JP7825259B2 - Pumps, storage tanks, and liquid treatment equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a water pump, a storage tank, and a liquid treatment device.

Sewage treatment equipment is known that is equipped with multiple septic tanks (storage tanks) and purifies the sewage in stages by passing it through the tanks from upstream to downstream. In some such sewage treatment equipment, a portion of the treated water stored in the downstream septic tank is returned to the upstream septic tank in order to efficiently purify the sewage.

A backflow generator is known that is installed in a sewage treatment system and includes a withdrawal pipe for returning a portion of the sewage stored in a downstream septic tank to the upstream septic tank (see JP 2010-207662 A). This backflow generator includes the withdrawal pipe, a U-shaped pipe with one end facing upward and the other end connected to the middle of the withdrawal pipe, a casing in which the withdrawal pipe and U-shaped pipe are arranged, and an air supply device for supplying air to the casing. A portion of the treated water flows into the casing from the downstream septic tank.

JP 2010-207662 A

The backflow generating device described in the publication is configured so that the air supply device continues to supply air, lowering the level of treated water in the casing, and this drop in the water level causes the treated water in the withdrawal pipe to return to the upstream septic tank.

That is, the backflow generator is equipped with a withdrawal pipe, a U-shaped pipe, and a casing for storing treated water and air in order to return treated water from a downstream septic tank to an upstream septic tank. This allows the device to be configured as a return device for treated water (liquid), intermittently and temporarily backflowing large amounts of treated water from the downstream septic tank, storing it in the casing, and continuously returning it to the upstream septic tank. However, this results in a relatively large and complex configuration, which may make it difficult to reduce the size and cost of this device, and ultimately the device (sewage treatment device) that includes it.

Furthermore, since the above-mentioned air supply devices are generally powered by electricity, it may be difficult to reduce running costs and conserve energy.

In light of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a water pump with a simple configuration that does not require a power source such as electricity, as well as a storage tank and liquid treatment device equipped with this water pump.

One aspect of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is a water pump for pumping a liquid above the water surface and discharging it. It comprises an umbrella portion that collects gas generated by the reaction of a catalyst or microorganism in the liquid, a liquid inlet port below which the liquid is introduced, a gas supply port above which the gas collected by the umbrella portion is supplied via a gas supply flow path, a first flow path having a communication portion in the middle, and a second flow path that communicates with the first flow path at the communication portion, has a curved portion that curves from downward to upward below the communication portion, and a discharge port above the curved portion from which the liquid is discharged.

Another aspect of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problem, is a storage tank that stores a liquid and a catalyst or microorganism that generates gas by reacting with the liquid, and has the above-mentioned pump.

Another aspect of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problem, is a liquid treatment device having multiple storage tanks and the above-mentioned pump, in which at least one of the multiple storage tanks stores a liquid and a catalyst or microorganism that generates gas by reacting with the liquid, the umbrella portion is disposed in the one storage tank, and the first flow path and the second flow path are disposed in the other storage tanks.

The pump of the present invention has a simple configuration and is therefore capable of discharging liquid without using a power source such as electricity. The storage tank and liquid treatment device of the present invention include the pump, allowing for the discharge of liquid at low cost.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a water pump according to one embodiment of the present invention and a storage tank equipped with the water pump. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view perspective view showing a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic top perspective view of the wastewater treatment device of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic right side perspective view of the sewage treatment device of FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a water pump different from that shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a water pump different from those shown in FIGS. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a water pump different from those shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6. In FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing a water pump different from those shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 7. In FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing a water pump different from those shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8. In FIG.

One aspect of the present invention is a water pump for pumping a liquid above the water surface and discharging it. It comprises an umbrella portion that collects gas generated by a catalyst or microorganism reacting in the liquid, a liquid inlet port below which the liquid is introduced, a gas supply port above which the gas collected by the umbrella portion is supplied via a gas supply flow path, a first flow path having a communication portion in the middle, and a second flow path that communicates with the first flow path at the communication portion, has a curved portion that curves from downward to upward below the communication portion, and a discharge port above the curved portion from which the liquid is discharged.

