Concentric Fuel Filter with Radial Water Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter devices for liquid filtration, such as fuel and lubricant filters, face challenges in effectively separating water from fluids due to limitations in water separation efficiency and space utilization in axial direction.
Innovation Solution
A filter device incorporating an annular particle filter and a concentrically positioned annular water separating element, with an optional coalescing element, where the fluid flows through the particle filter first to remove contaminants, then through the water separating element for efficient water separation, utilizing radial flow and gravity to collect separated water droplets in a minimized axial space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional filter device is used for liquid filtration, then basic filtration function is achieved, but water separation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The particle filter is positioned inside the water separating element, creating a nested configuration where the inner particle filter is surrounded by the outer water separating element. This nesting approach maximizes the use of internal space, allows both filtration functions to operate simultaneously with independent flow paths, and achieves effective water separation without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter device is divided into two distinct functional segments: an inner particle filter for removing particle-shaped contaminants and an outer water separating element for separating water droplets. Each segment operates independently with its own flow path, allowing specialized optimization of each function while maintaining overall system efficiency
2Length of stationary object
If traditional filtration components are used, then basic filtration is achieved, but axial space utilization is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a conventional axial arrangement of filtration components to a radial configuration where the particle filter and water separating element are arranged concentrically. This dimensional change allows both components to occupy the same axial space while maintaining full filtration effectiveness, thereby minimizing axial mounting space without compromising filtration performance
3Reliability
If a larger water separating surface is provided, then water separation efficiency improves, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the particle filter inside the water separating element, the design creates a compact concentric structure where the water separating element forms an annular space around the particle filter. This configuration provides a large water separation surface area through the radial arrangement without proportionally increasing the overall device volume, as both components share the same central axis and occupy overlapping spatial regions
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
This configuration enhances water separation efficiency while minimizing axial space, allowing for effective filtration of both liquid and gaseous fluids with a large surface area for water separation, achieving a three-stage filtration process that effectively collects water droplets and reduces the required mounting space.
Implementation Method 1
a relatively large surface is available on the hydrophobic water separating element for water separation
Implementation Method 2
the separated water droplets, following the force of gravity, can flow downwardly along the wall of the water separating element
Implementation Method 3
The filter device is provided with an annular particle filter as well as with an annular water separating element... The fluid flows first through the particle filter, in which particle-shaped contaminants are removed from the fluid
Implementation Method 4
a water separating device in the form of a coalescing element in which water, which is entrained in the fluid, is separated... In coalescing elements, an agglomeration of dispersed small water droplets to larger droplets takes place; the latter, under their own weight, can flow out downwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device has an annular particle filter having a raw side face and a radially separated clean side face, and axially opposing end faces. An annular water separating element is arranged in a flow path downstream of the particle filter, the water separating element circumferentially surrounding the particle filter at a radial spacing. An open inner annular space is defined by and between the particle filter and the water separating element and an outer annular space is defined by and between the water separating element and the filter housing.