A fuel oil filter separator backflushing device

By designing a backwashing device for aviation fuel filter separators and adopting automated cleaning technology, the device removes deposits inside and outside the filter element during equipment operation. This solves the problems of high cost and downtime operation associated with traditional cleaning methods, achieving a fast and low-cost cleaning effect and improving the operational efficiency and equipment reliability of airlines.

CN224331646UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-09CIVIL AVIATION FLIGHT UNIV OF CHINA +2

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CIVIL AVIATION FLIGHT UNIV OF CHINA
Filing Date
2025-05-27
Publication Date
2026-06-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing cleaning methods for aviation fuel filter separators are costly and require downtime. Furthermore, traditional backflushing equipment is complex in structure and cannot meet the aviation industry's requirements for high reliability and low failure rate.

Method used

A backwashing device for an aviation fuel filter separator was designed, including a filter cartridge, filter element assembly, drain pipe, impurity collector, backwashing pump and valves. The device performs cleaning during equipment operation through an automated cleaning process, using the forward and reverse flow of cleaning agent to remove deposits inside and outside the filter element, reducing manual intervention and the use of chemical solvents.

Benefits of technology

It enables rapid cleaning without downtime, reduces material and maintenance costs, improves equipment utilization and operational efficiency, reduces flight delays, and meets the aviation industry's requirements for high reliability and low failure rate.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of aviation oil filtering separator backwash device, belong to filter field.A kind of aviation oil filtering separator backwash device, including filter cartridge, oil storage cavity is formed in filter cartridge, detachable filter core assembly is provided in oil storage cavity;Impurity collector is connected with oil storage cavity by oil inlet pipe and communicates;Backwash pump is connected with oil storage cavity by oil outlet pipe and communicates, when cleaning agent enters filter cartridge by oil outlet pipe, filter core assembly exterior attachment is discharged along blowdown pipe channel, filter core assembly interior attachment moves along oil inlet pipe channel and is collected by impurity collector;The utility model can reduce use cost, aviation oil can be filtered and separated without shutdown operation, and accumulated pollutant generated to filter separator can be cleaned quickly, restore its performance, also can reduce the delay of flight caused by cleaning, improve the overall operation efficiency of airline, meet the requirement of high reliability and low failure rate of equipment in aviation field.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of filter technology, and in particular to a backwashing device for an aviation fuel filter separator. Background Technology

[0002] Aviation fuel filter separators play a crucial role in aviation fuel systems. Their primary function is to remove moisture, particulate matter, and gum from fuel to ensure fuel purity and the safe operation of the system. Over time and with changes in fuel quality, these filter separators accumulate contaminants, leading to performance degradation. Therefore, regular cleaning is key to maintaining the performance of aviation fuel filter separators and extending their service life.

[0003] In the current technology, the cleaning of aviation fuel filter separators mainly relies on traditional methods, such as disassembly and cleaning with chemical solvents or high-pressure water. However, this method is not only costly, but also requires downtime operation, which leads to flight delays and reduced operational efficiency. Furthermore, the use of chemical solvents also causes environmental pollution problems, which does not meet the requirements of modern aviation industry for green and environmentally friendly practices.

[0004] Furthermore, although backwashing technology has been widely used in other fields (such as water treatment and industrial filtration), its application in aviation fuel filter separators is very limited. This is mainly because aviation fuel has extremely high purity requirements, and traditional backwashing equipment has a complex structure, high design and manufacturing costs, and is difficult to meet the aviation industry's requirements for high reliability and low failure rate. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of high cost and need for shutdown operation in existing cleaning methods, and to propose a backwashing device for aviation fuel filter separators.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A backwashing device for an aviation fuel filter separator includes a filter cartridge with an oil storage chamber inside. A detachable filter element assembly is disposed within the oil storage chamber. The device also includes: a drain pipe fixedly connected to the filter cartridge; an impurity collector connected to the oil storage chamber via an oil inlet pipe; and a backwashing pump connected to the oil storage chamber via an oil outlet pipe. When cleaning agent enters the filter cartridge through the oil outlet pipe, external deposits on the filter element assembly are discharged along the drain pipe channel, while internal deposits on the filter element assembly move along the oil inlet pipe channel and are collected by the impurity collector.