This pump discharges liquid using gas generated by a catalyst or microorganism reacting in the liquid, and therefore does not require a power source such as electricity. This reduces running costs and saves energy. The pump is simply configured, consisting of an umbrella portion that collects the gas, a first flow path, and a second flow path. The first flow path has a liquid inlet through which liquid is introduced downward, and a gas supply port through which the gas is supplied from above. The second flow path is connected to the first flow path through a communication portion and communicates with the first flow path. The second flow path has a curved portion that curves from downward to upward below the communication portion, and a discharge port above this curved portion that discharges the liquid. This configuration allows the pump to easily discharge the liquid.

It is preferable that the umbrella portion is disposed in the liquid. This makes it easy to collect the gas.

Another aspect of the present invention is a storage tank that stores a liquid and a catalyst or microorganism that generates gas by reacting with the liquid, and has the above-mentioned pump.

The reservoir can eject the liquid using gas generated from the liquid stored in it.

Another aspect of the present invention is a liquid treatment device having multiple storage tanks and the pump described above, in which at least one of the multiple storage tanks stores a liquid and a catalyst or microorganism that generates gas by reacting with the liquid, the umbrella portion is disposed in the one storage tank, and the first flow path and the second flow path are disposed in the other storage tanks.

In this liquid treatment device, the storage tank in which the umbrella portion of the water lifter is disposed is different from the storage tank in which the first and second flow paths of the water lifter are disposed. Therefore, even if the storage tank in which the first and second flow paths are disposed does not contain the catalyst or microorganisms, the liquid in this storage tank can be discharged. Furthermore, because the liquid treatment device includes the water lifter, liquid treatment can be performed at low cost.

The pump may further include a transfer flow path for transferring the liquid discharged from the discharge port to another storage tank. By including a transfer flow path, the liquid in the storage tank can be transferred to another storage tank.

It is preferable that the liquid treatment device is a device that performs sewage treatment to purify sewage. In other words, it is preferable that the liquid treatment device is a sewage treatment device. By using the liquid treatment device as a sewage treatment device, sewage can be purified at low cost.

The term "sewage treatment equipment" includes septic tanks that treat domestic wastewater, including human waste; sewage treatment equipment that treats urban sewage; sewage treatment equipment that treats medium- or small-scale domestic wastewater; and wastewater (wastewater) treatment equipment that treats industrial wastewater (wastewater) and domestic wastewater.

As an example, there are currently approximately 7.5 million septic tanks in operation in Japan (as of the end of 2018), and even the majority of these, small septic tanks, are aerobic treatment tanks equipped with 27W to 300W fans, and operate continuously 24 hours a day.

One aspect of the present invention is a sewage treatment device that is not a conventional aerobic treatment type, but rather a core part of purification technology that does not require any power, and that enables the circulation of treated liquid by utilizing the pressure of gas generated during the organic matter decomposition process.

[Details of the embodiment of the invention]

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a water pump according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are schematic diagrams for explaining the present invention, and the shapes of the actual components (components), their scales, etc. may differ from those of the drawings.

[Storage tank]
As shown in Fig. 1, the storage tank includes a pump 1 for pumping the stored liquid W above the water surface and discharging it. The storage tank 2 also holds a catalyst or microorganism (not shown) below the water surface. The catalyst or microorganism reacts with the liquid W to generate gas.

[Water pump]
The water pump 1 includes an umbrella portion 9 that collects gas generated by the reaction of the catalyst or microorganism in the liquid W, a liquid inlet 31 below that introduces the liquid W, a gas supply port 32 above that supplies the gas collected by the umbrella portion 9 via a gas supply flow path 5, a first flow path 3 having a communication portion 33 in the middle, and a second flow path 4 that communicates with the first flow path 3 at the communication portion 33 and has a curved portion 41 that curves from downward to upward below the communication portion 33 and a discharge port 42 above the curved portion that discharges the liquid. Note that "below" refers to the normal direction of the liquid W side of the water surface of the liquid W stored in the storage tank 2, and "up" refers to the opposite direction.

