Patent Application
20080164216
The invention relates to devices used for the treatment of waste water. More particularly, this invention relates to a filter system used for the filtering of liquid effluent contained in a septic tank. Specifically, this invention relates to a filtering system for use in a septic tank, which system includes an extension element for adjusting the height of the location of the filtering system within the septic tank.
Waste water discharged from commercial or residential property contains both liquid and solid wastes, which are typically collected in a waste water collector, such as a septic tank. However, septic tanks or waste water treatment tanks come in different sizes and capacities. Thus, it is sometimes difficult to provide a filter housing unit for residential and commercial applications adaptable for utilization within different sized septic systems.
In septic tanks the liquids and solids are generally distributed into three layers: an upper horizontal scum layer, a lower horizontal sludge layer, and a relatively clear, horizontal effluent layer located between the two other layers. The location of this relatively clear, horizontal effluent layer in septic tanks may vary depending on the overall size and depth of the individual septic tanks. During conventional operation of septic tanks, liquids from this horizontal effluent layer are intermittently discharged from the septic tanks. During such discharge the solids contained within the septic tanks are preferably retained in the septic tanks to be decomposed during normal decomposition procedures within the system. Intermittently, the septic tanks must be cleaned to remove excess solids contained therein.
During normal operations some solids become mixed into the relatively clear, horizontal effluent layer. These solids often migrate into this layer on gas bubbles produced during decomposition of solid material contained in the lower sludge layer. Further, solids may enter this layer during conventional introduction of materials into the septic tank, if those solids have neutral buoyancy. These solids would be discharged with the effluent if not filtered out of the effluent. When excessive solids are discharged with the effluent, the effectiveness of the entire septic system is gradually degraded.
To reduce the likelihood of the discharge of solids from the septic tank, a number of different types of filtering devices for the liquid effluent have been developed. In one embodiment of a device to filter the effluent, the effluent flows into the filtering system through openings in the side walls of the filtering device. The location of these openings is designed to align with the relatively clear, horizontal effluent layer. However, because the height of such systems is not adjustable, proper placement within the septic tanks of varying sizes is not always possible, and if possible, is inconvenient.
Other filtering systems utilize a specific flow pattern for the effluent through an open bottom of a filtering device, out the sides of the filtering device through an annular space adjacent to the filtering device, and finally to a discharge opening of the device for discharging filtered effluent from the septic tank.
Alternative systems for filtering solids from the effluent of a septic system sometimes utilize a stacked disk dam system as the filtering device or a plurality of vertically extending removable side walls, each of which contains a filtering screen, for filtering the effluent. Extensions on this system by the use of risers is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,724. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,360,898 and 6,841,066.
In addition to systems which utilize a single filtering element within a filtering device, multiple filtering elements for filtering the effluent in a septic system have also been disclosed. These devices often utilize a specific flow pattern for the effluent entering the filtering device and exiting through a discharge opening in the housing of the filtering device.
Because of limitations on the flow of the effluent through these filtering devices, problems may arise from clogging of the filters, which necessitates frequent cleaning of these devices. In addition, some of the screen filter systems can collapse even during normal use, also necessitating cleaning, repair and/or replacement.
Further, because the size of the septic tank can vary, placement of the filtering device within the septic tank must be adaptable for the most efficient filtration.
Thus, a need exists for a more effective system for filtering solids from the effluent of a septic system which overcomes the problems present in prior art devices.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to disclose a filter system for filtering effluent present in waste water systems, such as septic tanks, of various sizes that overcomes many of the problems with existing filtration devices.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and claims. The description, along with the accompanying drawings, provides a selected example of construction of the device to illustrate the invention.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a septic tank housing system with extension element for use in septic tanks of varying sizes and depths. This system includes a filter housing with sides, a top section and a bottom, a filter system contained within the filter housing, a filter housing extension element, securable to the filter housing to extend the overall height of the filter housing, and preferably, a tubular element secured to an outside portion of the filter housing, in liquid communication with an opening in the bottom of the filter housing. Preferably, the filter housing extension element consists of a second filter housing that is reduced in overall height, similar in original design to the filter housing, that is used to adjust the overall height of the septic tank housing system within the septic tank. Preferably, for ease and consistency of manufacture, the filter housing and filter housing extension element are produced utilizing the same plastic molding process to reduce costs. The reduction in overall height of the second filter housing is preferably accomplished by completely removing a vertical section of the second filter housing by cutting from one side to the opposite side of the second filter housing. To produce the septic tank housing system with extension element, this filter housing extension element is secured to the filter housing, preferably at its top section.
