Cross-flow Filter for Lubricant Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lubricant cleaning methods, such as those used in large engines and compressors, rely on water-based separators that create costly oil/water sludges and require additional resources, leading to inefficient contaminant removal and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A closed cleaning circuit utilizing a cross-flow filter with a filter membrane, where the lubricant is mixed with circulating oil and filtered, preventing filter cake formation and allowing for continuous, efficient separation of contaminants without the need for water, using a cross-flow filtration process that includes additional features like heat exchangers and flushing devices to enhance filtration performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water-based separators are used for lubricant cleaning, then contaminant removal is achieved, but costly oil/water sludges are created requiring expensive treatment and disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes contaminants from lubricant through a cross-flow filter system that separates particles from the oil stream. The filter membrane captures contaminants while allowing cleaned lubricant to pass through, eliminating the need for water-based separation and avoiding sludge formation. Contaminants are directly removed and collected without creating mixed waste products.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-flow filter membrane acts as an intermediary between the lubricant stream and the contaminants. It selectively allows cleaned lubricant to pass through while blocking contaminants, serving as a mediating barrier that separates the two without requiring water or chemical agents. This intermediary mechanism enables direct filtration without creating sludge byproducts.
2Reliability
If traditional filtration methods are used, then contaminants are removed, but filter cakes form on the filter surface reducing filtration efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic cross-flow filtration where the lubricant stream flows tangentially across the filter membrane surface at controlled velocities. This dynamic flow pattern continuously sweeps across the membrane, preventing static filter cake accumulation. The flow conditions are optimized to maintain shear forces that prevent particle deposition while still allowing contaminants to be captured by the membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles to create cross-flow conditions where pressurized lubricant flows tangentially across the filter membrane surface. This hydraulic flow regime generates sufficient shear stress to prevent filter cake formation while maintaining effective filtration. The pressure-driven cross-flow mechanism keeps the filter surface clean without requiring mechanical intervention.
3Reliability
If water-based cleaning systems are employed, then lubricant can be cleaned, but additional resources and environmental treatment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-flow filtration system is a self-contained unit that cleans lubricant using only the lubricant itself as the filtering medium. The system requires no external water supply, chemical additives, or separate treatment facilities. The lubricant flows through the cross-flow filter, is cleaned by the membrane, and is returned to service, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating external resource requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables direct visual monitoring of lubricant condition through the transparent or translucent filter housing. Operators can observe the lubricant's color and clarity changes as it passes through the filter, providing real-time information about contamination levels and filter performance. This visual feedback mechanism simplifies monitoring without requiring additional diagnostic equipment or complex analysis systems.
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 method achieves improved filtering performance, reduces lubricant loss, eliminates the need for water-based cleaning, and lowers investment costs by preventing the formation of filter cakes and allowing for continuous operation, while minimizing waste and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cross-flow filter arranged downstream of the delivery device seen in delivery direction, the at least one cross-flow filter being provided with at least one filter membrane which is passed by the mixture of circulating oil and lubricant for filtration
Implementation Method 2
fed to a filter device with appropriate delivery pressure. A filter membrane is arranged in the cross-flow filter through which a part of the mixture, brought about by the delivery pressure, flows in into a filtrate chamber
Implementation Method 3
Through the flow speed of the oil quantity circulating in the cleaning circuit, a cleaning effect is created on the surface of the filter membrane which prevents or at least restricts the formation of a filter cake
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device for cleaning lubricating oil which circulates in a lubricating oil circuit has an intake to be connected with the lubricating oil circuit, through which a part quantity of the lubricating oil circulating in the lubricating oil circuit is to be fed to the cleaning and a return to be connected with the lubricating oil circuit for the returning of the cleaned lubricating oil into the lubricating oil circuit. The device includes a closed cleaning circuit in which the intake terminates, a feed device for the circulating a mixture of a circulating oil contained in the cleaning circuit and the lubricating oil to be cleaned fed to the cleaning circuit through the intake, and at least one cross-flow filter arranged downstream of the feed device seen in the feed direction, which is provided with at least one filter membrane past which flows the mixture of circulating oil and lubricating oil to be cleaned, wherein a part of the mixture flows through the filter membrane into a filtrate chamber connected with the return.