottom of the pump chamber (2) through first conduit means (11) to supernatent-distributing means (12) at the top of the filter tank (4), for the supernatent to trickle down the filter media (5); collecting means (4b) being provided for collecting the supernatent at the bottom of the filter tank (4), after the supernatent has trickled down the filter media (5); and second conduit means (14) to convey the collected supernatent; the secondary settlement tank (6) being adapted and arranged for settlement of flocculents, which are shed from the filter media (5), in the bottom of the secondary settlement tank (6); the apparatus having an outlet (17) for treated effluent from the secondary settlement tank (6); means being provided for removal of settled solids from said region (10) of the primary settlement tank (1a) and of settled flocculents from the bottom of the secondary settlement tank (6); and air circulating means (21) being provided for circulating air through the filter media (5); characterised in that said pump chamber (2) extends above the the primary settlement tank (1a) nearly to the top of the filter tank (4); said pump means (3) is adapted and arranged to operate continuously, so as to recycle the supernatent; said filter tank (4) is directly above said secondary settlement tank (6); said second conduit means (14) comprising an upper conduit (14a) and a lower conduit (14b); a bottom end of said upper conduit (14a) being arranged directly above and spaced apart from a top end of said lower conduit (14b) to form an hydraulic break (16) therebetween in the secondary settlement tank; said hydraulic break (16) defining an hydraulic equilibrium level for fluid in the pump chamber (2); said lower conduit (14b) being adapted and arranged to convey supernatent back into the base of the pump chamber (2). A trickle filtration apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said region (10) at the base (4b) of the filter tank (4) is defined by the shape of the base (4b) itself, which is substantially conical . A trickle filtration apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said second conduit (14) means extends through the bulkhead (7). A trickle filtration apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first conduit means (11) extends up the outside of the filter tank (4), within the pump chamber (2). A trickle filtration apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a flow diversion means (18) is provided to adjust flow rate of supernatent to the distributing device (12) in the filter tank (4) and to return diverted supernatent through a second conduit means (11a) to the base of the pump chamber (2). A trickle filtration apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said air circulating means (21) is adapted for the air to circulate naturally. A trickle filtration apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said air circulating means (21) comprises air passageways (21c) in the base of the filter tank (4), said air passageways (21c) being protected from supernatent dripping from the filter media. A trickle filtration apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an air flow conduit (19) is provided from the primary settlement tank (1a) to the pump chamber (2). A trickle filtration apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said pump means (3) comprises two pumps with means for switching only one pump on at a time. A trickle filtration apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a stilling means (15) is arranged in the vicinity of said break point (16) in the secondary settlement tank (6) for reducing local flow velocity and hence enhancing the settlement of flocculents, which are shed from the filter media (5), in the secondary settlement tank (6).

Inventors: WALPOLE TERENCE FREDERICK, WRIGLEY DAVID, WALPOLE, TERENCE FREDERICK, WRIGLEY, DAVID
Applicants: ENERGY & WASTE SYSTEMS LTD, ENERGY AND WASTE SYSTEMS LIMITED
Application year: 1990
Main classification: E03F11
IPC codes: C02F3, B01D36, E03F11