In a further embodiment, the septic tank filter housing system with extension element preferably also includes a pump for pumping effluent through the filter system within the filter housing and out through a discharge pipe. When the extension element is utilized, additional piping is added to the existing piping for the pump to extend the length of the overall discharge piping.
In a further preferred embodiment, the unfiltered effluent from the septic tank enters the septic tank housing system with extension element through an opening provided in the tubular element, passes downward within the tubular element along the sides of the filter housing and then enters the filter housing through an opening in the bottom or side of the filter housing. The unfiltered effluent then passes upward through the filter elements where it is filtered, and then it passes out the top of each filter element and flows downward around the pump. The filtered effluent then enters an inlet in the pump, where it is then pumped out of the filter housing through a discharge opening.
Preferably, the overall height of the filter housing is adjusted by utilization of the filter housing extension element depending on the overall depth of the septic tank. In this situation, the piping for the pump is also preferably extended by the use of extension piping to assist in the pumping of the filtered effluent to the discharge opening.
Preferably, the filter housing and the filter housing extension element each contain a pair of slots for receiving a pair of hanger pipes for hanging the filter system with extension element within the septic system.
This invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Although the invention is adaptable to a wide variety of uses, it is shown in the drawings for purpose of illustration as embodied in
The septic tank housing system with extension element (10) is utilized within a waste water collection container, preferably a septic tank (110). The size and depth of septic tanks may vary depending on use, location, restrictions, local building codes and the desire of the consumer. Septic tanks typically receive raw sewage and waste water from a residence or commercial facility. During normal operation, solids received are distributed between a lower sludge layer and an upper horizontal scum layer. Contained between these two layers is a generally clear horizontal, effluent layer. The location of this layer may vary depending on the size and depth of the septic tank (110) and the quantity of effluent pumped into and out of the septic tank (110). The septic tank housing system with extension element (10) of the invention is designed to filter liquid drawn from this horizontal effluent layer regardless of its location within the septic tank (110) to remove solids from the effluent so that filtered effluent discharged from the septic system (110) is substantially solids free.
The septic tank housing system with extension element (10) is a closed system, except for an opening (19) in the bottom (18) or side (16) of the filter housing (12), which is in communication with the tubular element (60), as shown in
The filter housing (12) can be made of any material that is generally impervious to the liquids, solids and gases typically present within a septic system. Preferably, it is made of a plastic material, such as a polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene-type material.
The overall size of septic tanks is variable. In particular, septic tanks may have different depths resulting in the horizontal effluent layer being located at different distances from the septic tank opening. Further, different volumes of effluent can be pumped depending on adjustments to pumping volumes of the pump(s) within the filter system. Thus, it is important to be able to adjust the location of the filter housing (12) within the septic tank (110).
One method by which the location of the filter housing (12) can be adjusted within the septic tank is by securing a filter housing extension element (50) with a predetermined height to the top section (14) of the filter housing (12) as shown in
In one preferred embodiment as shown in
In one preferred embodiment the filter housing extension element (50) is produced from an existing filter housing (12), which has been reduced in overall height, as needed, by completely cutting across this second filter housing from one side to the opposite side to form the filter housing extension element (50), as shown in
So that the filter housing extension element (50) can be produced from the same mold as the filter housing (12), it is preferred that there be a plurality of these top sections (14) of the filter housing (12) as shown in
In an alternative embodiment, an upwardly extending vertical flange of the top section of the filter housing can be produced with an overall diameter less than that of the bottom lip (52) of the filter housing extension element (50) and the seated portion be designed with a diameter greater than the diameter of the bottom lip (52), such that when the bottom lip (52) of the filter housing extension element (50) is placed over the top section of the filter housing (12), it rests on the outside edge of the top of the filter housing (12). Other methods of joining of the filter housing extension element (50) with the filter housing (12) would also be known by those skilled in the art familiar with the components of this system without departing from the overall concept of the invention.
