Cellulose Filter Element Water Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements fail to effectively separate emulsified water constituents from hydraulic fluids during filtration, as they do not adequately address the need for efficient water separation in oil-water emulsions.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a cellulose filter medium that uses pleated cellulose fibers to coalesce water droplets, increasing the filter surface area and allowing gravity to separate water from oil due to density differences, and is economically produced with optional protective layers and a particle filter for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filter materials are used, then filtration is provided, but water separation from emulsified constituents is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional filter materials to cellulose-based filter material, which fundamentally alters the coalescing properties. This parameter change enables effective water separation from emulsified constituents while maintaining economic manufacturability through established cellulose processing techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining cellulose fibers with specific geometric configurations (folds and pleats). This composite approach integrates the coalescing properties of cellulose with increased surface area from the folded geometry, achieving both effective water separation and economic production
2Productivity
If filter surface area is increased through pleating, then separation efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by folding the flat filter medium into pleats and folds, creating a three-dimensional structure with increased surface area. This geometric transformation enhances separation efficiency while the folding process itself provides a relatively simple manufacturing approach compared to other surface area expansion methods
3Reliability
If uniform thickness and fold geometry are achieved, then coalescing effect is maximized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a minimum thickness parameter (greater than 2 mm) for the cellulose filter material. This parameter change ensures sufficient structural integrity and consistent coalescing performance while providing a clear manufacturing specification that balances precision requirements with manufacturability
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 cellulose filter element achieves reliable and efficient water separation by forming enlarged droplets that descend under gravity, providing a solution not found in prior art, while being cost-effective and durable with protective layers and a prefilter for improved filtration.
Implementation Method 1
the cellulose fibers exert a coalescing effect, thus causing enlarged droplets to form from the aqueous fraction of the emulsion
Implementation Method 2
Owing to the difference in density of water and oil, these droplets descend and are then separated from the less dense medium
Implementation Method 3
Owing to the difference in density of water and oil, these droplets descend and are then separated from the less dense medium
Implementation Method 4
Owing to the pleating of the filter medium with the resulting formation of individual filter folds, the filter surface area is significantly increased
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element (3) is designed as a replacement element and has filter medium (59) formed as a hollow body and extending between two closure parts in the form of end caps (13, 19). The filter medium is pleated with individual filter folds (66), and includes a filter material (61) made of cellulose.