Backwash Strainer Cyclonic Flow Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Backwash strainers face efficiency issues due to clogging of the filtering screen, which increases the frequency and duration of backwash operations, reducing the total volume of liquid filtered over time.

Innovation Solution

A backwash strainer with a cyclonic flow mechanism, utilizing an impeller ring to impart a cyclonic flow to the liquid, which reduces clogging by directing debris particles away from the filter apertures and enhances the efficiency of the backwash operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid flows upwardly through the cylindrical screen during filtering operation, then debris particles are filtered from the liquid, but the screen becomes clogged with collected debris over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering continuityVSAvoidtotal volume of liquid filtered
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclonic flow mechanism is activated before the backwash operation to preliminarily remove debris from the screen surface. This preliminary action reduces the debris load on the screen, allowing the subsequent backwash operation to be more effective and reducing the frequency of backwash operations needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic backwash operations at optimized intervals. By using the cyclonic flow mechanism between backwash cycles, the system maintains filtering capability for longer periods, reducing the frequency of backwash operations and maximizing the total volume of liquid filtered over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If backwash operation is performed frequently to clear clogged screen, then screen clogging is reduced, but the total volume of liquid filtered over time decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen cleanlinessVSAvoidtotal volume of liquid filtered
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclonic flow mechanism performs preliminary debris removal before backwash operations, reducing the frequency and duration of full backwash cycles needed. This preliminary action maintains screen cleanliness while preserving more filtering time, thereby increasing total liquid volume filtered.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by introducing cyclonic flow between traditional backwash cycles. This creates a new operational regime that maintains screen cleanliness more effectively, allowing extended filtering periods between backwash operations and maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If conventional backwash operation is used without cyclonic flow, then device complexity is low, but clogging frequency increases and backwash duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrainer structureVSAvoidbackwash operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclonic flow mechanism performs preliminary debris removal before backwash operations, reducing the frequency and duration of full backwash cycles needed. This preliminary action maintains screen cleanliness while preserving more filtering time, thereby increasing total liquid volume filtered.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic backwash operations at optimized intervals. By using the cyclonic flow mechanism between backwash cycles, the system maintains filtering capability for longer periods, reducing the frequency of backwash operations and maximizing the total volume of liquid filtered over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 cyclonic flow mechanism minimizes clogging and ensures a more even distribution of debris, leading to improved filtering efficiency and reduced frequency of backwash operations, thereby maximizing the volume of liquid filtered.

Implementation Method 1

means, such as an impeller ring, is positioned proximal the inlet for imparting cyclonic flow to the liquid flowing therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclonic flow: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

which reduces clogging by directing debris particles away from the filter apertures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP1872842B1Backwash strainer having a cyclonic flow mechanism
Publication Date: 2012.08.15 EATON CORP
  • EP1872842B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1872842B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1872842B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A backwash strainer is equipped with a mechanism for enhancing performance of a backwash operation by imparting a cyclonic flow to liquid to be filtered. The backwash strainer includes a generally cylindrical filter element that defines an interior chamber having an inlet through which liquid to be filtered can flow. A backwash arm is rotatably mounted within the interior chamber of the filter element. An impeller ring is positioned proximal the inlet for imparting cyclonic flow to a liquid flowing therethrough.