The umbrella portion 9 is formed from a plate-like member and has a generally conical shape. The umbrella portion 9 is open at both the bottom and the top. The gas supply flow path 5 is connected to the top of the umbrella portion 9, communicating the umbrella portion 9 with the gas supply port 32 of the first flow path 3. The umbrella portion 9 takes in gas generated in the liquid W through the opening at the bottom. The gas taken into the umbrella portion 9 is supplied from the opening at the top through the gas supply flow path 5 and into the first flow path 3.

The gas supply flow path 5, the first flow path 3, and the second flow path 4 are tubular members. The first flow path 3 and the second flow path 4 may be formed integrally, or may be formed separately and joined together. Each of the gas supply flow path 5, the first flow path 3, and the second flow path 4 may be formed by joining multiple tubular members together.

The first flow path 3 in this embodiment is formed in a substantially linear shape. The first flow path 3 is disposed so that one end is located within the liquid W and the other end is located outside the liquid W. The other end may be located within the liquid W. The first flow path 3 in this embodiment is disposed so that its axial direction is substantially perpendicular to the water surface of the liquid W. The one end (lower end) is a liquid inlet 31 for introducing the liquid W into the interior, and the other end (upper end) is a gas supply port 32 through which gas is supplied.

The second flow path 4 is connected to the first flow path 3 via a communication section 33 located in the middle of the first flow path 3, and is in communication with the first flow path 3. The second flow path 4 has a curved section 41 that curves from downward to upward below the communication section 33. In this embodiment, the second flow path 4 has an intermediate section 43 that connects the communication section 33 and the curved section 41. In this embodiment, the intermediate section 43 is arranged so that its axial direction is parallel to the water surface of the liquid W.

The curved portion 41 continues from the intermediate portion 43 and curves upward below the communicating portion 33. In this embodiment, the curved portion 41 is composed of a descending portion 41a that continues from the intermediate portion 43 and extends toward the bottom surface of the storage tank 2, and an ascending portion 41b that turns from the portion that extends toward the bottom surface and ascends toward the water surface. In other words, the curved portion 41 is formed to be approximately U-shaped.

The second flow path 4 has an outlet 42 above the curved portion 41 that discharges the liquid W. In this embodiment, an extension portion 44 is connected to the curved portion 41 so that the outlet 42 is located above the water surface of the liquid W, and the end of this extension portion 44 serves as the outlet 42. The extension portion 44 has a vertical portion 44a that continues from the curved portion 41 and extends approximately perpendicular to the water surface of the liquid W, and a horizontal portion 44b that continues from this vertical portion 44a and extends approximately parallel to the water surface of the liquid W, and the end of this horizontal portion 44a serves as the outlet 42.

When the pumping device 1 is placed in a storage tank 1 storing liquid W, liquid W is introduced into the first flow path 3 and the second flow path 4 through the liquid inlet 31. Liquid W is introduced until the water level in the storage tank 1 becomes the same as the water levels in the first flow path 3 and the second flow path 4. When the gas is supplied through the gas supply port 32 of the first flow path 3, the pressure of the gas lowers the level of liquid W in the first flow path 3 and raises the level of liquid W in the second flow path 4. In some cases, a portion of the liquid W in the second flow path 4 is discharged through the discharge port 42. When more gas is supplied into the first flow path 3, the level of liquid W in the first flow path 3 further lowers and reaches the communication portion 33, and some of the gas flows into the second flow path 4. When the gas is continuously supplied, the gas reaches the curved portion 41. When the gas passes through the curved portion 41, the balance between the pressure caused by the liquid W rising in the second flow path 4 and the pressure caused by the supplied gas is broken, and the gas in the first flow path 3 flows into the second flow path 4 all at once. As a result, the liquid W in the second flow path 4 rises all at once and is discharged from the discharge port 42, and the liquid W in the storage tank 2 flows into the first flow path 3, some of which is introduced into the second flow path 4. Furthermore, as the gas continues to be supplied into the first flow path 3, the liquid W introduced into the second flow path 4 is intermittently and repeatedly discharged.

