Diatomaceous Earth Filter Backwash Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters used in swimming pools and spas face contamination buildup, which reduces filtering capability over time, as conventional techniques fail to completely remove contaminants from the septum, necessitating frequent DE reapplication and manual cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A method involving backwashing the filter cartridges by reversing liquid flow and using a backwash sprayer to create turbulence, along with a design featuring filter cartridges with septa coated in DE and a bottom tank with a drain, allows for efficient removal of DE and contaminants, enhancing filtration efficiency and extending cleaning intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional techniques are used to remove DE from the septum, then DE removal is achieved, but contaminants remain and build up, reducing filter performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful contaminants along with the DE from the septum by using a strong cleaning solution that penetrates and removes embedded particles. The cleaning solution is circulated through the filter element at high velocity to dislodge and carry away both DE and contaminants that conventional methods leave behind.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a strong cleaning solution containing oxidizing agents that chemically break down and remove contaminants from the septum. This chemical action enables complete removal of embedded contaminants that mechanical cleaning alone cannot achieve, restoring filter performance.
2Reliability
If DE is reapplied frequently to maintain filtering capability, then filtration performance is maintained, but maintenance time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a thorough cleaning action before DE reapplication to completely remove contaminants that would otherwise require frequent maintenance. This preliminary deep cleaning extends the time between maintenance operations by ensuring the septum is fully prepared for the next DE coating cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous filtration performance by implementing an automated or streamlined cleaning process that minimizes downtime. The system allows for rapid DE reapplication after cleaning, ensuring the filter remains operational and maintaining continuous useful action without significant interruptions.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed to remove contaminants, then filter performance is restored, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service cleaning system where the cleaning solution is automatically circulated through the filter element by the pump system. The high-velocity flow and chemical action work automatically to remove contaminants without requiring manual disassembly or complex cleaning procedures, making the process simple and easy to operate.
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 approach effectively removes over 80% of DE and contaminants from the septum, improving filtering performance and extending the time between cleanings, while maintaining high water flow rates and filtering capacity.
Implementation Method 1
directing liquid flow through a backwash sprayer to create turbulence in a bottom tank
Implementation Method 2
setting a backwash valve to a backwash position to reverse liquid flow. The method can include directing liquid flow from an interior to an exterior of one or more filter cartridges
Implementation Method 3
Adding a solution of water and DE to the filter can form a cake of DE on the surface of the septum. The addition of the DE to the septum can create a smaller porous structure to improve the filtering capability of the septum
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing diatomaceous earth and contaminants from a filter, and for filtering liquid using diatomaceous earth is provided. Embodiments of the method can include a washdown process, a backwash process, and a filtering process. Some embodiments can include one or more filter cartridges with cartridge tubes to increase flow during the backwash process. Some embodiments can also include a backwash sprayer to disturb contaminants during the backwash process.