Automated Filtration Testing Equipment with Logic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration test equipment has limitations in handling large quantities of liquid, is prone to operator-induced errors, and is not practical due to small container capacities and manual operation, leading to inefficiencies and long test times.
Innovation Solution
The equipment and process include a measurement duct connected to a first container and a filter, with a suction pump and flow rate measurement means, along with a logic control unit that automates the filtration process, reducing manual intervention and enabling larger volume testing while maintaining pressure control and calculating filtration parameters like filterability index, modified filterability index, maximum filterable volume, and Silt Density Index.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If small capacity containers are used to avoid pressurizing large quantities of liquid, then equipment complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to execute filterability tests on large quantities of liquid is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the liquid handling into two separate containers: a first container for holding the liquid to be tested and a second container for collecting filtered liquid. This segmentation allows each container to be optimized for its specific function, with the first container capable of holding large volumes without requiring the entire system to be pressurized at once.
Solution Approach 2:
A pump is introduced as an intermediary device between the two containers to transfer liquid. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to handle large quantities of liquid without requiring large pressurized containers, as the pump can move liquid at controlled rates from the first to the second container.
2Device complexity
If manual operation and detection are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but operator errors increase and test execution time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates detection means that automatically monitor and detect when the liquid level in the second container reaches predetermined levels. This feedback mechanism eliminates manual reading errors and provides precise, objective data for calculating filterability parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means automatically performs the function of monitoring liquid levels and signaling when predetermined volumes have been reached, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the measurement process and reducing human error.
3Device complexity
If manual filling and pressurizing operations are required, then equipment complexity is reduced, but productivity and test execution speed are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with the first and second containers in their proper positions and connected through the measurement duct. The detection means is pre-set to recognize predetermined liquid levels. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual setup and pressurization operations during each test, significantly improving execution speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations of filling and pressurizing are replaced by an automated pump system controlled by the logic unit. The pump automatically transfers liquid from the first to the second container at controlled rates, eliminating manual intervention and accelerating the test process.
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
This solution allows for efficient and accurate filtration testing of large quantities of liquid with reduced operator errors, optimizing industrial processes by automating the filtration process and providing quick, easy, and cost-effective determination of filtration parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a suction pump (5), which is hydraulically connected to the inlet section (31) of the measurement duct (3) and is adapted to suction the liquid to be tested (L) from the first container (2) and to convey it into the measurement duct (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Equipment (1) for executing filtration tests on a liquid to be tested (L) comprising a measurement duct (3), in which the liquid to be tested (L) is susceptible of flowing, a filter (4) hydraulically connected to the measurement duct (3) in order to filter the liquid to be tested (L) and a suction pump (5) for conveying the liquid to be tested (L) into the measurement duct (3). The equipment (1) also comprises flow rate measurement means (6) adapted to detect the flow rate of the liquid to be tested (L) which flows in the measurement duct (3) and to generate a corresponding plurality of flow rate signals (Q). In addition, the equipment comprises a logic control unit (7) adapted to receive the flow rate signals (Q) generated by the flow rate measurement means (6) and configured for generating one or more time values (T) on the basis of at least one of such flow rate signals (Q) and for calculating a filtration parameter (F) of the liquid to be tested (L) on the basis of the time values (T).