The inner diameters of the gas supply flow path 5, first flow path 3, and second flow path 4 are not particularly limited and can be determined appropriately depending on the amount of gas generated, the amount of liquid W discharged, the discharge interval (time), etc. The inner diameters of the first flow path 3 and second flow path 4 may be the same or different. The inner diameters of the first flow path 3 and second flow path 4 may be formed to be constant or to be partially different. For example, the inner diameters of the intermediate portion 43, curved portion 41, and extended portion 44 of the second flow path 4 may be different. The distance between the curved portion 41 and the surface of the liquid W is not particularly limited and can be determined appropriately depending on the amount of gas discharged, the discharge interval (time), etc.

The size (capacity) and placement position (height) of the umbrella portion 9 are not particularly limited and can be determined appropriately depending on the amount of gas generated, the amount of liquid W ejected, the ejection interval (time), etc.

In this embodiment, a liquid supply pipe 6 is provided to supply liquid W to the storage tank 2. By making the amount of liquid W supplied from the liquid supply pipe 6 the same as the amount of liquid W discharged by the pump 1, the water level in the storage tank 2 can be kept constant.

In FIG. 1, the discharge port 42 is provided on the outside of the storage tank 2 so that the liquid W is discharged out of the storage tank 2, but the discharge port 42 may also be provided on the inside of the storage tank 2 so that the liquid W is discharged into the storage tank 2. In this way, the liquid W in the storage tank 2 can be circulated. Furthermore, by arranging the discharge port 42 above another storage tank (not shown), the liquid W in the storage tank 2 can be transferred to the other storage tank.

<Advantages>
The water pump 1 can be produced at low cost because it is simply configured with the umbrella portion 9, the first flow path 3, and the second flow path 4. Furthermore, the water pump 1 discharges the liquid W by using gas generated from the liquid W in the storage tank 2 disposed therein, so no power source for discharging the liquid W is required, and the liquid W can be discharged at low cost.

[Second embodiment]
Hereinafter, a liquid treatment device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the liquid treatment device will be described as a wastewater treatment device. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

<Sewage treatment equipment>
As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the sewage treatment device 10 includes multiple storage tanks (treatment tanks) for storing and treating liquid (sewage) W, and a pump 20. The sewage treatment device 10 includes a first treatment tank 11 that performs anaerobic treatment and solid-liquid separation, two intermediate treatment tanks 12 and 13 that perform anaerobically treating the sewage W treated in the first treatment tank 11, and a final treatment tank 14 that performs sedimentation separation on the sewage W treated in the intermediate treatment tanks 12 and 13. The first treatment tank 11 and the two intermediate treatment tanks 12 and 13 contain anaerobic microorganisms (not shown) for anaerobic treatment. The anaerobic microorganisms are supported on multiple carriers (not shown). The sewage treatment device 1 has an inlet 15 at the top of the first treatment tank 11 side through which the sewage W flows, and an outlet 16 at the top of the final treatment tank 14 side through which the treated sewage W flows as treated water that complies with water quality standards.

The first treatment tank 11, intermediate treatment tanks 12, 13, and final treatment tank 14 are separated by partitions 11a, 12a, and 13a within the sewage treatment device 1, and sewage W passes through them in this order. The partition 11a of the first treatment tank 11 and the partition 12a of the upstream intermediate treatment tank 12 are provided with flow paths 11b and 12b for the passage of sewage W, and openings 11c and 12c at the top. The partition 13a of the downstream intermediate treatment tank 13 is provided with an opening 13c at the bottom for the passage of sewage W.

