Aerator Device with Divided Chambers for Membrane Filter Scouring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerator devices for membrane filters often have closed chambers that reduce air movement rates, lead to sludge accumulation, and are not easily adaptable to different filter module shapes, resulting in inefficiencies and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A high-efficiency, low-energy aerator device with a divided chamber design that stores and releases air intermittently, providing a high scouring effect with reduced air consumption and preventing sludge accumulation, allowing for flexible configuration to suit various filter shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed chamber design is used in existing aerator devices, then air is retained for diffusion into the membrane filter, but the rate of air movement is reduced and sludge accumulates in the chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is divided into multiple compartments (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) separated by partition walls with openings. This segmentation allows air to be retained in each compartment while maintaining continuous flow through the openings, preventing sludge accumulation and maintaining high air movement rates.
2Device complexity
If the air supply unit is integrated into the filter module, then the aerator is attached to the filter, but it becomes difficult to apply to different shapes of filter modules
Solution Approach 1:
The aerator device is designed as a separate, modular unit with a standardized structure that can be independently configured and attached to various filter module shapes. This universal design allows the same aerator principle to be applied across different filter configurations without redesigning the entire system.
3Ease of manufacture
If pipe-type structures are used inside the air supply units, then air can be supplied through conduits, but manufacturability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls between chambers are designed with openings that allow air passage without requiring complex internal piping. This simplified structure uses the porous/open-wall design to achieve air supply while significantly improving manufacturability compared to embedded pipe systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The aerator device achieves efficient cleaning of membrane filters with lower energy use, reduced sludge accumulation, and adaptability to different filter configurations, enhancing operational stability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The first cavity portion and the second cavity portion are in communication with each other through the first opening... the first chamber and the second chamber being in communication with each other through the second opening
Implementation Method 2
Air entering the device is held for a certain period of time and then released within a short period of time through an opening at a top side plate. The released air provides a high air scouring effect for cleaning a filter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 3d~3e
AI summary
An aerator device, a filter system including an aerator device, and a method of aerating a filter using an aerator device. An aerator device includes a housing having an interior cavity; a first plate in the interior cavity and defining a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion thereof, the first plate being spaced apart from a top wall of the housing to define a first opening through which the first cavity portion and the second cavity portion are in communication; and a second plate defining a first chamber and a second chamber of the second cavity portion, the first chamber and the second chamber being in communication with each other below a lower end of the second plate, the housing having an inlet opening in communication with the first cavity portion, and an outlet opening through the top wall and in communication with the second chamber.