Ceramic Filter Knuckle Support Resists Lateral Fracture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ceramic filters used in hot gas streams are brittle and prone to fracture, leading to contamination of filtered particulate matter, especially when subjected to lateral loads, explosions, abrasive particles, or natural phenomena, resulting in the need for costly discarding of valuable particulates and potential halting of filtration operations.

Innovation Solution

A tubular ceramic filter arrangement with a primary support system comprising a knuckle design that provides spring-like characteristics and increased lateral strength, featuring a plurality of bars with inwardly extending sections and reinforcing elements, which are in permanent contact with the ceramic filter to prevent fracture and retain broken pieces, thereby preventing contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid ceramic filter is used to remove particulates from hot gas streams, then filtration characteristics and temperature stability are improved, but the filter becomes brittle and susceptible to fracture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration characteristics and temperature stabilityVSAvoidbrittleness and fracture resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines rigid ceramic filter material with a flexible metallic support cage to create a composite structure. The ceramic provides filtration and temperature stability, while the metallic cage provides mechanical strength and fracture resistance, resolving the contradiction between reliability and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The metallic support cage acts as a flexible underlying structure that can deform without breaking, providing a safety net for the rigid ceramic filter. The flexible cage absorbs mechanical stresses that would otherwise cause the brittle ceramic to fracture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If the ceramic filter element length is increased to 3 metres or more, then filtration capacity is improved, but the risk of fracture at the open end increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration capacityVSAvoidfracture risk at open end

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The long ceramic filter is supported by multiple discrete support points along its length, with particular reinforcement at the vulnerable open end. This segmentation of support forces reduces the bending moment and fracture risk while maintaining the overall length needed for filtration capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible metallic support cage is installed beforehand to provide continuous support along the ceramic filter length, particularly at the vulnerable open end. This pre-support cushioning prevents fracture before it can occur during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Strength

If metallic cages are used to reinforce ceramic filters, then lateral strength is improved, but the filter may still fracture under explosion or impact conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral strengthVSAvoidfracture resistance under explosion or impact

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support cage is designed with specific geometric parameters including bar thickness, spacing, and curvature radius that optimize its ability to absorb impact energy. The cage structure can deform plastically under extreme loads to absorb explosion or impact energy that would otherwise fracture the ceramic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The metallic support cage serves as a pre-installed protective barrier that absorbs and dissipates the energy of explosions or particle impacts before the forces can transmit to the ceramic filter, preventing fracture under extreme conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Device complexity

If a simple support structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ceramic filter cannot withstand greater bending movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidbending movement resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support bars are designed with curved sections rather than straight lines, allowing them to flex and accommodate bending movements of the ceramic filter. The curved geometry provides structural strength while enabling the necessary flexibility to withstand thermal expansion and mechanical deformation without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 primary support system significantly reduces the risk of ceramic filter fracture and ensures that broken pieces do not fall into the particulate hopper, maintaining the integrity of filtered matter and allowing continuous operation even under high temperatures and stress conditions.

Implementation Method 1

one or more of the bars comprises a free end that is bent substantially inwards to define an inwardly extending bar section to form the knuckle that exhibits spring-like characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring-like characteristics: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3218083B1Filter element

Publication Date: 2021.05.19 CLEAR EDGE FILTRATION CFE

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a ceramic filter arrangement comprising a ceramic filter and a support housed within the ceramic filter, wherein the support is in contact with inside walls of the ceramic filter.