The wastewater treatment device 1 has an inspection hatch at the top, and the first treatment tank 11 and intermediate treatment tanks 12 and 13 have upper and lower screens to prevent the carrier from floating up and settling, as well as backwashing air diffusers used during inspection, but the detailed configuration of these is omitted from the diagram.

A water lifter 20 is provided in the final treatment tank 14. This water lifter 20 has a transfer flow path 7 that transfers the wastewater W discharged from the discharge port to the first treatment tank 11. The transfer flow path 7 is a tubular member. The transfer flow path 7 has a discharge port 71 that opens above the first treatment tank 11.

The sewage treatment device 10 of this embodiment has a gas supply flow path 8 that supplies gas to the first flow path 23, and an umbrella portion 29 that collects gas generated in the first treatment tank 11 and intermediate treatment tanks 12, 13 and supplies this gas to the gas supply flow path 8. The gas supply flow path 8 is connected to the gas supply port of the first flow path 23, connecting the first flow path 23 to the umbrella portion 29. The umbrella portion 29 is disposed in the sewage W in the first treatment tank 11 and intermediate treatment tanks 12, 13. The gas supply flow path 8 and umbrella portion 29 are connected via a connecting pipe 8a.

In this embodiment, the umbrella portion 29 is formed from a plate-like member and has a generally conical shape. The top and bottom of the umbrella portion 29 are open. The umbrella portion 29 is connected to the connecting pipe 8a at the top, and the generated gas is taken in at the bottom.

The sewage treatment device 10 treats sewage W using the anaerobic microorganisms in the first treatment tank 11 and intermediate treatment tanks 12 and 13. Gases containing methane and other gases are generated during this treatment process. The umbrella portion 29 collects this gas. The gas is introduced into the gas supply flow path 8 from the opening at the top of the umbrella portion 29 via the connecting pipe 8a. The gas introduced into the gas supply flow path 8 is supplied into the first flow path 23 of the water lifter 1 installed in the final treatment tank 14.

As the gas is continuously generated in the first treatment tank 11 and the intermediate treatment tanks 12 and 13, the pressure of the gas in the gas supply passage 8 and first passage 23 increases. The increased pressure of the gas in the first passage 23 lowers the level of the wastewater W in the first passage 23 and raises the level of the wastewater W in the second passage 24. When the gas in the first passage 23 reaches the curved portion 241 of the second passage 24, the wastewater W in the second passage 24 is discharged and transported to the first treatment tank 11 via the transport passage 7.

<Advantages>
The sewage treatment device 10 includes a pump 20, which allows the sewage W in the final treatment tank 14 to be easily returned to the first treatment tank 11. Furthermore, the sewage treatment device 1 includes a gas supply flow path 8 and an umbrella portion 29, which eliminates the need for a gas supply device for supplying gas to the first flow path 23, thereby reducing installation costs and running costs for sewage treatment.

[Other embodiments]
The above-disclosed embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-disclosed embodiments, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

In the above-described water pump 1, the upper end of the first flow path 3 forms the gas supply port 32. However, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas supply port 115 of the water pump 110 may be formed on the side above the first flow path 113 by sealing the upper end of the first flow path 113. The upper end of the first flow path 113 may be located below the surface of the liquid W.

As shown in Figure 6, the curved portion 121 in the second flow path 124 of the water pump 120 may have a first straight portion 121a that slopes diagonally downward in a direction away from the first flow path 123, and a second straight portion 121b that is perpendicular to the first straight portion 121a and slopes diagonally upward.

Furthermore, the intermediate portion 43 of the water pump 1 does not necessarily have to be parallel to the water surface of the liquid W. As shown in Figure 7, the intermediate portion 135 of the second flow path 134 may be inclined downward as it moves away from the communicating portion 131 of the first flow path 133 in the water pump 130, and may be provided so as to form part of the curved portion 132. In this case, the curved portion 132 does not need to have a downwardly curved descending portion.

The first flow path does not need to be formed in a substantially straight line. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first flow path 143, 153 in the water pump 140, 150 may have a bent portion 141, 151, and a communicating portion 142, 152 may be provided at this bent portion 141, 151.

