Multivariate Crossflow Filtration Control System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual control of crossflow filtration systems lacks accuracy and repeatability, and existing overpressure prevention methods can cause material loss and damage to system components.

Innovation Solution

A multivariate automated control system that processes sensor signals to determine process parameters, selects control modes, and adjusts actuators to maintain optimal operation states, eliminating the need for relief valves and preventing overpressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual control of flow rate and pressure is used, then the system is simple to operate, but accuracy and repeatability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors process parameters (pressure, flow rate, temperature) using sensors and automatically adjusts actuators to maintain optimal operation, eliminating manual control errors and improving accuracy and repeatability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-regulation through automated control loops that detect deviations from target parameters and autonomously correct them, reducing dependence on manual intervention while maintaining high precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If relief valves are used for overpressure prevention, then system safety is improved, but material loss and component damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverpressure preventionVSAvoidmaterial loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control system proactively prevents overpressure conditions by continuously monitoring pressure parameters and adjusting feed flow or permeate removal rates before critical pressure levels are reached, eliminating the need for relief valves that cause material loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical relief valves with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and actuators to regulate pressure, preventing overpressure without the material loss and damage associated with mechanical relief valve discharge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If existing overpressure prevention solutions are used, then system protection is achieved, but damage to system components and operator may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem protectionVSAvoidcomponent integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The control system detects and corrects pressure deviations before they reach dangerous levels, preventing the need for emergency relief actions that could damage components or harm operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains pressure within safe operating ranges through continuous automated regulation, cushioning against potential overpressure events before they can cause component damage or operator injury

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Manufacturing precision

If automated control is implemented, then control accuracy and repeatability are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol repeatabilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system integrates multiple functions (monitoring, calculation, control, safety) into a single automated platform that manages pressure, flow rate, and temperature simultaneously, improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11896931B2Multivariate automated crossflow filter control
Publication Date: 2024.02.13 THE AUTOMATION PARTNERSHIP (CAMBRIDGE) LTD
  • US11896931B2 patent drawing
  • US11896931B2 patent drawing
  • US11896931B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control system and a control method for automated controlling of a crossflow filtration system, as well as a corresponding crossflow filtration system, are provided. The control system comprises a measurement value processing unit configured to receive a plurality of sensor signals from a plurality of sensors of the crossflow filtration system; and to determine a plurality of process parameters defining an operation state of the crossflow filtration system based on the plurality of sensor signals.