Continuously operating filtering apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deep fat fryers require inefficient and labor-intensive manual filtering processes, which disrupt cooking operations and lead to oil degradation due to the need for frequent oil drainage and heating, and existing continuous filtering systems face issues with clogging, operator intervention, and reduced oil quality maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A continuous filter system for deep fat fryers that includes a cylindrical housing with a hollow screen and a reciprocating piston for automatic particulate matter removal, allowing for continuous oil filtration without operator intervention, maintaining oil quality and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual filtering is performed in conventional fryers, then oil can be filtered, but the fryer operation must be stopped and additional labor is required
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing allows continuous filtration during fryer operation by providing a bypass flow path. When the filter screen becomes clogged, oil automatically flows through the bypass passage, preventing operational interruption and maintaining continuous cooking capability while still achieving oil filtration over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically handles filtration without requiring operator intervention. The filter screen self-cleans through backflushing mechanism, and the bypass passage automatically activates when clogging occurs, eliminating the need for manual filtering operations and additional labor.
2Reliability
If oil is drained and filtered in conventional systems, then particulate matter is removed, but heat energy is lost and oil temperature decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element continuously heats the oil in the vat while filtration occurs. Since the fryer operates continuously and oil remains in the vat during filtration, the heating energy is maintained without interruption, avoiding the energy loss associated with draining and reheating oil.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system extracts only the particulate matter from the oil through the filter screen, while the oil itself remains in the heated environment of the fryer vat. This selective removal maintains oil temperature and eliminates the need for energy-intensive reheating.
3Reliability
If filter screen is used for oil filtration, then particulate matter is removed, but the filter screen becomes clogged and requires manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic backflushing of the filter screen to remove accumulated particulate matter. The reciprocating piston periodically reverses flow direction to flush the screen, automatically cleaning it without requiring manual intervention while maintaining continuous filtration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter screen self-cleans through the backflushing mechanism activated by the reciprocating piston. The system automatically removes clogging without operator intervention, eliminating manual cleaning requirements and maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If conventional filtering systems are used, then oil can be filtered, but significant labor is required and only trained employees can perform the task
Solution Approach 1:
The system is fully automated with no manual intervention required. The reciprocating piston automatically controls filtration and backflushing cycles, and the bypass passage automatically activates when needed. The system serves itself by monitoring and maintaining its own operation, eliminating the need for trained employees to perform filtering tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system operates continuously without interruption to fryer cooking operations. The filtration process runs concurrently with frying, and the backflushing mechanism automatically maintains filter functionality, achieving both oil quality improvement and complete automation.
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 system enables continuous, efficient filtration of cooking oil, maintaining its quality and extending the fryer's operational lifespan by automatically removing particulate matter and maintaining consistent oil temperature, thus reducing labor and energy costs.
Implementation Method 1
The oil is generally filtered by passing the oil through filter media, typically a paper, cloth, metal, or nylon screen or mesh that mechanically removes the foreign particulate matter entrained within the oil that cannot fit through the mesh
Implementation Method 2
a pump that is configured to continuously pump the cooking oil from the vat and force the cooking oil through the screen
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger downstream of the pump and positioned to receive heat from a heat source
Data Source
AI summary
A deep fat fryer with continuous oil filtering and purging of sediments therefrom during uninterrupted fryer operation is provided. The filter includes a cylindrical hollow housing with a first end and a second end and a hollow cylindrical screen with a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. The screen is disposed coaxially within the hollow housing to define an annulus therebetween. A piston mounted within the screen and reciprocatingly movable along the longitudinal axis between the first and second ends of the screen. A pump, seal, and associate motor are provided to provide continuous oil flow through the filter and the remainder of the fryer. A heat exchanger is provided downstream of the pump to transfer heat from the fryer to the oil flowing through the heat exchanger.