[0008] To facilitate backwashing of impurities inside and outside the filter element, preferably, the filter element assembly includes at least two sets of filter element frames, which are arranged vertically along the oil storage chamber. The bottom of each filter element frame is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the filter cylinder. One filter element frame contains a coalescing filter element, and the other filter element frame contains a separating filter element. The interface at the bottom of the first filter element frame is connected to the oil inlet pipe, and the interface at the bottom of the second filter element frame is connected to the oil outlet pipe. A channel is formed between the coalescing filter element and the separating filter element.

[0009] To facilitate the transportation of oil, a transportation pipe is further fixedly connected to the impurity collector.

[0010] In order to control the passage of the delivery pipeline, the oil inlet pipe and the oil outlet pipe, preferably, the delivery pipeline, the oil inlet pipe and the oil outlet pipe are respectively equipped with a first valve, a second valve and a third valve.

[0011] To facilitate sealing and locking the filter cartridge, preferably, the top of the filter cartridge is fixedly connected to a sealing head by locking bolts.

[0012] To detect the pressure inside the filter cartridge, preferably, a pressure gauge is provided on the end cap, and the detection end of the pressure gauge extends into the filter cartridge.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a backwashing device for aviation fuel filter separators, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] 1. This aviation fuel filter separator backwashing device reduces manual intervention and the use of chemical solvents through an automated cleaning process, thereby reducing material costs and waste liquid treatment costs. In addition, the backwashing device has a long design life and low maintenance frequency, further reducing equipment replacement and maintenance costs. In the long run, the application of backwashing technology can save airlines a lot of maintenance costs and improve economic efficiency.

[0015] 2. This aviation fuel filter separator backwashing device can be cleaned during equipment operation without stopping the machine, which significantly improves the utilization rate of the equipment. In addition, this device can quickly remove contaminants from the filter media, restore the performance of the filter cartridge, ensure the purity of the fuel and the normal operation of the engine. The efficient cleaning process not only improves the operating efficiency of the equipment, but also reduces flight delays caused by cleaning, thereby improving the overall operating efficiency of the airline.

[0016] 3. This aviation fuel filter separator backwashing device can complete the cleaning task in minutes through an automated cleaning process, which greatly shortens the cleaning time. The rapid cleaning process not only reduces equipment downtime but also improves flight punctuality, saving airlines valuable time resources. In addition, the automated operation of the backwashing device reduces manual intervention, further shortening the cleaning time and improving overall work efficiency.

[0017] The parts of this device not described herein are the same as or can be implemented using existing technologies. This utility model can reduce operating costs, filter and separate aviation fuel without downtime, quickly clean up accumulated contaminants in the filter separator and restore its performance, reduce flight delays caused by cleaning, improve the overall operational efficiency of airlines, and meet the aviation industry's requirements for high reliability and low failure rate of equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This utility model provides a schematic diagram of the structure of the filter cartridge of a backwashing device for an aviation fuel filter separator. Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 2 This utility model provides a schematic diagram of the structure of the filter cartridge of a backwashing device for an aviation fuel filter separator. Figure 2 ;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a backwashing device for an aviation fuel filter separator proposed in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a backwashing device for an aviation fuel filter separator proposed in this utility model.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Filter cartridge; 2. Filter element frame; 3. Locking bolt; 4. Coalescing filter element; 5. Separating filter element; 6. Oil inlet pipe; 7. Oil outlet pipe; 8. Sewage pipe; 9. Impurity collector; 10. Conveying pipeline; 11. Backwash pump; 12. End cap; 13. Pressure gauge; 14. First valve; 15. Second valve; 16. Third valve. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0025] Example:

[0026] Reference Figures 1-4 A backwashing device for an aviation fuel filter separator is used to separate oil and water in aviation fuel. It achieves oil-water separation by utilizing the different affinities of oil and water on the coalescing material. The aviation fuel is mainly filtered and separated through a filter cartridge 1. An oil storage chamber is formed inside the filter cartridge 1, and a removable filter element assembly is installed in the oil storage chamber for subsequent replacement or inspection.

[0027] Furthermore, a sealing head 12 is fixedly connected to the top of the filter cylinder 1 by a locking bolt 3 to seal the filter cylinder 1, and a sealing ring is provided between the sealing head 12 and the top of the filter cylinder 1. A pressure gauge 13 is installed on the sealing head 12, and the detection end of the pressure gauge 13 extends into the filter cylinder 1 to monitor the pressure inside the filter cylinder 1 in real time. An oil inlet pipe 6 and an oil outlet pipe 7 are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the filter cylinder 1 for conveying oil or cleaning agent.

