Capillary Filter Element for Disc Filter Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter plates in disc filter apparatuses are heavy, making them difficult to handle during maintenance and posing occupational hazards.
Innovation Solution
A lighter filter element with a capillary filter design, comprising a permeable membrane layer and a frame member with a specific structure and material selection to support the filter members, allowing for efficient filtration and easier handling, featuring a permeable membrane layer and a frame member with a low water absorbency to prevent weight increase and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional filter plates are used, then filtration capability is maintained, but weight increases making handling difficult and creating occupational hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The filter plate is divided into a rigid support structure and separate filter media layers that can be independently handled. The filter media can be removed and replaced without moving the entire heavy filter plate assembly, effectively segmenting the handling requirements from the filtration function.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter media is extracted as a separate removable component from the filter plate assembly. This allows the heavy support structure to remain installed while only the lighter filter media needs to be handled during maintenance, eliminating the need to move the entire heavy plate.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If ceramic filter medium is used, then vacuum pump size is reduced and energy is saved, but the medium does not allow air to pass through when wet due to capillary action
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the filter medium have different properties: the ceramic layer provides capillary action for liquid retention and energy efficiency, while the porous layer above it allows air permeability. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and air flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter medium combines ceramic material with porous material to create a composite structure. The ceramic provides capillary retention properties for energy efficiency, while the porous material ensures air can pass through even when the filter is wet, eliminating the harmful effect.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If cloth filter medium is used, then air can pass through when wet, but heavy duty vacuum pumps are required due to vacuum losses
Solution Approach 1:
The composite filter medium combines the air-permeable properties of porous materials with the capillary retention properties of ceramic materials. This allows the system to maintain air flow capability when wet while reducing vacuum losses, thereby reducing the power requirement for vacuum pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter medium has differentiated zones: a porous layer that allows air passage and a ceramic layer that provides capillary retention. This local quality differentiation enables simultaneous achievement of air permeability and reduced vacuum losses, reducing the need for heavy duty pumps.
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 solution results in a filter element that is easier and safer to handle during maintenance, while maintaining effective filtration capabilities, with improved durability and energy efficiency due to the capillary action preventing air flow through the filter when wet, thus reducing the need for heavy vacuum pumps.
Implementation Method 1
a filter element for a disc filter apparatus, comprising at least one filter member (3) and a frame member (4)
Implementation Method 2
The ceramic filter medium, when wetted, does not allow air to pass through due to a capillary action
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A filter element (1) for a disc filter apparatus (2) comprises at least one filter member (3). The filter member (3) comprises a permeable membrane layer and has a first filter surface (9a) for receiving a pres-sure and directed towards an internal cavity (12) arranged inside the filter element (1), and a second filter surface (9b) for receiving solid particles filtered from a feed. The filter member (3) forms a capillary filter. The thickness (D2, D2') of the filter member (3) in the transverse direction of the filter element (1) is smaller than or equal to 24 mm.