Backflush Filter Outlet Angling to Reduce Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Filter systems experience pressure spikes and vibrations during backflush operations due to intermittent alignment of backflush fluid flow with vertically aligned elongate support structures, leading to mechanical wear and reduced filter longevity.

Innovation Solution

A backflush device with an elongate outlet configured to provide a backflush fluid flow that intersects the filter element along a line non-parallel to the elongate supporting portions, using at least two separate outlets to distribute pressure evenly and avoid alignment with support structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If backflush fluid flow is provided from an elongate slot parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter body, then uniform rectangular flow with increased momentum is achieved, but intermittent alignment with vertical support elements produces pressure spikes and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackflush flow momentumVSAvoidpressure spikes and vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The backflush flow direction is angled at 30 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter body, rather than being parallel to it. This asymmetric orientation prevents the backflush flow from intermittently aligning with the vertically aligned support elements, thereby eliminating pressure spikes and vibrations while maintaining effective cleaning momentum

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The angle of the backflush flow relative to the filter body axis is changed from 0 degrees (parallel) to 30 degrees. This parameter change in flow orientation disrupts the periodic alignment between flow and support structures, eliminating the harmful pressure variations while preserving the high-momentum flow needed for effective backflushing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If filter media are replaced regularly to restore performance, then filter performance is restored, but operation cost and shut-down time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter performanceVSAvoidshut-down time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system performs self-cleaning through the backflush mechanism, which removes deposits from the filter media in situ without requiring system shut-down or manual intervention. The angled elongate outlet provides continuous or periodic backflush flow that automatically restores filter performance, eliminating the need for regular manual replacement of filter media

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The backflush device enables continuous operation by removing deposits during or between filtration cycles, maintaining filter performance without interrupting the filtration process. This continuous cleaning action prevents performance degradation rather than restoring it after shut-down

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If backflush device incorporates elongate outlet with single opening, then simple structure is maintained, but pressure distribution is uneven causing mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutlet structureVSAvoidfilter element wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet is divided into multiple separate openings (first and second openings) distributed along the elongate outlet structure. This segmentation distributes the backflush flow into multiple streams that collectively cover a wider area of the filter element, achieving more uniform pressure distribution and reducing localized mechanical wear while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration reduces mechanical wear, minimizes vibrations, and enhances the cleaning efficiency of the backflush flow by distributing pressure evenly across the filter surface, thereby extending the filter's lifespan and reducing the risk of leaks.

Implementation Method 1

Deposits may alternatively be removed from filters by backflushing fluid through the filter medium in a direction opposite to the flow of fluid during filtration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

the backflush fluid flow does not fully align with the elongate supporting portions. In this way, the pressure of the backflush fluid flow against the filter element is distributed more evenly across the surface of the filter element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure distribution:

Data Source

PatentUS20250099884A1Filter system with backflush

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 INDUFIL

AI summary

Filter systems are provided comprising a filter element and a backflush device configured to provide a backflush fluid flow through the filter element. The filter element can comprise one or more elongate supporting portions for supporting a filtration means; and the backflush device can comprise an elongate outlet configured to provide a backflush fluid flow through the filter element such that the backflush fluid flow intersects the filter element along a line that is non-parallel with the one or more elongate supporting portions, wherein the elongate outlet comprises at least two separate outlets. A backflush device for a filter system is also provided.