[0028] Furthermore, the above-mentioned filter element assembly includes at least two sets of filter element frames 2, which are arranged vertically along the oil storage cavity. The bottom of each filter element frame 2 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the filter cylinder 1. A coalescing filter element 4 is provided in one filter element frame 2, and a separating filter element 5 is provided in the other filter element frame 2. The interface at the bottom of the first filter element frame 2 is connected to the oil inlet pipe 6, and the interface at the bottom of the second filter element frame 2 is connected to the oil outlet pipe 7. A channel is formed between the coalescing filter element 4 and the separating filter element 5.

[0029] The coalescing filter element 4 is the core filter element in this device. During the process of oil flowing from the inside to the outside through the coalescing filter element 4, the dispersed phase water comes into contact with and collides with the coalescing filter element 4, coalescing into larger droplets and falling off its surface. Then, the coalesced liquid passes through the separation filter element 5 from the outside to the inside. However, the coalesced dispersed phase water cannot pass through the separation filter element 5, thereby achieving the purpose of coalescing and dehydration. A drain pipe 8 is fixedly connected to the filter cylinder 1 and is connected to the oil storage chamber. A valve is installed on the drain pipe 8 to control the passage of the drain pipe 8.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 As shown, when the filter cartridge 1 is in use, deposits are easily deposited inside the coalescing filter element 4 and on the outside of the separating filter element 5.

[0031] To address the aforementioned issues, this device also includes an impurity collector 9, which is connected to the oil storage chamber via an oil inlet pipe 6, and a backwash pump 11, which is connected to the oil storage chamber via an oil outlet pipe 7. Control valves are installed on the oil inlet pipe 6 and the oil outlet pipe 7. When the cleaning agent enters the filter cartridge 1 through the oil outlet pipe 7, the external deposits of the filter element assembly are discharged along the drain pipe 8, while the internal deposits of the filter element assembly move along the oil inlet pipe 6 and are collected by the impurity collector 9.

[0032] Furthermore, a delivery pipe 10 is fixedly connected to the impurity collector 9 for delivering oil towards the oil inlet pipe 6.

[0033] A first valve 14, a second valve 15, and a third valve 16 are respectively installed on the conveying pipeline 10, the oil inlet pipe 6, and the oil outlet pipe 7 to control the passage of the conveying pipeline 10, the oil inlet pipe 6, and the oil outlet pipe 7.

[0034] The working principle is as follows: This device is a backwashing device for aviation fuel filter separators used between oil storage tanks and oil tankers. It is necessary to properly connect each component in the connecting pipeline between the two. The delivery pipeline 10 is connected to the connecting pipeline of the oil tanker, and the first valve 14 is used to control its passage. The second valve 15 and the third valve 16 are respectively installed on the oil inlet pipe 6 and the oil outlet pipe 7. The filter cartridge 1 is connected to the oil outlet and oil inlet passage of the oil storage tank and the oil tanker through a suitable quick connector to ensure a tight connection and easy disassembly. The backwashing pump 11 is connected to an external power source, and its outlet is connected to the backwashing inlet of the filter cartridge 1 through the pressure-resistant and oil-resistant oil outlet pipe 7. The impurity collector 9 is installed in a position that is easy to disassemble and clean, and is connected to the filter cartridge 1 through the oil inlet pipe 6. The drain pipe 8 extends to a suitable position to discharge flushing impurities. A collection cylinder can also be installed below the drain pipe 8.

[0035] In the initial cleaning stage, valves 14, 15, and 16 are opened, and the cleaning agent enters the filter cartridge 1 along the delivery pipe 10. During the flow, the scouring force of the cleaning agent acts on the impurities inside the filter cartridge 1, and some weakly attached substances are washed off. A tray is also provided inside the filter cartridge 1. Due to gravity, these substances sink to the tray, which is connected to the drain pipe 8. During this process, the drain pipe 8 is opened, and the substances are discharged from the outside of the filter cartridge 1 through the drain pipe 8. This step can initially remove larger and easily detached impurities, and can effectively remove residual substances inside the filter cartridge 1 that may affect the quality of the oil, ensuring the purity of the oil during transportation.

