Composite Filter Press Plate with Elastic Partition Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filter press plates face challenges with high axial dimensions, weight, and cost due to thick partition walls, which contribute significantly to the overall size and weight of filter press machines, and are prone to breakage under pressure increases and cake detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A filter press plate with a partition wall made of a composite material comprising an elastomeric matrix and reinforcement materials, such as rubberized fabric, which is deformable to accommodate pressure gradients while maintaining mechanical strength, reducing the wall's thickness and weight, and facilitating cake detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the partition wall thickness is increased to ensure structural resistance against pressure gradients, then the mechanical strength and reliability are improved, but the axial dimensions and overall length of the filter press machine increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is constructed from composite material comprising a rigid frame (polypropylene or metal) providing structural strength and an elastic insert (elastomer or rubber) that can deform under pressure. This composite structure achieves the required mechanical strength against pressure gradients while the elastic component allows thickness reduction, thereby decreasing the axial dimensions and overall machine length without sacrificing reliability
2Reliability
If the partition wall is made from rigid material to ensure mechanical seal during normal operation, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the plate becomes highly liable to breaking under fast pressure increase due to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall incorporates an elastic insert that changes its physical state from a relaxed condition during normal operation to a compressed/deformed state under pressure surge. The elastomeric material's ability to deform elastically under fast pressure increases allows the wall to absorb pressure surges without breaking, while maintaining the rigid frame's contribution to sealing reliability during normal operation
3Weight of stationary object
If the partition wall thickness is reduced to decrease machine weight and cost, then the productivity and efficiency are improved, but the structural resistance against pressure gradients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall uses a composite construction with a rigid frame providing structural strength and an elastic insert filling the remaining space. This allows the overall wall thickness to be reduced compared to a purely rigid wall, decreasing weight and machine dimensions, while the rigid frame maintains the necessary structural resistance against pressure gradients
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic insert acts as a flexible element within the partition wall that can deform under pressure, allowing the wall to be thinner than a rigid wall would need to be to achieve the same pressure resistance. The flexibility of the elastomeric material compensates for the reduced thickness, maintaining structural integrity while reducing weight
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 significantly reduced axial dimensions and weight of the filter press machine, lower production costs, and enhanced mechanical strength to prevent breakage, allowing for increased processing volume and efficient cake detachment.
Implementation Method 1
said partition wall is made of a different material compared to said frame, specifically in a composite material comprising an elastomeric matrix and at least one reinforcement material
Data Source
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AI summary
Filter press plate (1) of improved type, comprising: a partition wall, advantageously made of a reinforced composite material with an elastomeric matrix, spread within a peripheral rigid frame (4).