Closed-Loop Liquid Filter Cleaning Reduces Water Consumption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid fluid filter assemblies require a significant amount of clean water and chemicals for chemical enhanced backwash and integrated cleaning in place (CIP) systems, leading to complex designs and increased resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A liquid fluid filter assembly with a closed-loop cleaning device that recirculates filtered water through the filter, using a circulation conduit and pump to minimize fresh water usage, and injects cleaning chemicals into the fluid flow, allowing for efficient chemical cleaning with reduced chemical and water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical enhanced backwash is used to clean the filter, then the filter can be cleaned effectively, but a great amount of clean water is required which reduces the clean water output of the filter assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention recovers and reuses the permeate (clean water) produced by the filter during normal operation. Instead of discarding this clean water, it is redirected to the inlet side of the filter to perform backwash cleaning, thereby recovering a valuable resource and reducing the need for fresh clean water in the cleaning process
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly uses its own produced permeate to clean itself through the backwash process. The system is self-sufficient by utilizing its own output (clean water) to maintain its performance, eliminating the need for external clean water sources for cleaning operations
2Reliability
If integrated cleaning in place (CIP) systems are used with valves, pipes and tanks, then chemical cleaning of the filter assembly is enabled, but the system design becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The permeate distribution manifold serves multiple functions: it distributes permeate during normal filter operation and simultaneously serves as the delivery system for chemical cleaning solutions during backwash. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cleaning pipes and tanks, simplifying the overall system design while maintaining chemical cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the permeate distribution system with the chemical delivery system. The same manifold and piping infrastructure used for water distribution during operation is combined with the chemical injection and delivery functions, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the system architecture
3Reliability
If clean water is mixed with chemicals and sent reversibly through the filter membrane, then chemical cleaning is achieved, but the clean water output of the filter assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous productive operation by performing cleaning during periods when the filter would otherwise be idle or during low-demand periods. The backwash cleaning operates in a continuous cycle, allowing the filter to be cleaned without interrupting the overall production of clean water, thereby maintaining productivity while achieving effective cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The clean water that would normally be discarded or used for cleaning is instead recovered and reused for the cleaning process itself. By redirecting permeate to the inlet side for backwash, the system recovers this water and puts it to useful purpose, maintaining clean water output while enabling chemical cleaning
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 closed-loop system significantly reduces the amount of fresh water and chemicals required for cleaning, simplifying the design and reducing resource usage while maintaining effective filter cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fixed pump for pumping the water to be filtered, through the filter membrane
Implementation Method 2
injection means arranged to inject at least one cleaning chemical into a fluid flow through the filter
Implementation Method 3
Liquid fluid filter assemblies are known in particular for micro-filtration and ultra-filtration
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a liquid fluid filter assembly including a cleaning device for chemical cleaning of a filter, wherein the cleaning device comprises injection means arranged to inject a cleaning chemical into a fluid flow through the filter, wherein the cleaning device comprises a circulation conduit which allows a closed loop fluid flow through the filter, wherein said injection means is arranged to inject the cleaning chemical into the fluid of said closed loop fluid flow, and a control device controlling at least one valve and/or pump activating said closed loop fluid flow.