Cylindrical Emitter Filter with Shallow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cylindrical emitters in drip irrigation systems are prone to clogging due to the accumulation of foreign particles, which disrupts water flow and requires costly and environmentally harmful chemical cleaning or premature replacement, especially in multi-seasonal applications where maintenance is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical emitter with a filter featuring a collection channel and shallow channels that are parallel to the flow, allowing continuous water flow and self-cleaning capabilities by creating bypass gaps under sedimented grains, ensuring effective removal of particles and maintaining emitter functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a static screen filter with narrow orthogonal openings is used in cylindrical emitters, then filtration quality is improved, but the filter becomes prone to gradual blockage by larger foreign matter accumulating at the inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The filter surface is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first zone with narrow orthogonal openings for filtration, and a second zone with wider openings for receiving and channeling larger foreign matter away from the narrow openings. This segmentation allows different parts of the filter to handle different particle sizes, preventing blockage while maintaining filtration quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second zone with wider openings acts as an intermediary structure between the incoming water flow containing large particles and the first zone with narrow openings. It captures larger foreign matter before it reaches the narrow openings, preventing blockage while allowing filtered water to pass through to the emission channels.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If cylindrical emitters with long spiral meandering paths are used, then multi-seasonal durability is improved, but clogging by sediment grains is worsened due to repeated directional changes and low water flow velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The filter structure performs preliminary action by capturing and removing larger foreign matter and sediment grains before the water enters the long spiral meandering paths. This preliminary filtration prevents particles from accumulating at low points in the siphons during the repeated directional changes, reducing clogging risk while maintaining the durability benefits of the spiral design.
3Ease of operation
If the filter is located at the bottom of the pipe to facilitate maintenance, then accessibility is improved, but clogging issues are aggravated due to gravity-induced sediment accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The filter incorporates local quality differentiation by having a second zone specifically designed with wider openings at the bottom area to handle gravity-induced sediment accumulation. This localized adaptation allows the filter to function effectively even when positioned at the bottom of the pipe, maintaining both accessibility and clogging resistance.
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 provides passive self-protection and self-cleaning mechanisms, reducing clogging issues and extending the lifespan of cylindrical emitters by effectively removing sedimented particles without the need for chemical intervention, thus enhancing the durability and environmental sustainability of drip irrigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The flow in the shallow channels is continuous, feeding continually the collection channel independently for the surface of the orthogonal openings being covered or not from grains of foreign particles. In case the flow due to this covering is disturbed, the gaps at the bottom of the shallow channel that are created under the over-sitting grains, feed underneath the orthogonal openings bypassing the foreign particles
Implementation Method 2
The water from the pipe enters the space of the collection channel of the water inlet filter through the large number of openings. The narrow dimension of the orthogonal openings characterizes the quality of filtering.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 2.1~4
AI summary
The cylindrical emitter (3) with water filter is welded into a pipe (2), the filter develops in the internal concave surface of the emitter and is comprised of a collection channel (4) developing preferably peripherally and to an arc of large magnitude incorporating considerable number of orthogonal openings (5) formed by the side walls (11) of shallow channels (12) that cross perpendicular the collection channel (4) extended to a considerable length front and rear of the openings (5). Every opening (5) corresponds to a shallow channel (12), the shallow channels are parallel to the flow (14) of the water and are preferably raised over the internal concave surface of the emitter. The flow in the shallow channels (12) feeds continuously the collection channel (4) irrespectible if the surface of the openings (5) is covered or not by foreign particles (15). The openings (5) and the side walls of the filter are formed with the engraving of longitudinal, shallow and preferably radial channels on the cylindrical core of the mold that forms also the internal cylindrical surface of the emitter.