Alternate Inlet Filter Testing Containment System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containment systems are large, costly, and require significant downtime for filter testing due to the need to decontaminate entire systems before introducing an aerosol challenge, limiting the incorporation of alternate inlets and outlets for efficient filter testing.
Innovation Solution
A containment system with a primary air inlet and an alternate inlet, along with an air distribution plate that corrects asymmetrical air velocity and aerosol concentrations, allowing for filter testing while the primary inlet is closed, and providing a retrofit kit for existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional containment systems are used with primary inlet only, then system integrity is maintained, but filter testing requires complete system shutdown and decontamination causing significant downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is segmented into primary inlet pathway and alternate inlet pathway, allowing independent access for filter testing without shutting down the entire system. The alternate inlet includes separate access ports and airflow paths that enable isolated testing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternate inlet system is pre-configured with access ports, airflow paths, and testing equipment connections ready before filter testing is needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for system shutdown and decontamination procedures during testing.
2Productivity
If alternate inlet is added to containment system, then filter testing can be performed without shutdown, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alternate inlet system is designed as a multi-functional module that serves both as an access pathway for filter testing and as a potential secondary air intake. The same structural components serve multiple purposes, reducing overall system complexity despite added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternate inlet components are nested within the existing containment system structure. Access ports, airflow paths, and testing equipment are integrated into the housing and existing framework, minimizing additional external structures and reducing visual and spatial complexity.
3Measurement precision
If aerosol challenge is introduced through primary inlet, then standard testing can be performed, but entire system must be decontaminated afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The aerosol challenge and testing process is extracted from the main system pathway and relocated to the alternate inlet pathway. This separation allows testing operations to be isolated, so decontamination is only required in the alternate inlet area rather than the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternate inlet acts as an intermediary pathway that mediates between the testing requirements and the main containment system. It provides a dedicated channel for aerosol introduction and sampling that protects the primary system from contamination during testing operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If access door is modified with alternate inlet, then retrofit capability is provided, but door structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The alternate inlet is implemented as a localized modification to the access door rather than a complete redesign. The modification is concentrated in specific areas (sealing surfaces, airflow paths) while the majority of the door structure remains unchanged, preserving overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The access door is modified by changing specific parameters such as sealing surface geometry, airflow path dimensions, and port locations rather than altering the fundamental door structure. These parameter changes enable alternate inlet functionality while maintaining the door's load-bearing capacity.
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 solution reduces overall cost and downtime by enabling efficient filter testing within the containment system, ensuring accurate results through uniform aerosol distribution and airflow velocity, thereby minimizing false leak detection and improving filtration performance.
Implementation Method 1
an air distribution plate that corrects asymmetrical air velocity and aerosol concentrations, allowing for filter testing
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a containment system having a primary air inlet and an alternate inlet. In one embodiment, a containment system includes a housing configured to retain a main filter, the housing having a primary air inlet and an access door configured to access an interior of the housing. The access door has an alternate airflow inlet. In another embodiment, an air distribution plate includes a front surface having a first edge and an opposing second edge, wherein the front surface is configured to allow air to pass therethrough. Flow resistance through the front surface is greater proximate the second edge relative the first edge. In yet another embodiment, a method for testing a filter includes closing a damper and flowing air into a containment housing through an inlet formed though an access door and across an air distribution plate to a filter, and testing the filter.