Bag-in-bag-out Filter Assembly with Flexible Conduit
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air filtration systems require cumbersome and time-consuming filter replacement procedures, leading to potential discharge of contaminated air and the need for costly parallel filters to prevent unfiltered air discharge during changes.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a flexible conduit and protrusion that allows for quick replacement of filters over the discharge opening of a contaminated air source, ensuring no contaminated air is released during filter changes, and eliminates the need for a backup filter by using a flexible conduit with a protrusion for easier access and manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter is enclosed within an in-line conduit and replaced using a bag-in, bag-out procedure, then contaminated air is contained during filter replacement, but the replacement procedure becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into a filter element and a conduit system with sealed openings. The conduit can be opened at specific locations to allow filter access while maintaining containment elsewhere, enabling faster replacement without compromising sealed containment of contaminated air.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed conduit acts as an intermediary between the filter and the contaminated air source. The conduit with its sealed openings provides a controlled interface that allows filter replacement while maintaining containment, eliminating the need for time-consuming bag-in, bag-out procedures.
2Reliability
If a parallel filter system is used to prevent unfiltered air discharge during filter changes, then contaminated air discharge is avoided, but system cost and operating expense increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is pre-configured with sealed openings that allow the filter to be accessed and replaced sequentially without creating an unfiltered discharge path. This preliminary design eliminates the need for parallel filters by ensuring that one filter is always in place blocking the discharge opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed conduit design ensures continuous filtration capability during filter replacement. By maintaining sealed openings and allowing sequential filter access, the system ensures that contaminated air always passes through a filter, eliminating the need for redundant parallel filters.
3Ease of operation
If the filter is accessed through a closeable opening in the conduit wall, then filter replacement is possible, but the procedure requires complex bag sealing and cutting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is extracted from the conduit through a sealed opening that allows removal of the filter element while maintaining containment. The sealed opening can be opened to extract the filter and closed afterward, eliminating the need for complex bag sealing and cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed opening in the conduit provides a simple, reusable access point that eliminates the need for disposable bags and complex sealing procedures. The opening can be opened and closed repeatedly for filter replacement without requiring additional containment materials.
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
Enables rapid and safe filter replacement without releasing contaminated air, reducing operational costs and risks by integrating the conduit as a functional component for air filtration, eliminating the need for parallel filters.
Implementation Method 1
filtration system, normally including one or more particulate filters, e.g., HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters, that are capable of removing the contaminants
Implementation Method 2
a flexible conduit having a continuous side wall with an outer end attachable to the discharge opening of a contaminated air source
Implementation Method 3
The protrusion is also of a tubular shape and has a closed outer end and an inner end joining the protrusion opening... The operator then attaches a second bag containing a new filter assembly onto the flange over the stub and then works through the second bag to detach the stub from the flange
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly attachable to the discharge opening of a contaminated air source includes a filter having an outer periphery; a flexible conduit having a continuous side wall, an outer end attachable to the discharge opening, and an inner end attachable about the periphery of the filter; and a flexible side protrusion extending from the conduit sidewall, the protrusion having an inner end in communication with the interior of the conduit and a closed outer end. The filter can be mounted within an enclosure with an inlet opening and a discharge outlet, the conduit extending through the inlet opening and the filter being located within the enclosure.