Bi-directional Spring Filter for Power Swivel Debris Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional filter systems in the oil and gas industry, particularly in power swivels, are inadequate for bi-directional fluid flow, leading to debris contamination and high operational costs due to the need for frequent filter replacements and inadequate protection of components, which poses safety and environmental concerns.

Innovation Solution

A filter assembly with a main body, head adapter, and filter medium featuring windings with adjustable clearance, allowing bi-directional fluid flow while retaining debris in one direction and releasing it in the opposite, thereby protecting components and reducing maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional filter is used on the suction side of the pump, then debris can be captured during unidirectional flow, but when the pump is reversed, the captured debris flows out and back toward the motor causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoiddebris contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is designed with a bi-directional filter medium that inverts its filtration function based on flow direction. During forward flow, it filters debris; during reverse flow, it allows debris to pass through while preventing contaminated fluid from reaching the motor, effectively inverting the protection mechanism to address the bidirectional contamination problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter medium's permeability and filtration characteristics are changed based on flow direction parameters. The bi-directional filter medium has different effective pore structures or flow resistance characteristics depending on which direction the fluid flows, allowing it to optimize filtration during forward flow and prevent contamination during reverse flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If quick-connect couplers are used for hose attachment, then rapid connection and disconnection is enabled, but debris can enter the motor during disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverapid attachment and detachmentVSAvoiddebris ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is pre-installed and configured in the hydraulic circuit before hose disconnection occurs. The filter medium is positioned to create a protective barrier that is already in place during the disconnection process, preventing debris from entering the motor when hoses are quickly detached

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly acts as an intermediary component between the hydraulic circuit and the motor. It provides a protective interface that allows quick-connect operations to occur while maintaining filtration and preventing debris ingress during the transient disconnection state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional pleated filter elements are used, then filtration area is maximized for outside-to-inside flow, but they require flow in only one direction and need frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration capacityVSAvoidbi-directional flow capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bi-directional filter medium is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides effective filtration during forward flow, allows debris passage during reverse flow, and maintains structural integrity in both directions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for direction-specific filters and reduces replacement frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter medium's effective filtration characteristics are made dynamic rather than static. It adapts its flow resistance and filtration properties based on the direction of fluid flow, transitioning between filtration mode and debris-passing mode automatically with flow direction changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 filter assembly effectively prevents debris from entering the motor, reduces operational costs, and enhances safety by allowing rapid attachment and detachment, improving efficiency and safety in power swivel operations.

Implementation Method 1

The bi-directional filter medium may retain a debris when the fluid F flows in a first direction therethrough, and release the debris when the fluid F flows in a second, opposite direction therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBi-directional filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12115472B2Bi-directional spring filter

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 KEAST LARRY G

AI summary

A filter assembly that includes a main body having a bore therein forming an inner surface, the inner surface configured with a receptacle. There is a filter medium disposed at least partially in the receptacle, the filter medium having a plurality of winding. An at least one of the plurality of windings separated by a clearance to an adjacent winding.