The above-mentioned wastewater treatment device was described as not having a tank for aerobic treatment (aeration treatment), but it may also have a tank for aerobic treatment.

Furthermore, the sewage treatment device may have one or three or more intermediate treatment tanks, or may not have any intermediate treatment tanks. Furthermore, the sewage treatment device may have only one treatment tank.

Liquid treatment devices are not limited to biological treatment of wastewater, but may also be used to purify industrial wastewater using catalysts, for example.

The umbrella portion described above is formed from a plate-like member in a roughly conical shape, but the shape is not particularly limited as long as it can collect rising gas, and it can be triangular, square, polygonal, hemispherical, etc.

This pump is not limited to use in storage tanks and sewage treatment equipment, but can also be used in any industrial water tank, tank, or other device that stores or stores and treats liquids.

As described above, the pumping device of the present invention has a simple configuration, allowing it to easily pump and discharge liquid from a storage tank at low cost. For this reason, it is suitable for use in various storage tanks that store liquid, particularly in sewage treatment systems.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 20, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 Pump 2 Storage tank 3, 23, 113, 123, 133, 143, 153 First flow path 31 Liquid inlet 32, 115 Gas supply port 33, 131, 142, 152 Communication portion 4, 24, 124, 134 Second flow path 41, 121, 132, 241 Curved portion 41a Descending portion 41b Ascending portion 42 Discharge port 43, 135 Intermediate portion 44 Extension portion 44a Vertical portion 44b Horizontal portion 5, 8 Gas supply flow path 6 Liquid supply pipe 7 Transfer flow path 71 Discharge port 8a Connecting pipe 9, 29 Umbrella portion 10 Sewage treatment device 11 First treatment tank 12, 13 Intermediate treatment tank 11a, 12a, 13a Partition wall 11b, 12b Flow path 11c, 12c, 13c Opening 14 Final treatment tank 15 Inlet 16 Outlet 121a First straight portion 121b Second straight portion 141, 151 Bent portion W Liquid (sewage)

Claims (4)

A water pump for pumping a liquid above the water surface and discharging it,
an umbrella portion for collecting gas generated by the reaction of a catalyst or microorganism in the liquid;
a first flow path having a liquid inlet port below for introducing the liquid, a gas supply port above for supplying the gas collected by the umbrella portion via a gas supply flow path, and a communication part in the middle; and a second flow path which is in communication with the first flow path at the communication part, and has a curved part that curves from downward to upward below the communication part, and a discharge port above the curved part for discharging the liquid ,
the umbrella portion is positioned below the curved portion in the liquid;
The discharge port of the water pump opens above the water surface . storing a liquid and a catalyst or microorganism that reacts with the liquid to generate a gas;
A storage tank having the water lifter according to claim 1 . A liquid treatment device comprising a plurality of storage tanks that store liquid and are separated by partitions , and a water pump that pumps the liquid above the water surface and discharges it ,
The pump is
an umbrella portion for collecting gas generated by the reaction of a catalyst or microorganism in the liquid;
a first flow path having a liquid inlet port at the bottom for introducing the liquid, a gas supply port at the top for supplying the gas collected by the umbrella portion via a gas supply flow path, and a communication portion at the middle;
a second flow path that communicates with the first flow path at the communication part, and has a curved part that curves from downward to upward below the communication part, and a discharge port that discharges the liquid above the curved part;
and
At least one of the plurality of storage tanks has the catalyst or the microorganism and the umbrella portion,
the first flow path and the second flow path are disposed in one of the other reservoirs;
the umbrella portion is positioned below the curved portion in the liquid;
A liquid treatment device further comprising a transfer flow path that transfers the liquid discharged from the discharge port by the water pump to a storage tank other than one of the other storage tanks and has an outlet that opens above the liquid in the storage tank . 4. The liquid treatment device according to claim 3 , wherein the device treats wastewater to purify the wastewater.