Wastewater treatment method and apparatus
View Patent ↗The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a produced water fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated produced water or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a separator for further treatment.
1. A method of treating wastewater comprising:
rhythmically pumping the wastewater having a contaminant into at least one separator in such a manner as to cause turbulence-induced cavitation in the at least one separator, each at least one separator having a flux cartridge employing a sintered metal filter;
removing a substantial portion of the contaminant from the produced wastewater within the separator;
transporting the treated effluent to an effluent collection tank;
transporting the remaining waste fluid through a first outlet into a waste fluid collection reservoir; and,
backwashing the flux cartridge with a portion of the treated effluent from the separator.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
transporting the waste fluid to a concentrator;
desiccating the remainder of the waste fluid so that a substantial part of the water is removed; and,
removing a substantial portion of the concentrated contaminant from the concentrator.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the contaminant removed from the concentrator is substantially dry.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the substantially dry contaminant is removed from the concentrator by a purge air source.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
transporting the treated effluent to a reverse osmosis unit.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
disinfecting the treated effluent with an ultraviolet disinfection unit.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein a plurality of separators are operated in a parallel configuration.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein a first plurality of separators are operated in a parallel configuration and a second plurality of separators are operated in a series configurations further wherein the first plurality of separators and second plurality of separators are in fluid communication with each other.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the flow of wastewater into the separator is controlled by at least one poppet valve.