[0036] After the forward flushing is completed, the backflushing pump 11 is started. At this time, the cleaning agent flows in the opposite direction along the oil outlet pipe 7 under the action of the backflushing pump 11. During the backflushing process, the adhering objects on the outside of the filter element 5 are separated. Due to the combined effect of the impact of the reverse water flow and gravity, they fall into the tray and then flow out from the drain pipe 8. The relatively stubborn adhering objects inside the coalescing filter element 4 are flushed into the impurity collector 9 by the high-pressure flowing cleaning agent. The impurity collector 9 is designed with a special holding space to facilitate the collection of these internal impurities. Subsequently, the staff needs to disassemble the impurity collector 9 and use specific cleaning methods and cleaning agents to deeply clean the collected adhering objects to ensure that it can perform its function of collecting impurities normally next time. Thus, by flushing in both the forward and reverse directions, impurities in the filter cartridge 1 can be effectively removed, ensuring the quality and efficiency of aviation fuel filtration and ensuring the safe and stable operation of the aviation fuel supply system.

[0037] Traditional cleaning methods require frequent equipment disassembly and the use of chemical solvents or high-pressure water cleaning, which not only results in high material costs but also necessitates waste liquid treatment, adding extra expenses. In contrast, the backflushing technology in the device reduces manual intervention and the use of chemical solvents through an automated cleaning process, thereby lowering material costs and waste liquid treatment expenses. Furthermore, the backflushing device has a long design life and low maintenance frequency, further reducing equipment replacement and repair costs. In the long run, the application of backflushing technology can save airlines significant maintenance costs and improve economic efficiency.

[0038] In addition, traditional cleaning methods require shutdown, which can cause equipment to malfunction and affect flight scheduling and operational efficiency. However, the backwashing technology in this device can clean the equipment while it is running, without shutdown, which significantly improves the utilization rate of the equipment. Furthermore, this device can quickly remove contaminants from the filter media, restore the performance of filter cartridge 1, and ensure the purity of fuel and the normal operation of the engine. The efficient cleaning process not only improves the operating efficiency of the equipment but also reduces flight delays caused by cleaning, thereby improving the overall operational efficiency of the airline.

[0039] Traditional cleaning methods require disassembling equipment and performing chemical or high-pressure water cleaning, a process that is time-consuming, typically taking several hours or even longer. In contrast, the backwashing technology in this device automates the cleaning process, completing the task in minutes, significantly reducing cleaning time. This rapid cleaning process not only reduces equipment downtime but also improves flight punctuality, saving airlines valuable time resources. Furthermore, the automated operation of the backwashing device reduces manual intervention, further shortening cleaning time and improving overall work efficiency.

[0040] After the pre-rinsing is completed in both directions, close the valve on the drain pipe 8 and start the oil delivery. The oil flows out from the oil storage tank and is delivered into the filter cartridge 1. At this time, the coalescing filter element 4 and the separating filter element 5 play their role in separating water, impurities and other substances from the oil. The separated impurities adhere to the surface or inside of the filter element. During the delivery process, the pressure of the valve and pressure gauge 13 can be observed to determine whether the filter cartridge 1 is blocked, so that timely adjustment or measures can be taken.

[0041] After the oil transfer is completed, start the backwash pump 11, while keeping the valves on the drain pipe 8, the second valve 15, and the third valve 16 open. The first valve 14 can be closed. The backwash pump 11 provides high-pressure power, causing the cleaning agent to enter the filter cartridge 1 in the reverse direction along the oil outlet pipe 7. The strong reverse water flow impacts and separates the deposits on the outside of the filter element 5, causing them to fall onto the tray and be discharged through the drain pipe 8. For impurities inside the coalescing filter element 4, they will be flushed into the impurity collector 9. After the backwash is completed, turn off the backwash pump 11 and all valves, disassemble the impurity collector 9, and clean the impurities inside to prepare for the next use.

[0042] It should be explained that the sealing and flexibility of all valves in the device need to be checked regularly to prevent leakage and jamming. The backwash pump 11 should be maintained, and the performance of the motor and pump body should be checked. The filtration effect of the filter cartridge 1 should be evaluated regularly, and the coalescing filter 4 and separating filter 5 should be replaced in time as needed. If a sudden severe blockage occurs during the transportation process, all valves can be opened in an emergency to increase the flow of cleaning agent for flushing. If the problem still cannot be solved, the filter cartridge 1 needs to be disassembled for inspection and cleaning. When using the device in cold weather, insulation measures should be taken for the pipelines and components to prevent the cleaning agent and oil from freezing and affecting the normal operation of the device.

