Systems and methods for automated control of mixing and aeration in treatment processes

Abstract

A system and method for automatically controlling aeration and mixing processes are disclosed.

1 . In a system of mixing wastewater by supplying pressurized gas to the wastewater through a conduit connected to a nozzle, the improvement comprising:
 a nozzle comprising a fluid passage having a plurality of outlets, and wherein the fluid passage is configured to release pressurized gas from the outlets in intermittent bursts to mix the wastewater.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the two outlets are located on opposing distal ends of the fluid passage. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the nozzle is configured to simultaneously release a controlled burst of gas from each outlet of the nozzle. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein a nipple is integral to the nozzle and the nipple is generally perpendicular to the fluid passage. 
     
     
         5 . The nozzle of  claim 1  wherein the fluid passage is formed by an upper plate and a lower plate, wherein the upper plate and lower plate are connected and spaced apart by a spacer. 
     
     
         6 . The nozzle of  claim 5  wherein the inner height of the fluid passage measures about 0.25 inches and its inner width measures about 3 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The nozzle of  claim 1  wherein the nozzle comprises at least two fluid passages. 
     
     
         8 . The nozzle of  claim 1  wherein the nozzle comprises at least two fluid passages having two outlets through which a fluid may pass simultaneously. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the nozzle is located in proximity to a bottom of a wastewater containment unit. 
     
     
         10 . A wastewater treatment system comprising:
 a source of pressurized gas that supplies pressurized gas to a header, wherein a valve is disposed between the source of compressed air and the header;   a first line connected to the header;   a nozzle located inside a wastewater containment unit, wherein the nozzle is connected to the first line and comprises a fluid passage having a plurality of outlets, and wherein the fluid passage is configured to release pressurized gas from the outlets in intermittent bursts to mix the wastewater.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the nozzle is located in proximity to a bottom of the containment unit. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the first line has a smaller inner diameter than the header. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a second line located between and connecting the first line and the nozzle. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the first line and second line are substantially perpendicular. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the second line has a smaller inner diameter than the header. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the first line and second line have an equal inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the header. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the inner diameter of the first line is smaller than the inner diameter of the header and greater than the inner diameter of the second line. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the nozzle is positioned adjacent a bottom of the wastewater containment unit. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the nozzle abuts a bottom of the containment unit. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising an exhaust pressure sensor in communication with a programmable logic controller, wherein the exhaust pressure sensor provides a signal to the programmable logic controller indicating the status of the valve as opened or closed. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the header and the first line are disposed in the same plane parallel to and above a bottom of the containment unit, wherein the second line is disposed perpendicular to the first line, and wherein the nozzle is connected to the second line and located in proximity to the bottom of the containment unit.