Once the filter housing extension element (50) is joined with the filter housing (12) by placement of the bottom lip (52) of the filter housing extension element (50) within the top section (14) upon the seated portion (15) and within the upwardly extending vertical flange (17) of the filter housing (12), in one preferred embodiment a securing system is utilized to secure the filter housing extension element (50) to the filter housing (12) and reduce the likelihood of effluent leaking out of the system (10) through the joint where the filter housing extension element (50) and the filter housing (12) meet. In one preferred embodiment, once the bottom lip (52) of the filter housing extension element (50) is placed over the filter housing (12), such that its bottom lip (52) rests against the seated portion (15) of the top section (14) of the filter housing (12) and within the upwardly extending vertical flange (17), openings are formed through both the upwardly extending vertical flange (17) of the filter housing (12) and the bottom lip (52) of the filter housing extension element (50). Through these openings are passed securing devices, preferably screws, bolts (56) or other useful fasteners. When a bolt (56) is used, it is retained in place by conventional washers and nuts (58), tightly securing the top section (14) of the filter housing (12) to the bottom lip (52) of the filter housing extension element (50), as shown in
In a preferred embodiment there is secured near the top (51) of the filter housing extension element (50) one, and preferably a pair of slots (53) for receiving one or a pair of hanger pipes (54), as shown in
As the filter housing extension element (50) component is preferably formed in the same mold as is the filter housing (12), the filter housing extension element (50) is also preferably made from any material that is generally impervious to the liquids, solids, and gases that are typically present within the septic system. Preferably, it is made of a plastic material, such as a polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene material or similar type materials.
The tubular element (60) of the system (10) is secured to the outside of the filter housing (12) as shown in
The size of the single opening (62) in the tubular element (60) should be sufficient to permit a consistent flow of influent into the system (10). This tubular element (60) can be produced with a precut single opening (62) or, in a preferred embodiment, the tubular element (60) is entirely closed when purchased. The installer then cuts the single opening (62) into the tubular element (60) at a level so that the single opening (62) rests within the relatively clear, horizontal effluent layer. This tubular element (60) is produced from the same types of plastic material as is the filter housing (12), such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or a polypropylene-type material.
The tubular element (60) is in communication with the filter housing (12). An opening (19) is provided in the bottom (18) or side (16) of the filter housing (12) so that effluent, which enters the opening (62) in the tubular element (60), will pass downward through the opening (19) in the bottom (18) or side (16) of the filter housing (12) to be filtered by the filter elements (30) as shown in
Secured within the filter housing (12) is the filter element holder (20), as shown in
Openings (29) are provided in the top portion (22) of the filter element holder (20) to permit the passage of filtered effluent which has passed through the filter elements (30) as shown in
A plurality of filter elements (30) are secured to the filter element holder (20) as shown in
Each of the filter elements (30) is designed to filter effluent which passes from the tubular element (60) through the opening in the bottom (18) or side (16) of the filter housing (12). The size of these filter elements (30) is not particularly critical as long as they are efficient in filtering solids which may enter the septic tank housing system with extension element (10). Preferably, the filter elements (30) are from about 2 to about 8 inches in diameter and from about 4 to about 30 inches in height.
Any design of the components of the filter elements (30) for filtering of the effluent may be utilized. In one preferred embodiment, the filtering is performed by a plurality of horizontal filtering slots (38) cut into the sides (36) of the filter elements (30). Preferably, there are a series of four groups of horizontal filtering slots (38) around each filter element (30), extending from the bottom (34) of each filter element (30) to its top (32). Preferably, the slots (38) are no more than about 0.01 inch (0.02 cm) to about 0.25 inch (0.60 cm) in width to be efficient in filtering solids trapped in the liquid effluent.
It is important that the bottom end (34) of each filter element (30) be closed. By closing the bottom end (34) of each filter element (30), the unfiltered liquid effluent may pass only through the sides (36) of the filter elements (30), through their filtering slots (38) and then out through the top (32) of each filter element (30). The top (32) of each filter element (30) is open to permit discharge of the filtered effluent out of the filter elements (30). As previously discussed, openings (29) are provided in the filter element holder (20) which correspond to the openings (39) in the top portion (32) of the filter elements (30) to permit the free flow of the filtered effluent out of the filter housing (12). In addition, there are no other openings in the filter element holder (20), other than is associated with the pump(s) (70), so that the unfiltered effluent may not pass through the filter element holder (20) without first passing through the filtering slots (38) of the filter elements (30).
In a further embodiment, which is not shown, in order to further enhance the filtering ability of the filter elements (30), the length of one or more of the filter element (42) may be extended at least about 20 percent longer than that of the other filter elements (42) such that the extended filter element extends downward into the effluent further than the other filter elements (42).