[0043] During normal filtration, the oil flows from the inside of the coalescing filter element 4 to the outside (coalescing stage), and then from the outside of the separating filter element 5 to the inside (separation stage). During backwashing, the cleaning agent flows in the opposite direction (entering from the oil outlet pipe 7, flushing the separating filter element 5 from the outside to the inside, and then backwashing the inside of the coalescing filter element 4). This does not change the physical structure of the filter element and its bearing direction. Furthermore, the filter element frame 2 is vertically fixed on the filter cylinder 1 and has bidirectional pressure bearing capacity. During backwashing, the structure will not deform due to the change in fluid direction. It should be noted that both the coalescing filter element 4 and the separating filter element 5 in this device are made of pressure-resistant and corrosion-resistant hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials. Their pore structure design allows bidirectional fluid to pass through (forward filtration adsorption, reverse flushing stripping). The backwashing pressure is controlled within the safe pressure bearing range of the filter element material by the backwashing pump 11.

[0044] During normal filtration, impurities adhere to the outer surface of the separator filter element 5. During backwashing, the reverse water flow directly impacts its outer surface, and the shear force of the fluid peels off the adhering substances, which conforms to the impurity deposition law. Meanwhile, the impurities inside the coalescing filter element 4 can be flushed into the impurity collector 9 by high-pressure reverse flow because the backwash water flow direction is opposite to that of normal filtration. There is no need to change the installation direction or structure of the filter element. At the same time, the impurities after rinsing settle to the tray due to gravity and are discharged through the drain pipe 8, avoiding the re-adhesion of impurities caused by reverse rinsing.

[0045] In addition, backwashing is a pre-designed maintenance function of the device. Its process mainly controls the flow direction by switching valves. It shares the same piping system as normal filtration, but strictly distinguishes the working mode (filtration mode or backwashing mode) by the opening and closing state of the valves. A sealing ring is set between the end cap 12 and the filter cartridge 1, and all connecting pipes (oil inlet pipe 6, oil outlet pipe 7, and sewage discharge pipe 8) are sealed with the installed valves to ensure that there is no risk of leakage during backwashing. At the same time, the pressure gauge 13 monitors the pressure inside the filter cartridge 1 in real time. It should be noted that the pressure output of the backwash pump 11 is adjustable to avoid overpressure damage to the filter element or cartridge, thereby ensuring the feasibility of the entire device.

[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A backwashing device for an aviation fuel filter separator, comprising a filter cartridge (1), characterized in that, An oil storage chamber is formed inside the filter cylinder (1), and a detachable filter element assembly is provided inside the oil storage chamber. The assembly also includes: A drain pipe (8) is fixedly connected to the filter cylinder (1); The impurity collector (9) is connected to the oil storage chamber through the oil inlet pipe (6); The backwash pump (11) is connected to the oil storage chamber through the oil outlet pipe (7). When the cleaning agent enters the filter cartridge (1) through the oil outlet pipe (7), the external deposits of the filter element assembly are discharged along the drain pipe (8) channel, and the internal deposits of the filter element assembly move along the oil inlet pipe (6) channel and are collected by the impurity collector (9).

2. The aviation fuel filter separator backwashing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter element assembly includes at least two sets of filter element frames (2), which are arranged vertically along the oil storage chamber. The bottom of each filter element frame (2) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the filter cylinder (1). A coalescing filter element (4) is provided in one filter element frame (2), and a separating filter element (5) is provided in the other filter element frame (2). The interface at the bottom of the first filter element frame (2) is connected to the oil inlet pipe (6), and the interface at the bottom of the second filter element frame (2) is connected to the oil outlet pipe (7). A channel is formed between the coalescing filter element (4) and the separating filter element (5).

3. The aviation fuel filter separator backwashing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A conveying pipe (10) is fixedly connected to the impurity collector (9).

4. The aviation fuel filter separator backwashing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conveying pipe (10), the oil inlet pipe (6) and the oil outlet pipe (7) are respectively equipped with a first valve (14), a second valve (15) and a third valve (16).

5. The aviation fuel filter separator backwashing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the filter cylinder (1) is fixedly connected to a cap (12) by a locking bolt (3).

6. The aviation fuel filter separator backwashing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A pressure gauge (13) is provided on the end cap (12), and the detection end of the pressure gauge (13) extends into the filter cylinder (1).