Disc Filter Asymmetric Corrugated Profile for Fleece Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Disc filters used for separating liquids from fibrous suspensions face inefficiencies in fleece layer detachment and drainage capacity, particularly in the paper industry for pulp recovery, due to the existing corrugated profiles which do not optimize surface area and detachment of the fleece layer effectively.

Innovation Solution

The corrugated profile of the filter plates is designed with wider valleys than peaks, allowing for increased drainage surface area and easier fleece layer detachment, with elevations in the valleys that facilitate fleece layer accumulation and detachment, and varying wave profiles to enhance dewatering performance and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the wave crests are made narrower to increase the number of wave crests and drainage surface area, then the drainage capacity increases, but the fleece layer detachment becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage capacityVSAvoidfleece layer detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wave profile is designed with asymmetric dimensions where valleys are made wider (100-300% wider) than peaks. This asymmetry creates steep flanks for increased drainage surface area while providing wide valleys that facilitate fleece layer accumulation and detachment, resolving the contradiction between drainage capacity and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the wave profile are given different properties: the peaks are narrow to maximize drainage surface area, while the valleys are wide to facilitate fleece layer detachment. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its specific function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If the number of wave crests is increased to enlarge the drainage surface, then the drainage capacity increases, but the structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage surface areaVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The filter plates are designed with a corrugated wave profile featuring curved surfaces instead of flat or sharp edges. This curvature distributes mechanical stresses more evenly across the structure, maintaining structural stability even when the number of wave crests is increased to enlarge drainage surface area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If the elevations in the valleys are made taller to increase drainage area, then the dewatering performance improves, but the fleece layer detachment may be impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedewatering performanceVSAvoidfleece layer detachability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The height of elevations in the valleys is optimized within a specific range (20-70% of the distance between ridge and adjacent trough). This parameter optimization ensures sufficient drainage surface area while maintaining adequate space for fleece layer accumulation and detachment, resolving the contradiction between dewatering performance and detachability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enhances the drainage capacity and reliable detachment of the fleece layer, improving the overall efficiency of the disc filter with increased surface area and reduced operational effort, while maintaining structural stability and ease of production.

Implementation Method 1

A fleece layer forms on the filter discs as a result of the pressure difference between the fibrous suspension and the interior of the filter discs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The corrugated profile increases the surface area available for drainage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorrugation: Corrugation

Implementation Method 3

the fleece layer grows perpendicularly to the plate surface and so more fleece layer weight accumulates in the wider valleys

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPerpendicular growth:

Data Source

PatentEP3664910B1Disc filter
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 VOITH PATENT GMBH
  • EP3664910B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3664910B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter element (1) of a rotating disc filter for separating fluids from a suspension (2), in particular a fibre suspension, the inside space (4) of which is defined by at least one perforated and profiled filter plate (3) and connected to a vacuum source. At least one filter plate (3) has a corrugated profile. The aim of the invention is to improve the drainage performance with a high level of efficiency and reliable operation. To this end, in the corrugated profile, the troughs (5) are wider than the peaks (6).