The pump (70) that is utilized with the pump and filter system (10) is preferably an elongated, vertical pump as shown in
There is also placed within the filter housing (12) a control system to activate the pump (70). Preferably this control system contains a float tree system (82) comprised of an “on” float (84) and an “off” float (86), such as is shown on
As the filtered effluent located above the filter element holder (20) rises, the on float (84), the off float (86) and the redundant off float (88) of the float system (82) rises until the on float (84) reaches a level which activates a switch to activate the pump (70). In normal operation, the pump (70) then pumps the filtered effluent out of the septic tank until the off float (86) of the float system (82) drops to a predetermined point which then deactivates the pump (70). In a preferred embodiment the on float (84) works in conjunction with a timer (not shown). The on float (84) signals the timer and associated controls to activate the pump(s) (70) at preset pumping intervals. The redundant off float (88) acts as a backup to the off float (86) if the off float (86) fails to deactivate the pump (70).
In another preferred embodiment, a second pump (See
In a preferred embodiment there is also provided an alarm control system (90) connected to the shaft (80) as shown on
Preferably, a check valve (100) is secured to the filter housing (12) as shown in
The filter elements (30) secured to the filter element holder (20) of the filter housing may be removed and cleaned. Preferably, there is a handle on the top of the filter element holder (20), or at the top of the shaft (80), which can be utilized to remove the filter element holder (20) and filter element (30) from the septic tank housing system with extension element (10) for cleaning.
In operation, unfiltered influent flows from the generally clear liquid, layer through the opening (60) in the tubular element (62) downward through the opening (19) in the bottom (18) or side (16) of the filter housing (12), where it encounters the bottoms (34) of the filter elements (30). As the bottom (34) of each of the filter elements (30) is closed, the influent flows around to the sides (36) of the filter element (30) where it passes through the filtering slots (38) in the sides (36) of the filter elements (30), to the inside of each filter element (30). After the influent passes through the filtering slots (38) inside the filter elements (30), it passes upward and out the opening (39) in the top of the filter elements (20) and through the cooperating opening (29) in the filter element holder (20). Unfiltered influent may not pass through the filter elements (30) or through the filter element holder (20) without first passing through the filtering slots (38) in the filter elements (30) because there are no openings in the filter element holder (20) that do not correspond to openings (39) in the top portions (32) of the various filter elements (30) other than into the pump shaft (74) around the pump (70).
The height of the septic tank housing system with extension element (10) may be adjusted by securing the filter housing extension element (50) to the filter housing (12). By proper measurement of the height of the filter housing extension element (50), the opening (60) in the tubular element (62) is placed in the proper position within the septic tank to receive influent from the relatively clear, horizontal layer. If necessary, extension elements may also be added to the piping (72) which is attached to the pump (70). Further, extensions may be attached to the shaft (80), as needed, to place the filter element holder (20) at the proper position within the filter housing (12).
After the influent passes through the openings (39) in the top of the filter elements and the openings (29) in the filter element holder (20), it then passes into the pump shaft (74) provided around the pump (70). The filtered effluent passes down this pump shaft (74) until it enters the pump (70) through an opening (76) or openings near the bottom of the pump (70). In a preferred embodiment, as the filtered effluent fills up that portion of the filter housing (12) located above the filter element holder (20), it activates the on float (84) of the float system (82) which then activates the pump (70) when sufficient filtered effluent is present. After a sufficient amount of filtered effluent has been pumped from the filter housing (12), the off float (86) or redundant off float (88) of the float system (82) deactivates the pump (70), awaiting the next pumping cycle. The filtered effluent passes out piping (72) to the discharge system (46) attached to the pump (70) to be discharged into lateral fields associated with the septic tank.
The filter elements (30) can be checked and cleaned by removing the float system (82), the filter elements (30) and the filter element holder (20) from the filter housing (12) using the handle (120). At this same time, the check valve (100) may be opened to permit accumulated particulates to be discharged from the septic tank housing system with extension element (10).
It will be apparent from the foregoing that while particular forms of the invention have been illustrated, various modifications can be made without departing from this scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended to limit the invention by this specification.
This application is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 11/075,207, which was filed on Mar. 8, 2005.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11075207 | Mar 2005 | US |
| Child | 12054766 | US |
